Deconstructing closed-border nationalism

Wilkinson cheers:

Hey, utilitarians! This presentation by Lant Pritchett explains what you’re morally obligated to fight for: greater labor mobility. The argument is so drop-dead the only question is how long it will take for political philosophers to clog the journals with articles explaining the impermissibility of stringent migration restrictions. Can’t wait!

The utilitarian case for wide-open borders is indeed overwhelming. It always has been, but over the last century the people of more developed nations have cared more for erecting barriers to preserve power over others rather than allow the freedom of mobility that's in the world's best interest.