Daniel Klein

Daniel Klein, a Professor of Economics at George Mason University and head of the Adam Smith Program, explores Adam Smith's complex ideas on liberalism and conservatism. He discusses the impartial spectator concept and how Smith balanced universal moral viewpoints with specific cultural contexts. Klein highlights Smith's critiques of colonialism and slavery, and argues for the necessity of stable political structures to support liberal policies. The conversation also delves into the tensions within liberalism, particularly regarding immigration and the role of government in managing wealth concentration.