Planet Money book club

In this book, Leakey and Lewin discuss how human activities are leading to a catastrophic reduction in the number of plant and animal species on Earth. They argue that humans have become the primary cause of this sixth extinction, similar to the five major extinctions documented in the fossil record. The authors emphasize the need for humans to recognize their impact on the global ecosystem and to take conscious actions to mitigate this destruction.

In 'The End of Globalization: Lessons from the Great Depression', Harold James examines the collapse of globalism during the Great Depression, focusing on capital flows, trade, and international migration. He argues that this collapse was not solely due to World War I but resulted from resentments against global mobility and policies meant to mitigate its threats. James draws parallels with modern-day globalization, highlighting the vulnerability of highly integrated systems and the potential for another economic downturn, though he does not predict another Great Depression.

Sarah L. Quinn's *American Bonds* provides a comprehensive historical account of how credit markets have been instrumental in shaping the United States. The book examines the evolution of securitization and federal credit programs from the early post-Revolutionary years to the 1960s, highlighting credit's role as a tool of statecraft in managing social divides and promoting economic opportunities. Quinn's work demonstrates how credit has been central to policymakers' strategies for growth and distribution, influencing America's social and economic landscape.