Capitalisn't

Federico Sturzenegger, an economist and former Argentine Minister of Deregulation and State Transformation, shares his insights on radical deregulation in Argentina. He discusses the ambitious plans of President Javier Milei to drastically reduce government size and oversight. Sturzenegger examines the potential lessons for the new U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), questioning whether slashing regulations truly spurs broad economic growth or merely benefits a select few. The conversation delves into the balance between necessary regulations and economic revitalization, providing a compelling perspective.

Sir Niall Ferguson, an acclaimed author and historian at Stanford and Harvard, delves into the startling shift from fears of overpopulation to underpopulation. He emphasizes the troubling decline in fertility rates, highlighting consequences for economies and societies. The discussion touches on how factors like climate change, immigration, and the balance between career and motherhood influence family planning. Ferguson urges a rethink of economic theories as demographic changes reshape geopolitics and future labor markets, raising the question: can we reverse these trends before it's too late?

Kathryn Judge, a leading authority on banking and finance from Columbia University, joins the discussion about Visa's monopolistic grip on debit transactions. She sheds light on the Justice Department's antitrust lawsuit against Visa, alleging it suppresses competition and exploits fees. The conversation reveals how Visa's dominance stifles innovative payment solutions like Apple Pay. Judge emphasizes the intricate relationships in the middleman economy, underlining the need for a fairer and more transparent payment system for consumers.

Brody Mullins, a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter and co-author of "The Wolves of K Street," explores the intricate world of lobbying as it intertwines with American politics. He discusses how lobbyists, rather than political parties, often determine election outcomes, shedding light on corporate influence across administrations. Mullins delves into the evolution of lobbying since the 1970s, revealing its impact on society, and highlights the growing skepticism toward big business. The conversation raises crucial questions about the future of capitalism in an evolving political landscape.

Listeners get an inside look as the hosts tackle audience questions. They explore the definition of capitalism and its current challenges, including crony capitalism and wage disparities. Universal Basic Income sparks debate on whether it disincentivizes work, while the rise of AI prompts a reevaluation of economic principles. The conversation takes a fun turn as they imagine what they would do with presidential power for a day. Plus, there’s a curious inquiry: does Luigi really believe in taking time off?

The economic proposals from Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are put under the spotlight. Both candidates are criticized for their vague strategies, relying on 'vibes' rather than specifics. The conversation dives into the implications of tariffs, housing costs, and healthcare expenses. There's a compelling discussion on energy transitions, focusing on renewable sources versus natural gas. They also highlight the lack of discourse on national debt and the evolution of crypto regulations, revealing gaps in candidates' economic frameworks.

Marietje Schaake, an international technology policy expert and former European parliamentarian, discusses the growing concern over Big Tech's influence on democracy. She warns of a 'Tech Coup' that threatens privacy and individual rights through surveillance and unchecked innovation. The conversation delves into the need for balanced regulation, contrasting Europe and the U.S.'s approaches. Schaake also emphasizes the importance of grassroots movements in safeguarding democratic values against the encroachment of powerful tech companies.

America’s universities have powered its economy by developing an educated workforce and producing transformative technology, including the internet and vaccines. They were seen as vehicles for social mobility; when veterans returned home from World War II, the newly enacted G.I. Bill compensated millions with paid college and vocational school tuition. However, universities today are bloated and expensive, losing the public's trust, and have become a battleground for controversial culture wars. Project 2025, the Heritage Foundation’s blueprint for a second Trump administration, plans significant cuts to university subsidies. A big battle is looming over the future of American universities.To shed some light on what this future might look like, Bethany and Luigi are joined by Hanna Gray, Distinguished Service Professor Emerita of History and President of the University of Chicago from 1978 to 1993 — a period marked by immensely challenging debates on free speech, financial constraints, and leadership decisions. Gray has written that the creation of the modern university “rested on a faith, pervasive in the post-war world, and the potential for education to create a better world, to produce both social mobility and a meritocratic society that would realize the true promise of democracy.” With her trademark humor, sharp wit, and unwavering resolve, she offers insights from her trailblazing experience into whether this promise is more unkept than kept and if faith will be enough for the modern university system to survive.Episode Notes: Read the Kalven Report on the University's Role in Political and Social Action here.

Raj Chetty, a Harvard economist known for his pioneering work on social mobility, joins the discussion to reveal surprising insights from his latest research. He highlights how Black millennials are now outpacing previous generations in economic mobility, while low-income white individuals are lagging. Chetty delves into the importance of race and class, the costs of pursuing mobility, and how factors such as parenting and community dynamics play crucial roles. He also touches on policies needed to tackle systemic inequalities in the lead-up to the 2024 elections.

Dina Srinivasan, an expert in competition policy and a Yale University fellow, dives deep into Google's advertising monopoly. She discusses recent federal rulings against Google's monopolization tactics and their implications for consumers and the entire tech industry. Srinivasan unpacks the complexities of antitrust law, comparing Google's strategies to historical monopolies. The conversation also touches on the socio-economic effects of digital giants and the importance of maintaining true competition in the marketplace while navigating the challenges of consumer harm and media integrity.