David Waugh

Managing Editor (2021 – 2023)

David Waugh is a business development and communications specialist at Coinbits, a bitcoin investment platform. He formerly served as AIER’s Managing Editor from 2021 until 2023, overseeing the publication of The Daily Economy. He previously worked for S&P Global Market Intelligence.

He has co-authored numerous academic book chapters and journal papers on cryptocurrencies, financial markets, political economy, and higher education. His popular writings have appeared in The Hill, RealClearMarkets, National Review, Commentary, Seeking Alpha, and various other media outlets and publications.

Waugh earned his BA in economics from Hampden-Sydney College.

Selected Publications

“General Institutional Considerations of Blockchain and Emerging Applications” Co-Authored with Peter C. Earle in The Emerald Handbook on Cryptoassets: Investment Opportunities and Challenges, edited by Baker, Benedetti, Nikbakht, and Smith (2023)

“The Hyperpoliticization of Higher Ed: Trends in Faculty Political Ideology, 1969–Present.” Co-authored with Phillip W. Magness. Independent Review, (Winter 2022-2023)

“Cryptocurrencies, Blockchain, and Public Choice” Co-authored with Ryan M. Yonk, Cryptocurrency Concepts, Technology, and Applications, edited by Leibowitz (2023)

“Enrollment declines increase pressure on ‘woke’ higher ed” The Center Square, (January 2023)

“Fed’s cryptocurrency pilot opens door for dangerous retail option” The Hill, (December 2022)

“Pandemic Socialism: Hayek’s Critique of Scientism and the Fatal Conceit of Government Lockdowns,” Co-authored with Matt Kibbe in Pandemics and Liberty, edited by Raymond J. March and Ryan M. Yonk (2022)

“Do Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Offices Achieve Their Stated Goals?” The James G. Martin Center for Academic Renewal (August 2021)

[email protected]

8/22/23

“Rich Men North of Richmond” Undeniably Captures a Moment

"The song works because it is a refreshing depiction of the harms a runaway federal government has inflicted on working Americans, sung by a working American."
~ David Waugh

2/9/23

Lust for Power is More Dangerous Than Climate Claims

"In the face of growing regulatory risks to our preferred ways of life, the least we can do is see the perpetual crisis narratives for what they are: a tool to legitimize dangerous increases in the size and scope of government." ~ David Waugh

1/23/23

Enrollment Declines Increase Pressure on ‘Woke’ Higher Ed

"Lower enrollment and tuition dollars will force university leaders to make tough decisions on what they value the most. Will they roll back DEI offerings, or will funding toward research and education see the effects?" ~ David Waugh

12/9/22

Twitter Files Confirm Censorship of the Great Barrington Declaration

"Thanks to Musk releasing the Twitter files to Weiss and Taibbi, we have more insight into Twitter's internal censorship policies. Unfortunately, until the NIH releases more information, the Twitter Files raise more questions than answers." ~ Phillip W. Magness & David Waugh

10/11/22

Economic Literacy for Everyone

"Economic literacy can create positive change, as it shapes our decisions and opens our minds. Here’s hoping this short book finds its way into many hands for years to come." ~ David Waugh

6/1/22

New Study Challenges CDC Evidence on School Masking

"The results of this study demonstrate, with more data and robustness than the CDC’s own paper, that masks in schools are an ineffective tool against COVID-19. The CDC’s decision not to publish this study in their journal only further discredits the agency." ~ David Waugh

5/4/22

David Theroux: Gentleman, Scholar, Entrepreneur

"David Theroux was a gentleman and a scholar. He founded the Independent Institute where he reached millions through scholarship, commentary, publishing, and media." ~ Ryan M. Yonk & David Waugh

4/28/22

The Possibilities Inspire: A Review of ‘Check Your Financial Privilege’

"Across the world, Gladstein’s investigative journalism shows how Bitcoin is a tool for individuals and communities to protect their wealth and promote their well-being in the face of repressive regimes. It is a sobering perspective" ~ David Waugh

4/12/22

Zero COVID Horror Show in Shanghai

"Under the classical liberal ideal, governments are formed to protect individual rights. Nothing could be further from this in Shanghai. A city of over 25 million people is being dehumanized because of a spike in largely asymptomatic COVID-19 cases." ~ David Waugh

3/31/22

Carl Icahn’s Creative Destruction

"Carl Icahn is a tour-de-force, relentlessly propelling creative destruction over his nearly 60-year career. Creative destruction is sometimes painful but ultimately good, and activist investors like Icahn should be celebrated rather than maligned." ~ David Waugh