How Conflict Boosts the Economy
Historically speaking, we are living in unusually peaceful times. But does peacetime mean bad things for the economy, which is often boosted by war?
When did May Day Turn Into an Immigrants’ Rights Day?
May Day has traditionally focused on labor and working class issues. Immigration and immigrant labor adds a new dimension to the holiday.
Working More for Less: Dangers of the Gig Economy
The "gig economy" benefits startups and tech companies, but it may be unsustainable, and unethical for the economy, and workers, at large.
Will Engagement in the Middle East Change China?
Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah visits China this month, marking China’s increasing involvement in the Middle East. China has long had a Muslim minority group.
Examining Trump’s Military Budget
The United States' calling card is its strong military. What role does military spending play in the federal budget? And is more always better?
Why Do We Have “Free Trade” For Televisions, But Not For Corn?
While the U.S. opens industries to market competition at home and abroad, we give our agricultural producers a lot of protection, including big subsidies.
Why Ronald Reagan Became the Great Deregulator
How did deregulation, and related ideas about how to run the economy, become so central to American politics? Look to Reagan for the answer.
Why Do We Take Pride in Working for a Paycheck?
In the modern imagination, work is a source of pride, but early labor unions regarded hourly toil in industry as "wage slavery."
The Hidden Subtext of Vagrancy
In recent years, activists in cities across the country have repeatedly clashed with municipal officials over anti-vagrancy laws.
How Political Events Change Currency Value
What causes shifts in currency after a political event is, essentially, human expectations.