Robert Higgs is an American economic historian and economist who synthesizes material from Public Choice, New Institutional economics, and the Austrian school. His writings in economics and economic history have most often focused on the causes, means, and effects of government power and growth. Higgs analyzes how state intervention shapes economic and societal development. His perspective stems from a libertarian anarchist stance in political and legal theory and public policy.
The collection features whimsical and introspective essays by renowned scholar Robert Higgs, showcasing his multifaceted intellect. Through a blend of serious and illuminating reflections, Higgs explores profound themes related to life, liberty, and the economy. Readers can expect to be educated and inspired by his unique insights and personal perspectives, revealing the depth of his knowledge and the breadth of his interests.
The book explores the expansion of government over the last century, attributing this growth primarily to its reactions to various national crises, both real and perceived, such as economic turmoil and wars. It offers insights into the interplay between government actions and societal challenges, making it particularly relevant for readers interested in political economy, American history, and libertarian perspectives.
Exploring the intricate connections between war, governmental authority, and economics, this collection of essays critiques the increasing power and corruption within the American state. It examines historical events from the Johnson presidency to the military-industrial-congressional complex, highlighting how the government manipulates national crises to restrict citizens' rights for the benefit of a select few. The narrative prompts readers to reflect on the awareness of policymakers regarding the implications of their decisions, tracing significant trends from World War II to the inception of income tax.
The book provides a compelling analysis of U.S. political economy from the 1930s to the end of the Cold War, challenging widely held beliefs about the Great Depression, the New Deal, and the wartime economy. It explores key questions regarding the prolonged impact of the Great Depression, the shift in government-business relations during World War II, and Congress's involvement in the military-industrial complex. By combining new insights with statistical evidence, it offers a fresh perspective on economic history that contradicts mainstream narratives.
The history of the United States, from the 19th century to present day, is included in this examination of the very foundations of unwarranted government intrusiveness that illuminates the two essential elements that have led to the expansion of the state’s authority—the ideology that the government should serve as a savior whenever people face threats to their well-being and the public fear that follows the perception of a large-scale threat to peace or prosperity. When these two factors operate simultaneously, people demand that the government take protective measures on their behalf. Hence, in an outburst of opportunism, the growth of government accelerates during the crisis, at the expense of liberty. Dr. Higgs’s conclusion is undeniable: placing confidence in the government to function as savior or problem solver does not lead to the peace, prosperity, and safety that people crave. On the contrary, that misplaced confidence ultimately leads to tyranny and diminished security—in Benjamin Franklin’s words, “Neither liberty nor safety.”
The book offers a critical examination of government actions, particularly in the U.S., analyzing economic management and responses to crises. It blends economic analysis with historical evidence, scrutinizing the data that informs government policies on issues like economic downturns, foreign conflicts, and welfare programs. The author explores the implications of government intervention in citizens' lives and highlights mismanagement within the economy. Comparisons with government actions in China, Japan, and Western Europe enrich the discussion, providing a broader context.
Distils complex economic and political issues for the layperson. Combining an
economist's analytical scrutiny with an historian's respect for empirical
evidence, the book attacks the data on which governments base their economic
management and their responses to an ongoing stream of crises. číst celé
