Middlemen Forever: Competition and Opportunism in the Digital Economy

4 Concurrences 30 (Nov. 2021)

Arizona Legal Studies Discussion Paper No. 21-26

9 Pages Posted: 30 Nov 2021

Date Written: November 25, 2021

Abstract

Powerful intermediaries represent two old symbols of evil: middlemen and monopolies. Their power is arguably a product of unlawful monopolization and their practices are arguably unfair, unjust, and exploitative. Such beliefs have been guiding the present surge of populist demonization of digital intermediaries. This paper argues that contemporary antitrust populists excessively rely on symbols and erroneously treat alleged opportunistic intermediation as a form of monopolistic conduct.

Keywords: Antitrust, digital economy, digital platforms, digital ecosystems, digital intermediaries, online platforms, online economy, online monopolies, monopolization

Suggested Citation

Orbach, Barak, Middlemen Forever: Competition and Opportunism in the Digital Economy (November 25, 2021). 4 Concurrences 30 (Nov. 2021), Arizona Legal Studies Discussion Paper No. 21-26, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3973815

Barak Orbach (Contact Author)

University of Arizona ( email )

1201 E. Speedway Blvd.
Tuscon, AZ 85721-0176
United States
520-626-7256 (Phone)

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