A global wave of reform is fundamentally reshaping the role of the state in national economies. This book provides a fresh and accessible perspective on the political economy of this megatrend. It traces the theoretical roots of the reforms to developments in public economics which emphasize problems of government rather than market failure. It then breaks new ground in developing an economic theory of leadership to explain how policy leadership networks can strive to influence the direction of reform processes.

BRIAN DOLLERY has taught economics at the University of South Africa (1976-1978) and Rhodes University (1979-1987) in South Africa, East Carolina University (1985) and Creighton University (1991) in the United States, and the University of New England (1988-) in Australia. He has published widely in economics, public administration and public policymaking. Previous books include Leading Issues in South African Macroeconomics, and Australian Local Government: Reform and Renewal.

JOE WALLIS has taught public economics and macroeconomics at Rhodes University, South Africa (1984-1987) and Otago University, New Zealand (1987-) where he currently holds the position of Senior Lecturer. He has published widely in international journals in economics, pubic administration and pubic policy. His main interest is in the role of leadership in public policy, a topic that crosses the disciplinary boundaries between economics and politics. This is his first book.