"Econ 102" with Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg

The Economist's Mike Bird Debates Noah on Industrial Policy

Aug 15, 2023
Mike Bird, Asia business and finance editor at The Economist, debates industrial policy with Noah, advocating for market-driven resource allocation over government intervention. They explore the impact of recent U.S. legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act on manufacturing jobs and the challenges posed by automation. The discussion also highlights the geopolitical implications of industrial policy, particularly concerning China's influence and the importance of resilience in supply chains, especially in sectors like semiconductors.
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INSIGHT

Industrial Policy Debate

  • Noah Smith promotes industrial policy, aligning with Brad DeLong's views on steering economies.
  • He questions if the US should adopt a developing country model like South Korea.
INSIGHT

Military Implications of Industrial Policy

  • Noah Smith highlights the military implications of industrial policy, particularly in the chip industry.
  • He emphasizes the importance of advanced chips for precision weaponry and AI-driven warfare.
INSIGHT

National Security and Industrial Policy

  • Noah Smith argues for domestic production incentives for essential goods like batteries and solar panels.
  • He emphasizes national security, citing the COVID-19 pandemic as an example of supply chain vulnerability.
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