Free to Move: Foot Voting, Migration, and Political Freedom
(Oxford University Press, 2020)
Featuring the author Ilya Somin (@IlyaSomin), Professor of Law, George Mason University; Adjunct Scholar, Cato Institute; Blogger, Volokh Conspiracy; with comments by Peter Margulies (@MarguliesPeter), Professor of Law, Roger Williams University School of Law; Blogger, Lawfare; Bryan Caplan (@Bryan_Caplan), Professor of Economics, George Mason University; Blogger, EconLog; moderated by David J. Bier (@David_J_Bier), Immigration Policy Analyst, Cato Institute.
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In his new book Free to Move: Foot Voting, Migration, and Political Freedom, Ilya Somin explains how broadening opportunities for foot voting can greatly enhance political liberty for millions around the world, often more effectively than voting at the ballot box. People can “vote with their feet” by participating in international migration, choosing where to live within a federal system, and making decisions in the private sector. These three types of foot voting are rarely considered together, but Somin explains how they have important common virtues. He also pushes back against the most common objections to expanded migration rights, including the claim that the self‐determination of natives gives them the power to exclude migrants. By making a systematic case for a more open world, Free to Move challenges conventional wisdom on both the left and right. Professors Peter Margulies and Bryan Caplan will provide additional insights, comments, and criticisms. Please join us for a timely and lively discussion.
Additional Resources
- Free to Move: Foot Voting, Migration, and Political Freedom, by Ilya Somin, Oxford University Press, May 13, 2020.
- “The Libertarian Case for Immigration (and Against Trump),” by Peter Margulies.
Free to Move: Foot Voting, Migration, and Political Freedom
Ballot box voting is often considered the essence of political freedom. But it has two major shortcomings: individual voters have little chance of making a difference, and they also face strong incentives to remain ignorant about the issues at stake. “Voting with your feet,” however, avoids both of these pitfalls and offers a wider range of choices. In Free to Move, Ilya Somin explains how broadening opportunities for foot voting can greatly enhance political liberty for millions of people around the world.
