Tag: Free Markets
A legacy of liberty: the Portuguese Liberal Revolution of 1820
March 29, 2023 | Post
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.
A tale of three Austrian entrepreneurship views
March 21, 2023 | Post
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?
Joseph Schumpeter: the most important economist you might not know of
March 21, 2023 | Post
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.
Minimum wage laws deny low-skilled workers their autonomy
March 20, 2023 | Post
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.
Why some countries succeed and others don’t
March 6, 2023 | Post
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?
Who was Ayn Rand?
February 27, 2023 | Post
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.
What is capitalism?
February 8, 2023 | Post
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?
NIMBYism: the real reason we don’t have affordable housing
January 10, 2023 | Post
Uncover how NIMBYism is driving the housing crisis, as residents use the power of the state to restrict development and reduce housing supply. Learn how this phenomenon is exacerbating affordability and accessibility issues for many individuals and families…
A perfect storm for maritime policy: the Jones Act five years after Hurricane Maria
October 3, 2022 | Post
As world maritime trade increases, and the ocean’s critical role in human affairs grows, the United States will continue to fall behind. Congress should end or fundamentally alter the Jones Act. To do otherwise would be unjust.
Western cultural myths about China prevent us from seeing reality
October 1, 2022 | Post
Just because something’s ancient doesn’t mean it’s wise. And just because Confucius (or even some other thinker of renown — even if that’s Ludwig von Mises!) said something, doesn’t mean it’s beyond reproach.
Libertarianism: perfect solution or unrealistic fantasy?
September 30, 2022 | Post
At LibertyCon International, Spike Cohen and Destint will debate whether libertarianism is a perfect solution or an unrealistic fantasy
What does it mean to be left or right-wing?
September 30, 2022 | Post
It used to be very easy to define political camps. You were left-wing if you were a socialist, and you were right-wing if you were a capitalist. But now the terms of the debate have changed. Economics has taken a back seat
Five myths about the Great Depression
September 27, 2022 | Post
The Great Depression is one of the most misunderstood periods in American history. Once you do a little digging, there’s more than meets the eye to this desperate time. Here are some of our top myths about the Great Depression:
Why millennials should want lower taxes
September 20, 2022 | Post
Lower taxes are also known to contribute to long-term economic growth, and after enduring so many economic setbacks, this would be the best chance millennials have of being able to secure a brighter future.
Student loan debt forgiveness is not the sunshine and rainbows we think
August 31, 2022 | Post
Student loan debt forgiveness can be characterized as a regressive policy in that it disproportionately benefits higher income households at the expense of working-class taxpayers who are already struggling. Besides, Biden’s plan does nothing to address the root causes of soaring tuition fees
How the profit motive can protect the environment
August 22, 2022 | Post
The pursuit of profit in the free market is often cited as the main cause of environmental disasters and poor environmental quality, leading to a lot of blame placed on entrepreneurs. However, this is certainly not set in stone. Indeed, the pursuit of profit can actually protect the environment, rather than devastate it.
Would the American Innovation and Choice Online Act enhance economic freedom?
August 18, 2022 | Post
There are good reasons to believe that the AICOA would not enhance economic freedom nor improve overall welfare. This is a problem, not because big tech needs more defenders, but because it would stifle competition and economic freedom.
Why the gas tax holiday should be made permanent
July 6, 2022 | Post
America needs to address its infrastructure woes, but a regressive tax with a disproportionate impact on those who can least afford it is not the way to go about finding solutions. If a federal gas tax holiday is implemented, it should be made permanent.
Why was this year’s 4th of July cookout so expensive?
July 5, 2022 | Post
According to a survey from the American Farm Bureau Federation, the cost of an average 4th of July feast is up by 17 percent from 2021. Why is this?
Market-based solutions to climate change
June 30, 2022 | Post
Given the various shortcomings associated with central planning, market-based solutions are extremely important in addressing climate change. Due to their sensitivity to geographic and technological differences across society, market-based solutions ought to be an important part of any solution.
Can limited forms of welfare enhance freedom in the short term?
May 26, 2022 | Post
Unfortunately, a free market is not something that appears overnight, so what do we say to those who do not have equal opportunities as things stand?
Favelas and rental cars: lessons about property rights
April 26, 2022 | Post
What lessons can we learn about the importance of property rights from examples such as rental cars and Brazil’s favelas?
The regressive aspects of progressive economic policies
April 14, 2022 | Post
Despite the name, progressive economic policies actually end up having regressive effects. Let’s consider a couple of examples
How a Reddit April Fools’ joke can explain spontaneous order
April 7, 2022 | Post
Reddit created an open, collaborative canvas where anyone can paint, but the only way to render a cohesive image is collaboration through spontaneous order.