The one thing on which our political leaders seem to agree is the need for corporate tax reform. But amid all of the promising rhetoric there is significant cause for concern. Many proposals, particularly those of Messrs. Obama and Santorum, seem to have unlearned many of the lessons of modern economics.

How do we define competitiveness, and is it worth pursuing as a policy goal? In what ways do countries compete in various areas, including education, intellectual property, health care and taxes? This AEI conference will be the first of a two-part series in which scholars will present new research on competitiveness. Each paper will be presented by its author(s), followed by comments from an expert and questions from the audience.

The smart money in Washington is betting that the super committee will fail because the two parties cannot find common ground. But there is common ground for the taking. We suggest three principles that should command broad bipartisan support.

If something cannot go on forever, it will stop. But even with the super committee's failure we may be able to avoid a sudden, calamitous stop—and provide a government worthy of the 21st century for all Americans.

This updated second edition details a better approach to health care, offering fundamental reform alternatives centering on tax changes, insurance market changes, and redesigning Medicare and Medicaid.

The new health care law will likely generate more cost shifting--the opposite of what its supporters would have us believe.