New Books in Economics

Marshall Poe

Episodes

Mentioned books

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Aug 20, 2025 • 48min

Bench Ansfield, "Born in Flames: The Business of Arson and the Remaking of the American City" (Norton, 2025)

Bench Ansfield, an Assistant Professor of History at Temple University and author, explores the hidden narratives of urban arson in his compelling work. He reveals how landlords exploited insurance incentives, leading to devastating fires in marginalized neighborhoods. Ansfield introduces 'brownlining,' highlighting racial and economic injustices. The podcast also discusses community responses, the transformation of the insurance industry, and local efforts to reshape negative stereotypes about the Bronx during a turbulent era. It’s a profound look at history's impact on urban life.
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Aug 19, 2025 • 24min

Steve L. Monroe, "Mirages of Reform: The Politics of Elite Protectionism in the Arab World" (Cornell UP, 2025)

Steve L. Monroe, an Assistant Professor of Political Science, explores the deep-rooted issues of elite protectionism in the Arab world. He reveals how geopolitical ties and social networks distort trade policies, leading to ineffective neoliberal reforms. Monroe discusses the deceptive nature of these reforms, particularly in Jordan, where relationships with global powers influence policy changes. He also examines the challenges faced by industrialists in navigating these political dynamics, shedding light on the complex interplay between state power and economic liberalization.
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Aug 18, 2025 • 1h 32min

Alyssa Battistoni, "Free Gifts: Capitalism and the Politics of Nature" (Princeton UP, 2025)

Alyssa Battistoni, author of "Free Gifts: Capitalism and the Politics of Nature," explores how capitalism often overlooks the value of nature. She critiques economic frameworks shaping climate politics and argues for a deeper understanding of ecological issues. Battistoni connects pollution, labor, and capitalist structures, emphasizing the need for responsibility towards environmental resources. Through revisiting historical thinkers, she advocates for reimagining nature's value and challenges traditional narratives surrounding capitalist exploitation and labor.
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18 snips
Aug 17, 2025 • 52min

Isabella M. Weber, "How China Escaped Shock Therapy: The Market Reform Debate" (Routledge, 2021)

Isabella M. Weber, a political economist and Assistant Professor at UMass Amherst, dives into China's unique economic reform strategies. She contrasts China's gradual marketization with the shock therapy approach that led to turmoil in Russia. Weber discusses the pivotal debates of the 1980s, the importance of grassroots student movements, and the balance between academic rigor and practical policymaking. She highlights how insights from Eastern Europe shaped China's dual track journey, detailing the complexities and challenges that emerged during this transformative period.
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Aug 14, 2025 • 56min

Sergei Guriev and Daniel Treisman, "Spin Dictators: The Changing Face of Tyranny in the 21st Century" (Princeton UP, 2022)

Daniel Treisman, a UCLA political science professor, dives into the evolution of authoritarianism with his book co-author, Sergei Guriev. They discuss the rise of 'spin dictators' like Putin and Erdogan, who manipulate public perception using media rather than brute force. The duo explores how these regimes superficially uphold democratic processes while stifling dissent. Treisman also connects economic growth with the dynamics of democracy and highlights the complexities of living under varying authoritarian regimes, especially in the context of Russia and Ukraine.
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Aug 13, 2025 • 1h 3min

Edward Berenson, "Perfect Communities: Levitt, Levittown, and the Dream of White Suburbia" (Yale UP, 2025)

Edward Berenson, a history professor at NYU and author of 'Perfect Communities,' dives into the life of William Levitt, the man behind modern suburbia. He discusses how Levittown emerged as a solution to post-WWII housing shortages, offering affordable homes that shaped the American Dream. However, Levitt's legacy is marred by exclusionary practices that reinforced racial segregation. Berenson reflects on how these developments not only influenced housing trends locally but also had lasting global implications, revealing the complexity of suburbia's history.
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Aug 12, 2025 • 58min

Every Purchase Matters: How Fair Trade Farmers, Companies, and Consumers are Changing the World

Paul Rice, founder of Fair Trade USA and expert in conscious capitalism, discusses the transformative power of ethical consumerism. He highlights how our purchasing choices can change lives and promote sustainability. Rice shares personal anecdotes and the journey of farmers benefiting from fair trade practices, emphasizing 'trade, not aid.' The conversation also tackles the complexities of engaging corporations in fair trade and the balance of sustainability with affordability. Tune in to uncover how fair trade can reshape global commerce for the better!
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8 snips
Aug 11, 2025 • 59min

Vijay Selvam, "Principles of Bitcoin: Technology, Economics, Politics, and Philosophy" (Columbia UP, 2025)

Vijay Selvam, a corporate lawyer and financial services expert, shares insights from his book on Bitcoin’s revolutionary potential. He discusses Bitcoin's multifaceted nature and its implications for technology, economics, and politics. Selvam highlights Bitcoin's role in challenging traditional monetary systems, advocating for understanding its long-term value despite short-term volatility. He also examines its capacity to empower individuals and provide solutions for the unbanked, positioning Bitcoin as a transformative alternative in the financial landscape.
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Aug 8, 2025 • 26min

Stuck at Home: Pandemic Immobilities in the Nation of Emigration

Dr. Yasmin Ortiga, an Associate Professor of Sociology at Singapore Management University, discusses her book on the pandemic's impact on migration in the Philippines. She highlights how travel restrictions caused unexpected immobility for many potential migrants, revealing the contrasting experiences of nurses and cruise workers. Yasmin explores the evolving narratives of Filipino migrant workers, focusing on their emotional struggles during repatriation and the disconnect between state policies and lived realities, shedding light on identity and community support amid crises.
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Aug 6, 2025 • 46min

Professional Chat: Home, Migrant Workers, and Decent Work in Supply Chains, with Bonny Ling

Bonny Ling, an expert in human rights and modern slavery, discusses the pressing issues faced by migrant workers in Taiwan. She highlights key risks in supply chains and emphasizes Taiwan’s efforts to align with international labor standards. Ling challenges stereotypes, showing how technology affects migrant labor and the critical roles these workers play. The conversation covers the responsibilities of Taiwanese firms to enhance labor practices and stresses the need for government guidelines to bridge legal gaps, promoting a fairer model of recruitment and worker protection.

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