New Books in Economics

Susan Erikson, a medical anthropologist and expert in health political economy, dives into her book, exploring the unsettling world of pandemic bonds. She reveals how international bankers turn health crises into lucrative investments, often prioritizing profit over public good. Erikson uncovers the design flaws and troubling triggers of these bonds that hinder timely responses to outbreaks. With insights gained from extensive global research, she extends her critique toward future financial risks, including environmental factors and AI modeling.

Explore the fascinating origins of eco-development, an idea brought to life by an unlikely partnership between an oil man and a socialist. Discover how they forged a global consensus at the UN, blending capitalism with sustainability. Delve into the significant impacts of the 1972 Stockholm conference and the influential Brundtland Commission's vision for a unified future. The podcast also addresses critiques and the evolving landscape of sustainable development, questioning whether such dreams can truly coexist with economic growth.

Janick Marina Schaufelbuehl, a History professor at the University of Lausanne, dives into the evolution of globalization and the powerful US multinationals driving it. She discusses how corporate giants like General Electric and Coca-Cola shaped government policies and countered opposition from labor movements and nationalists. Schaufelbuehl highlights the historical context of opposing voices from the Global South and examines the shifting sentiments toward globalization today, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach in the face of neoliberalism.

Andrea Louise Campbell, a Professor at MIT and the author of "Taxation and Resentment," delves into the paradox of American tax attitudes. She discusses why many Americans support progressive taxes in theory but favor regressive policies in practice. Racial dynamics significantly influence these views, especially among white voters. The podcast explores the historical evolution of the tax system and the complexity of public perceptions about fairness, revealing how confusion benefits the wealthy and undermines tax equity.

David J. Lynch, the global economics correspondent for the Washington Post and award-winning trade reporter, dives into the complex world of globalization. He analyzes the initial optimism of globalization since the 1990s and the subsequent fallout, including the challenges faced by American workers and manufacturing. Lynch discusses the impact of Chinese investments, the rise of economic nationalism, and the vulnerabilities of global supply chains in today's geopolitical landscape. His insights reveal what went wrong and how the U.S. can navigate towards a more equitable future.

Cordelia Fine, a Canadian-born British philosopher and writer, dives deep into gender inequality and workplace dynamics. She critiques existing narratives around gender equality and calls for a broader understanding that goes beyond biological determinism. Fine discusses the impact of cultural constructs on gender roles, the persistent wage gap, and challenges faced by women in the workforce, such as the motherhood penalty. She also highlights the shortcomings of superficial diversity initiatives and emphasizes the need for effective, structural changes to achieve true equality.

Historian Joshua Specht, a lecturer at Monash University and visiting assistant professor at Notre Dame, delves into the deep roots of America's beef obsession. He reveals how 19th-century colonialism and corporate control transformed beef into a staple of American culture. The conversation touches on the origins of industrial beef, its cultural significance, and consumer movements advocating for change. Specht also highlights the often-overlooked violence behind beef production and the intricate balance between individual ranch stories and broader economic themes.

Dan Davies, an expert in economics with a background in banking regulation, dives into his book, examining the pitfalls of modern decision-making in large systems. He outlines how accountability has been lost through revolutions in management and cybernetics, leading to decisions made without clear responsibility. Davies discusses the tension between individual agency and complex organizational actions, exploring how AI complicates these processes. His insights challenge traditional economic theories, pushing for decentralized decision-making to restore accountability.

Yong-Shik Lee, a law and development scholar and Director of the Law and Development Institute, dives deep into the interplay between law and economic progress. He discusses the innovative General Theory of Law and Development, revealing how legal frameworks fueled South Korea's transformation. Lee critiques existing theories like Hayek's and emphasizes adaptable legal systems for tailored development. He also explores Hirschman's incremental reform approach and the pivotal role of the state versus market dynamics in fostering growth, underlining the need for effective legal institutions.

Thane Gustafson, a Professor of Government at Georgetown University and author of "Perfect Storm," dives into Russia's turbulent economic journey post-Soviet Union. He discusses the fallout from Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the consequent Western sanctions. Examining the rise of Vladimir Putin, Gustafson reflects on changing West-Russia dynamics amid cultural exchanges. He also explores innovative Russian adaptations to sanctions and speculates on future relations, emphasizing the need for new leadership to reshape an uncertain landscape.