Publications [#312971] of Michael C. Munger

Journal Articles

1. Munger, MC, Self-interest and public interest: The motivations of political actors, Critical Review, vol. 23 no. 3 (September, 2011), pp. 339-357, Informa UK Limited, ISSN 0891-3811 [Gateway.cgi], [doi]
   (last updated on 2026/01/15)

   Abstract:
   Self-Interest and Public Interest in Western Politics showed that the public, politicians, and bureaucrats are often public spirited. But this does not invalidate public-choice theory. Public-choice theory is an ideal type, not a claim that self-interest explains all political behavior. Instead, public-choice theory is useful in creating rules and institutions that guard against the worst case, which would be universal self-interestedness in politics. In contrast, the public-interest hypothesis is neither a comprehensive explanation of political behavior nor a sound basis for institutional design. © 2011 Copyright Critical Review Foundation.