In light of the academic challenge to the notion of competitiveness, AEI has gathered experts to research the value of the concept of competitiveness in different spheres. How do we define competitiveness, and is it worth pursuing as a policy goal? In what way do countries compete in various areas, including international trade, financial services and health care? 

Everyone knows presidents have larger-than-life size egos. It goes with the job. But changes on the official White House website reveal that we've never had a self-regarding narcissist quite like the oval Office's current occupant.

Americans have the highest health spending on the planet. Why? Because they can afford to do so. What few people realize is that the U.S. has increased its standard of living vis-à-vis its biggest competitors despite rising health expenditures (figure 1.6c).

Drug coverage for seniors is better addressed by private-sector plans than by forcing manufacturers to offer Federal Supply Schedule discounts to the retail sector.

Several studies have shown that public-sector workers receive higher compensation than their counterparts in the private sector. Although, federal contractors have some of the advantages of private sector workers, in that poor performers can be dismissed and the composition of the contractor workforce altered, it is possible that they are overcompensated just as federal employees are right now.

The fierce battle over reform was based on the perception that Americans did not get good value for their money. That perception is wrong.

While many interesting and valuable points come up in Goodman and Saving's post, several assertions raise some secondary questions about the true nature of the statistical comparisons.

Pakistani cricketing hero-turned politician Imran Khan made a splash on October 30 with a rally that attracted hundreds of thousands of Pakistanis. It remains to be seen whether his populist platform will bring the public to the ballot box in 2013.