New Books in Economics

Marshall Poe

Episodes

Mentioned books

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Aug 30, 2025 • 1h 16min

Yong-Shik Lee, "Law and Development: Theory and Practice, 2nd edition" (Routledge, 2021)

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.
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4 snips
Aug 30, 2025 • 53min

Dan Davies, "The Unaccountability Machine: Why Big Systems Make Terrible Decisions—and How the World Lost Its Mind" (U of Chicago Press, 2025)

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.
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Aug 29, 2025 • 53min

Peter Conti-Brown and Sean H. Vanatta, "Private Finance, Public Power: A History of Bank Supervision in America" (Princeton UP, 2025)

Sean H. Vanatta, a financial historian at the University of Glasgow, dives into the complexities of bank supervision in America. He discusses the evolution of oversight from wildcat banks to the Federal Reserve, highlighting the crucial difference between supervision and regulation. Vanatta also reflects on the 2023 Silicon Valley Bank collapse, revealing the tension between private profit and public responsibility. Plus, he shares fascinating stories about historical figures, the role of gender in finance, and insights from the Freedman's Bank saga.
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Aug 29, 2025 • 1h 2min

Thane Gustafson, "Perfect Storm: Russia's Failed Economic Opening, the Hurricane of War and Sanctions, and the Uncertain Future" (Oxford UP, 2025)

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.
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Aug 27, 2025 • 51min

Victoria Basualdo et al., "Big Business and Dictatorships in Latin America: A Transnational History of Profits and Repression" (Palgrave Macmillan, 2020)

Join Victoria Basualdo, a researcher at the Argentine National Scientific Council, and Marcelo Bucheli, a professor at the University of Illinois, as they delve into the intricate ties between big business and dictatorial regimes in Latin America during the Cold War. They discuss how multinational corporations like Ford and Volkswagen not only profited from oppressive environments but supported authoritarianism for their interests. The conversation uncovers the historical complexities of corporate power, labor relations, and the ideological shifts shaping economic policies across the region.
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6 snips
Aug 27, 2025 • 1h 4min

Ian Scoones, "Navigating Uncertainty: Radical Rethinking for a Turbulent World" (Polity, 2024)

Ian Scoones, a Professorial Fellow at the Institute of Development Studies, dives into the complexities of uncertainty in today's world. He argues for a paradigm shift from traditional risk management to embracing uncertainty through a 'politics of care' and community relationships. The discussion highlights the importance of trust in trading systems, critiques conventional economic models, and emphasizes incorporating indigenous knowledge. Scoones advocates for inclusive technology regulation and local engagement to address climate challenges creatively and collaboratively.
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Aug 24, 2025 • 44min

Jack Buffington, "Environmental Innovation: An Action Plan for Saving the Economy and the Planet by 2050" (Rowman & Littlefield, 2024)

In this discussion, Jack Buffington, a Program Director at the University of Denver and Sustainability Director at First Key Consulting, challenges the conventional environmental policies that tackle symptoms rather than root causes. He emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to sustainability that balances economic growth with environmental protection. Buffington also delves into the importance of global cooperation, innovative solutions for agricultural water challenges, and contrasts different governance models, stressing the need for disruptive policy changes to foster true sustainability.
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7 snips
Aug 22, 2025 • 1h 8min

Angela C. Tozer, "The Debt of a Nation: Land and the Financing of the Canadian Settler State, 1820-73" (U of British Columbia Press, 2025)

Angela Tozer, an Associate Professor at the University of New Brunswick and author of "The Debt of a Nation," dives into the relationship between public debt and colonialism in 19th-century Canada. She highlights how Indigenous lands were leveraged as collateral in financial markets. The discussion uncovers the troubling legacy of figures like Edward Gibbon Wakefield and his influence on settler narratives. Tozer also examines the complex responses to public debt, Indigenous fishing rights, and the commodification of natural resources, revealing ongoing tensions in Canada today.
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Aug 21, 2025 • 49min

Ben A. Vagle and Stephen G. Brooks, "Command of Commerce: America's Enduring Economic Power Advantage over China" (Oxford UP, 2025)

Join Ben A. Vagle, a Stanford law student and PhD candidate, and Stephen G. Brooks, a Dartmouth government professor, as they dissect America's economic edge over China. They challenge the myth of China's rising power, revealing that U.S. multinational corporations dominate high-tech sectors. The duo explores the potential for America to impose significant economic damage on China during a conflict while discussing the strategic importance of alliances. Dive into their analysis of trade dynamics, rare earth export dependencies, and the future of U.S.-China relations.
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Aug 20, 2025 • 1h 2min

Noah Giansiracusa, "Robin Hood Math: Take Control of the Algorithms That Run Your Life" (Penguin, 2025)

Noah Giansiracusa, an Associate Professor of Mathematics at Bentley University and author of Robin Hood Math, dives into the world of algorithms and their impact on our daily lives. He discusses how tech giants manipulate personal data and emphasizes the need for individuals to take control of their decisions. Giansiracusa provides insights on better financial decision-making through understanding probabilities and advocates for greater algorithmic literacy. His approach empowers listeners to reclaim agency over personal choices and challenge the status quo.

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