
The debt explosion: How neoliberalism fuels debt crises (with Radhika Desai & Michael Hudson)
Jan 12, 2024
Radhika Desai and Michael Hudson explore the staggering global debt surge linked to neoliberal policies. They discuss the role of speculative bubbles and asset inflation, alongside the devastating impact on households and businesses. The podcast delves into the Federal Reserve's extreme bailouts and the opaque state of its balance sheet. It also highlights how debt perpetuates inequality and the risks of a commercial real estate collapse. The hosts conclude by questioning the future direction of economic policy, hinting at the need for meaningful solutions.
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Debt Became The Engine Of The Economy
- Neoliberalism replaced "money makes the world go round" with "debt makes the world go round."
- Debt has exploded since the 1980s, fueling recurring crises across sectors.
Debt Grows Exponentially, Not Cyclically
- Debt grows exponentially because creditors reinvest interest and create new loans digitally.
- This exponential debt growth outpaces actual economic production and causes insolvency risks.
Deregulation + Cheap Credit Multiplied Debt
- Deregulation and low rates after 2000 accelerated debt accumulation, especially in real estate.
- Repeal of Glass-Steagall and cheap credit turned banks toward speculation over production.

