Our Long Walk BONUS: Live interview with Tyler Cowen
6 snips
Mar 23, 2026 
Tyler Cowen, Holbert Harris Chair of Economics at George Mason University and founder of Marginal Revolution, joins a live conversation. He discusses what Adam Smith suggests for South Africa, argues the country is more culturally vibrant and safer than headlines imply, explores AI’s role in universities and hiring, and reflects on progress studies, wine’s social role, and how economists can better communicate.
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Economic Ideas Have Drove National Turnarounds
- Economists have influenced policy where policymakers listen, producing dramatic country turnarounds.
- Cowen cites Poland, Ireland and Mexico as examples where economic ideas helped build functioning institutions and growth.
Get Out There And Communicate Economics
- Do experiment with public communication channels and engage policymakers directly to improve economic outreach.
- Cowen recommends podcasts, blogging, meetings with policymakers, and living near political centers to gain influence.
Keep Writing And Learn To Use AI As A Tool
- Do keep writing skills and learn to write with AI as a force multiplier.
- Cowen defends writing to hone ideas and says AI can amplify, fact‑check and speed memos but students must still learn to write.
