Economics and Economic Freedom
A free and prosperous society requires a functioning market economy at its foundation. Using a broad array of tools drawn from price theory, public choice analysis, Austrian theory, and classical empiricism, our study of economics and economic freedom explores the underpinnings of the market system, the roots of economic prosperity, and emerging threats to the same in the public policy sphere. Our work includes the measurement of freedom and providing practical economic information for people to make better decisions.
Research Publications for Economics and Economic Freedom
RE Wright
The Independent Review 26 (4), 513-532, 2022
Marie Springer: The politics of Ponzi schemes: history, theory, and policy: Routledge, 2020
RE Wright
Business Economics 57 (2), 89-91, 2022
Framing affordable housing: an experimental test of changing attitudes
M Matheis, J Sorens
Housing Studies, 1-17, 2022
Articles
April Jobs Report Disappoints but The Outlook Remains Favorable
“Payrolls posted a modest and disappointing gain in April. Despite the result, other data suggest the economic recovery is gaining momentum as government restrictions on consumers and businesses are lifted.” – Robert Hughes
The New York Times Argues With Itself About Biden and Taxes
“Government spending by its very name is the politicized allocation of precious wealth first created in the private sector. In other words, government spending delays the mass production of yesterday’s luxuries and tomorrow’s must-haves by limiting investment. Page B1 in the April 29th New York Times shows us why this is true.” ~ John Tamny
Initial Claims and Continuing Claims for Unemployment Benefits Fall in the Latest Week
“Initial claims for unemployment benefits continue to decline, suggesting a strengthening labor market and improving economic outlook.” – Robert Hughes
Services Sector Expands Again in April
“The services sector expanded again in April, but logistical and labor issues as well as shortages of materials are boosting pressure on prices.” – Robert Hughes
Policy Uncertainty Causes Sundry Shortages
“Policymakers seem determined to force through as many policy changes as rapidly as possible, possibly in an attempt to create confusion over causes, much the way Covid and lockdowns became conflated in the public mind. They need to tread carefully, though, because our technological and military might will not save us if the core cause of our prosperity withers.” ~ Robert E. Wright
Biden’s Infrastructure Boondoggle
“The immediate lesson from all of this is that Biden’s plan is a boondoggle waiting to happen (just as would have been the case with Trump). The longer-term lesson is that we should get the federal government out of the business of infrastructure.” ~ Daniel J. Mitchell