Essays & News

The Public-Private Paradox of Education: Merit Good or Negative Externality? Patrick Tecklenburg ABSTRACT This essay explores education`s multifaceted role as a private, a public and a merit good, with an intertwined reflection on its historical evolution and modern-day relevance. From its origins as a privilege, mainly only affordable by the elite to the widespread vision […]

Is education a public or a private good? Who gains from being educated? Olivia Liane Opitz   ABSTRACT This article examines whether education should be considered a private or public good and analyses the impact of both approaches on individuals and society. An equitable and accessible education system promotes social cohesion, economic stability and innovation. […]

  In Germany, during Angela Merkel’s 16-year tenure, we witnessed a strategic shift of the Christian Democrats towards socialism to capture voters from the left. Ms. Merkel masterfully marketed her politics of stagnation as stability. The result was steady decline, culminating in the dysfunctional coalition between the Social Democrats, Greens and Liberals. Infrastructure is now […]

  Tariffs are among President Trump’s most controversial initiatives. Yes, tariffs – those deplorable taxes that apply to all, benefit few, and are despised universally by every living economist and approximately 99% of the dead ones. Across the major schools of economic thought, economists (notoriously) agree on little. Tariffs are one of the few exceptions. […]

  All of Europe is closely watching France, the eurozone’s second-largest economy. The mix of political instability and financial issues in the ‘Grande Nation’ is concerning. France’s public debt last year reached an estimated 112 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP), accounting for one-fourth of total European Union public debt. In July 2024, the EU […]