Right now, the economy is running hot. Inflation is high, and central banks are pushing up interest rates to fight it. But before the pandemic, economies around the world were stuck in a different rut: low inflation, low interest rates, low growth. In 2013, Larry Summers unearthed an old term from the Great Depression to explain why the economy was in this rut: secular stagnation. The theory resonated with Olivier Blanchard, another leading scholar, because he had made similar observations himself. Larry and Olivier would go on to build a case for why secular stagnation was a defining theory of the economy and why government policies needed to respond to it. They helped reshape many people's understanding of the economy, and suggested that this period of slow growth and low interest rates was here to stay for a long time.But today, Larry and Olivier are no longer the duo they used to be. As inflation has spiked worldwide, interest rates have followed suit. Earlier this year, Larry announced that he was no longer on the secular stagnation train. Olivier, meanwhile, believes we're just going through a minor blip and will return to a period of low interest rates within the near future. He doesn't see the deep forces that led to a long-run decline in interest rates as just vanishing. Who's right? The future of the global economy could depend on the answer.Help support Planet Money by subscribing to Planet Money+ in Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org/planetmoney.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Larry Summers, former US Treasury Secretary and President Emeritus of Harvard, shares his insights on the economic risks posed by Trump’s policies. He discusses the potential inflationary effects of tax cuts and trade tariffs. Summers highlights public discontent with the Biden administration despite low unemployment. He draws parallels to Nixon's era, emphasizing threats to the Federal Reserve's credibility and the rule of law. The conversation navigates the disconnect between economic data and voter sentiments, warning of electoral repercussions for progressive leaders.

Larry Summers is the Former Treasury Secretary and one of America's leading economists. In addition to serving as 71st Secretary of  the Treasury in the Clinton Administration, Dr. Summers served as Director of the White House National Economic Council in the Obama Administration, as President of Harvard University, and as the Chief Economist of the World Bank. Huge thanks to Sarah Cannon for the intro to Larry today. In Today's Episode with Larry Summers We Discuss: 1. The Journey to Being One of the World's Leading Economists: How Larry's mother and father both being economists shaped his early thinking as an economist? How did Larry's parenting teach his children economics at an early age? What does Larry know now that he wishes he had known when he entered the workforce? 2. How to Get the US Out of Debt: What would Larry do to save the US economy today? What can be done to increase revenues for the US economy? Why does Larry believe carried interest should be taxed as income tax? Why does Larry believe we need more billionaires? How would he tax them more efficiently? Why does Larry believe cutting taxes is indefensible? What can be done to reduce inflation without massively hurting the poorest in society? 3. The World Around Us: What does Larry mean when he says, "Europe is a museum, China is a jail and Bitcoin is an experiement"? Why does Larry believe the next 5 years will be difficult for China? Why does Larry believe the next 5 years will be challenging for Europe? Which nation is Larry most confident about when projecting forward for the next 5-10 years? 4. Politics and a Trump Administration: How does Larry reflect on the role of Biden on the US economy and state of inflation? Would a Trump administration be better or worse for the US economy? What are the chances of Trump beating Biden in the next election? What would Larry most like to change about the US political system?

Larry Summers, a seasoned economist and former U.S. Treasury Secretary, dives into the transformative power of AI in a stimulating conversation. He highlights AI as possibly the most significant technology ever invented, reshaping economics and society. Summers provides insights on his role at OpenAI during a critical leadership transition and discusses the governance challenges posed by AI's rapid evolution. The discussion also navigates the interplay of economic principles and AI development, emphasizing the necessity of human values in shaping future technologies.

Larry Summers, a former US Treasury Secretary and current Harvard professor, shares his expertise on the impact of artificial intelligence on economic growth. He draws compelling parallels between AI and past industrial revolutions, emphasizing its potential for both automation and enhancing research. Summers discusses the intricacies of US economic dynamics, stressing the importance of technological governance. He also contrasts the perspectives of technologists and economists, highlighting the need for collaboration in shaping future AI policies.

Larry Summers, a renowned economist and former Treasury Secretary, shares his insights on the recent market turmoil that echoes 2008's crisis. He discusses the complex factors behind the global sell-off, emphasizing the urgent economic issues affecting Americans. Summers analyzes the implications for technology and AI sectors, the Federal Reserve's role, and the broader political narrative surrounding trade and populism. He encourages a balanced understanding of economic policies and warns against panic, advocating for measured responses to this turbulent period.

Larry Summers and Yascha Mounk discuss the challenges facing universities, the impact of artificial intelligence on society, economic outlook and risks, the cost of living, inflation perception, and Joe Biden's reelection strategy.

Former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers discusses the complexities of corporate income tax, arguing for its retention as an effective tool to ensure the wealthy pay their fair share. He suggests improvements but advises against abolishing it without a superior alternative. The podcast delves into the burden shift of corporate taxes onto shareholders and examines practical challenges in taxing corporations, including collection from foreign entities. The speakers debate the pros and cons of corporate taxation policies, considering issues like tax avoidance and moral considerations.

Protect jobs or how much you can buy for a dollar? It's up to the Federal Reserve, the nation's central bank, to strike a balance. Larry Summers, who worked in the Clinton and Obama administrations, says a recession is likely as the Fed tries to figure it out. Jared Bernstein, a top White House economist, touts the steps the White House has taken to boost the economy — but acknowledged that the administration has limited influence, even if it will bear the political responsibility.This episode: White House correspondent Asma Khalid and chief economics correspondent Scott Horsley.Learn more about upcoming live shows of The NPR Politics Podcast at nprpresents.org.Support the show and unlock sponsor-free listening with a subscription to The NPR Politics Podcast Plus. Learn more at plus.npr.org/politics Connect:Email the show at nprpolitics@npr.orgJoin the NPR Politics Podcast Facebook Group.Subscribe to the NPR Politics Newsletter.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Could the United States enter a recession this year? Renowned economist Larry Summers thinks such a scenario is more likely than not. He also thinks the United States’ increasingly hawkish China policy is dangerous for the world. Summers discusses all that and more with host Ravi Agrawal. FP subscribers can watch these interviews live and submit questions and suggestions by going to https://foreignpolicy.com/live/.Suggested reading:Jessica Chen Weiss: Is America’s China Policy Too Hawkish?Adam Tooze: Why a Soft Landing Is Possible Even if It Defies Economic TheoryAgathe Demarais: Don’t Trust Russia’s NumbersAdam Posen: America’s Zero-Sum Economics Doesn’t Add UpEswar Prasad: The World Will Regret Its Retreat From Globalization Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices