New Books in Economics

Marshall Poe

Episodes

Mentioned books

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Jan 24, 2025 • 24min

India’s Land Mafia: A Discussion with Chiara Arnavas

Chiara Arnavas, a Doctoral Research Fellow at the University of Oslo, delves into the complex world of India's land mafia, especially in West Bengal. She discusses how the land mafia has emerged as a powerful player in the land market, manipulating transactions for mega-profits. Arnavas highlights the social inequalities exacerbated by these operations, revealing a disturbing nexus between land mafia and state power. Topics include environmental inequality and the marginalization of Muslim communities, showcasing the intricate dynamics of class, caste, and religion in this grim landscape.
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Jan 19, 2025 • 37min

Duncan Mavin, "Meltdown: Scandal, Sleaze and the Collapse of Credit Suisse" (Pegasus Books, 2024)

Duncan Mavin, a seasoned financial reporter and author of "Meltdown: Scandal, Sleaze and the Collapse of Credit Suisse," dives deep into the rise and fall of the iconic bank. He reveals how a toxic corporate culture fueled scandals and greed, ultimately leading to its collapse in 2023. Mavin discusses the tangled history of Swiss banking secrecy and the impact of leadership failures on trust. He also raises vital questions about the future of big banks amidst demands for transparency and accountability in the finance world.
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4 snips
Jan 5, 2025 • 1h 22min

Austin Dean, "China and the End of Global Silver, 1873–1937" (Cornell UP, 2020)

Austin Dean, Assistant Professor of History at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, delves into China's unique monetary history from 1873 to 1937. He discusses the complexities of China's transition from silver to the gold standard and the political and economic challenges involved. The conversation touches on the Boxer Indemnity's influence on currency reform and the impact of U.S. foreign policy on China's economic stability. Dean highlights the pivotal moment in 1935 when China shifted from the silver standard, reshaping global economics and revealing the interplay of local governance and international interests.
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5 snips
Jan 3, 2025 • 1h 9min

Swethaa S. Ballakrishnen, "Accidental Feminism: Gender Parity and Selective Mobility Among India’s Professional Elite" (Princeton UP, 2021)

Swethaa Ballakrishnen, a sociolegal scholar and assistant professor at UC Irvine, discusses her book on gender dynamics in India’s elite law firms. She reveals how structural factors create unexpected gender parity in a male-dominated industry. The conversation explores the complex interplay of socio-economic backgrounds, family dynamics, and changing perceptions of work. Ballakrishnen challenges notions of intentionality in feminism, questioning whether unintentional progress can still be deemed feminist. Intriguing insights abound on navigating gender in India’s professional landscapes.
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Dec 26, 2024 • 28min

Enze Han, "The Ripple Effect: China's Complex Presence in Southeast Asia" (Oxford UP, 2024)

Enze Han, an Associate Professor at the University of Hong Kong and author of "The Ripple Effect: China's Complex Presence in Southeast Asia," explores the intricate dynamics of China's influence in Southeast Asia. He argues against viewing China as a monolithic entity, emphasizing the critical roles of non-state actors like businesses and migrants, which contribute to diverse perceptions across the region. Han discusses how authoritarianism shapes local attitudes toward China, the intertwined economies of countries like Thailand and Myanmar, and the complexities of illicit networks impacting relations.
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8 snips
Dec 25, 2024 • 40min

Leah Downey, "Our Money: Monetary Policy as If Democracy Matters" (Princeton UP, 2024)

Leah Downey, a research fellow at Cambridge University, explores the critical intersection of monetary policy and democratic theory. She argues for a more democratic approach to money creation, critiquing the traditional independence of central banks. Downey discusses the historical evolution of the Federal Reserve and advocates for increased citizen involvement in monetary policy. By introducing 'iterative governance,' she emphasizes the importance of legislative oversight to ensure that economic policies reflect the will of the people, fostering true democratic accountability.
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Dec 24, 2024 • 48min

Christine M. Larson, "Love in the Time of Self-Publishing: How Romance Writers Changed the Rules of Writing and Success" (Princeton UP, 2024)

Christine M. Larson, a Professor at the University of Colorado Boulder, dives into the transformative impact of self-publishing on romance authors in her latest work. She reveals how Romancelandia evolved into a supportive community, enabling these writers to thrive despite historical challenges. The discussion highlights a striking 73% income increase among romance authors, showcasing their success in the digital economy. Larson also addresses the ongoing struggle for representation and inclusivity, emphasizing the solidarity among marginalized voices in this genre.
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5 snips
Dec 23, 2024 • 1h 26min

Matt Beane, "The Skill Code: How to Save Human Ability in an Age of Intelligent Machines" (HarperCollins, 2024)

Matt Beane, Assistant Professor of Technology Management at UC Santa Barbara, explores the crucial balance between human skills and automation in his book. He discusses how AI impacts skill-sharing, especially in professional settings, and tackles the challenge of maintaining mentor-mentee relationships. Beane highlights innovative training systems and shares insights on using generative AI in skill development. Additionally, he unveils his new role with Skill Bench, aiming to transform surgical training through technology and collaborative learning.
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Dec 22, 2024 • 50min

Pinelopi Koujianou Goldberg, "The Unequal Effects of Globalization" (MIT, 2023)

Pinelopi Koujianou Goldberg, Elihu Professor of Economics at Yale and former Chief Economist of the World Bank, dives into the multifaceted impacts of globalization. She discusses the shift from hyper-globalization to skepticism, driven by political events like Brexit. Goldberg examines how globalization disproportionately affects various communities, leading to anti-globalization sentiments. She also explores the vulnerabilities revealed by COVID-19 and advocates for resilient supply chains and place-based policies to support affected regions.
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Dec 21, 2024 • 60min

Ulises Ali Mejias and Nick Couldry, "Data Grab: The New Colonialism of Big Tech and How to Fight Back" (U Chicago Press, 2024)

Ulises Mejias, a Communication Studies professor, and Nick Couldry, a media and social theory expert, tackle the urgent issue of data colonialism in this thought-provoking discussion. They illuminate how Big Tech's data extraction mirrors historical colonial practices, disproportionately benefiting certain races while exploiting gig workers. The duo advocates for resistance, encouraging listeners to reconsider the implications of technology on labor dynamics and the environment. They emphasize the necessity of educating future generations to confront these pervasive issues head-on.

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