#266 Is It Time To Burst the Bubble? Antitrust Law in the Age of the Polycrisis

The antitrust law bubble, particularly in the U.S., has in recent years focussed on the mantra of promoting efficiency above all else. In the age of the global polycrisis and increasing corporate concentration and power in numerous sectors, should this bubble be popped? Dr Cristina Caffarra, leading competition economist, joins Barry Nigro and Matthew Hall to discuss the wider issues antitrust and competition law enforcement should be considering, which was the focus of a January 2024 Brussels conference described as the "Anti-Davos" and "Woodstock of Antitrust". Listen to this episode to learn more about the "Antitrust, Regulation, and the Next World Order" conference led by Dr Caffarra, why antitrust law should be taking a wider approach than efficiency and narrow consumer welfare and the links with trade and industrial policy. With special guest: Cristina Caffarra, University College London, CEPR Competition RPN Related Links: Cristina Caffarra article in CPI Columns Europe February 2024 (source: CPI) Cristina Caffarra article part 1 in VoxEU (CEPR) January 2024 (source: VoxEU) Cristina Caffarra article part 2 in VoxEU (CEPR) January 2024 (source: VoxEU) Cristina Caffarra article in VoxEU (CEPR) March 2024 (source: VoxEU) Angus Deaton article "Rethinking My Economics" March 2024 (source: IMF) Politico article on Antitrust, Regulation, and the Next World Order conference February 2024 (source: Politico) The Capitol Forum article on Antitrust, Regulation, and the Next World Order conference February 2024 (source: The Capitol Forum) Cristina Caffarra speaking notes Antitrust, Regulation, and the Next World Order conference January 2024 (source: ofthewedge.com) Hosted by: Barry Nigro, Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP and Matthew Hall, McGuireWoods London LLP