Economic Policy

The Hayek Effect: The Political Consequences of Planned Austerity Lee Harris 05/17/2012

Why the political revolt in Greece may not be a fluke, but a harbinger of more revolts to come.

A Tax Increase without the Pain Steve Conover 05/16/2012

Here’s the best way to address the nation’s unfunded liabilities for Medicare and Social Security.

When Reducing Barriers Leads to More Failed Businesses Scott Shane 05/09/2012

While you get more business formation if you reduce the barriers to starting companies, you don’t necessarily get more successful entrepreneurship.

Placing the American Gas Boom in Perspective Vaclav Smil 05/03/2012

Natural gas will continue its conquest of global and national energy supplies.

Why Aren’t Banks Lending to Small Business? Ask Bernanke. Scott Shane 05/02/2012

Banks profit by making loans, not refusing them. So why are banks making fewer loans to small business these days?

The Debt Ceiling Distortion Steve Conover 04/27/2012

Maybe it’s time to redefine the ‘debt ceiling’—to give it some teeth.

Would You Settle Your Claims on Social Security for 80 Cents on the Dollar? (I Would) Alex J. Pollock 04/26/2012

Creditors of an insolvent debtor can agree to settle their claims for less than 100 cents on the dollar. So why not the American people when it comes to Social Security?

More Than Good Enough for Government Work Ivan Osorio 04/25/2012

To reform public pensions, policymakers must tackle their structural problems.

Right in the Middle: The Midwest’s Growth Lessons for America Joel Kotkin, Mark Schill, and Ryan Streeter 04/24/2012

Middle America is a clear picture of how much the basics matter: Cost of living, job quality, schools, and opportunities to develop the right skills for the best jobs.

The Next and More Serious Phase of the European Crisis Desmond Lachman 04/23/2012

Two upcoming political events could usher in a new, worse phase of the European debt crisis.