Public Choice and Public Policy Project
AIER is pleased to announce as part of its ongoing research efforts the formation of the Public Choice and Public Policy Project. Modeled on the success of the Sound Money Project, this project creates a network of scholars that will offer regular commentary and in-depth analysis on public policy using the tools of Public Choice Economics.
Public Choice was described as “politics without romance” by Nobel Laureate James Buchanan. Buchanan along with an exceptional group of scholars that included fellow Nobel Laureate Elinor Ostrom, as well as Kenneth Arrow, Duncan Black, Gordon Tullock, Anthony Downs, William Niskanen, Mancur Olson and many others worked to create an approach to understanding public policy based in the realities of what government can and cannot achieve.
As the heirs to the broad legacy of the founders of Public Choice, the innovative scholars who make up this project seek to understand the reality of government decision-making and the consequences those decisions have on all of our lives. This group of scholars seeks to suggest alternatives to the romantic political notions that often dominate policy discussions.
Ryan Yonk
Director of The Public Choice and Public Policy Project
Senior Research Faculty, American Institute for Economic Research
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Articles
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Washington’s Budget Deficits: Size and Composition Matter
“Since entitlements are off the table under threats of touching ‘the third rail of politics,’ then proponents of fiscal discipline have been trying to reform and constrain an ever-smaller portion of the overall budget.” ~ Peter T. Calcagno & Edward J. Lopez
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Want to Understand the Inflation Problem? Look to Harvey Road, Not Pennsylvania Avenue
“A bipartisan generation of loose money and loose budgets has created major negative spillover effects, and today’s inflation problem is what we all have to show for it.” ~ Peter T. Calcagno & Edward J. Lopez
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Can The Fed Save Us?
“The realities of Public Choice should make everyone think twice when asserting that the Fed or any agency should be doing something specific to fix the economy and that they will be able to make the right choice.” ~ Fernando M. D’Andrea & Ryan M. Yonk
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What Can Healthcare Prices Teach About Inflationary Woes?
“Unfortunately, addressing inflation may be more of an incentive problem than a ‘what policy should we adopt’ problem. Examining the US’s healthcare industry through the lens of public choice economics provides evidence.” ~ Raymond J. March
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Review: Scott Atlas’s A Plague Upon Our House
“Dr. Atlas’ analysis of the US’s COVID-19 response is masterful. This book offers great explanations and evidence to clarify COVID-related misunderstandings and falsehoods. His accounts of working in DC are shocking and enlightening for readers skeptical about federal suggestions on combating the pandemic.” ~ Raymond J. March
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Monkeypox and Leviathan?
“As far as public health crises are concerned, monkeypox is not in the same league as Covid-19. They are entirely different. But they share a disturbing similarity- their potential to expand and help retain government power. And this seems unpreventable.” ~ Raymond J. March
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Raving for Monkeypox
“We should expect more outbreaks in areas with a greater appreciation for economic freedom. Indeed, reports indicate the kindling wood has been there for some time. But don’t worry; be thankful that people live in societies that allow such diseases to spread.” ~ Byron B. Carson III
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Obi-Wan Kenobi, Public Choice Economist
“Public choice logic remains relevant in the real world, even for our more pressing political controversies. Perhaps we should pay more attention to Obi-Wan, his public choice logic, and the larger political economy issues the Star Wars franchise ingeniously portrays.” ~ Byron B. Carson III
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A Market for Mosquito Control?
“In addition to the standard factors of mosquito control, perhaps we should consider the role economic freedom plays. Such institutions enhance competition, encourage innovation, and lead to more opportunities to kill mosquitoes.” ~ Byron B. Carson III
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Is It Time to End the Filibuster? No!
“If Senator Warren really cares about democracy, she would do well by leaving the filibuster in place and allowing more legislative decisions to devolve to the state, county, and municipal level of government where ‘the people’ can really rule themselves.” ~ Anthony Gill
