Much of today's enthusiasm for protective tariffs is grounded in a misunderstanding of the current state of the American economy, as well as of the consequences of free trade and protectionism. Has America's industrial sector really been "hollowed out"? Are American workers' wages stagnant? Are U.S. trade deficits a problem? Will protective tariffs achieve their promised goals? These and other important questions will be answered in this timely talk by economist and author Donald Boudreaux. 

Dr. Boudreaux is a professor of economics and former economics department chair at George Mason University. He earned his PhD in Economics from Auburn University and a law degree from the University of Virginia. He specializes in globalization and trade, law and economics, and antitrust economics. Formerly, he was President of the Foundation for Economic Education and an Associate Professor of Legal Studies and Economics at Clemson University. 

Boudreaux is committed to making economics more accessible to a wider audience, and he has lectured across the United States, Canada, Latin America, and Europe on a wide variety of topics, including antitrust law and international trade. He has published many books, including The Triumph of Economic Freedom: Debunking the Seven Great Myths of American Capitalism (Rowman & Littlefield, 2025), The Essential Hayek (Fraser Institute, 2015), Hypocrites and Half-Wits: A Daily Dose of Sanity from Cafe Hayek (Free to Choose Press, 2012), and Globalization (Greenwood Press, 2007). 

This event is part of the Center for Free Enterprise Menard Family Lecture Series. It is free and open to all and registration is not required. CFE events are Cardinal Flight approved. Refreshments will be served.