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.
Free Trade Sank Europe’s Economy

Free Trade Sank Europe’s Economy

Economic theory promised that free trade would bring new levels of prosperity to Europe. That did not happen. The continent needs a Trump-style rethinking of its economic future.

July 5, 2025
Low Rates, High Stakes: How Trump Could Reignite Inflation

Low Rates, High Stakes: How Trump Could Reignite Inflation

The U.S. president took credit for ending high inflation, but his push for low interest rates risks bringing it back, worse than before.

July 4, 2025
NATO’s Make-Believe Spending Goal

NATO’s Make-Believe Spending Goal

It would be surprising if even half of the European NATO members could expand defense spending as much as the alliance requires.

June 28, 2025
Welfare or Warfare? The Spanish Agony in Numbers

Welfare or Warfare? The Spanish Agony in Numbers

Rising defense spending will cause fiscal fights in many NATO countries. In Spain, the tension between social benefits and military outlays is perhaps more pointed than anywhere else.

June 26, 2025
Cooling Inflation Meets Hot Defense Budgets in Europe

Cooling Inflation Meets Hot Defense Budgets in Europe

As many EU states still feel the burn from 2022’s inflation peak, new policies risk reigniting the fire.

June 22, 2025
Hungary’s Strong Economy Eases EU Deficit Concerns

Hungary’s Strong Economy Eases EU Deficit Concerns

The EU Commission has decided to terminate its deficit procedures against Budapest. If there is one economy in Europe that does not need EU oversight, it is Hungary.

June 14, 2025
ECB Rate Cut Aimed at Debt-Drowning Member States

ECB Rate Cut Aimed at Debt-Drowning Member States

In a stunning admission, the central bank concedes that more public debt is the only path to more economic growth in the euro zone.

June 9, 2025
Bulgaria Has Good Reasons To Say No to the Euro

Bulgaria Has Good Reasons To Say No to the Euro

Citizens’ needs won’t be a priority once national leaders are beholden to their fiscal overlords in Brussels and Frankfurt.

June 4, 2025
Trump’s Tariff Tactics Deflate EU’s Self- Image

Trump’s Tariff Tactics Deflate EU’s Self- Image

Europe has no clue what Trump’s game is, and member states are fed up with being left in the dark.

May 31, 2025
Defense Funding: Europe Is Wading Into Deep Debt Waters

Defense Funding: Europe Is Wading Into Deep Debt Waters

To date, there are no credible estimates of the fiscal danger associated with NATO’s planned military expansion. We put numbers on it. Prepare to be shocked.

May 25, 2025
Trump Must Take U.S. Credit Downgrade Seriously

Trump Must Take U.S. Credit Downgrade Seriously

Europe has a rich history of debt crises. Time for Trump to learn from them.

May 22, 2025
The Dilemma That Conservatives Ignore

The Dilemma That Conservatives Ignore

If conservatives ever wish to be relevant and make any lasting difference in the real world, they need to understand the welfare state.

December 20, 2024