New Books in Economics

Uncle Sam is watching, whether you like it or not. And the surveillance program the United States is building has as its foundation immigrants who have crossed the nation's southern border. In Data Borders: How Silicon Valley is Builidng an Industry Around Immigrants (University of California Press, 2023), UCLA information studies professor Melissa Villa-Nicholas deftly explains how private corporations such as Amazon and Palantir, government agencies including ICE and the CBP, and even public libraries all coordinate to track citizens and non-citizens alike. Mass amounts of data are networked to immigrants, who link people together like nodes on a map. A startlingly relevant book, Villa-Nicholas argues that stories we tell about data, and about human experiences, can either aid or act as a bulwark against this type of mass surveillance. The surveillance state is here, and it was born in the American West. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/economics

Peoples & Things host, Lee Vinsel, talks with Lauren Bridges, Assistant Professor of Media Studies at the University of Virginia, about her work on the political, economic, and environmental politics of big data infrastructures. They focus on some of Bridges’ work on the disconnect between the promises made to localities around digital transformation and the realities of data center power demands and other material factors. They also discuss Bridges’ other projects, including “Geographies of Digital Wasting,” a global collaborative project, which Bridges was co-PI on, tracing the global flows and practices of digital wasting throughout the tech supply chain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/economics

Saleem H. Ali, Chair and Distinguished Professor of Geography at the University of Delaware, dives into the essence of sustainability. He unpacks its history from the 1992 Earth Summit, discussing the intricate balance between economic growth and environmental conservation. Ali also analyzes impactful concepts like the 'Tragedy of the Commons' and the debate spurred by Ehrlich and Simon's bet on resources. He emphasizes the importance of renewability and corporate responsibility, showing how sustainability can drive profitability while preserving our planet.

Jennifer Clapp, a Professor in the School of Environment Resources and Sustainability at the University of Waterloo, dives into the world of industrial agriculture and its dominate players. She discusses how a handful of corporations control agricultural inputs and the historical forces that led to this concentration of power. Clapp highlights the ecological and social impacts of industrial farming, while also exploring alternatives like agroecological practices. The need for policy reform and awareness of these challenges is emphasized throughout the conversation.

Hosts Nina dos Santos and Owen Bennett-Jones analyze the global fallout after Donald Trump plunged America and the world into a trade war with China. David Rennie, The Economist’s geopolitics editor and former Beijing and Washington D.C. bureau chief, joins the podcast to unpack how Xi Jinping is playing the long game and playing to win.In this episode, we explore Xi’s high-stakes strategy in the global trade war. From embracing economic pain to fostering innovation under autocracy, China is challenging Western dominance on every front. However, as the controversy over British Steel demonstrates, Beijing’s drive to exert control often at the expense of freedoms abroad—risks alienating future partners.In the second half, activist Chloe Chung shares her personal story of falling afoul of the Chinese authorities. A pro-democracy campaigner, Chloe awoke in December to news that police in Hong Kong had issued a HK$1 million ($128,000; £102,000) bounty for information leading to her capture abroad.With democracy under pressure, this is more than just a trade war—it’s a battle for the future of the global order.Producer: Pearse LynchExecutive Producer: Lucinda Knight Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/economics

Roberta Mazza, an Associate Professor of Papyrology at the University of Bologna, dives into the murky waters of the illicit trade in ancient artifacts. She recounts her decade-long investigation into controversial acquisitions by Hobby Lobby's Steve Green, revealing hidden networks that exploit cultural heritage. The discussion unveils ethical dilemmas surrounding artifact ownership and the impact of colonialism on contemporary collecting practices. Mazza advocates for improved dialogue on repatriation and a shift towards preserving rather than plundering history.

Daryl Fairweather, Chief Economist at Redfin and the first Black woman to earn an economics PhD from the University of Chicago, shares her insights on using economic principles to navigate life’s big decisions. She discusses how economic theories can empower personal choices—from negotiating salaries to deciding when to buy a home. Fairweather also advocates for land value taxation as a fairer alternative to traditional property taxes, aiming to improve housing accessibility. Her unique blend of personal experience and behavioral economics makes complex ideas approachable.

Ståle Holgersen, a Senior Lecturer in Human Geography at Stockholm University and author of 'Against the Crisis', offers an insightful analysis of the intertwined nature of economic and ecological crises. He critiques the simplistic views of crisis, arguing that they reflect capitalism's inherent contradictions. Holgersen delves into how crises exacerbate class divides and systemic discrimination, emphasizing the need for ecosocialism as a response. He also discusses the lessons learned from COVID-19 regarding socioeconomic disparities and highlights the necessity for collective action.

John Kay, a distinguished British economist and author, dives into the complex realities of modern business in his latest work. He questions traditional profit-driven narratives and argues for the rising significance of human capital over mere financial assets. The discussion highlights the dramatic shift from long-standing corporate giants to the prevalence of 'hollow corporations.' Kay also addresses the evolution of business leadership, urging a fresh perspective on management and innovation in our fast-paced economy.

Wolfgang Streeck, former director at the Max Planck Institute for the Study of Societies, delves into the growing divide between elites and the public in democracies. He discusses the rise of populism as a backlash against centralized control, the educational and immigration divides shaping political sentiments, and the evolving geopolitical dynamics between the U.S. and Europe. Streeck's insights reveal the complexities of modern globalism and the urgent need for more democratic governance amidst shifting power balances.