News
Recent posts and articles from IGEG fellows, advisers, experts and scholars.
Destroying the Economy in Order to Save It Regulators warm to the harm their rules create
If one phrase encapsulated the Vietnam War, it was this: “We had to destroy the village in order to save it.” Those in the political class in Washington have learned nothing, but perhaps more accurately, many don’t care if their policy proposals and actions cause more...
Hillarynomics Promises of economic growth are not borne out by her proposals
If Hillary Clinton were to be elected president, what economic policies would she propose and what would be the effect on the economy? To try to get an answer, I have looked at her statements, her campaign website, and her Senate record. Mrs. Clinton has recognized...
The Real Victims of Endless Financial Regulations Targeting money launderers, The tax globalists hit the working poor
Government is supposed to make life better for people — particularly the poor — but the U.S. and European governments are increasing the misery of the poor. In the popular culture, Cayman is viewed as place were tax evaders and money launderers put their wealth. The...
Global Tax Bullies International money grubbers hope no one will notice
Are you aware that there is an international effort to increase taxes, including those paid by Americans? On Oct. 5, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) will release its "final package of measures for a co-ordinated international approach...
Why Estonia is a Country for the Future Good political leadership and digital innovation explain the baltic success story
Estonia is arguably the most advanced country in the world when it comes to use of the Internet and related technologies. Estonia is a most improbable success, in that a mere quarter of a century ago it was still under domination of the Soviet Union as a very poor...
A Nation Worth Emulating Its respect for limited government makes Switzerland the best role model
When you think of Switzerland what comes to mind? Beautiful lakes surrounded by the Alps; a rich country with happy people; the home of milk chocolate, expensive watches and discrete bankers; a peaceful country that has not been at war in more than two centuries? All...
The Resurrection of Discredited Ideas Democrats who crave socialism would repeat the mistakes of history
Would you call yourself a "socialist"? Webster's dictionary defines socialism as "a theory or system of social organization which advocates the vesting of ownership and control of the means of production, capital, land, etc. in the community as a whole." Modern-style...
A Global Trust Deficit Confidence collapses for government officials who dodge blame for mistakes
Why has the stock market been so volatile? In part, it can be explained by the global trust deficit. Few trust the economic numbers coming out of China or the statements of the Chinese leaders. The statements coming from the Federal Reserve have been vague and...
The Iran Deal Mean Game Over for U.S. Business Other nations can cash in, but not American companies
If you need another reason to oppose the Iran nuclear deal, the Obama administration has provided it in the fine print. Why would the U.S. government go out of its way to put American business at an internationally competitive disadvantage? The United States already...
Ruin by Regulation As rules squeeze the financial industry, consumers are left with fewer choices
What is the purpose of financial regulation? Advocates of more and more financial regulation say it is necessary to protect the consumer against greedy bankers and other financial professionals and institutions. But what if excessive financial regulation is actually...
Promises, Lies and the Washington Way Americans are tired of untrustworthy leaders
Would you vote for someone who you believe knowingly lies to you? The problem for the American people is that candidates from both parties lie on a regular basis, and so it is all too rare that a voter has a choice between someone who will honor his or her promises...
Cecil Was a Bad Boy People who would sooner kill a hunter than a lion forget the king of the jungle’s prey
“American, single-handedly, saves 600 African antelopes and 12 baby elephants — by killing a lion.” As you read the first part of the previous sentence, you most likely are thinking “this is a good guy.” But when you read the last part of the sentence — particularly...
Promoting Very Unsettled Science The climate changes, but direction and magnitude are still a source of dispute
If you have been to the beach at Treasure Island, Florida (adjoining St. Petersburg), you will notice something very odd. The hotels (many of which were built in the 1950s and '60s) and the seawall are very far from the water in the Gulf of Mexico — giving an...
Government Employees not above the Law Corruption reigns when the government abuses rather than protects
What recourse does a citizen have when government employees violate the law and do harm, and then they are protected by the government? Government was created to protect person and property and ensure liberty, but it has increasingly become the abuser rather than the...
Immutable Money As governments manipulate currencies, citizens seek private pathways to sound money
What is money? The coin and currency that you have in your pocket? The balances you have in your checking, money market or savings account? How about the value of your stocks and bonds? The government (mainly the Federal Reserve) provides numbers about the money...
The Rise of the Failed States Crumbling nations intensify the danger of global turmoil
The greatest threat to global security is the rapidly increasing number of failed states. Even though there is no agreed-upon definition of a failed state, it is generally understood that when a government can no longer provide basic security to its people due to a...
How Many More Greek Tragedies? Other welfare states, including the u.S., Could also march off the cliff
Greece and too many other countries have been trying to defy gravity by living the good life on borrowed money. In 2001, the Greeks entered the eurozone, which gave them access to low-rate loans under the pretense that Greece was richer than it was. The seeds of the...
Puerto Rico Is America’s Greece It faces problems including debt and how to revive its economy
Like Greece, the Puerto Rican government has more debt than it can service, and some are calling for a bailout by U.S. taxpayers. The major Puerto Rican state-owned or controlled enterprises are all losing money, including the power authority which is insolvent....