Eric Posner

In this engaging discussion, Eric Posner, a law professor at the University of Chicago, and Koleman Strumpf, an economist at Wake Forest University, dive into the accuracy of betting markets versus traditional polls for predicting elections. They explore the potential chaos of a second Trump term and the historical skepticism surrounding democracy, linking it to contemporary political dynamics. The conversation also touches on the evolution of electoral betting markets and the implications of crypto-based platforms on election integrity and forecasting.

In this discussion, Eric Posner, a legal scholar from the University of Chicago, dives into the expanding presidential power in the U.S. He analyzes the evolution of authority since the War Powers Act and contrasts the intentions of the Founding Fathers with today's landscape. Posner highlights the implications of executive orders and unilateral actions, particularly during Obama's tenure. He also addresses the potential drift towards autocracy and the intricate dynamics between the presidency and Congress amidst changing political climates.

Academics and policymakers alike draw a significant correlation between some of today's biggest problems - such as economic inequality - with rising corporate concentration and the ever-decreasing lack of antitrust enforcement. How did this narrative come to be? Is it necessarily correct, and how has it persisted over time? A new paper provides just this data, and it's co-authored by our very own co-host Luigi Zingales, along with Filippo Lancieri, JSD alum, and Eric Posner, Professor, both from the University of Chicago Law School. Using data around public demand, Supreme Court nominations, State of the Union speeches, and more, Luigi and his co-authors reveal that the key driver behind declining enforcement wasn't the Chicago School of Economics, but rather, special interests. In this episode, Luigi and Bethany chart this story right from the beginning, its lessons for today, ways to change the current state of affairs, and most importantly, why antitrust matters. Link to paper: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4011335 Show note: For aspiring pre-doctoral students who wish to work with Luigi for two years on this research and more, he is hiring a Research Professional! Check out the job description and apply/share: https://www.chicagobooth.edu/research/stigler/about/job-opportunities.

Eric A. Posner, a law professor at the University of Chicago and author of 'The Demagogue's Playbook', dives into the rise of populism and demagoguery in American politics. He contrasts the emotional tactics of leaders like Trump and Andrew Jackson with Lincoln's reasoned approach. The discussion reveals the historical tension between elites and populist movements, and Posner explores contemporary challenges in antitrust laws and labor markets. He also highlights the potential for political recovery after controversial leadership, drawing on lessons from history.

Eric Posner, author of 'The Demagogue's Playbook', discusses the historical context of demagogues in democracies, the founders' concerns about demagogues in American government, and how Trump's demagoguery influenced his election win. The conversation explores the dynamics of demagogues in American politics, the balance between a powerful presidency and checks and balances, and the challenges demagogues pose to democracy and institutional norms.