David R. Henderson

David R. Henderson is a research fellow with the Hoover Institution and a professor of economics at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California. He has been on the faculty of the Naval Postgraduate School since 1984 and a research fellow with Hoover since 1990. His expertise spans economics, health care policy, and public policy, with a focus on making economic issues clear to general audiences.

Dr. Henderson earned his academic credentials from:

• Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the University of Winnipeg (1970)
• Ph.D. in Economics from the University of California, Los Angeles (1976)

Henderson's research centers on public policy with two recurring themes: (1) that the unintended consequences of government regulation and spending are usually worse than the problems they aim to solve, and (2) that freedom and free markets effectively address people's problems. His work emphasizes economic freedom, free trade, and limited government intervention. He has made significant contributions to health care policy, trade economics, and public choice theory, consistently advocating for market-based solutions to societal challenges.

Henderson's recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on economic policy, trade issues, and government intervention. His work analyzes tariffs, trade policy, regulatory impacts, and economic freedom with a clear libertarian perspective. He connects historical economic thought with contemporary policy debates, frequently examining how government actions unintentionally create problems worse than those they aim to solve. His articles maintain an accessible style while addressing complex economic concepts for general audiences.

Henderson's notable awards include:

• Rear Admiral John Jay Schieffelin Award for excellence in teaching (Naval Postgraduate School, 1997)
• Mencken Award for best investigative journalism article for his Fortune article "The Myth of MITI" (1984)

Dr. Henderson advises LifeSharers, a nonprofit network of organ and tissue donors, and contributes to public policy through regular commentary in major publications including the Wall Street Journal and Fortune. He has testified before congressional committees including the House Ways and Means Committee and Senate committees on Armed Services and Labor and Human Resources. Henderson's work bridges academic economics and practical policy application, making him a prominent voice in economic policy debates.

As a Hoover Institution research fellow, Henderson participates in one of America's premier public policy think tanks. He engages with policymakers, academics, and the public through speaking engagements at universities, policy organizations, and frequent media appearances, where he consistently advocates for economic freedom and limited government intervention.