Presents an example that illustrates the connection between taxation of private goods or services and provision of public goods or services. Demonstrates that the burdens of taxation in the private sector can in theory be offset by gains in consumer surplus in the public sector, providing a more balanced view than can be found in many introductory…

Investigates the financial structure of Russia's educational system and finds it wanting. Social, political, and economic changes have rendered the old Soviet system dysfunctional and irrelevant. Authorities, however, have failed to create a replacement. Discusses several possible reforms, including creating a national banking system for…