Articles by Oliver Hartwich

It is timely to reflect on Münster’s town hall, birthplace of the Westphalia peace treaty, contrasting its legacy with contemporary views on sovereignty – not least the erosion of established territorial norms, particularly through the actions of U.S. leaders.

The Mont Pelerin Society, often misunderstood as conspiratorial, actually advocates for classical liberalism, emphasising the need to protect democracy and open society against the rise of populism and authoritarianism.

Voters are losing patience with democratic process, sliding from civilisation’s hard order back into the comfortable order of the tribe. Thinking in principles is hard; belonging feels good.

New Zealand’s fiscal crisis is highlighted by a public spat between Finance Minister Nicola Willis and former Minister Ruth Richardson, revealing deep structural deficits and political constraints in addressing them.

In 2025, New Zealand experienced a shift in attitudes as the government initiated significant reforms in housing, transport, and education, aiming for practical solutions and long-term improvements despite ongoing challenges.

The New Zealand Government’s bill to ban greyhound racing raises concerns about arbitrary power and lacks compensation provisions, undermining the rule of law and civil society rights.

The American conservative viewpoint has drastically shifted from Reagan’s commitment to alliances and internationalism to Trump’s transactional approach, endangering global stability and leaving allies, like New Zealand, vulnerable.

Inland Revenue wrote off $694.5 million in tax debt due to companies engaging in phoenix activity, prompting proposals for stricter insolvency regulations in New Zealand.