New Books in Economics

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.

Join Odile Mackett, a senior researcher from South Africa, and Sara Stevano, a senior lecturer at SOAS University of London, as they delve into the transformative book "Feminist Political Economy: A Global Perspective." They discuss the critical importance of addressing unpaid labor and the dynamics of inequality in households. The conversation highlights how the COVID-19 pandemic revealed flaws in traditional economic frameworks and why integrating feminist theories can reshape development policies. Their insights challenge mainstream narratives and broaden our understanding of social reproduction.

Melissa B. Jacoby, Graham Kenan Professor of Law, dives into the complexities of America's bankruptcy system. She explains how it serves the wealthy while leaving marginalized communities more vulnerable. The discussion reveals how racial disparities in bankruptcy impact Black Americans and exacerbate economic inequality. Jacoby also highlights the preferential treatment corporations receive and the need for reforms to ensure fairness. Her insights illuminate the connections between bankruptcy and broader social justice issues, making a compelling case for systemic change.

Nicholas Moore, Australia’s Special Envoy for Southeast Asia and architect of the national economic strategy, discusses the vital ties between Australia and Southeast Asia. He highlights the region's projected growth and its significance for Australia’s economic future. The conversation emphasizes the need for enhanced language literacy, collaboration among universities, and the opportunities for research in agriculture, governance, and energy transition, all aimed at deepening economic ties and fostering mutual prosperity.

Jeremy Brecher, a historian and lifelong activist, discusses his book, "The Green New Deal from Below." He highlights the significance of grassroots movements driving climate action alongside social justice. Brecher delves into local initiatives like Boston's Green New Deal, showcasing how communities are creating equitable projects. He emphasizes the need to integrate social justice into climate policies, countering public opposition. Inspiring case studies, like a Native American co-op and innovative partnerships in mining, illustrate ordinary people's impact on sustainable practices.

Benjamin Shestakofsky, Assistant Professor of Sociology at the University of Pennsylvania and author of "Behind the Startup," dives into the intricate world of venture capital. He discusses how investment patterns not only drive innovation in the tech sector but also exacerbate social inequalities. Shestakofsky shares his firsthand insights on the evolving dynamics of work and compensation, as well as the ethical dilemmas tech companies face. His transition from academia to startup life illustrates the complex interplay between technology, labor, and the capitalist landscape.

Larry Alan Busk, a visiting assistant professor and author known for exploring conservative and critical theory intersections, dives deep into the nuances of political philosophy. He discusses how critical theory often mirrors right-wing thought rather than opposing it. The conversation spans the evolution of right-wing ideology, analyzing thinkers like Hayek and Schmitt while questioning beliefs about spontaneous order and rational design. Busk emphasizes the urgent need for critical theory to address modern challenges like climate change, blurring the lines between left and right in today's discourse.

Eric Drott, Associate Professor of Music Theory at the University of Texas at Austin, delves into the complex relationship between streaming music and capitalism. He highlights how streaming services have reshaped music categorization and consumer behavior, often reflecting identity in the digital economy. Drott tackles issues like consumer surveillance, revenue distribution inequities for artists, and the impact of AI-generated music. His analysis pushes us to reconsider the commodification of music and its implications for the future.

J. Mijin Cha, an assistant professor at UC Santa Cruz and expert on just transitions, delves into the urgent shift away from fossil fuels. She discusses the challenges faced by workers in fossil fuel regions and the vital role of equitable planning. The conversation reveals her innovative governance framework, the "Four+ Pillars," to guide just transition policies. Cha highlights contrasting approaches between the Inflation Reduction Act and public utility models, advocating for grassroots involvement and centralized support to ensure a fair transition for all communities.

The China Business Conundrum: Ensure That "Win-Win" Doesn't Mean Western Companies Lose Twice (Wiley, 2024) describes former CEO of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) Ken Wilcox's firsthand challenges he encountered in four years “on the ground” trying to establish a joint venture between SVB and the Chinese government to fund local innovation design―and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) efforts to systematically sabotage the project and steal SVB's business model. This book provides actionable advice drawn from meticulous notes Wilcox took from interviews with people from all walks of Chinese life, including Party and non-Party members, the business elite, and domestic workers.Describing a China he found fascinating and maddeningly complex, this book explores topics including: Difficulties in transplanting SVB's model to China, from misunderstandings about titles and responsibilities to pitched battles over toilet design Ethics and practices widely adopted by Chinese businesses today and why China must be met with realistic expectations Wilcox's own honest missteps and the painfully learned lessons that came afterwards Engrossing, enlightening, and entertaining, The China Business Conundrum: Ensure That "Win-Win" Doesn't Mean Western Companies Lose Twice is an essential cautionary tale and guidebook for anyone seeking to do business in or with China, and an essential first-person account for academics trying to understand China’s unique political economy and development trajectory.Ken Wilcox was the CEO of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) from 2001 to 2011, then the CEO of SVB’s joint venture with Shanghai Pudong Development Bank (SPDB-SVB) in Shanghai until 2015, followed by four years as its Vice Chairman. He currently serves on the boards of the Asia Society of Northern California, the Asian Art Museum, and UC San Diego’s 21st Century China Center, as well as Columbia Lake Partners, a European venture-debt fund. He is on the Board of Advisors of the Fudan University School of Management in Shanghai and teaches as an Adjunct Professor at U.C. Berkeley.Ken holds a PhD in German from Ohio State University and an MBA from Harvard Business School. He is a former member of the board of directors of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco. He has given numerous speeches in both English and Chinese, published a variety of articles in the banking press, and recently wrote the management book “Leading Through Culture: How Real Leaders Create Cultures That Motivate People to Achieve Great Things” (Waterside Productions, 2020) and its accompanying workbook, “How About You?” (Waterside Productions, 2023). The father of two sons, he lives in San Francisco with his wife, Ruth, and several antique cars.For more of Ken’s insights, follow his substack.Interviewer Peter Lorentzen is an Associate Professor of Economics at the University of San Francisco, a nonresident scholar at the UCSD 21st Century China Center, an alumnus of the Public Intellectuals Program of the National Committee on US-China Relations, and is currently a visiting scholar at the Stanford Center on China’s Economy and Institutions. His research focuses on the economics of information, incentives, and institutions, primarily as applied to the development and governance of China. He created the unique Master’s of Science in Applied Economics at the University of San Francisco, which teaches the conceptual frameworks and practical data analytics skills needed to succeed in the digital economy.Lorentzen’s other NBN interviews relating to China’s tech sector include From Click to Boom, on the political economy of e-commerce in China, Trafficking Data, on how Chinese and American firms exploit user data, The Tao of Alibaba, on Alibaba’s business model and organizational culture, Surveillance State, on China’s digital surveillance, Prototype Nation, on the culture and politics of China’s innovation economy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/economics