Why Does Freedom Wax and Wane? Some Research Questions in Social Change and Big Government
Why Does Freedom Wax and Wane? Some Research Questions in Social Change and Big Government Tyler Cowen Tyler Cowen. “Why Does Freedom Wax and Wane? Some Research Questions in Social Change and Big Government.” Mercatus Working Paper, Mercatus Center at George Mason University, Arlington, VA, 2000. ABSTRACT The 20th century has seen some of the greatest restrictions on liberty of any period in human history, as well as significant liberalizations and improvements. These questions do not always hold a central place in mainstream academic dis- course, but there are scholars who seek to explain how and why these changes have occurred. This paper attempts to make this research accessible to a broader audience. It presents relevant research on social change and concludes that Western societies are not headed off the proverbial economic cliff. Even though governments may be larger and more bureaucratic than before, they largely con- tinue to support freedom because failure to do so could destroy the entire system. Moreover, market-oriented economies have demonstrated a lasting ability to out- compete alternatives, such as communism. Technological changes and advance- ments hold a promise for greater freedom and prosperity across the world. JEL codes: B25, B59, D72, H10, H60, K10, L51, 057, P11, P16, Q58 Keywords: classical liberalism, constitution, corporations, deregulation, economic development, environmental regulation, free market, globalization, liberty, mass media, New Zealand miracle, public choice, rational irrationality, social change, Thatcher revolution, Tullock paradox, Westminster system AUTHOR’S NOTE Mercatus first put this piece out in 2000. We all thought it was worthwhile to revisit these issues, given the uncertain course of liberty in today’s world.
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