What Is the Economic Rationale for Governments to Become Involved?
The rationale for involving governments in establishing policies and implementing measures to prevent or control the introduction and spread of invasive pests and diseases can be found in the economic concepts of public services (goods) and externalities. As defined here, public service/good is something that provides a “free rider” benefit (it is available to everyone). Since no one can take ownership, the government assumes the responsibility of providing public services/goods (recouping costs by means such as taxation). One example of a public service is the measures aimed at preventing or controlling the spread of invasive pests and diseases. The concept of a public service can easily be extended to global public service when there is cooperation among governments of many countries to take action to reduce, say, the threat of invasive pests and diseases. An externality arises when the action or inaction of one party affects another party in a positive or negative manner without the
