In this episode of Liberalism in Question, we’re joined by Eamonn Butler, Director of the Adam Smith Institute, to discuss the economic philosophy of liberalism. From Adam Smith’s "invisible hand" to modern free-market principles, we explore how liberal economic thought has shaped prosperity, innovation, and policy.

How do Smith’s ideas on free markets, competition, and limited government remain relevant today? What lessons can we learn from classical liberal thinkers to tackle contemporary economic challenges? Join us for a fascinating conversation on the foundations of economic liberalism and its ongoing impact.

👉 Help promote sound economics:

🔹 Become a member: https://www.cis.org.au/membership-2-step-1/

🔹 Make a donation: https://www.cis.org.au/support/donate/today/

🔹 Make a donation: Learn more: https://www.cis.org.au/

👉 FURTHER READING: Super for Housing: https://www.cis.org.au/publication/super-for-housing/

NZ’s housing policy success and implications for Australia: https://www.cis.org.au/publication/less-crowded-houses-the-success-of-nzs-housing-policy-reforms-and-implications-for-australia/

How government obscures its spending: https://www.cis.org.au/publication/gorillas-in-the-mist-how-government-obscures-its-spending/

Government spending and inflation: https://www.cis.org.au/publication/government-spending-and-inflation/

The Truth About The Tax Burden: https://www.cis.org.au/publication/the-truth-about-the-tax-burden/

👉 CREDITS

🔹 Hosted by Robert Forsyth

🔹 Guest Eamonn Butler

🔹 Produced by Randall Evans

🔹 Music Licence Code: 4IBEVSEILUCGIHLX

🔹 All thanks to the Centre for Independent Studies.

Subscribe to all our shows: What You Need to Know About delivers concise insights from CIS experts, breaking down complex topics like policy, economics, and societal challenges. Subscribe here: https://whatyouneedtoknowabout.podbean.com/

The CIS Research Collection delivers our research papers in an audio format so you can listen to them on the go. Subscribe here: https://cisresearch.podbean.com/

Liberalism in Question features thought-provoking interviews with world experts in politics and culture from a Classical Liberal perspective. Subscribe here: https://liberalisminquestion.podbean.com/

CIS Events Experience: From the studios of CIS our events team brings you engaging discussions from our live events, featuring lectures, panel discussions, and conversations with leading experts: https://cisevents.podbean.com/

All our links: https://linktr.ee/centreforindependentstudies

Watch Here: https://youtu.be/K_OzhR8wSX0

Author and historian of ideas Johan Norberg dives into Donald Trump's tariffs, the ongoing challenges to liberty, and the future of free market capitalism.

From protectionism and populism to innovation and global trade, Norberg brings clarity, context, and compelling arguments about where we're headed—and why defending economic freedom matters more than ever.

👉 Support Free Markets! 🔹 Become a member: https://www.cis.org.au/membership-2-step-1/ 🔹 Make a donation: https://www.cis.org.au/support/donate/today/ 🔹 Make a donation: Learn more: https://www.cis.org.au/

👉 FURTHER READING:

The only thing America liberated itself from was prosperity: https://www.cis.org.au/commentary/opinion/the-only-thing-america-liberated-itself-from-was-prosperity/ How government obscures its spending: https://www.cis.org.au/publication/gorillas-in-the-mist-how-government-obscures-its-spending/ Less Crowded Houses. NZ’s housing policy success and implications for Australia: https://www.cis.org.au/publication/less-crowded-houses-the-success-of-nzs-housing-policy-reforms-and-implications-for-australia/ Land Use Restrictions and the Australian Housing Policy Debate: https://www.cis.org.au/publication/land-use-restrictions-and-the-australian-housing-policy-debate/ Housing Affordability and Supply Restrictions: https://www.cis.org.au/publication/housing-affordability-and-supply-restrictions/ Housing is becoming a pipe dream for young Australians: https://www.cis.org.au/publication/housing-is-becoming-a-pipe-dream-for-young-australians/

👉 CREDITS 🔹 Hosted by Robert Forsyth 🔹 Special Guest Johan Norberg 🔹 Produced by Randall Evans 🔹 Music Licence Code: 6ZARZGZWZOTBB12H 🔹 All thanks to the Centre for Independent Studies.

