New Books in Economics
Marshall Poe
This podcast is a channel on the New Books Network. The New Books Network is an academic audio library dedicated to public education. In each episode you will hear scholars discuss their recently published research with another expert in their field.
Discover our 150+ channels and browse our 28,000+ episodes on our website: newbooksnetwork.com
Subscribe to our free weekly Substack newsletter to get informative, engaging content straight to your inbox: https://newbooksnetwork.substack.com/
Follow us on Instagram and Bluesky to learn about more our latest interviews: @newbooksnetworkSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/economics
Discover our 150+ channels and browse our 28,000+ episodes on our website: newbooksnetwork.com
Subscribe to our free weekly Substack newsletter to get informative, engaging content straight to your inbox: https://newbooksnetwork.substack.com/
Follow us on Instagram and Bluesky to learn about more our latest interviews: @newbooksnetworkSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/economics
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 5, 2024 • 1h 7min
Emiliana Vegas, "Let's Change the World: How to Work within International Development Organizations to Make a Difference" (Rowman & Littlefield, 2024)
In a compelling discussion, Emiliana Vegas, a Professor at Harvard and author of 'Let's Change the World', shares her two decades of experience in international development. She highlights the critical role of education in global impact and offers insider tips on navigating this complex field. Vegas emphasizes the importance of mentorship and strategic networking for aspiring changemakers. She also candidly reflects on balancing motherhood with professional ambitions and the vital influence of supportive supervisors in fostering a thriving career in international development.
Nov 5, 2024 • 44min
Mara Kardas-Nelson, "We Are Not Able to Live in the Sky: The Seductive Promise of Microfinance" (Metropolitan Books, 2024)
Mara Kardas-Nelson, an independent journalist focused on international development, dives into the tangled history of microfinance. She shares intimate stories from Sierra Leone, revealing how high-interest loans often hinder rather than help women. Kardas-Nelson critiques the simplistic narratives surrounding microfinance, urging a reevaluation of its impact and the realities facing borrowers. She also reflects on her personal journey in documenting these experiences, highlighting the complex interplay between international aid and local economic challenges.
Nov 5, 2024 • 1h 6min
Melissa Teixeira, "A Third Path: Corporatism in Brazil and Portugal" (Princeton UP, 2024)
Melissa Teixeira, a historian specializing in Brazil and Latin America, explores the unique corporatist experiments in Brazil and Portugal following the Great Depression. She delves into how dictators Vargas and Salazar reshaped these nations, dismantling democratic structures to implement state-controlled economies. Teixeira discusses the societal impacts of this approach and the tensions it created, revealing how these countries became unexpected hubs of economic innovation amid political strife.
6 snips
Nov 4, 2024 • 1h 19min
Salem Elzway and Jason Resnikoff on Automation
Salem Elzway is a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Southern California, specializing in industrial robots and labor history, while Jason Resnikoff is an assistant professor at the University of Groningen, focusing on automation's historical significance. They delve into the complex narrative of automation, debunking common misconceptions and exploring its impact on labor and productivity. The discussion highlights historical perspectives on technological unemployment, the evolution of labor movements, and the intricate relationship between automation and the modern workforce.
Nov 2, 2024 • 1h 31min
Adam Hanieh, "Crude Capitalism: Oil, Corporate Power, and the Making of the World Market" (Verso, 2024)
Adam Hanieh, a Professor of Political Economy and Global Development, dives into the vital role of oil in our economy. He explores how corporate power has shaped oil pricing and distribution, revealing the intricate ties between oil and capitalism. The conversation highlights the significance of oil in geopolitical conflicts, especially post-WWII, and examines the impacts of the petrochemical revolution. Hanieh also critiques oversimplified narratives surrounding the climate crisis, urging a deeper understanding of capitalism's role in environmental challenges.
Nov 1, 2024 • 58min
From Rubinomics to Bidenomics: On the Democratic Party’s Shifting Trade & Industrial Policy
Lily Geismer, a historian specializing in the Democratic Party and author of "Left Behind," explains how the Democrats shifted from unionized industries to tech and finance under Clinton's Third Way. Political economist Mark Blyth analyzes the rise and perceived failures of Bidenomics, which aimed to address inequality but faced political backlash. They also discuss the evolving trade policies and the implications of these changes, signaling a departure from the neoliberal consensus that once dominated the party.
Oct 31, 2024 • 1h 15min
Dariusz Wojcik et al., "Atlas of Finance: Mapping the Global Story of Money" (Yale UP, 2024)
Dariusz Wojcik, Professor of financial geography and co-founder of a global network on financial geography, discusses his groundbreaking work, 'Atlas of Finance.' He highlights the importance of visual storytelling in simplifying complex financial concepts and the collaborative efforts behind the atlas. Topics include the historical impact of English common law on finance, the need for diversity in financial research, and the evolution of climate finance. Wojcik also envisions future enhancements to financial literacy through engaging visuals and interactive content.
Oct 29, 2024 • 51min
Eric Helleiner, "The Neomercantilists: A Global Intellectual History" (Cornell UP, 2021)
In this engaging discussion, Eric Helleiner, a political science professor at the University of Waterloo and author of "The Neomercantilists: A Global Intellectual History," explores the roots and implications of neo-mercantilism. He reveals how this ideology, stemming from diverse global traditions, challenges the Western-centric narrative of economic history. Helleiner highlights influential figures like Mohadev Govind Ranade in colonial India and examines the resurgence of protectionist policies amid contemporary disillusionment with free trade. A captivating look at how history informs present-day economic thought!
Oct 29, 2024 • 1h 13min
Mark W. Geiger, "Floor Rules: Insider Culture in Financial Markets" (Yale UP, 2024)
Mark W. Geiger, an independent scholar of economic history, discusses his book, 'Floor Rules: Insider Culture in Financial Markets.' He reveals how insider norms, or 'floor rules,' play a crucial role in the trading world, often dictating behavior more than formal regulations. Geiger shares thrilling stories, like that of B.P. Hutchinson’s dramatic 1888 wheat market corner and the manipulative tactics of the LIBOR scandal. He also touches on the aggressive culture within financial markets and the essential connections that influence success among traders.
Oct 27, 2024 • 1h 4min
Simon Kuznets and the Invention of the Economy
In this session, sociologist Dan Hirshman and economic historian Dirk Philipsen illuminate the life of Simon Kuznets, the pioneer of GDP. They discuss how Kuznets' vision for national income measurement diverged from the contentious reality of its use. The conversation highlights the flawed nature of GDP and explores alternatives like the Genuine Progress Indicator and Human Development Index, advocating for a more comprehensive understanding of economic success that accounts for well-being and environmental impact.
