In a world where everything is equal, tariffs would be unnecessary. Every place would have the same resources. Everyone would produce the same things at more or less the same price. Consumers would all desire the same products. This terrible world, where all things are equal, would be a bland globalized society of monotonous sameness. … Read more
For a long time, the American economic system has been defined by the imprecise term of capitalism. The system varies in its application. When conservatives are in power, the government favors free markets and less state intervention. When liberals rule, social safety nets and regulations are given more free rein. Regardless of the application, America’s … Read more
These are times of deliberate dramatic change, as witnessed by the “Liberation Day” tariffs, which shook the world and introduced uncertainty into markets. Everyone is trying to make sense of this policy’s back-and-forth changes. Both opponents and supporters admit that it lacks a clear purpose and specific goals. This dramatic change is not a mere … Read more
Benedictine College held its annual Symposium on Transforming Culture on its campus in Atchison, Kansas, on March 21-22, 2025. The event attracted about 300 scholars, students and concerned Catholics who discussed the theme “Marriage on the Peripheries.” The main event was preceded by a Business Summit that addressed the same family theme. John Horvat … Read more
After years of sanctions, some leaders are calling to welcome Russia back to the community of nations. They point out lost business opportunities that might now be explored. However, let the investor beware. Despite appearances of resilience, Russia’s economy is not everything it seems to be. Making any new business deals will be fraught with … Read more
The new administration announced that the U.S. Mint will stop producing the penny coin. The penny, a mainstay piece of American currency, costs too much to produce. Treasury officials say it takes 3.7 cents to make the copper-coated coin. Thus, the nickel will eventually become the lowest denomination to make change. Order Today: Return to … Read more
Economist Friedrich von Hayek once pointed out that pricing’s charm stems from its unplanned emergence without deliberate human creation. Prices make complex processes easier by offering a standard unit of exchange. They smooth out interactions in the face of hurdles like rising transportation costs, material shortages and consumer preferences. However, this delicate price mechanism can … Read more
On September 21, Return to Order author John Horvat gave a presentation to the Indianapolis Chapter of Legatus. The title of the presentation was “How Catholics Can Do Business and Practice Their Faith.” The Catholic association of entrepreneurs hosts monthly events highlighting issues of concern to its members. The talk to the vibrant chapter was … Read more
When the Soviet Union dissolved the day after Christmas 1991, it inaugurated a season of celebration in Miami’s many Cuban neighborhoods. Long-time exiles pulled yellowing deeds and other legal documents out of bank safety deposit boxes, preparing to return to Cuba and reclaim land, homes and businesses confiscated by Castro’s socialist experiment. There was no … Read more
The big problem with debt is that it is addictive. Once a person starts down this ramp, it is hard to stop before insolvency. Addictions give way to irrational action. Sometimes the only way to stop is to crash into something hard. The debt problem is compounded exponentially when the addict is not an individual … Read more
