Mercatus Center

The Mercatus Center at George Mason University stands out as a leading academic hub for market-driven concepts, connecting scholarly theories with practical challenges in the world. This research center focuses on enhancing the understanding of market dynamics to better people's lives by providing training for graduate students, conducting in-depth research, and applying economic principles to tackle significant societal issues. Our goal is to create knowledge and insights regarding the institutions that influence the ability to thrive, aiming to discover lasting solutions that help individuals achieve freedom, prosperity, and peace. Established in 1980, the Mercatus Center operates from both the Arlington and Fairfax campuses of George Mason University.

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Articles

How to Survive Artificial Intelligence

2 days ago | mercatus.org | Tyler Cowen

This is the most important essay we have run so far on the artificial intelligence revolution. I’m excited for you to read it. Given its importance, tomorrow I’ll be hosting a conversation about it with its authors, Tyler Cowen and Avital Balwit, at 4 p.m. ET. This conversation, like all our livestreams, is for paying subscribers only. (Sign up here to join our community.)And click here to mark Tuesday’s conversation in your calendar. — BariAre we helping create the tools of our own obsolescence?
Is Classical Liberalism for Losers?

1 week ago | mercatus.org | Tyler Cowen

Tyler Cowen: Is Classical Liberalism for Losers? For many on the right, the past decade has proven that liberalism is not strong enough to fight off illiberal challengers. They say it’s time to strike back—and use the power of the state. Are classical liberals a bunch of pathetic losers? Losers both because they have lost in the political realm, while simultaneously handing over key institutions to the illiberal left?
High School Never Ends-Especially in Washington

2 weeks ago | mercatus.org | Tyler Cowen

No matter what people may say, often what they care about most when it comes to policy is exactly what they cared about in the high school cafeteria: Who is rising or falling in status. As great apes, we obsess over the social hierarchy. Who is being praised and who is being excoriated? Who is hot and who is not? That may sound like gossip, but it is also a big part of our politics.
The Federal Trade Commission’s Request for Information (RFI) on the Identification of Anticompetitive Regulations That Fall Within the Scope of Section 3(a) of the President’s April 9, 2025, Executive Order on Regulatory Barriers

3 weeks ago | mercatus.org | Alden Abbott

Request for Public Comment Regarding Reducing Anticompetitive Regulatory Barriers Agency: Federal Trade Commission Comment Period Opens: April 21, 2025 Comment Period Closes: May 26, 2025 Comment Submitted: April 24, 2025 Docket No. FTC-2025-0028 We are pleased to respond to the Request for Information (RFI) from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC or Commission),[1] for comments on the identification of anticompetitive federal regulations, as defined in section 3(a) of the President’s April 9,...
Hannah Gais on the Far-Right Rallies and Social Media Presence

3 weeks ago | mercatus.org | Hannah Gais

On this episode of Virtual Sentiments, host Kristen Collins chats with Hannah Gais on the far-right rallies and social media presence on platforms like Telegram and X. Hannah explores the events of the Unite the Right rally, the storming of the capital on January 6th, the far-right in the wake of the first and second Trump presidencies, and the dangers of expanding domestic terrorism laws. **This episode was recorded in December 2024.
The Conventional Wisdom Is That China Is Beating Us. Nonsense.

1 month ago | mercatus.org | Tyler Cowen

The Conventional Wisdom Is That China Is Beating Us. Nonsense. One of the biggest soft power victories in all of world history occurred over the last few years. Hardly anyone has noticed. Even before Trump’s “Liberation Day” and the market volatility it ushered in, a deep pessimism had already set in among the pointy-headed class of which I am a reluctant member.
Introduction: A Principled Approach to Tax Expenditures

1 month ago | mercatus.org | Veronique de Rugy

While a handful of tax provisions correct for distortions introduced in the tax code—for example, the double taxation of investment and savings—most tax expenditures distort markets, raise prices, favor special groups, or violate the principle of tax neutrality. Eliminating tax expenditures should be combined with lowering marginal tax rates across the board to avoid increasing the tax burden on the economy as a whole.
Questions for the Record on “Building Our Future: Increasing Housing Supply in America”

1 month ago | mercatus.org | Emily Hamilton

Re: Hearing on March 4, 2025, entitled “Building Our Future: Increasing Housing Supply in America” Dear Chairman Hill: After my testimony before the Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance on March 4, 2025, you requested answers to one question submitted by Congresswoman Garcia and two questions submitted by Ranking Member Waters. The questions and answers are below.
Is Data Really a Barrier to Entry? Rethinking Competition Regulation in Generative AI

1 month ago | mercatus.org | Alden Abbott

Abstract: The rise of generative artificial intelligence (AI) technology has raised concerns that a few large companies or digital platforms will corner the market. By controlling vast troves of data necessary to train foundation models, these firms could raise entry barriers, stifle competition and innovation, and ultimately harm consumers.
Expanding Opportunities for the Construction of Starter Homes and Workforce Housing in the US

2 months ago | mercatus.org | Emily Hamilton

Thank you, Chair Flood, Ranking Member Cleaver, and members of the subcommittee. I am Emily Hamilton, a senior research fellow at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, where I am codirector of the Urbanity Project. Housing affordability is a serious and growing problem for too many Americans. While the share of households that are renters has remained relatively steady for several decades, the share of income that the median renter spends on rent has increased by 25 percent since 1980.