Will Wilkinson is a research fellow working on a wide range of issues from the moral dimensions of Social Security reform to the policy implications of the psychology of happiness. Prior to joining Cato, Wilkinson was the academic coordinator of the Social Change Project and the Global Prosperity Initiative for the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, where his work concentrated on the mechanisms of social change and the role of institutions in economic development. He has also served as a program director for the Institute for Humane Studies. Wilkinson's writing has appeared in The Economist, Reason, Policy, Prospect, Slate, the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Australian Financial Review and other publications.
Media Contact: 202-789-5200
To Book a Speaking Engagement: 202-789-5226
E-Mail: wwilkinson@cato.org
"In Pursuit of Happiness Research: Is It Reliable? What Does It Imply for Policy?," Policy Analysis no. 590, April 11, 2007.
"Noble Lies, Liberal Purposes, and Personal Retirement Accounts," Social Security Choice Paper no. 34, June 28, 2005.
"Out of Position: Against the politics of relative standing," Policy, Spring 2006.
"Capitalism and Human Nature," Cato Policy Report, Volume XXVII, no. 1, January/February 2005.
"The Dauphin of Detroit," The Week, June 10, 2009
"The Rise of Collectivist Conservatives," The Week, May 20, 2009
"Politics Plays Role in Bailout Mania," Marketplace, May 6, 2009
"The Immigration Fallacy," The Week, April 27, 2009
"Obama Budget Adds Up to a Big Problem," Marketplace, April 22, 2009
"New at Cato Unbound: Brian Doherty Defends 'Folk Activism'," April 8, 2009
"No Dice, Pickens!," September 8, 2008
"Losing Faith in What?," July 23, 2008
"New at Cato Unbound: Can the Schools Be Fixed?," April 9, 2008
"New at Cato Unbound: James Flynn on IQ," November 5, 2007
"Red State, Blue State, Rich State, Poor State: Why Americans Vote the Way They Do," September 11, 2008 [Book Forum]
"The Psychology of Evil: The Lucifer Effect in Action," June 12, 2008 [Book Forum]
"Nudge: Improving Decisions about Health, Wealth, and Happiness," May 1, 2008 [Book Forum]
"Is the Welfare State Justified?," October 29, 2007 [Policy Forum]
"The Myth of the Rational Voter," July 17, 2007 [Book Forum]
Will Wilkinson debates the economy on APM's Marketplace Morning Report June 19, 2009 [Flash Audio, 02:38]
Will Wilkinson discusses the Dauphin of Detroit on KTTH's The Ray David Boze Show June 11, 2009 [Flash Audio, 12:18]
Will Wilkinson discusses the recession on Bloggingheads.tv June 10, 2009 [Flash Video, 51:14]
Will Wilkinson discusses decriminalization of marijuana on NPR affiliate KUOW April 7, 2009 [Flash Audio, 17:49]
Will Wilkinson debates the premise “the business of business is business” at The Economist forum in NYC November 3, 2008 [Flash Video, 01:34:02]