Scott Lincicome: The Race for Vaccines and Lessons on Trade and Globalization

On commercial and scientific collaboration across borders, free trade, and the benefits of a global economy. For more conversations, visit

(00:15​ - 44:58​): The Global Race for Vaccines

(28:48​ - 1:17:48​): Politics and the Global Economy

What has the Covid-19 pandemic and the race for vaccines taught us about government and private sector capacities? How should we think about questions related to free trade, globalization, and international scientific collaboration? According to Scott Lincicome, a senior fellow at the Cato Institute, the pandemic has shown the importance of an America that is open to trade, scientific talent wherever it is found, and, in general, an economy that is open to the world. While not denying an important role for government in the arc of scientific innovation, Lincicome argues that America should focus on its traditional strength in research and development while further developing trading relationships with our partners around the world. At the same time, he argues, we should resist the growing temptation to “pick winners” in the economy as it leads to cronyism and corruption.