We present a simple model describing the relationship between two main effects of vertical integration - raising rivals' costs (RRC) and elimination of double marginalization (EDM) - in a differentiated product setting. We find that RRC and EDM are intrinsically linked: the same force creates an...

This paper shows how political parties differentiate to reduce electoral competition. Two parties choose platforms in a unidimensional policy space, and then candidates from these parties compete for votes in a continuum of constituencies with different median voters. Departing from their...