The Latest Breaking News from Johan Norberg

Why Populism Leads to Decline

Johan Norberg discusses what makes societies prosperous, why protectionism and nostalgia keep returning, and how populism feeds cultural decline.

Reason · May 20

Viktor Orban's Hungary Exemplifies the Perils of Nationalism

As a new analysis by Johan Norberg shows, the regime many MAGA Republicans see as a model to emulate has repressed civil liberties, undermined the free market, destroyed the rule of law, and made Hungary the poorest nation in the European Union.

Reason · Apr 7

The Real Reason Golden Ages Collapse—and How the U.S. Can Avoid It

Past societies tried to regulate their way to stability. But it came at a great cost.

Reason · Dec 31, 2025

Johan Norberg: How Sweden Defied Dire COVID Predictions

The attacks on Sweden's laissez faire approach were shortsighted, says the Cato Institute senior fellow.

Reason · Sep 22, 2023

The Truth About Sweden's COVID Policy

Join Reason on YouTube on Thursday at 1 p.m. Eastern for a discussion with Johan Norberg about his recent policy analysis of Sweden's decision to forgo lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Reason · Sep 20, 2023

Study: Sweden's 'Laissez Faire' Pandemic Policies Paid Off

The Scandinavian country suffered fewer excess deaths and far less economic and social damage than other rich countries that had more restrictive pandemic policies.

Reason · Aug 29, 2023

Using Today's Economic Woes To Teach Teens Finance

At least we can treat the results of bad policy as case studies for what might otherwise have been dry lessons in economics and finance classes.

Reason · Oct 18, 2022

Elected Leaders Daydream About Being Dictators. They Shouldn't.

"If government is big enough to give you anything, it's big enough to take everything away from you."

Reason · Jul 13, 2022