Watch here: https://youtu.be/0jUZKIoyDPY In this episode of Liberalism in Question, Rob sits down with historian and journalist Simon Heffer to explore the rich and complex history of liberalism. From the intellectual breakthroughs of the Scottish Enlightenment to the enduring influence of Adam Smith, we trace the evolution of liberal thought and its impact on modern society.

How did thinkers like David Hume, Adam Smith, and John Stuart Mill shape the principles of individual liberty, free markets, and limited government? What challenges has liberalism faced over the centuries, and how has it adapted? Join us for a deep dive into the historical roots of classical liberalism. 👉 Help Australia remember its history:

🔹 Become a member: https://www.cis.org.au/membership-2-step-1/

🔹 Make a donation: https://www.cis.org.au/support/donate/today/

🔹 Make a donation: Learn more: https://www.cis.org.au/ 👉

FURTHER READING: Fractured Loyalties. Australian citizenship and the crisis of civic virtue: https://www.cis.org.au/publication/fractured-loyalties-australian-citizenship-and-the-crisis-of-civic-virtue/

Interest, Usury and the Common Good: https://www.cis.org.au/publication/interest-usury-and-the-common-good/

The Argument For Debate: https://www.cis.org.au/publication/fortifying-a-healthy-democracy-why-young-australians-must-learn-the-art-of-debate/

The Future of Australian Multiculturalism: https://www.cis.org.au/publication/the-future-of-australian-multiculturalism/

👉 CREDITS

🔹 Hosted by Robert Forsyth

🔹 Guest Simon Heffer

🔹 Produced by Randall Evans

🔹 Music Licence Code: 4IBEVSEILUCGIHLX

🔹 All thanks to the Centre for Independent Studies.

Subscribe to all our shows: What You Need to Know About delivers concise insights from CIS experts, breaking down complex topics like policy, economics, and societal challenges. Subscribe here: https://whatyouneedtoknowabout.podbean.com/

The CIS Research Collection delivers our research papers in an audio format so you can listen to them on the go. Subscribe here: https://cisresearch.podbean.com/

Liberalism in Question features thought-provoking interviews with world experts in politics and culture from a Classical Liberal perspective. Subscribe here: https://liberalisminquestion.podbean.com/

CIS Events Experience: From the studios of CIS our events team brings you engaging discussions from our live events, featuring lectures, panel discussions, and conversations with leading experts: https://cisevents.podbean.com/

All our links: https://linktr.ee/centreforindependentstudies

Watch here: https://youtu.be/TgeMnPeo-Tc In this episode of Liberalism in Question, Rob sits down with historian and journalist Simon Heffer to explore the rich and complex history of liberalism. From the intellectual breakthroughs of the Scottish Enlightenment to the enduring influence of Adam Smith, we trace the evolution of liberal thought and its impact on modern society.

How did thinkers like David Hume, Adam Smith, and John Stuart Mill shape the principles of individual liberty, free markets, and limited government? What challenges has liberalism faced over the centuries, and how has it adapted? Join us for a deep dive into the historical roots of classical liberalism. 👉 Help Australia remember its history:

🔹 Become a member: https://www.cis.org.au/membership-2-step-1/

🔹 Make a donation: https://www.cis.org.au/support/donate/today/

🔹 Make a donation: Learn more: https://www.cis.org.au/ 👉

FURTHER READING: Fractured Loyalties. Australian citizenship and the crisis of civic virtue: https://www.cis.org.au/publication/fractured-loyalties-australian-citizenship-and-the-crisis-of-civic-virtue/

Interest, Usury and the Common Good: https://www.cis.org.au/publication/interest-usury-and-the-common-good/

The Argument For Debate: https://www.cis.org.au/publication/fortifying-a-healthy-democracy-why-young-australians-must-learn-the-art-of-debate/

The Future of Australian Multiculturalism: https://www.cis.org.au/publication/the-future-of-australian-multiculturalism/

👉 CREDITS 🔹 Hosted by Robert Forsyth

🔹 Guest Simon Heffer

🔹 Produced by Randall Evans

🔹 Music Licence Code: 4IBEVSEILUCGIHLX

🔹 All thanks to the Centre for Independent Studies.

