The Myth of Free Trade Britain

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With the repeal of the corn laws, Britain also repealed lots and lots of tariffs. In contrast, many of the tariffs that even Adam Smith complained about the wealth of nations in particular were not touched. The British had a comparative advantage in manufacturers so they were willing to go to free trade manufacturers but very protectionist when it came to consumption items.

Is John Nye the finest polymath in the George Mason economics department?

Raised in the Philippines and taught to be a well-rounded Catholic gentleman, John Nye learned the importance of a rigorous education from a young age. Indeed, according to Tyler he may very well be the best educated among his colleagues, having studied physics and literature as an undergraduate before earning a master’s and PhD in economics. And his education continues, as he’s now hard at work mastering his fourth language.

On this episode of Conversations with Tyler, Nye explains why it took longer for the French to urbanize than the British, the origins of the myth of free-trade Britain, why Vertigo is one of the greatest movies of all time, why John Stuart Mill is overrated, raising kids in a bilingual household, and much more.

Read a full transcript enhanced with helpful links.

Recorded October 30th, 2018 Other ways to connect

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