Lasting change in competition law and policy.

The article examines current debates on the fundamental goals of competition law and focuses on how to achieve lasting change in antitrust enforcement regardless of the specific objectives pursued. Using recent developments in the United States as examples, it highlights the strategic use of statutory powers by agencies like the Department of Justice (DOJ) Antitrust Division and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to address issues such as labor protections, non-compete clauses, and unfair methods of competition under section 5 of the FTC Act. It also discusses a whole-of-government approach to enforcement, exemplified by the Biden Administration’s Executive Order on competition policy, which fosters coordinated action among agencies to tackle complex market problems. The article emphasizes the importance of engaging the general public to build support for antitrust reforms and prioritizing enforcement efforts that address real-world harms affecting everyday consumers and workers.