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.

Articles

A Bottom-up Approach to Governing the New Generation of AI

Michael Peterson May 8, 2023

“Embracing a bottom-up approach of governance, though not perfect, is the best strategy to ensure that the benefits of AI become a reality without endangering the important values we cherish.” ~ Michael N. Peterson

Adam Smith v. Wesley Jones

Gary Galles May 7, 2023

“It is long past time Americans saw through the multiple misrepresentations that have defended the Jones Act’s nothing-for-something restrictions for over a century, including twisting Adam Smith’s logic into a false endorsement of its enormously costly restrictions.” ~ Gary M. Galles

If Only Someone Made the Moral Case for Capitalism

Robertas Bakula May 6, 2023

“If only there were someone who could have warned the new intellectuals that they ‘must fight for capitalism, not as a ‘practical’ issue, not as an economic issue, but, with the most righteous pride, as a moral issue. That is what capitalism deserves, and nothing less will save it.'” ~ Robertas Bakula

Should Government Control Our Lives? Featuring Jason Sorens (Video)

Kate Wand May 6, 2023

“On this episode of Liberty Curious, Kate Wand sits down with Jason Sorens, Senior Research Faculty at AIER, co-author of Freedom in the 50 States, and founder of the Free State Project, to discuss how much government interferes with our daily lives.” ~ AIER

Hamilton’s Haircuts

Jeffrey Hummel May 4, 2023

“Whatever you think of the wisdom of Hamilton’s moves, our point is simple and stark: The US government has defaulted in the past.” ~ David R. Henderson and Jeffrey R. Hummel