The Economic and Political History Podcast

Conversation with Stefan Eich, author of The Currency of Politics—The Political Theory of Money from Aristotle to Keynes.' In the wake of the 2008 financial crisis, critical attention has shifted from the economy to the most fundamental feature of all market economies—money. Yet despite the centrality of political struggles over money, it remains difficult to articulate its democratic possibilities and limits. The Currency of Politics takes readers from ancient Greece to today to provide an intellectual history of money, drawing on the insights of key political philosophers to show how money is not just a medium of exchange but also a central institution of political rule. ---- Javier Mejia is an economist at Stanford University who specializes in the intersection of social networks and economic history. His research interests also include entrepreneurship and political economy, with a particular focus on Latin America and the Middle East. He holds a Ph.D. in Economics from Los Andes University. Mejia has previously been a Postdoctoral Associate and Lecturer at New York University-Abu Dhabi and a Visiting Scholar at the University of Bordeaux. He is also a frequent contributor to various news outlets, currently serving as an op-ed columnist for Forbes Magazine.

Timur Kuran, a Professor of Economics and Political Science at Duke University, engages in a compelling discussion about the intertwined legacies of Islamic law and politics in the Middle East. He challenges the misconception that Islam alone obstructs freedom, illustrating how historical institutional choices significantly contribute to the region’s struggles for liberalization. Kuran argues that despite systemic repression, there are seeds of liberalization within Islamic history. He also highlights the vital role of civil society and unique economic barriers hindering progress in the region.

Welcome to The Economic and Political History Podcast