Writings on the Declaration of Independence and the American Revolution
Links to some of my previous writings on these topics, which remain relevant today.
Nationalism
"The Nationalist Threat to Liberty" - My Final Contribution to the Liberty Fund Symposium on "The Legacy of David Boaz"
The symposium has now concluded.
Pope Leo XIV and Immigration
The first American pope has a history of advocating for migrants' rights.
The Document That Explains Why Nationalists Keep Trying To Ban Porn
Do lawmakers believe they should be trying to make more Christians?
My New Dispatch Article on Updating Libertarianism
Libertarian ideology remains generally sound. But I argue it could use a few updates.
'Sometimes You Need a Strongman,' Trump Declares
The former president's attempts to put a positive spin on the term are consistent with his alarmingly authoritarian instincts.
J.D. Vance Has Changed a Lot Since the Days of Hillbilly Elegy
Untangling the roots of Vance's odd political evolution.
Venezuela Illustrates the Perils of "Democratic Socialism"
The Venezuelan experience shows that democracy cannot cure the evils of socialism, and that a democratic socialist system is unlikely to remain democratic for long.
GOP VP Nominee J. D. Vance is an Enemy of Free Markets
The Ohio Senator is one of the Party's leading advocates of protectionism, economic planning, and immigration restrictions.
Writings on the Declaration of Independence and the American Revolution
A collection of links to some of my previous writings on these topics, which remain relevant today.
My New Dispatch Article on Why Nationalism is a Bigger Menace than Wokeness
Both ideologies are bad. But one is a much greater danger than the other.
David Boaz's Final Speech: "The Rise of Illiberalism in the Shadow of Liberal Triumph"
In a speech given in February, the late great libertarian intellectual leader made important points about the past, present, and future of liberty.
Forty-Five Years in America
Today is the 45th anniversary of the Somin family's arrival in America.
Why a "Libertarian-Nationalist Alliance" Makes No Sense
Vivek Ramaswamy isn't the first to advocate this badly wrong idea. But there's still no good justification for it.
Turkey's Strongman Had a No Good, Very Bad Weekend
The Turkish opposition ran circles around President Recep Tayyib Erdogan's party in local elections. It could be the beginning of the end of his 20-year reign.
Opposition to U.S. Steel Sale Shows How Similar Biden and Trump Are on Trade
Economic nationalists are claiming the deal endangers "national security" to convince Americans that a good deal for investors, employees, and the U.S. economy will somehow make America less secure. That's nonsense.
Video of Marshall University Online Talk on "Putin's Western Supporters"
In the presentation I explain why Putin's regime appeals to these people, and how they compare with Western sympathizers with the USSR during the Cold War.
New Podcasts on Nationalism and Immigration/Border Issues
One is an interview for the new Argue with Me podcast series, and the other is part of Michael Liebowitz's Rational Egoist series.
What Javier Milei Could Teach Democrats and Republicans About Capitalism
His speech in Davos challenged the growing worldwide trend of increased government involvement in economic affairs.
Spanish Translation of "The Case Against Nationalism" Now Available
The Cato Institute has posted a Spanish-language version of the article I coauthored with Alex Nowrasteh.
My New National Affairs Article on "The Case Against Nationalism"
Coauthored with Cato Institute scholar Alex Nowrasteh.
Getting Cozy With the Too Online 'New Right' Hasn't Worked Out for DeSantis
After firing the staffer blamed for a video that borrowed Nazi imagery, is Ron DeSantis finally backing away from the authoritarian edgelords?
Two Cheers for the "Freedom Conservatism" Statement of Principles
It has many good points. But I have some reservations and questions.
Before There Was Christian Nationalism, There Was Christian Anarchism
Rejection of the state and the use of lethal force can be found in the founding documents of Christianity.
Do the Natcons Get Anything Right?
Plus: A listener asks if the Roundtable has given the arguments of those opposed to low-skilled immigration a fair hearing.
Josh Hawley Wants the Debt Ceiling Deal To Include a Massive Tax Hike on Americans
Hawley might call them "tariffs on China," but that's obvious nonsense: Tariffs are paid by Americans.
Beware the 'Christian Prince'
The Case for Christian Nationalism advocates for an ethnically uniform nation ruled by a "Christian prince."
A Conflict Between Liberal Democracy and Authoritarian Nationalism: Implications of the Ideological Stakes in the Russia-Ukraine War
The war is often described as a conflict between authoritarianism and liberal democracy. That reality has some underappreciated implications.
A Compelling Summary of the Case Against Nationalism
Alex Nowrasteh of the Cato Institute provides what may be the best short summary of the evils of nationalism.
Should Americans Value Nationalism?
National Review's Rich Lowry debates the Cato Institute's Alex Nowrasteh.
American Nationalism: Rich Lowry vs. Alex Nowrasteh
Should Americans support nationalism? National Review's Rich Lowry debates the Cato Institute's Alex Nowrasteh.
Iran Attempted To Use the World Cup To Stoke Nationalist Pride
And their team wanted nothing to do with politics.
Nationalism, not Hostility Towards Elites, is the Main Divide Between Libertarians and the "New Right"
Despite Tyler Cowen's argument for the elite theory, the real divisions have much more to do with the New Right's nationalism.
J.D. Vance Seized His Chance, but the New Right Had a Bad Night
Big-government conservatives underperformed across the country.
Josh Hammer's Dangerous Misunderstanding of Liberalism
An interview between President Joe Biden and social media star Dylan Mulvaney offers a lesson in mutual forbearance.
Learning From People Who Vote with their Feet
Washington Post columnist Keith Richburg explains how foot voting patterns are a strong indicator of the relative appeal of governments.
Law, Justice, and Russia's Attempted Annexation of Four Ukrainian Regions
Vladimir Putin's annexation plan is indefensible on both legal and moral grounds. Some of the reasons why have broader implications for normative theories of secession and self-determination.
The Natcon About-Face
By going from purging anyone who does not pledge allegiance to the nationalist agenda to welcoming all comers, natcons have abandoned the original defining characteristic of their movement.
Opposing War With Russia Doesn't Require Excusing Putin's Aggression
It's far too easy to find glowing descriptions of Putin on the nationalist right. Even some libertarians are making excuses for Russia's invasion. They should stop.
Tchaikovsky Is Canceled
The Cardiff Philharmonic Orchestra scrubbed the famed composer from an upcoming program, calling his music "inappropriate at this time."
Putin's Aggression Is Isolating the New Nationalists
Hungary's Viktor Orbán becomes the latest Kremlin crony to break ranks.
Hungarian Nationalism Is a Dead End
Hungary's brand of nationalism generates not just cronyist domestic policy but tawdry foreign policy as well.
False Nostalgia
The "good old days" weren't all that good—but they're still messing with politics.
Politics Is Rotting Brains and Making Everyone Mad
As exciting as it may sound to grab power and vanquish enemies, the only way to save America is to recommit to its original principles.
Sen. Josh Hawley Joins Chinese Communists in Fretting Over Manhood
Authoritarians see masculinity as so fragile that it needs to be reinforced by the state.
Bernie Sanders Is Wrong About Denmark. Tucker Carlson Is Wrong About Hungary.
The two are idolizing the wrong models.
Simone Biles Doesn't Exist To Make America Proud
It isn't an embarrassment. It isn't heroism. It just is.
Against National Unity
Americans are divided not because politicians failed to pronounce the correct phrases, but because we genuinely disagree on questions of public policy, justice, and identity.
