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Free Markets and Capitalism
What is capitalism?
Capitalism is a term that has been subject to much debate and controversy over the past century and beyond. Commentators have disagreed fiercely over not only the merits of capitalism but also the meaning of the term itself. Nonetheless, a brief and uncontroversial way to define capitalism is as an economic system that emphasizes private ownership and the creation of goods and services for the purpose of profit. Capitalism can be viewed as an economic system that has been a driving force in many advanced economies, fostered growth and innovation, enabled people to lift themselves out of poverty,
Human Rights
Now is the time to end American involvement in Yemen
It is always a good time to end a war, especially one as brutal as the one in Yemen. The current civil war there began in 2014. Power struggles
Equal Treatment Under Law
Women in politics: why the female perspective is important
The fact is that a woman's perspective is different from a man's, not worse or better, just different. Although there are significant differences among
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Economics
A tale of three Austrian entrepreneurship views
While Austrian economists have made great contributions in many subdisciplines of economics, their critiques of mainstream views of entrepreneurship have received arguably the most praise. Modern-day finance and entrepreneurship classes even use Austrian ideas dating back to Carl Menger’s Grundsätze der Volkswirtschaftslehre (Principles of Economics). But has Austrian Entrepreneurship Theory remained constant ever since?
Economics
Joseph Schumpeter: the most important economist you might not know of
Joseph Schumpeter (1883-1950) was an Austrian economist and political scientist. Born in what is now the Czech Republic, he studied at the University of Vienna, and his publications were closely tied to the Austrian school of Economics.
Basic Economics
Minimum wage laws deny low-skilled workers their autonomy
Do minimum wage laws help low-skilled workers? No. Workers are thrown out of work if they cannot produce more than the minimum wage stipulates. If the minimum wage is $15/hour and a worker can only produce $13/hour worth of goods, they will not be hired since no profit-seeking employer would employ someone at a loss.
Environment
Out with the coal, in with the nuclear
Despite the economic challenges involved, nuclear power is our best chance of walking that tightrope that allows us to manage both economic and industrial concerns while decarbonizing. Is that not the objective we are all striving for?
Civil Liberties
Should India repeal the Armed Forces Special Powers Act in the North East?
The Armed Forces Special Powers Act gives sweeping powers to members of the Indian armed forces to make arrests without a warrant on the basis of mere suspicion and in some cases even to open fire. New Delhi is keen on a phased, cautious repeal of AFSPA in India’s North East Region, but more can definitely be done.
Civil Liberties
Born from dissent: social movements and the case of Georgia
In Georgia, social movements have always been a means to democratically express discontent with the status quo. This is true once again in light of the new “foreign agents law”
Civil Liberties
Georgia’s foreign agent law casts an ominous shadow on its European aspirations
The “foreign agent law” is perilous for all of Georgian society and will derail future progress in many areas, including human rights and anti-corruption. The Georgian people will do everything to make their voices heard and defend the national and European ideals that promise us a better future.
History
Women’s History Month: Meet 12 women who’ve contributed to a freer future
This Women’s History Month, let’s take a look back at 12 remarkable women who’ve paved the way for individual liberty and a freer future.
Announcement
6 speakers you don’t want to miss at LibertyCon Europe 2023
With a confirmed lineup of over 20 so far and many more to come, here is just a small selection of the fantastic speakers you don’t want to miss at LibertyCon Europe this year…
Basic Economics
Why some countries succeed and others don’t
Why are some countries successful while others aren’t? Is it down to natural resources, colonialism, or can it be better explained by something else?
Civil Liberties
Murray Rothbard’s unwavering commitment to peace
Across his many political coalitions, Murray Rothbard remained steadfast in his opposition to war and to American intervention abroad.
Ethics
Who was Ayn Rand?
Ayn Rand, a celebrated author and philosopher, was one of the most influential thinkers of the 20th century. Known for her bestselling novels, such as The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged, Rand’s ideas have had a profound impact on the fields of politics, economics, and philosophy.
Censorship
The Misuse of Social Media Act: a threat to freedom of expression in Uganda
The provisions in the Misuse of Social Media Act passed by Uganda’s Parliament are highly restrictive and pose a direct threat to digital freedom. Here’s a quick breakdown of how and why…
Basic Economics
A foot in the door? Australia’s real housing crisis, exposed
Housing affordability has become a plague on Australia’s economy, and government policy here has ensured that no matter what happens, people — especially the least well off — will continue to get hurt. Let’s take a look at the reasons behind Australia’s housing crisis…
Announcement
5 reasons to visit Lisbon in April 2023
Considering attending LibertyCon Europe in April 2023? If so, you won’t be disappointed with the host city. Lisbon is a destination that has it all
Philosophy
What are the limits of ideology?
Ideology — that is, a system of beliefs that are baked into our perception of the world — serves important functions in human society. It can provide context to problems, foster a sense of belonging and community, and in some cases even inspire hope. But what are the limits of ideology?
Criminal Justice
What is the future of psychedelics?
To talk about the future of psychedelics, it’s important to know a few things about the past. For the entirety of recorded history, man has used plants to alter his consciousness. Every civilization that we know of, besides those living in barren arctic climates, have used some form of plant or fungus to explore their mind…
Philosophers
7 Ayn Rand quotes for living a fulfilling life
Central to Ayn Rand’s philosophy of Objectivism is the idea that each of us should hold our own personal happiness as our highest moral purpose. Here are a selection of Ayn Rand quotes for living a fulfilling life…
Debt and Spending
Has interventionism jeopardized America’s future?
President Washington famously warned against entangling alliances in his farewell address to Congress. But now more than ever, it seems that escalations across the globe are tempting the United States to become increasingly involved in other countries’ dilemmas. American citizens and legislators must remember part of what made the American experiment so unique and resist the temptation of interventionism. Here’s why…
Free Markets and Capitalism
What is capitalism?
Capitalism can be viewed as an economic system that has been a driving force in many advanced economies, fostered growth and innovation, enabled people to lift themselves out of poverty, and greatly improved living standards. But it also has many staunch critics, who will argue that, regardless of outcomes or track records, it is a deeply harmful and exploitative system. So, to clear up any confusion, what really is capitalism, and what isn’t it?
Free Speech
Why Section 230 is vital for freedom of expression online
There was a time when the debate around Section 230 was limited to the underworld of D.C. tech policy folks, but this is certainly no longer the case. While this once obscure part of the Communications Decency Act was gradually becoming more of a discussion point, it was thrust into the mainstream when Twitter and Facebook banned Donald Trump from their platforms after he posted incendiary tweets. Here’s why we should defend Section 230…
Politics & Policy
Why China’s aggressive expansionism in Arunachal Pradesh is completely unjustified
The Chinese regime’s claims on Arunachal Pradesh are wholly unjustified. The preference of a region’s inhabitants as well as international agreements are far more relevant factors when determining its status than claims based on ancient history and expansionist aggression.
Philosophers
Happy Birthday Ayn Rand
Ayn Rand, one of the most influential pro-liberty minds of the 20th century, was born 118 years ago today. Considered to be a novelist and philosopher in equal measure, she promoted Objectivism, her philosophical system, through many works of both fiction and nonfiction.
Human Rights
Now is the time to end American involvement in Yemen
There has never been a better time to end American involvement in Yemen’s Civil War, and there has never been a better time to limit the president’s war powers.