Economics and Economic Freedom
A free and prosperous society requires a functioning market economy at its foundation. Using a broad array of tools drawn from price theory, public choice analysis, Austrian theory, and classical empiricism, our study of economics and economic freedom explores the underpinnings of the market system, the roots of economic prosperity, and emerging threats to the same in the public policy sphere. Our work includes the measurement of freedom and providing practical economic information for people to make better decisions.
Research Publications for Economics and Economic Freedom
J Sorens
Publius: The Journal of Federalism 53 (1), 55-81, 2023
J Enninga, RM Yonk
Sustainability 15 (8), 6396, 2023
Gordon Tullock and the Economics of Slavery
P Magness, A Carden, I Murtazashvili
Available at SSRN 4318585, 2023
General Institutional Considerations of Blockchain and Emerging Applications
PC Earle, DM Waugh
The Emerald Handbook on Cryptoassets: Investment Opportunities and …, 2023
Changing Minds on Restrictive Zoning: How to Unclog America’s Home Supply
J Sorens
Manhattan Institute, Apr 1, 2022
Framing affordable housing: an experimental test of changing attitudes
M Matheis, J Sorens
Housing Studies, 1-17, 2022
Articles
Understanding Big Tech Dominance Requires Economics, Not Conspiracy Theories
“Intellectual property laws, not childish conspiracy theories, explain the persistent dominance of Big Tech and social media.” ~ Peter C. Earle
To Lean, Clean, or Reign Supreme
“After a decade or more of economic and financial events that put central banks under heavy strain – financial collapse, a slow and timid recovery, the pandemic – strange things are again amiss in financial markets. Broda and Druckenmiller are right to say that ‘the Fed seems to be fighting the last battle.’ Ironically, so are they: we’re back in the lean-or-clean debate of twenty years ago.” ~ Joakim Book
Fears of Price Instability Pull Down Consumer Sentiment in Early May
“Consumer sentiment fell in early May, driven by fears of rising prices as government lockdown policies are eased and economic activity picks up.” – Robert Hughes
Industrial Output Rises in April Despite Weakness in Autos
“Industrial output rose for a second consecutive month in April, recovering from a weather-related drop in February; the sector still has a way to go until pre-pandemic levels of output. In general, cessation of government restrictions on consumers and businesses is boosting the economic outlook.” – Robert Hughes
Retail Sales Stall in April, But Remain Well Above Trend
“Retail sales were mixed in April but a reopening economy and improving fundamentals suggest a strengthening economic outlook.” – Robert Hughes
Liberals Turning Against the Lockdown Left
“The left, including the U.S. mainstream media, has always pushed a hysterical approach to both Covid spread and severity. But chinks in the armor are now appearing as it becomes clear that many want a permanent Covidocracy – lockdown forever and ever, amen.” ~ Michael Fumento