Law and politics of global competition: why and how non-state actors seek influence in the international competition network

This article briefly explores the influence of non-state actors (such as large multinational firms and their lawyers) over the development of international competition policy in the International Competition Network (the ICN) – the most extensive network of competition authorities worldwide. The ICN was established in 2001. This is a timely intervention as the ICN’s Third Decade review is currently taking place (due to be completed in March 2022). It should be read against a backdrop of increasing use (and influence) of transnational (non-governmental) regulatory networks, like the ICN. This discussion is based on some of the findings of our new book, Law and Politics of Global Competition – Influence and Legitimacy in the International Competition Network.