Commentary / World Apr 28, 2022

West’s failed gamble on Russian and Chinese reform

Russia and China shattered the belief that economic liberalization leads inevitably to greater political freedom.

Commentary / World Feb 25, 2022

Biden’s misery index doesn't bode well for Democrats' political fortunes

Democrats are rightly worried that surging inflation will hurt them in the midterm congressional elections this November — and possibly even in the 2024 presidential election.

Commentary / World Dec 28, 2021

Taxing economic credibility

All political leaders feel pressure to try to circumvent the laws of economics or even the laws of arithmetic — as Biden has done by claiming that his Build Back Better bill costs nothing.

Commentary / World Nov 26, 2021

The true costs of government spending

It has long been clear that Biden's spending bill would leave a $1.5 trillion to $3 trillion hole to be filled with debt even after tax hikes.

Commentary / World Aug 27, 2021

Biden’s cruel summer

Democrats are hoping the Afghan debacle will be less salient to voters by November 2022. But the fall of Kabul could have a lasting effect.

Commentary / World Jun 28, 2021

Beware America’s soaring public debt

Though America’s gross federal debt now stands at 107% of GDP — a post-WWII record — the Biden administration’s 2022 budget will see the country's largest-ever peacetime deficits.

Commentary / World Aug 25, 2020

How does the COVID-19 recession compare?

Although every recession is different, history offers lessons for the current pandemic-induced downturn.

Commentary / World Jun 30, 2020

America's uncertain recovery

Policymakers must boost incentives to work in normal times when jobs are plentiful, while strengthening the safety net for when they are not.

Commentary / World Feb 21, 2020

Is a strong economy enough to re-elect Donald Trump?

The U.S. president must navigate difficult swing states and hope infighting hobbles the Democrats

Commentary / World Jan 3, 2019

Politics, economics and carbon in 2019

As 2019 begins, leaders must focus on bread-and-butter domestic issues, while moving toward more flexible and decentralized political models capable of governing diverse populations.