Advancing SDG8 , SDG10 , and SDG16 : The Roles of Tax Burden, Income Inequality, and Human Rights in Driving Sustainable Development in the United States

ABSTRACT Sustainable development depends on economic, social, and environmental aspects, all of which play a key role in long‐term societal well‐being. While much of the existing literature emphasizes environmental aspects, the economic and social components, crucial for achieving SDG8, SDG10, and SDG16, are often overlooked in sustainable development research. Ensuring economic freedom, measured through tax burden and human rights, is essential for achieving sustainable development in the United States. Addressing this gap, this study investigates the effects of economic growth, human rights, tax burden, and income inequality on sustainable development in the United States for the period 1995–2022. The findings reveal that tax burden, income inequality, and economic growth have a negative impact on sustainable development, while human rights have a positive effect. Based on these findings, policies should aim to reduce income inequality and ensure a fair distribution of resources, while promoting human rights protections. In addition, tax policies should be designed to support sustainable development without imposing excessive burdens that could slow economic progress.