Marketcraft argues that markets do not arise spontaneously but rather are crafted by individuals, firms, and most of all by governments. Thus "marketcraft" represents a core function of government comparable to statecraft. Vogel systematically reviews the implications of this argument, critiquing prevalent schools of thought and presenting innovative lessons for policy.
This is a profound and important book. The wonders of efficiency that we call markets are not self created but constructed, and they need governments to thrive. At a time when globalization and information technology create novel market platforms that carry new promises, new dangers, and new fears, Steve Vogel's thoughtful pro-market argument has never been more relevant.