US Economic Future - Structural Recession Fundraiser - Econ Lessons [View all]

Hi, my name is Mark, and I am an economist. My claim is that the future of the US economy could be a long-term structural recession or unemployment. In this video, I explore the future of the U.S. economy through the lens of structural unemployment, arguing that a long-term jobs crisis is emerging from poor policy decisions. Drawing on Milton Friedman's advocacy for freedom and free markets, I highlight his lesser-known support for a negative income tax to reduce inequality and poverty, principles increasingly relevant today.

Not exactly in the same way but similar, I examine how Scandinavian countries have combined economic freedom with substantial investments in human capital, particularly education and workforce development. This human-centered model has fostered resilience and high labor participation. Meanwhile, the United States appears to be shifting away from free trade while simultaneously dismantling its educational infrastructure without substantially supporting students or displaced workers.

This combination—protectionism without investment in people—risks deepening structural unemployment and setting the stage for a prolonged recession or even depression. I argue that the U.S. economy is at a crossroads: either it embraces inclusive growth through human capital development or faces systemic decline.

If we want to improve the world, we need to invest in human capital and all free markets.