Donald J. Boudreaux
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.
Tariffs Are Missing the Real Enemy: Yesterday’s Products
If protectionist logic is correct, the past is guilty of unfair competition that harms workers in factories making automobiles, batteries, lightbulbs, and other goods that are increasingly imported from the…
HL Mencken Knew Politicians: ‘Merchants of Delusion’
Rare is the day that passes during which I don’t, at least once (and usually more than once), say to myself, “Omigosh, I do wish that HL Mencken were still…
