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Environment
The tragedy of the commons explained
Easter Island, located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, is famous for its giant stone statues. However, what is less well-known is that the island was once covered with a lush palm forest. Over 800 years ago, the Rapa Nui people arrived and settled on the island. Gradually, the population grew, and so did their demand for resources. Settlers began to cut down trees to create farmland, clear land for homes, and use timber to build fishing boats. As the deforestation continued, the island’s ecosystem was irreversibly damaged. Ultimately, the depletion of natural resources is often viewed
War on Drugs
Expert answers on the Drug War: highlights from Prof. Jeff Miron’s AMA
In 2017, Professor Jeffrey Miron held an “Ask Me Anything” conversation on Reddit as part of the Learn Liberty Reddit AMA Series. The conversation
Environment
Out with the coal, in with the nuclear
Despite being home to a sizable share of the world’s uranium reserves, vast tracts of non-arable but geologically stable land, and an increasingly large
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Censorship
Is Covid China’s Chernobyl?
Just as COVID has changed our lives in many ways since 2020, Chernobyl changed the world in 1986. These were two great disasters emanating from two major communist nations. The results and consequences of both will affect us for a very long time, maybe even forever.
As many will know, Chernobyl was instrumental in accelerating the end of the Soviet Union and is critical to our understanding of this period. However, could COVID be the key to understanding, in the future, perhaps, the end of Communist China?
Environment
Why innovation is the solution to the carbon crisis
The distinctly human capacity for innovation has reduced hunger and poverty, and greatly expanded our life expectancies since the Industrial Revolution. Many industries may have contributed to the carbon crisis, but a new industry will be what solves it.
Censorship
The TikTok dilemma: privacy risks vs the importance of free choice
TikTok has been under intense scrutiny for its data collection and sharing practices, with concerns raised about the platform’s relationship with the Chinese government and its potential for mass surveillance of Americans. But should it be banned?
History
A legacy of liberty: the Portuguese Liberal Revolution of 1820
Many are familiar with Portugal’s Carnation Revolution that brought an end to the authoritarian Estado Novo regime in 1974 and paved the way for democracy. Still, perhaps fewer are aware of the fascinating circumstances around the country’s Liberal Revolution, which took place just over 200 years ago.
Healthcare
The do’s and don’ts of medical marijuana in Pennsylvania
For many people who suffer from a debilitating illness or who are in chronic pain, medical marijuana has proven to be an effective remedy. Researchers estimate that over 5.5 million Americans are currently using medical marijuana for a variety of conditions, including MS, HIV or AIDS, cancer, chronic pain, IBS, and glaucoma.If you’re thinking about trying medical marijuana in Pennsylvania, here are some tips…
Civil Liberties
The COVID-19 pandemic highlights the changing role of government
Alongside economic devastation and a mental health crisis, another legacy of lockdowns will be changed perceptions of the role of government
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
5 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…