New Books in Economics

Ian Kumekawa, a historian of economic thinking and a lecturer at MIT, shares insights from his new work that delves into the multifaceted story of a barge that has served various roles—from a military barracks to a floating jail. He discusses how this vessel symbolizes the complexities of offshore economies and globalization. The conversation explores the impact of deregulation in shipping, the barge’s role in providing temporary housing for factory workers, and the broader implications of financialization and mass incarceration in our global landscape.

Maraam A. Dwidar, an Assistant Professor of Government at Georgetown University, dives into the dynamics of organizational coalitions in social justice advocacy. She explains how diverse partnerships help historically vulnerable communities overcome resource challenges in lobbying. Dwidar shares insights from her extensive research involving over 20,000 advocacy organizations, revealing strategies that lead to effective political power. The discussion covers coalition-building tactics, the role of public commentary in policy-making, and the unique impact practitioners can have in shaping equitable policies.

Shaina Potts, an expert in economic and legal geography and Associate Professor at UCLA, dives deep into how U.S. courts serve as tools of global economic governance. She explores the concept of 'judicial territory,' detailing how American legal authority shapes international relations and disciplines postcolonial states. The discussion includes significant cases like the one involving Ghana and Argentina, revealing the complexities of judicial power and sovereign immunity. Potts also examines potential legal geographies emerging from rivals like China and Russia.

Emmanuel Akyeampong, a prominent historian at Harvard, delves into the journeys of Africa's first leaders and their nation-building efforts. He discusses the ideological tensions between socialism and capitalism in newly independent nations. Akyeampong highlights the significant role of cocoa in Ghana and Ivory Coast's economic strategies, revealing the complexities of modernization and colonial legacies. He emphasizes the importance of unique narratives in historical writing, encouraging African historians to draw from their personal experiences.

Join economists John H. Cochrane, Luis Garicano, and Klaus Masuch as they dive into the tumultuous journey of the euro since its inception 26 years ago. They discuss the critical need for reforms to ensure its survival amidst crises like the pandemic and inflation surges. Insights are shared on the Eurozone's debt complexities, the role of the ECB's policies, and the necessity of safe assets to stabilize banking systems. Their academic expertise combines with a philosophical exploration of incentives, advocating for foundational economic principles to tackle current challenges.

Mary A. Armstrong, a professor of Women's Gender and Sexuality Studies, and Susan L. Averett, a professor of Economics, dive deep into the economic realities faced by diverse women in STEM fields. They challenge the myth that STEM work inherently benefits these women, presenting in-depth case studies that reveal stark disparities. The discussion highlights the unique struggles of women of color, the impact of motherhood, and the need for intersectional analysis to address systemic inequities. Armstrong and Averett advocate for substantial changes beyond mere access to foster true equality in STEM.

Quinn Slobodian, a Wellesley College history professor and author of 'Crack-Up Capitalism,' teams up with Philip J. Stern, an associate professor at Duke University known for 'Empire, Incorporated.' They delve into the roles of corporations in shaping governance and democracy, highlighting the East India Company's nuanced history. The conversation unpacks 'archipelago capitalism' and critiques oversimplified narratives of colonialism, examining how imaginative economic theories influence real-world practices and state power dynamics.

Robert Chernomas, a Professor of Economics, joins his co-authors Gregory Chernomas and Ian Hudson to unravel the complexities of inequality in the U.S. They challenge the long-held belief that genetics determines social outcomes, arguing that socioeconomic conditions profoundly influence genetic expression. The discussion spans the struggles of the white working class, Black Americans, and women, emphasizing that social interventions can reshape futures. They advocate for policies that prioritize equality and nurturing environments to alleviate unnecessary suffering and unlock human potential.

In this discussion, John Horn, an Ex-McKinsey consultant and Harvard-educated economist, shares insights from his book on predicting competitor behavior. He emphasizes cognitive empathy as a key tool for understanding competitors' motives and actions. The conversation explores techniques like war games and mock negotiations to sharpen strategic decision-making. Horn also highlights the pitfalls of over-relying on AI for competitive analysis, advocating for a blend of human insight and analytical frameworks to stay ahead in business.

Nicholas Chesterley, a behavioral scientist and author of Future-Generation Government, discusses innovative strategies for long-term legislation. He highlights the necessity of sustainable policymaking and the impact of short-term political pressures on long-term governance. Chesterley introduces the concept of 'red teams' to challenge proposals, enhancing decision-making through constructive debate. He emphasizes adaptive governance and the role of public engagement in shaping policies that resonate with future generations, using real-world examples to illustrate his points.