In this pioneering study, Robert W. Hahn uses the latest available data to examine the internationalization of regulation and regulatory reform. In developed countries the question is often how best to reform an existing regulatory structure in developing countries, how to design a regulatory structure almost from scratch. Hahn shows that technological impacts on the economics benefits and costs of regulation and a deeper understanding of the social effects of the regulatory institution are driving policy makers to question the familiar and to propose daring changes.

Hahn argues that the forces of globalization,,increases in average wealth, and our growing understanding of regulatory impacts will dramatically alter the nature of regulation in the years ahead. We shall probably see more economic deregulation and more social regulation. The increase in economic deregulation is likely to be good for the average citizen, while the changes in social regulation will have both advantages and disadvantages. Over time, regulation will become more effective as human beings develop regulatory institutions that are better suited to their economic and social needs.