New Books in Economics

Ruth Braunstein, an Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of Connecticut, dives into the moral complexities of taxpaying in America. She discusses how different groups—from antiwar activists to tax resisters—view taxes as both a civic duty and a source of moral conflict. Braunstein highlights the transformative power of taxation rituals and the broader societal implications, revealing how personal beliefs shape attitudes toward taxes. This enlightening conversation explores the intersection of ethics, civic engagement, and the diverse meanings behind 'my tax dollars'.

Sandra Matz, a David W. Zelaznik Associate Professor of Business at Columbia, dives into the intricate dynamics between human behavior and algorithms. She reveals how digital footprints can predict and influence our choices, exploring both the dangers of manipulation, as seen in scandals like Cambridge Analytica, and the potential for positive change in areas like mental health. Matz also discusses how algorithms can understand us better than close friends and the implications of this on our perception of free will and decision-making.

Liz Pelly, a music journalist and author of "Mood Machine," discusses the troubling impact of Spotify on artists, particularly those in niche genres. Joined by Jozefien Vanharpe, a professor of intellectual property law, and Nick Yule, head of legal at AEPO Artis, they delve into how curated playlists benefit streaming services at the expense of musicians. The conversation also touches on the inequities in music revenue, the role of ghost artists, and the challenges faced by independent musicians in the digital age.

Jessica Smith, Professor at the Colorado School of Mines, shares her insights on engineering and public accountability in energy and mining. She reflects on her roots in coal country and discusses her book, 'Extracting Accountability.' Smith highlights the stereotypes surrounding engineers, the integration of social responsibility in engineering practices, and the challenges faced in mining and petroleum industries. The conversation also emphasizes the need for ethical frameworks and community engagement in navigating the complex dynamics of energy transition and carbon management.

Laleh Khalili, a political science professor at the University of Exeter, delves into the hidden workings of extractive capitalism. She highlights how global trade, reliant on commodities like oil and sand, perpetuates inequality. The conversation reveals the struggles of seafarers from the Global South, contrasts yacht culture with extreme economic disparity, and critiques modern initiatives like Saudi Arabia's NEOM project. Khalili underscores the legacy of colonial exploitation, connecting past practices to contemporary extraction dynamics.

Nick Timiraos, the Chief Economics Correspondent at The Wall Street Journal and known as the 'Fed whisperer,' dives into Jerome Powell's tumultuous tenure as the Federal Reserve Chair. He discusses how Powell navigated the pandemic's economic fallout and faced political scrutiny from President Trump. Timiraos provides insights into the Fed's influence on global markets and reflects on the challenges of maintaining monetary policy independence amid political pressures, especially in light of upcoming elections and public perceptions of the Fed's efficacy.

In this insightful discussion, Jon Hilsenrath, author of "Yellen: The Trailblazing Economist Who Navigated an Era of Upheaval," highlights Janet Yellen's assertive leadership as the first female Fed Chair. He contrasts her bulldog approach with Ben Bernanke's consensus style, arguing that she viewed the economy as a fire needing immediate action. They delve into her groundbreaking work on inflation targeting, her crisis management during the 2007-2008 financial meltdown, and the ongoing disconnect between economic policies and everyday American experiences.

David Wessel, a two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and director at the Brookings Institution, dives into the tumultuous years of Ben Bernanke's tenure at the Fed. He reflects on the impact of Bernanke's deep understanding of the Great Depression on his decision-making during the 2008 financial crisis. Wessel reveals the complexities of inflation targeting and the personal toll on leaders navigating economic turmoil. He also discusses critical choices, like the failure of Lehman Brothers, and how these decisions shaped public perception of the Federal Reserve.

In this discussion, Amanda D. Lotz, a professor at Queensland University of Technology and author of a compelling new book, explores the evolution of storytelling in the digital age. She emphasizes the shift from mass audiences to microaudiences, revealing how niche content thrives in the modern media landscape. The conversation dives into the impact of streaming services, the redefinition of television quality, and the necessity for diverse narratives. Lotz encourages innovative approaches to engage today's audiences, highlighting the importance of adaptability in storytelling.

More than any other single institution, the US Federal Reserve drives global capital markets with its decisions and communications. While its interest rates are set by a committee, for almost a century, the Fed’s philosophy and operational approach have been moulded by one person: the Chair of the Board of Governors. In the first series of The Chair, Tim Gwynn Jones talked to authors of books about the Fed's foundational Chairs – Marriner Eccles, Bill Martin, Arthur Burns, and Paul Volcker. In this second series, he covers the people who chaired the Fed through the post-1990 period of financialisation, globalisation, and – perhaps today – deglobalisation. The first episode of the second series explores Alan Greenspan, the chairman who followed Paul Volcker and ran the Fed from 1987 until 2006. Once bestowed with “Maestro” status, Greenspan – who turns 100 in March 2026 – has seen his reputation deflate in the wake of the post-2008 financial crisis. To discuss the fallen Maestro, Tim is joined by Sebastian Mallaby, author of The Man Who Knew: The Life and Times of Alan Greenspan (Bloomsbury, 2016). “Greenspan was the man who knew,” says Mallaby. “He was the man who knew that bubbles were extremely destructive, and yet he was not the man who acted against those bubbles. So, whilst he was great on inflation and on stabilising the price of eggs, he was not good on asset-price inflation or stabilising the price of nest eggs”. A former journalist at The Economist and the Washington Post, Mallaby is the prize-winning author of The World's Banker – a portrait of the World Bank under James Wolfensohn – and More Money Than God: Hedge Funds and the Making of a New Elite. He is now the Paul A. Volcker senior fellow for international economics at the Council on Foreign Relations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/economics