Optimization and equilibrium
Varian organizes microeconomics around two principles: agents optimize given constraints, and markets settle at equilibrium. Nearly every model follows from these.
Intermediate Microeconomics
3 ideas
Consumer theory yields demand
Maximizing utility under a budget constraint generates individual and market demand curves. Preferences plus prices determine choice.
Game theory and market structure
Oligopoly, Nash equilibrium, and strategic interaction are formalized alongside competition and monopoly. Strategic behavior is treated with explicit models.