The Allure of Bad Economics: Why Big Government Policies Keep Gaining Ground

Please join us for a cocktail reception and conversation in NYC this fall. We are pleased to have New York Post columnist and author Rikki Schlott in conversation with Cato vice president for general economics and Stiefel Trade Policy Center Scott Lincicome as our featured speakers.

Rikki and Scott will examine New York City’s mayoral race as a microcosm of a troubling trend: Gen Z’s embrace of socialist policies that purportedly fix real economic problems many Americans are facing today. Using candidate Zohran Mamdani’s surprising victory as an example, they’ll explore how economic pressures and uncertainty are driving many voters toward progressive solutions like industrial policy and rent control, even though free market approaches, including zoning reform and deregulation, offer better, proven pathways to genuine, broad-based prosperity. Why are government-centered policies gaining traction when market-based solutions have historically delivered economic growth, lower prices, and higher living standards?

As we approach Cato’s 50th anniversary in 2027, our mission is clear: to keep liberty at the forefront of national debates and ensure a freer future for generations to come. To meet this challenge, in May, Cato publicly launched the Vision for Liberty Campaign—a bold initiative to expand our impact and accelerate the spread of the ideas that drive human flourishing. Cato president and CEO Peter Goettler will discuss Cato’s policy priorities, as well as how we are developing new audiences and scaling our educational programs.

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