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[Policy Scholars](/experts) 

# Ryan Bourne 

R. Evan Scharf Chair for the Public Understanding of Economics

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Ryan Bourne occupies the R. Evan Scharf Chair for the Public Understanding of Economics at Cato and is the author of the recent books *Economics In One Virus*, and *The War on Prices.* He has written on numerous economic issues, including fiscal policy, inequality, minimum wages, infrastructure spending, the cost of living and rent control.

Before joining Cato, Bourne was head of public policy at the Institute of Economic Affairs in the United Kingdom. Bourne has extensive broadcast and print media experience and has appeared on BBC News, CNN, Sky News, CNBC, and Fox Business Network. He writes weekly columns for the The Times. Bourne holds a BA and an MPhil in economics from the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom.

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![Cato Handbook on Affordability - cover](/sites/cato.org/files/styles/promo_block_book_cover_1x/public/2026-04/Handbook-on-Affordability-cover.png?itok=WorrbOH_) 

### [The Cato Institute Handbook on Affordability](https://www.cato.org/handbook-affordability)

The Cato Institute Handbook on Affordability explains what caused today’s cost-of-living squeeze and how long-standing government policies in housing, energy, health care, transportation, childcare, food, and college costs make things worse.

[Read Handbook](https://www.cato.org/handbook-affordability)