The Lawfare Podcast Lawfare Daily: Chris Hughes on His New Book, ‘Marketcrafters’
22 snips
Apr 22, 2025 
Chris Hughes, author of 'Marketcrafters' and co-founder of the Economic Securities Project, discusses the vital concept of market crafting. He shares historical case studies illustrating how proactive government policies can benefit society and stabilize economies. The conversation highlights the transition of leaders from libertarian beliefs to supporting necessary government interventions. Hughes advocates for collaboration between markets and government as a path to economic stability and public good, especially in times of political upheaval.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Definition of Market Craft
- Market crafting is about using private market forces directed by the state to achieve public goods like national security or financial stability.
- It contrasts with chaotic economic policies by aiming to engineer markets towards stability and prosperity.
Jesse Jones and RFC Example
- Jesse Jones led the Reconstruction Finance Corporation during the Great Depression to stabilize and direct markets.
- This institution evolved its focus from financial stability to supporting housing and wartime production.
Strategic Reserves Stabilize Markets
- The Federal Energy Office used price buffering with a Strategic Petroleum Reserve to stabilize energy prices in the 1970s.
- Similar stockpiling methods can be applied to commodities like groceries to reduce price volatility and cost of living crises.
