Ideas Having Sex

Bryan Cheang argues that industrial policy is authoritarian.Today’s book: Economic Liberalism and the Developmental State: Hong Kong and Singapore’s Post-war DevelopmentToday’s essay: “Why mission-directed governance risks authoritarianism: lessons from East Asia”Bryan Cheang’s email: bryan.cheang@kcl.ac.uk

Bart Wilson on how to make economics more human.

Walker Hanlon explains the rise and fall of small government in Britain.Today’s Book: The Laissez-Faire Experiment: Why Britain Embraced and Then Abandoned Small Government, 1800–1914

Michael Huemer, a philosopher and author of "Progressive Myths," challenges widely held progressive beliefs. He scrutinizes the urgency surrounding climate change, calling for a more skeptical viewpoint. Huemer discusses the nuanced realities about race and law enforcement, arguing against common perceptions of systemic bias. He also addresses misconceptions about transgender identities and the influence of social factors. The conversation encourages critical thinking and reassessment of emotional political narratives, urging a more balanced understanding of complex issues.

Bryan Caplan extols the virtues of self help.Today’s book: Self-Help Is Like a Vaccine: Essays on Living Better

Sheldon Richman makes the case for human freedom.Today's Book: What Social Animals Owe to Each Other

John Hasnas describes the virtue and the beauty of the common law.Today's Book: Common Law Liberalism: A New Theory of the Libertarian Society

Johan Norberg, a senior fellow at the Cato Institute and author of "The Capitalist Manifesto," champions radical economic freedom and the global free market. He discusses how capitalism has evolved, emphasizing its role in reducing poverty and increasing prosperity. Norberg critiques narratives of wealth inequality and humorously contrasts government innovation with the tech advances of the porn industry. He also explores planned obsolescence in consumer behavior, the balance of intellectual property rights, and how wealth can lead to cleaner environmental practices.

James Otteson claims that businesses behave honorably by creating mutually beneficial, and mutually voluntary deals.Today's book: Honorable Business: A Framework for Business in a Just and Humane Society

Bryan Caplan explains why housing costs are so high.Today's book: Build, Baby, Build: The Science and Ethics of Housing Regulation