Economic Freedom versus Populism
Fergus Hodgson, September 10, 2018 
Across the world, populist movements are on the rise. Fred McMahon, an economist and resident fellow with the Fraser Institute, joins us to discuss the challenges of defining populism and the pitfalls for advocates of economic freedom in the face of divisive rhetoric.
Three factors have fueled the latest populist reaction, explains McMahon: a serious financial crisis, large changes in technology, and the explosion of migration. Given this scenario, he points out the need to communicate that crony capitalism is not free markets.
Fred McMahon contends democratic countries keep populism at bay in the long run. (ILS)
Recommended Links
- Check out the latest Economic Freedom of the World report published by the Fraser Institute.
- Read “Nationalistic Politicians often Attack Free Markets and Economic Freedom,” by Fred McMahon.
- The Shame of the Cities, by Lincoln Steffens.
- Free to Choose: A Personal Statement, by Milton and Rose Friedman.
- Economic Freedom in Action: Changing Lives, a PBS show featuring stories in Zambia, South Korea, Slovakia, and Chile.
Fergus Hodgson is Gold Newsletter’s roving editor. Follow him on Twitter and Facebook.
