The emergence of liberal states has historically occurred alongside the proliferation of regulatory capture, immoral markets and offshore practices. Despite claims against the viability of liberal theory in offering a theoretical perspective towards regulation of these behaviors, Thomas Godfrey argues for a liberal theoretical perspective towards regulation, and applies this to real-world contexts. Regulation and the Liberal State: Theoretical Perspectives justifies a place for liberal theory in regulatory debates, outlines a theoretical basis for regulation, and outlines that Perfectionist and anti-Perfectionist Liberalism are viable theoretical perspectives to accommodate questions concerning regulation. Godfrey then argues that liberal theoretical perspectives can recognize the need for regulation, develop public policies that can regulate these behaviors, and implement these in real-world contexts.

Tom Godfrey is lecturer in politics at the University of Sussex, UK.