History Seminar with Robert Higgs
Crisis and Liberty: The Expansion of Government Power in American History
A Seminar with Robert Higgs
Robert Higgs, editor of The Independent Review, is the author of the book Crisis and Leviathan, a survey of the episodic growth of the federal government in periods of war and economic crisis. His "ratchet" theory of the expansion of power provides a model for understanding the current policy environment in which the government is using war and the threat of terrorism to justify its assaults on the personal and economic liberties of Americans.
During his stay at the Mises Institute, Professor Higgs will present a series of ten formal lectures on topics of American history that examine the role of crisis, emergency management, and the military in the emergence of the Leviathan state and diminution of liberty. He will also be available in informal sessions at the Mises Institute, with its 24,000 book library and spectacular research facilities.
For members, students, and faculty, there is no charge for attending the one-week lecture series, and no formal application requirements beyond the minimum. Lectures are at 10:00am and 2:00pm, Monday through Friday. Lunch will be available. Some partial scholarships for students are available. Space is limited so you will need to be admitted to attend. RSVP with pat@mises.org, or register online.
Readings
Crisis and Leviathan (New York: Oxford University Press, 1987)
Robert Higgs, "Eighteen Problematic Propositions in the Analysis of the Growth of Government," Review of Austrian Economics 5 (1991): 3-40.
Robert Higgs, "The Cold War Economy: Opportunity Costs, Ideology, and the Politics of Crisis," Explorations in Economic History 31 (July 1994): 283-312. Available at .
Robert Higgs, "The Myth of 'Failed' Policies," The Free Market 13 (June 1995): 1, 7-8.
Accommodations: http://mises.org/hotels.asp or register on-line (our registration link) for a dormitory room. Mention Mises Institute for special rates of $65 at Crenshaw House Bed and Breakfast.
Schedule (Central Time Zone)
