Mises Wire

Historical data is not enough for economists to make sense of it. Instead, that data must be viewed through a theoretical framework that explains what has happened.

Conventional wisdom tells us the liberal democracies are the most peace-loving nations. But the record tells us something else.

Progressives sell state intervention into economic affairs as “protecting” consumers and workers. In all cases, free markets do a better job of protecting all participants.

Constitutionalism gives us the expectation of governance according to rules that everyone from those that are governed to the ones that govern are expected to obey. But what happens if those that govern exempt themselves from those rules?

Throughout history, Jews have been denounced as “moneylenders,” yet, as Carl Menger noted, there are very good reasons why Jewish people have been overrepresented in banking and finance.

This week, Dr. Gordon reviews a new work—Reinterpreting Libertarianism: New Directions in Libertarian Studies—and offers insights on some of the contributions.

Menger said alternative monetary theories were “unhistorical,” but one could argue that Menger’s theory also lacks historical evidence necessary to verify his theory. Did Menger display a double standard or a nuanced view as to what we should expect from different monetary theories?

Statists denounce self defense as “vigilantism,” declaring that only the “defense” services provided by the state are legitimate. Yet, self defense has always been a fundamental right.

For all of the demands for reparations for blacks, the schemes so far have been unworkable and would not address the real wealth gaps between black and white Americans.

Perhaps the most insidious power seized by the state is the power of dominion over all lands in its territory. There is no escaping state dominion.