Navigating Hyperinflation and Dollarization in Argentina

This chapter explores Argentina's tumultuous history with hyperinflation and the transformative role of dollarization in restoring economic confidence. It examines the interplay between fiscal policy, government spending, and public perception, particularly on the impact of welfare distribution on voting behavior. The discussion highlights how past experiences shape current political dynamics and the challenges of aligning a welfare state with economic realities.

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For this episode, Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg are joined by Sebastian Bensusan, an Argentinian engineer, to discuss Argentina's unique inflation problem, its agricultural and mining sectors, dollarization, voting patterns, and more. Match a donation up to $100 for your favorite charity with GiveWell by going to https://givewell.org and pick “Podcast” and enter Econ 102 at checkout.

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Watch and Subscribe on Substack: https://requestforstartups.substack.com/p/receipt-based-dating-reference-checks
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We're hiring across the board at Turpentine and for Erik's personal team on other projects he's incubating. He's hiring a Chief of Staff, EA, Head of Special Projects, Investment Associate, and more. For a list of JDs, check out: eriktorenberg.com.

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Econ 102 is a part of the Turpentine podcast network. To learn more: www.turpentine.co

LINKS:

- Sebastian Bensusan's blog: https://blog.sbensu.com/

- Noahpinion on Substack: https://www.noahpinion.blog/

- Noah Smith, "Argentina's macroeconomic situation is even worse up close" on Substack: https://www.noahpinion.blog/p/argentinas-macroeconomic-situation

X / TWITTER:

@noahpinion (Noah)

@sebasbensu (Sebastian)

@eriktorenberg (Erik)

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(00:55) Episode Preview

(03:25) Argentina's Economy & Industries