Subscribe to all our shows: What You Need to Know About delivers concise insights from CIS experts, breaking down complex topics like policy, economics, and societal challenges. Subscribe here: https://whatyouneedtoknowabout.podbean.com/

The CIS Research Collection delivers our research papers in an audio format so you can listen to them on the go. Subscribe here: https://cisresearch.podbean.com/

Liberalism in Question features thought-provoking interviews with world experts in politics and culture from a Classical Liberal perspective. Subscribe here: https://liberalisminquestion.podbean.com/

CIS Events Experience: From the studios of CIS our events team brings you engaging discussions from our live events, featuring lectures, panel discussions, and conversations with leading experts: https://cisevents.podbean.com/

All our links: https://linktr.ee/centreforindependentstudies

Watch here: https://youtu.be/2kHEZVcYaQA In this episode of Liberalism in Question, we welcome Andrew Norton, who has worked in higher education policy since 1997. We talk about the cycles of liberalism and also tackle a crucial debate: Are universities champions of liberal ideals, or have they become anti-liberal institutions? #LiberalismInQuestion #AndrewNorton #HigherEducation #UniversityDebate #Liberalism #AcademicFreedom #HigherEdPolicy #FreeSpeech #EducationMatters #UniversitiesAndLiberalism #IntellectualFreedom #CampusPolitics #LiberalIdeals #AntiLiberalism #AcademicDiscourse #EducationReform #PoliticalIdeologies #ThoughtLeadership #PublicPolicy #UniversityCulture #IdeologicalDiversity #HigherEdTrends #CriticalThinking #DebateAndDiscourse #LearningAndLiberty All our links: https://linktr.ee/centreforindependentstudies

Watch Here: https://youtu.be/z8KS8QucurA Emilie Dye sits down with Senator James Paterson, Shadow Minister for Home Affairs and Cybersecurity, to discuss the challenges facing democracies in an increasingly digital world. Should the government attempt to regulate against misinformation? Is TikTok spying on us for China? What about manipulating our election? Is Australia on track to become a vasal state to China? Can we really trust the United States, particularly under a Trump administration? The conversation explores concerns about foreign interference in elections, the influence of social media platforms like TikTok, and how authoritarian regimes may leverage technology to shape public opinion. Senator Paterson highlights why Taiwan’s future is critical to Australia’s security, the importance of transparency in combating misinformation, and the role of international partnerships in maintaining a free and open society. This episode of Liberalism in Question unpacks the issues shaping Australia’s democratic resilience and global stability. #LiberalismInQuestion #Democracy #Cybersecurity #JamesPaterson #Australia #TikTok #ForeignInterference #Taiwan #GlobalPolitics All our links: https://linktr.ee/centreforindependentstudies

Watch Here: https://youtu.be/V1g0cQQFSOc This philosophical exploration delves into the ethical complexities of warfare, euthanasia, and colonialism. It examines the morality of self-defense, the right to end one's life, and the lasting impacts of colonial dominance. The analysis encourages reflection on the balance between justice, autonomy, and power, urging viewers to consider the deeper moral implications of conflict, control, and the value of human life. Nigel Biggar is Regius Professor Emeritus of Moral Theology at the University of Oxford and author of In Defence of War (Oxford University Press, 2013) and Colonialism: A Moral Reckoning (William Collins, 2023, 2024). Read Nigel Biggar's paper here: https://www.cis.org.au/publication/all-things-considered-making-moral-sense-of-the-wars-in-ukraine-and-gaza/ All our links: https://linktr.ee/centreforindependentstudies

Watch Here: https://youtu.be/T6Ga9mjdFhs All our links: https://linktr.ee/centreforindependentstudies

In this compelling interview, Robert Forsyth engages in a deep conversation with Mary Eberstadt, acclaimed author and social commentator, on the profound effects of the sexual revolution and the critical importance of families in sustaining a healthy liberal democracy. Together, they explore how the cultural shifts of the 20th century have transformed societal norms, personal identity, and the political landscape, while discussing why the family remains a cornerstone of freedom and civic life.

What impact has the sexual revolution had on modern society? How do strong family structures contribute to the success of democratic systems? Robert and Mary unpack these questions, offering thought-provoking insights on the intersections of culture, politics, and the future of Western civilization. #sexualrevolution #christianity #liberalism #family