Markets are conventionally assumed to arise naturally from the spontaneous interactions of private actors. But they have always been inherently political constructions, defined by law, regulation, antimonopoly, trade policy, and other forms of government action. Questions this panel considered included: What can we learn from past efforts to nurture domestic industries through tariff and other trade protections? Could antitrust be used effectively both to cut down the excessive power of monopolies and to facilitate productive investment in technology, infrastructure, and human welfare? Would deregulating and de-zoning deliver ‘abundance’? What benefits and harms might result from government efforts to restructure markets to benefit domestic producers and consumers, “re-shore” supply chains, and regain control over the supply of strategic goods and services? How can markets be harnessed by governments to support rather than undermine greater equality within and among nations?
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