Discover the latest thought-provoking analysis from the Institute of Economic Affairs, New Paternalism meets Older Wisdom by Mercatus Senior Fellow Eric Matson, as discussed by Harrison Griffiths, Communications Officer, in this short explainer.

In this insightful paper, Mattson delves into the intricacies of contemporary policymaking, particularly focusing on the concept of nudges. Nudges, often heralded as a benign form of paternalism, aim to steer individuals towards making better choices without resorting to bans or taxes. However, as Griffiths highlights in this explainer, this approach encounters significant challenges. Policymakers are tasked with discerning what constitutes each individual’s best interest, amidst the dynamic nature of human preferences.