Deirdre McCloskey
Deirdre McCloskey is an American economist, historian, and author known for her work on economic history, liberal thought, and the role of rhetoric in economics. A prolific writer and public intellectual, McCloskey has authored more than a dozen books, including The Bourgeois Virtues and Why Liberalism Works. A fierce advocate of classical liberalism, she champions free markets, individual dignity, and open societies while critiquing both leftist and right-wing authoritarianism. Her scholarly work is notable for blending economics with philosophy, ethics, and culture. McCloskey is also a transgender woman and a vocal advocate for academic freedom and civil discourse.
In Why Liberalism Works, economist and historian Deirdre McCloskey mounts a spirited defense of classical liberalism—the belief in individual liberty, free markets, and democratic governance. She argues that liberal ideas have lifted billions from poverty, expanded human rights, and created unprecedented prosperity. McCloskey critiques both right-wing nationalism and left-wing authoritarianism, warning against threats to liberal values. Blending historical analysis with economic insight, the book challenges modern skepticism toward capitalism and open societies. It is a timely reaffirmation of liberalism's moral and practical foundations, encouraging a renewed commitment to tolerance, innovation, and dignity for all individuals.