Economic nationalism is usually an excuse for advancing special interest cloaked in the disguise of patriotism. In general, it's good for assets and people to be employed in their highest valued use. Keeping out companies rarely advances that goal. If you have comments you'd like me to read on the air, please e mail me. Mail at econ talk dot org.
Richard Thaler of the U. of Chicago Graduate School of Business defends the idea of libertarian paternalism--how government might use the insights of behavioral economics to help citizens make better choices. Host Russ Roberts accepts the premise that individuals make imperfect choices but challenges Thaler on the likelihood that government, in practice, will improve matters. Along the way they discuss the design of Sweden's social security system, organ donations and whether professors at Cornell University are more or less like you and me.