Working Papers
A Network Approach to Geopolitics
Economics Working Paper 26127
October 16, 2026
Published: October 23, 2019
The Universal Basic Income (UBI) is a proposed government program that would provide an annual cash benefit to all Americans above a certain age. However, any method of implementing a UBI would be prohibitively costly, especially if it were added on top of the existing social safety net. And replacing all other government programs with a UBI would cut benefits for many poor and elderly Americans. Ultimately, the UBI would fail to accomplish its intended outcomes.
Discussion Questions
- Can Universal Basic Income reduce inequality?
- Can basic income hurt the economy and lead to lower productivity?
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