Mises Institute

On this episode of Power and Market, Ryan, Connor, and Tho look at the headlines coming out of Davos, including Mark Carney’s speech calling out the lie of a “rules-based international order,” the European reaction to Trump’s plans for Greenland, and the political fallout on both sides of the Atlantic. Don’t forget, the Mises Institute’s first event is coming up on February 21st in Oklahoma City. Join us for a look at "Entrepreneurship Beyond Politics": https://mises.org/events/entrepreneurship-beyond-politics-mises-circle-oklahoma-city Are you a grad student interested in Austrian economics? Consider the Mises Institute Summer Fellowship program this summer. https://mises.org/events/research-fellowship-residence-2026

William L. Anderson, an economic writer and commentator known for his insights on Austrian economics, delves into the complex debate surrounding reparations. He critiques current proposals as unworkable, arguing they would not effectively address racial wealth gaps and resemble welfare schemes. Anderson discusses historical injustices, including Black land theft and redlining, while pointing out the impracticality of large-scale reparations. He warns that cash transfers might perpetuate dependency and highlights the risks of worsening economic outcomes.

Murray Rothbard recounts how during the French and Indian War (1754–63), Americans continued the great tradi­tion of trading with the enemy. Original article: https://mises.org/mises-daily/trading-enemy-american-tradition

In the so-called world of strategic alliances, things often are not what they seem to be. It is that way with the Islamic State or ISIS, which supposedly is a deadly enemy of Israel. However, Israel has a symbiotic relationship with Jihadist groups that we cannot ignore. Original article: https://mises.org/mises-wire/israel-and-its-relationship-islamic-state

Even hawkish foreign policy scholars admit that changing the US security setup in Greenland is unnecessary. Its supply of raw materials is also nothing special. There isn’t even a ton of money to be made for crony companies. This is purely about Trump’s ego, and it will cost taxpayers a lot. Read the article here: https://mises.org/mises-wire/greenland-trumps-folly Be sure to follow the Guns and Butter podcast at https://Mises.org/GB

Kitco News anchor Jeremy Szafron sits down with Dr. Mark Thornton to break down why central banks are fleeing Treasuries for physical gold and what the “Skyscraper Curse” signals for a 2026 crash. They discuss the massive 150-ton gold purchase by Poland, a strategic move by a NATO ally that signals a loss of trust in the debt-based system. Mark also exposes a critical, under-reported crisis in the silver market: supply is “inelastic” and “wasted” on war and solar panels, meaning the market cannot physically respond to price spikes. With Japanese bond yields spiking and the Jeddah Tower restarting construction, the signals for a major economic pivot are flashing red. The original interview is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FaDxW9GjInc

Although some scholars have labeled the early Ming Dynasty as a proto-liberal state, they are mistaken. The Ming governance at that time was weak, not limited by law and ideology. Original article: https://mises.org/mises-wire/weak-states-not-limited-states-early-ming-governance-and-illusion-proto-liberalism

The podcast dives into the diversity of the original 13 British colonies, highlighting unique political and social outlooks. It explores the four waves of English settlement that shaped distinct regional identities. The Puritans in New England emphasized ordered liberty, while Virginia's Cavaliers favored local governance and tradition. Quaker influence in the Middle Colonies promoted religious and economic freedom. Finally, the Scots-Irish settlers prioritized autonomy and familial loyalty, illustrating the complex visions that influenced America's founding principles.

Mark Thornton explores the Skyscraper Curse, linking record-high towers to looming economic busts. He warns that with the Jeddah Tower surging towards completion, the signal for a potential crisis in 2026 is flashing. Delving into historical patterns, he argues that such skyscrapers often foreshadow late-cycle excess. Thornton also critiques recent Federal Reserve policies and their implications for the economy. It’s a deep dive into how architectural ambitions might reflect deeper financial trends.

On this episode of Power and Market, Ryan, Connor, and Tho discuss the reported probe into Fed Chair Jerome Powell. Is this actual accountability for malfeasance, or a petty battle of DC egos? At the end of the day, does the difference matter? And should Powell be encouraged that central banks around the world are standing in solidarity with him? The panel dives into these questions and more. Join us for the Mises Institute's first event of 2026, featuring Keith Smith, Caitlin Long, Ryan McMaken, Per Bylund, and Timothy Terrell: "Entrepreneurship Beyond Politics: Mises Circle in Oklahoma City." Register today at https://mises.org/okc