Sven R Larson, Ph.D., has worked as a staff economist for think tanks and as an advisor to political campaigns. He is the author of several academic papers and books. His writings concentrate on the welfare state, how it causes economic stagnation, and the reforms needed to reduce the negative impact of big government. On Twitter, he is @S_R_Larson and he writes regularly at Larson’s Political Economy on Substack.
Hungarian Wages Outpace Inflation

Hungarian Wages Outpace Inflation

In addition to statutory changes, wages in the Hungarian labor market are also affected by strong demand for labor.

April 29, 2022
Spanish Economy Needs Major Reform

Spanish Economy Needs Major Reform

While short-term adjustments in spending can boost government efficiency and eliminate wasteful programs, a permanent solution to economic stagnation and unending budget deficits must focus on the ideological core of the welfare state.

April 28, 2022
No NATO Referendum in Sweden

No NATO Referendum in Sweden

It looks increasingly unlikely that the Swedish people will get to voice their opinion on the question of NATO membership.

April 27, 2022
Sweden: Free Speech in Peril after Muslim Riots

Sweden: Free Speech in Peril after Muslim Riots

The assertiveness and coordination of the riots convey a simple yet brutal message: the Islamist movement in Sweden is not going to tolerate the country’s free-speech laws anymore, and it will use whatever means necessary to achieve its goal.

April 25, 2022
Anacyclosis and the Limits of Liberal Democracy

Anacyclosis and the Limits of Liberal Democracy

Liberal democracy is centered around the idea that a majority vote in parliament should have unrestricted jurisdiction to change society as the majority sees fit. By contrast, Hungary and America have constitutions that protect the country against runaway majorities.

April 23, 2022
No Rate Hike from ECB Despite Market Pressure

No Rate Hike from ECB Despite Market Pressure

Despite higher inflation and upward pressure on treasury yields, the European Central Bank (ECB) maintains that this is not the time to raise interest rates. In an April 14th press release, the ECB reaffirmed its commitment to both unchanged rates and its tapering of the Asset Purchasing Program. The Bank explained that APP-related purchases of […]

April 21, 2022
Swedish NATO Accession Facing Problems

Swedish NATO Accession Facing Problems

With my direct experience and decades-long analysis of Swedish politics, I question whether the Swedish Parliament can sustainably fund a NATO membership. However, even if they do, there is another, more controversial aspect: the rise of radical Islamism.

April 20, 2022
Riots Plague Sweden in Past Week

Riots Plague Sweden in Past Week

“Mr. Paludan had been granted permission to perform public Koran burnings, but his events attracted violent protests, resulting in the destruction of several police vehicles and multiple injured officers.” 

April 20, 2022
Ukraine Hopes for EU Membership “in the Coming Weeks”

Ukraine Hopes for EU Membership “in the Coming Weeks”

“We strongly believe that this procedure will take place in the coming weeks and that it will be positive for the history of our people,” President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Monday, April 18th.

April 19, 2022
The Means to European Prosperity

The Means to European Prosperity

You don’t make promises you can’t keep. Nor do you keep an economic structure that can’t promise growth and prosperity.

April 19, 2022
Anti-Christian Attacks Continue in Nigeria

Anti-Christian Attacks Continue in Nigeria

A slow-motion genocide continues to target the Christian population of the region which thus far has claimed up to 36,000 Christian lives.

April 15, 2022
Serbians: Skeptical of the EU

Serbians: Skeptical of the EU

Belgrade cannot expect to be admitted as a member of the European Union unless it recognizes Kosovo as an independent state. The government in Belgrade, however, considers Kosovo a part of Serbia.

April 14, 2022