New Books in Economics

Class Meets Land: The Embodied History of Land Financialization (University of California Press, 2024) by Dr. Maria Kaika & Dr. Luca Ruggiero reveals something seemingly counterintuitive: that nineteenth-century class struggles over land are deeply implicated in the transition to twenty-first-century financial capitalism. Challenging our understanding of land financialization as a recent phenomenon propelled by high finance, Dr. Kaika and Dr. Ruggiero foreground 150 years of class struggle over land as a catalyst for assembling the global financial constellation. Narrating the close-knit histories of industrial land, industrial elites, and the working class, the authors offer a novel understanding of land financialization as a “lived” process: the outcome of a relentless, socially embodied historical unfolding, in which shifts in land’s material, economic, and symbolic roles impact both local everyday lives and global capital flows.This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose new book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/economics

In the latest episode of Madison’s Notes, I spoke with Janie Nitze, co-author of Over Ruled: The Human Toll of Too Much Law (Harper, 2004), a book written alongside Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch. Janie, a Harvard-educated attorney and former clerk for Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Neil Gorsuch, discussed the growing complexity of laws in America and their impact on everyday citizens. The book shares stories of ordinary Americans—fishermen in Florida, families in Montana, monks in Louisiana, and more—who find themselves caught in legal mazes created by an overwhelming and often opaque system of regulations.Janie explained that while laws are necessary to maintain order and freedom, the sheer volume and complexity of modern regulations can undermine those principles. She highlighted how excessive laws, many of which are created by unelected agency officials, disproportionately affect those without wealth or power. Through these stories, Over Ruled shows how overregulation can erode trust in the legal system and create unintended consequences for individuals navigating their lives.Janie’s perspective, shaped by her work at the Supreme Court, the Department of Justice, and the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board, provided a clear look at the challenges of balancing regulation and individual liberty. Over Ruled is a timely exploration of these issues, and this episode offers a deeper understanding of the human cost of too much law. Tune in to hear Janie’s insights and learn more about the stories behind the book.Madison’s Notes is the podcast of Princeton University’s James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions.Contributions to and/or sponsorship of any speaker does not constitute departmental or institutional endorsement of the specific program, speakers or views presented. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/economics

Hollywood Unions (Rutgers UP, 2024) is a unique collection that tells the stories of the unions and guilds that have organized motion picture and television labor: IATSE, the DGA, SAG-AFTRA, and the WGA. The Hollywood unions represent a wide swath of the workers making media: from directors and stars to grips and makeup artists. People today know some of these organizations from their glitzy annual awards celebrations, but the unions’ actual importance is in bargaining with the Association of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) on behalf of 331,000 workers in the motion picture and television industry. The Hollywood unions are not neutral institutions but rather have long histories of jurisdictional battles, competitions with rival unions, and industry-altering strikes. They have supported the industry’s workers through the Great Depression, World War II, the McCarthy era, the collapse of the studio system, the rise of television, runaway production, fights for gender parity, the digital revolution, and a global pandemic. The history of these unions has contributed to making media work sustainable in the long term and helped shape the conditions and production cultures of Hollywood. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/economics

Erik Baker, author of "Make Your Own Job," explores the evolution of the American work ethic and how entrepreneurialism transformed it over the twentieth century. He discusses the shift from traditional job security to today's gig economy, linking it to historical movements like the New Thought. Baker critiques the constant push for self-actualization at work, arguing it has legitimized economic insecurity. He reveals how diverse figures, from Marcus Garvey to Henry Ford, shaped this ethos, ultimately reflecting societal anxieties about work in an unstable economy.

Rachel Gross, an assistant professor of history at the University of Colorado Denver and author, dives into the environmental consequences of big box retail chains in America. She reflects on how these superstores transform local and global ecosystems while shaping consumer habits. The conversation touches on the surprising role of giants like Walmart in promoting marine sustainability, and the clash between outdoor apparel's commercialization and authenticity. Gross urges listeners to reconsider their relationship with consumer culture and its ecological impacts.

Sybil Derrible, a professor of urban engineering and director of the Complex and Sustainable Urban Networks Laboratory, delves into the unseen mechanics of city infrastructure. She explains how clean water, efficient waste management, and effective public transit are crucial yet often overlooked. Derrible shares insights from her global studies on urban mobility, the energy landscape for electric vehicles, and innovative waste management practices in Japan. Her engaging anecdotes and expert analysis challenge listeners to rethink how they view and interact with their urban environments.

Melinda Cooper, a sociology professor at the Australian National University, dives into the paradox of neoliberal public finance. She explores how austerity and extravagance coexist within fiscal policies, revealing the hidden subsidies benefiting financial asset holders. Cooper critiques the shift from Keynesianism to supply-side economics, highlighting the rise of a militant workforce in the 1970s that reshaped labor dynamics and safety nets. Her insights challenge traditional views on capitalism and unravel the complex political landscape of fiscal conservatism.

Paul Podolsky, a former strategist at a leading hedge fund and journalist, discusses financial realities in his work, "The Uncomfortable Truth About Money." He emphasizes the necessity of understanding the basics of money that impact life's major events, from birth to death. Podolsky shares insights on navigating the complexities of finance, the socio-economic impacts of technology like AI, and the importance of historical context in managing risk. Listeners gain a fresh perspective on money management and the psychological aspects of financial decision-making.

In this discussion, Tiho Ancev, a Professor in Agricultural and Resource Economics at the University of Sydney, tackles critical issues facing Southeast Asia's agriculture due to climate change. He emphasizes adaptive strategies for farmers, the intersection of agriculture and renewable energy, and effective water resource management. The conversation also highlights the importance of food safety and the willingness of consumers in Vietnam to pay more for safer food options. Ancev calls for robust policies to support farmers and ensure sustainable agricultural development.

Rebecca Haw Allensworth, a Professor of Law at Vanderbilt University and expert on professional licensing, dives into the intricacies of labor regulation. She discusses how professional licensing can create significant economic barriers, often driven by conflicts of interest on licensing boards. The conversation critiques the balance between protecting public safety and hindering access to professions. Allensworth also touches on the failures of these boards, the impact on healthcare access, and the need for systemic reforms to improve accountability and consumer protection.