New Books in Economics

Ling Li, a PhD researcher focused on modern slavery, and Ivan Franceschini, a lecturer in Chinese Studies, share insights into Southeast Asia's alarming online scam industry. They discuss the chilling realities of scam compounds, where victims are coerced into criminal roles, revealing complex victim profiles and the psychological burdens they face. Their research highlights the concept of 'compound capitalism' and the ethical challenges in victim support. They propose an ASEAN-wide victim identification protocol and call for societal changes to prevent exploitation.

Christina Jerne, an associate professor specializing in economic sociology, dives into the unique world of Italian anti-mafia activism. Her research reveals how ordinary citizens are challenging mafia control by creating alternative economies and using business tactics for social change. She highlights the historical roots of activism, the impact of high-profile assassinations in the '90s, and innovative approaches like critical tourism. Jerne emphasizes the power of mimetic opposition, urging listeners to reflect on their roles in oppressive systems and consider transformative actions.

Carl Benedikt Frey, Dieter Schwarz Associate Professor at the Oxford Internet Institute, challenges the idea of inevitable progress in his new book. He delves into how history has shown technological advancement can lead to stagnation and failure. Frey discusses why some nations, like the Soviet Union, collapsed despite earlier successes. He emphasizes the interplay between decentralization, bureaucracy, and innovation. Moreover, he warns that both the U.S. and China risk stagnation unless diverse approaches to AI and competitiveness are maintained.

Vanessa S. Williamson, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and author of "The Price of Democracy", explores the often-overlooked relationship between taxes and American democracy. She reveals how pivotal events like the Boston Tea Party were driven by opposition to corporate tax breaks rather than high taxes. Williamson discusses how taxation reflects deeper societal conflicts, from Reconstruction's ambitions for equality to the modern anti-tax movement, highlighting the continued fight for fiscal fairness as a weapon for true democracy.

Thomas Piketty, a prominent economist and author, dives into his latest work, A Brief History of Equality. He explores the historical arc of inequality, arguing that humanity has gradually moved toward greater equality despite setbacks like colonialism and slavery. Piketty discusses the importance of combining universal policies with reparations for historical injustices, emphasizing that political struggle drives this progress. He champions the need for deep, thoughtful engagement with economic history to inspire lasting change and fight against injustice.

Joe Allen, author of 'The Package King,' is a former UPS worker and labor activist who digs into the company’s historical evolution from a bicycle messenger service to a logistics titan. He explores the intense work culture at UPS, revealing how a faux-military environment leads to productivity pressure and workplace injuries. Allen discusses pivotal moments in labor history, including the militant spirit of Teamsters Local 804 and the impact of civil rights on hiring practices. He also contrasts UPS’s polished public image with the harsh realities faced by its workers.

In this discussion, Alex Imas, a leading figure in behavioral economics from the University of Chicago, explores the nuances of his co-authored book, The Winner's Curse. He defines behavioral economics, emphasizing how real behavior often strays from rational models. The conversation dives into the persistence of biases among professionals in high-stakes situations and examines mechanisms behind the winner's curse through intriguing examples. Alex also shares insights on teaching behavioral concepts effectively and discusses current research trends in the field.

Pierre-Yves Donzé is a business historian based in Japan, and Maki Umemura, a Cardiff University academic, both delve into the dynamics of Japanese business history. They discuss the decline of Japanese scholarship in global platforms, contrasting firm-level histories with a global shift towards interdisciplinary approaches. Topics include labor narratives in nursing, the impact of westernization on breakfast cereals, and the rise of ethnic Korean entrepreneurship. They also explore the cultural ecosystems behind Pikachu's success and the evolving landscape of financial liberalization in Japan.

Lars Cornelissen, a historian specializing in neoliberalism, presents his provocative ideas from his upcoming book on race and neoliberal thought. He explores how racial constructs have always underpinned neoliberal ideology, often overlooked in scholarship. Cornelissen critiques key figures like Mises and Hayek, revealing their complex relationships with race and development theories. He also discusses how these ideas influence contemporary thought and urges critics to prioritize race in anti-neoliberal politics, challenging listeners to rethink familiar narratives.

Colleen Dunlavy, an Emeritus Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, discusses her book on how government intervention transformed U.S. manufacturing. She highlights the impact of standardization on production efficiency and cost reduction, tracing lessons from World War I to modern times. The conversation explores how mid-sized firms navigated these changes and the role of key figures like Shaw and Hoover in shaping policies. Dunlavy's insights reveal the intricate interplay between government action and industrial evolution, making critical connections relevant today.