> Which capitalist theorists say that competition isn’t crucial for the success of capitalism? > > It’s entirely integral to the proper functioning of the syste

> Which capitalist theorists say that competition isn’t crucial for the success of capitalism? > > It’s entirely integral to the proper functioning of the system. What you’re describing is that not being followed, which is exactly the point I’m making. Well, what's good for the system is not necessarily the optimal state for any given individual actors in the system. I'm sure that you'd agree that from a profit perspective, monopolistic market dominance would be the ideal state, since you wouldn't have competitors to force prices down. Or would you argue that these kinds of companies want competition and that they wouldn't choose total market dominance if given the chance? This, meanwhile, would not be good for the system as a whole, which is why you get competition and also things like anti-trust laws to make sure that this kind of thing doesn't happen, or that even if a natural monopoly, things are still functional.