Donald J. Boudreaux
Reflections on Four Decades of Teaching ECON 101
The most important lessons of an economic way of thinking haven't changed much in 40 years. But the students have.
The Myth That Foreigners Pay Our Tariffs
The costs of tariffs are always shared — and domestic citizens inevitably bear a significant portion of the burden.
Are Free Traders Materialistic — or Are Protectionists?
The claim that protectionism serves “higher ends” rests on a confusion about both economics and the non-economic goals people actually value.
The National-Security Exception to Free Trade Is Real. So Are Its Tradeoffs.
Today's economic interdependence makes it surprisingly difficult to know when trade restrictions actually strengthen security — and when they backfire.
The Loaded Language of Protectionism
It’s trite but true that language matters and can mislead. Nowhere in economic policy is this more evident than in trade.
What the Economics of Envy Can’t Answer
Forced redistribution dominates public discourse about wealth inequality, yet much of the debate overlooks how people earn, trade, innovate, and create value.
Why ‘Starving the Beast’ Feeds It Instead
The old fiscal conservative mantra—that cutting taxes restrains government—has failed the test of time. When spending continues on borrowed funds, it’s not the beast that starves, but future taxpayers.
Four Ways You’re Living Better Than Ever
From your life expectancy to your home to your grocery cart, living standards have soared. But continued growth isn't guaranteed.
How Not to Run a Household — or a Country
What if Donald Trump ran Mar-a-Lago’s economic affairs in the same way that he’s trying to run America’s? Let’s take a look.
Tariffs Rest on Distrust of Citizens
Protectionism assumes Americans are foolish, squandering opportunities and mismanaging their finances. Free trade reflects confidence in our ability to adapt, compete, and prosper.
