The DSR Network FTA: The Road to Freedom: A Conversation with Joseph E. Stiglitz
May 24, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Joseph E. Stiglitz, a Nobel Prize-winning economist and Columbia University professor, shares insights from his new book, 'The Road to Freedom.' He explores the urgent need for progressive economics to counter the adverse effects of neoliberalism on society. Topics include the Biden administration's shift to a green economy, the Federal Reserve's handling of inflation, and the widening wealth disparities threatening democracy. Stiglitz also contrasts economic freedoms in Sweden and the U.S., highlighting the role of government in fostering equity.
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Freedom's Complex Dynamics
- Freedom for some can restrict freedom for others, as illustrated by gun rights and public health measures.
- Collective action and regulation can expand overall freedom, like how stoplights enhance traffic flow for all.
Wealth Shapes Democracy and Economy
- Political and economic rules increasingly favor the wealthy, reinforcing inequality and undermining democracy.
- Policies like Citizens United and weakened antitrust laws concentrate power and diminish social equity.
Beyond GDP: Measuring Well-Being
- GDP growth is a misleading metric for societal well-being.
- Measures like life expectancy, happiness, and security reveal that the U.S. is underperforming compared to other advanced nations.
