Boom Bust Season 1 Episode 110 Public Choice Theory, Immigration and Voting With Don Boudreaux and Bryan Caplan

Boom Bust season 1 episode 110 delves into the topics of Public Choice Theory, Immigration, and Voting with Don Boudreaux and Bryan Caplan.

Hosts Brent Jabbour and Sara Montes de Oca open the episode with a discussion of recent economic and political news, including the rise in gasoline prices and the ongoing negotiations over the infrastructure bill in Congress. They then turn their attention to their guests, who are both economists with expertise in public choice theory, immigration policy, and voting.

Don Boudreaux, a professor of economics at George Mason University, first explains the basic principles of public choice theory, which holds that politicians and government officials are actors who respond to incentives just like anyone else. He argues that this framework can help to explain certain phenomena that might seem counterintuitive, such as why politicians sometimes act against the interests of their constituents or why government bureaucracies can be inefficient.

Bryan Caplan, a professor of economics at George Mason University, then discusses his work on immigration, which challenges some of the common myths and misconceptions surrounding this issue. He argues that immigrants do not take jobs away from American workers, that they are not a significant burden on the welfare state, and that they contribute more in taxes and economic growth than they receive in benefits.

The conversation then turns to voting, with Boudreaux and Caplan both exploring the flaws and limitations of the democratic process. They discuss issues such as the knowledge problem, where voters may not have enough information to make informed decisions, as well as the problems of polarization and identity politics that can lead to a breakdown in civil discourse.

Throughout the episode, Brent and Sara ask insightful questions of their guests, challenging them to defend their arguments and providing a balanced perspective on these complex issues. They also draw on their own experiences as journalists and experts in the field, bringing a unique and nuanced perspective to the discussion.

The episode concludes with a discussion of the implications of public choice theory, immigration policy, and voting for the economy and society as a whole. Boudreaux and Caplan both emphasize the importance of free markets, individual freedoms, and a robust civil society in creating a prosperous and flourishing society.

Overall, Boom Bust season 1 episode 110 offers a thought-provoking and informative discussion of some of the most pressing issues in economics and politics today, showcasing the insights and expertise of two leading thinkers in the field.