In this engaging discussion, Andrew Leigh, Australia’s Assistant Minister for Competition and former economics professor, tackles pressing issues surrounding economic inequality. He delves into Australia’s egalitarian roots, tracing cultural influences from the 1800s to present disparities. The conversation touches on how societal norms affect innovation, the impact of automation on jobs, and the complexities of proposing a universal basic income. Leigh emphasizes the need for policy reforms to foster equity, community trust, and educational improvements to bridge gaps in society.

We’re pretty well-calibrated when it comes to dealing with common, everyday-level setbacks. But our brains aren’t naturally equipped for dealing with unlikely but world-catastrophic disasters. Yet such threats are real, both natural and human-induced. We need to collectively get better at anticipating and preparing for them, at the level of political action. Andrew Leigh is an academic and author who now serves in the Parliament of Australia. We discuss how to move the conversation about existential risks from the ivory tower to implementation in real policies.Support Mindscape on Patreon.Andrew Leigh received his Ph.D. in Public Policy from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. He is a member of the Australian House of Representatives representing Fenner. He was previously a professor of economics at Australian National University, and has served as Shadow Assistant Minister for Treasury and Charities. His recent book is What’s the Worst That Could Happen? Existential Risk and Extreme Politics.Web siteResearch web siteWikipediaTwitterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Andrew Leigh, a former professor of economics and current member of Australia's parliament, dives into the interplay of economic principles and societal development. He explains how specialization fuels innovation and prosperity while also revealing the stark realities of income inequality and the gender pay gap. Leigh contrasts different societal approaches, from Scandinavian models to Brazilian challenges, and underscores the need for restructured workforces to create equitable opportunities for all.

Andrew Leigh, author of 'The Shortest History of Economics', discusses a wide range of economic topics in the podcast. From exploring capitalism, luck, and competition to analyzing Max Weber's theory and the global role in the slave trade. The conversation also delves into climate change, witch hunts, and scapegoating in history, as well as economic influences on wars and influential figures. Lastly, they explore optimism, pessimism in preparing for catastrophic risks, and the evolution of economics and money.

Andrew Leigh, Labor's assistant minister for competition, talks about the declining popularity of Anthony Albanese, Labor's struggles with the 'Yes' campaign, and the Defence Minister's golf club controversy. Other topics include the government's 'open skies' agreement for cheaper flights, record-breaking temperatures, and a legal complaint against the president of the Spanish Football Federation.