Strategic aspects of public finance in a world with high capital mobility

In a world with high capital mobility an increase in equity taxes is likely to induce a capital out-flow. It is commonly believed that, in consequence, there may be an under-provision of public goods when governments have only equity taxes at their disposal. This paper compares the provision of public goods under cooperative and non-cooperative tax policies. Suprisingly, the non-cooperative regime may result in either an over- or an under-provision of public goods. It is also shown that the gains from coordination increase as countries become atomistic.