Libertarian

Arbitration, Collective Bargaining, and the Supreme Court

Richard Epstein reacts to the recent Supreme Court decision in Epic Systems Corp v. Lewis, defending the right of employers to use arbitration and avoid class action lawsuits.

Peace in the Middle East?

Richard Epstein examines the recent violence in Gaza and explains the hopelessness of current Middle East peace initiatives.

Reasonable Disagreements: Trade-War Debate: Richard Epstein vs Adam White

On Sunday, Treasury Secretary Mnuchin announced that “we’re putting the trade war [with China] on hold.” Meanwhile the NAFTA renegotiations seem to be stalling. Professors Epstein and White debate trade policy in theory and practice. Featuring cameo appearances by Ricardo, Keynes, Lincoln, Hamilton, Clay, Mnuchin, and Trump.

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Mueller’s Mistakes

Richard Epstein analyzes the latest developments in the Russia investigation and delivers a withering judgment as to how the Mueller team has performed thus far.

North Korea, Iran, and American Foreign Policy

Richard Epstein analyzes Donald Trump’s recent gambits on North Korea and Iran, contrasts the Trump Administration’s approach to foreign policy with the Obama Administration’s, and explains how contract theory should inform negotiations with Pyongyang.

The Behaviorist Temptation

Ten years after the release of Nudge, the volume that popularized behavioral economics, Richard Epstein considers the shortcomings of the behaviorist school and the concept of “libertarian paternalism.” (Playing time: 20:26)

The Economics of Amazon

Richard Epstein parses President Trump’s economic criticisms of Amazon — and examines a Supreme Court case that will determine how online retailers pay taxes. (Playing time: 17:16)

The Cohen Raid

Richard Epstein breaks down the legal rationales that may — or may not — have justified the FBI raid on Donald Trump’s personal lawyer. He also examines the broader trajectory of the Mueller investigation. Whose job is in more danger: Mueller’s or Trump’s? (Playing time: 21:10)

The Unintended Consequences of Anti-Discrimination Laws

Richard Epstein discusses the history behind America’s anti-discrimination laws and explains why they’re not well-suited for the modern economy. (Playing time: 20:23)

Repeal the Second Amendment?

Richard Epstein reacts to former Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens’ suggestion that the Second Amendment be repealed — and explains why the constitutional arguments about guns may point in a different direction than the policy arguments. (Playing time: 17:36)