Peter Timmer

Shane Hamilton, a historian at the University of York and author of "Supermarket USA," joins Peter Timmer, a former Harvard economist and expert in agricultural policy. They discuss the strategic role supermarkets played in Cold War propaganda, shaping American eating habits and showcasing abundance to contrast against the USSR. The conversation dives into agricultural innovations like the 'Chicken of Tomorrow,' the influence of government policies on the food supply chain, and the ideological clash represented by consumerism in the Cold War.

Shane Hamilton, an American historian, and Peter Timmer, a retired Harvard economist, dive into the surprising role of supermarkets in shaping U.S. agricultural policy during the Cold War. They explore how supermarkets became symbols of capitalist abundance, contrasting starkly with Soviet scarcity. The conversation reveals the hidden costs of agricultural policies, from industrial meat production to their effects on family farms. Listeners will contemplate the far-reaching implications of these changes on today’s food landscape and consumer behavior.

Shane Hamilton, a historian at the University of York and author of 'Supermarket USA,' joins retired economist Peter Timmer to unveil the fascinating link between supermarkets and the Cold War. They discuss how U.S. agricultural policies were not just about feeding America but also a strategic move against the USSR. The conversation explores the evolution of supermarkets, the impact of government policies on food distribution, and the complex dynamics that influenced contemporary health issues and consumer values in food choices.