

Economics Explained
Economics Explained
On Economics Explained, we take a look at interesting countries, policies, and decisions from the point of view of an economist. The world is an interesting place and we hope to uncover some of this intrigue in our short, informative podcasts.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 18, 2023 • 18min
The Failing Economy of Niger
Niger's coup and its economic impact, including France's involvement with uranium, China's belt and road initiative, and Russia's Wagner group. The challenges faced by Niger in terms of trade, political instability, and the lack of infrastructure development. The plans for a Niger oil pipeline and the involvement of the Wagner mercenary organization in Niger's economy.

Oct 12, 2023 • 22min
Skills Wars Are the New Trade Wars
LinkedIn Jobs helps you find the qualified candidates you want to talk to, faster. Post your job for free at https://www.linkedin.com/ee. Terms and conditions apply.Trade wars are costing the world trillions of dollars every year, but far less attention is paid to the movement and control of the movement of skills and labour. It is much easier than ever before to take an education and move to a country where workers can benefit personally, but at a certain cost to the country that trained them. Skills wars may be the new trade wars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 11, 2023 • 13min
How Brunei Built the Laziest Economy in the World
Exploring the challenges of Brunei's welfare state and its heavy reliance on oil reserves. Discussion on efforts to diversify the economy and concerns about future growth. Comparing investment strategies in Brunei and Alaska. Exploring working conditions, salaries, and the uncertainty caused by the depletion of oil reserves.

Oct 6, 2023 • 16min
Why Nations Fail
Exploring the paradox of economic growth in developing countries facing collapse. Identifying common factors behind these failures and discussing potential solutions. Contrasting characteristics of advanced and developing economies. The relationship between democracy and economic development. Understanding the reasons for economic failures and shocks.

Oct 4, 2023 • 15min
Do We Need More Children, or Fewer Children?
Economists debate whether we need more or fewer children; challenges of overpopulation and benefits of reduced population; economic burden of children and its impact on society; potential benefits of population decline; relationship between economic growth, resource usage, and population growth; consequences of population growth and the case for depopulation.

Oct 2, 2023 • 13min
Capitalism Doesn't Need Consumers Anymore
The podcast explores the impact of AI and automation on the economy and society. It discusses the potential consequences of widespread unemployment caused by advanced robots and AI, such as reduced birth rates and challenges faced by developing countries. The podcast also highlights the concerns surrounding technology and AI, while predicting that AI-related jobs will contribute to economic prosperity.

Sep 29, 2023 • 16min
Iran's Economy Could Be Huge, But They Don't Care
Exploring the untapped economic growth opportunities in Iran and the barriers preventing it from reaching its potential, including authoritarian government and heavy reliance on fossil fuels. It examines the consequences of Iran's war with Iraq and the rise of bonyads as tools of corruption. The chapter also discusses the impact of sanctions on Iran's economy and highlights the missed potential of the country as an economic superpower.

Sep 27, 2023 • 16min
Should We Be Worried About The BRICS?
Exploring the ambitions of the BRICS countries, their plans for intensified trade, a common currency, and their potential impact on reshaping the global economy. The formation and objectives of the BRICS organization, the effectiveness of the BRICS group, and the challenges they face. Exploring the dynamics within the BRICS alliance, conflicting goals, and control issues impacting their initiatives.

Sep 25, 2023 • 14min
There Will Never Be Another Singapore
This podcast explores the remarkable economic growth of Singapore and the challenges in replicating its success. It covers Singapore's history, governance, policies, geographic advantages, and economic factors. It also discusses how Singapore became a major player in the global oil industry and highlights the unique factors behind its economic success, such as its revenue and expenditure system and the impact of Malaysian commuters on its GDP.

Sep 19, 2023 • 16min
Why Top Investors Are Betting Against The USA
Michael Burry, famous for shorting the US housing market in 2008, now bets against the US bond market. Explore the relationship between the economy and the stock market, and the challenge of predicting economic cycles. Understand the inverted yield curve and concerns about overvaluation in the USA.