VoxTalks Economics

Allan Hsiao, an expert in food security policy, and Tim Phillips engage in a compelling discussion about India's controversial wheat export ban amid extreme heat and rising prices. They explore the delicate balance between ensuring domestic food security and the economic challenges faced by farmers. The conversation delves into the global implications of such policies in the context of climate change and geopolitical crises. The duo highlights the intricate relationship between agricultural policy, climate shocks, and the welfare of consumers and producers.

Benoît Schmutz-Bloch, an expert on social media's impact on protests, shares fascinating insights with Tim Phillips. They discuss why some protest movements thrive while others fizzle out, emphasizing social media's dual role in both organizing and potentially destabilizing these movements. The conversation touches on the evolution of the Yellow Vest movement in France, highlighting how online platforms influenced its trajectory and radicalization. They also explore the delicate balance between fostering peaceful protests and the risks posed by government responses.

Giancarlo Corsetti, a fiscal policy expert, and Riccardo Trezzi, an analyst of national debt challenges, tackle the alarming rise of U.S. federal debt. They discuss the imminent budget deficits and the stark reality of rising interest payments. Corsetti and Trezzi outline the urgent need for tax hikes and significant government spending cuts to manage this fiscal crisis. They warn against short-term fixes and stress the importance of bipartisan reform to safeguard the economy's future and maintain the dollar's global standing.

Carol Propper, an expert in public health, discusses the critical role of 3G internet access during the COVID-19 pandemic. She reveals how digital access enhanced healthcare delivery, particularly in Indonesia, leading to better health outcomes. The conversation highlights a negative correlation between internet connectivity and infection rates, emphasizing the advantages of urban areas with greater digital resources. Propper advocates for investing in digital infrastructure as a vital strategy for managing future health crises effectively.

Ghazala Azmat, an expert on organizational strategy, discusses her new initiative exploring how organizations craft their strategies. She highlights the critical role organizations play in solving societal problems. The conversation dives into the principles of organizational economics, emphasizing incentives and hierarchies that affect performance. Ghazala also addresses disparities in organizational success, advocating for a mix of corporate culture and capability to boost competitiveness. Lastly, she outlines ways researchers can collaborate to enhance strategic decision-making.

In 2004 75 million people in 10 countries joined the EU. Their GDP per capita has grown dramatically in the last 20 years – but how much of that is due to EU membership, and how much would have happened anyway? Basile Grassi tells Tim Phillips that the enlargement of the EU in 2004 was “a miracle” for the economies of these countries, even though nationalist politicians may argue otherwise.

Today doctors recognise the symptoms of burnout from work-related stress. It’s a common problem, but one that can have serious, long-term consequences for sufferers. New research shows that there are measurable consequences for partners and children too, and lasting effects on fertility. Arash Nekoei and Josef Sigurdsson talk to Tim Phillips about the scale of the burnout burden, and what can we do to identify the problem before it happens.

Paul Niehaus, an expert in poverty alleviation, discusses the intricacies of cash transfer programs. He explores the debate over universal versus targeted cash transfers, emphasizing the importance of context in designing programs. The conversation touches on the growing interest in Universal Basic Income and its potential political ramifications. Niehaus also highlights lessons learned from cash transfer research in Kenya, advocating for strategies that prioritize the needs of the most disadvantaged while ensuring efficiency in public finance.

Antoine Bozio, a leading economist focused on tax issues concerning the ultra-rich in France, engages in a thought-provoking discussion. They explore how data scarcity complicates understanding the tax obligations of billionaires. The conversation highlights disparities between tax policies and actual tax burdens faced by the wealthy and scrutinizes the adequacy of the current tax regime. Bozio also examines proposed reforms aimed at enhancing progressivity in taxation while tackling the challenges wealthy individuals present in navigating tax laws.

Economic development, especially in Africa, often implies improving crop agriculture. But many rural populations are pastoralists, grazing their cattle on land that policymakers have earmarked for crops. So is good news for crop farmers also a threat to the pastoralists’ way of life? Eoin McGuirk tells Tim Phillips about how some apparently successful development projects create conflict between communities.