The central theme of the book is the need to find the best possible answers to the fundamental questions of economics. Students learn that sometimes markets and government intervention fail to provide such answers. Therefore, critical thinking is required.

Each chapter begins with real-world applications of the key concepts. Empirical illustrations bring the text analysis to life. The "Policy Perspectives" section of each chapter encourages the student to apply the new concepts to real issues.

The realistic approach of the book is further enhanced by the section, again in each chapter, "News Agency": the 72 excerpts of news content offer timely applications of economic concepts.

The Greek edition is supplemented with "Examples from the European Reality," which have been written by Greek academics and aim to make the topics discussed in each chapter more accessible to the Greek reading audience.