What is the Coase theorem?

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What is the Coase theorem?

The Coase theorem is an economic theory developed by Ronald Coase that states that in the presence of well-defined property rights and low transaction costs, private parties can negotiate and reach efficient outcomes without government intervention, regardless of the initial allocation of property rights. This theorem suggests that if individuals can freely trade and negotiate, they can internalize externalities and find the most efficient allocation of resources.