Masters of Scale Is it ‘economic Halloween’ in the US? with political economist Mark Blyth
19 snips
Aug 12, 2025 
Mark Blyth, a political economist and Brown University professor, dives into the shifting U.S. economic landscape. He critiques outdated economic models, revealing how they mask the complexities of globalization, especially regarding China. Blyth questions why predicting recessions remains so difficult and discusses the Democratic Party's struggle to effectively communicate their economic narrative. Additionally, he sheds light on the recent university settlement with the Trump Administration, emphasizing the need for higher education to adapt away from federal funding reliance.
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A New Economic Regime Is Emerging
- Mark Blyth says the 1977 crisis led to a sweeping 1980s neoliberal turn.
- We are now completing that experiment and moving into a different economic regime.
Globalization’s Winners And Hollowed Communities
- Mark Blyth says globalization enriched corporate elites while hollowing out large parts of American society.
- This economic dislocation fuels MAGA's political appeal.
Tariffs As Re-Industrialization Tool
- Mark Blyth frames tariffs as a tool for selective re-industrialization and foreign policy leverage.
- Trump uses extreme moves to shift the Overton window and then dials back to claim wins.
