Economic Policy

Dreams of a New Atlantic-Pacific Passage Edward Tenner 06/19/2013

Nicaragua’s legislature has approved a plan for a canal to rival Panama’s. But with challenges including financial viability and seismic stability, the canal may be more valuable as a radiant future than as a reality.

Putting the Debt in Context Steve Conover 06/17/2013

The deficit is shrinking, but federal debt is at an all-time high. More importantly, how large is the debt burden?

The ECB Delays at Europe’s Peril Desmond Lachman 06/13/2013

Without bold action from the European Central Bank, it is difficult to see how the European periphery can avoid sinking ever deeper into economic recession in the months ahead.

A Route to Better Roads: The Case for Public-Private Partnerships Charles Lammam and Hugh MacIntyre 06/12/2013

As governments across the United States wrestle with the challenge of providing high-quality transportation infrastructure, they should increasingly consider public-private partnerships.

35 Years after Prop 13, Has It Worked? Benjamin Zycher 06/06/2013

Often described as the opening shot in the Reagan-era tax revolt, Prop 13 limited California’s property tax rates, but has it yielded greater fiscal discipline? What about tax and expenditure limits in other states?

What to Do With Fannie and Freddie Alex J. Pollock 05/31/2013

The biggest question with the $10 trillion U.S. housing finance sector is what to do with the government-sponsored enterprises that have recently attained even greater monopoly power. Here’s a way to move beyond the political stalemate.

A Fiscal Proposal Both Keynes and Reagan Could Support Steve Conover 05/30/2013

The Left says the government should spend more, but the Right says it should spend less. It sounds like an ideological standoff, but there is common ground.

Austerity and Its Discontents Michael M. Rosen 05/29/2013

After a period of pushback, proponents of austerity are retaking the intellectual high ground and promoting responsible budgeting throughout the developed world.

Could California Make a Comeback? Michael M. Rosen 05/15/2013

An unexpected glimmer of hope might cast a new light on the Golden State.

The Looming Student Loan Crisis Jackson Toby 05/14/2013

Failure to scrutinize employment income contributed to the housing crisis and now threatens student loans, which total more than $1 trillion.