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Trevon Logan, a professor of economics at @theohiostateuniversity, critically examines the notion of efficiency in the context of slavery, highlighting the human cost and inefficiency of forced labor in the Antebellum South. He argues that traditional economic models fail to account for the true human cost of slavery, focusing solely on output and profit while ignoring the lives and agency of the enslaved. Logan emphasizes the need to reevaluate historical narratives to fully understand the dehumanizing effects of slavery and its enduring impact on racial inequality today. Watch the first part of this interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pt2DCd59-2U&t=35s Learn more about his work at https://economics.osu.edu/people/logan.155
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Slavery's Legacy & the Human Cost of Efficiency

There's more to the census than demographics. Lucia Foster, Chief Economist at the U.S. Census Bureau, examines the relationship between management practices and productivity in businesses. Through a comprehensive study involving data from 14 countries, Foster highlights how structured management practices—focusing on monitoring, targeting, and incentives—correlate with higher productivity and larger business scale. She discusses the persistent variations in management practices and their impact on business outcomes, emphasizing the importance of understanding these dynamics to drive economic growth and improve living standards. Explore her work at https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=0UTBhgkAAAAJ
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The Productivity Puzzle

How can we supercharge intellectual curiosity and improve student engagement? Geoff Schneider, a professor of economics at Bucknell University and executive director of ICAPE, discusses his journey in embracing pluralism in economics education. He highlights the importance of exposing students to a wide range of economic perspectives, fostering critical thinking, and creating an engaging learning environment. Schneider's passion for teaching stems from his own experiences with inspiring educators and his commitment to helping students discover their latent intellectual passions. He emphasizes the need for ethical, inclusive, and transformative teaching practices that go beyond conventional methods. Learn more about his work: https://www.bucknell.edu/fac-staff/geoff-schneider
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The Joy of Teaching: Unlocking the Power of Pluralism in Economics

How do political systems drive trade growth? Justin Yifu Lin, a professor at Peking University, discusses how China's political system has played a crucial role in its economic development. He explains the hierarchical structure of government and the mobility of local officials, which allows them to accumulate and transfer valuable experience in organizing production and exports. This system has enabled China to capitalize on competitive advantages, particularly in manufacturing, leading to its position as the world's largest exporter. Lin emphasizes the importance of understanding institutional impacts on economic growth and productivity. Learn more about his work: https://www.nse.pku.edu.cn/en/people/professor/245722.htm
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China's Competitive Edge

Immanuel Ness critiques the belief that migration drives economic development, revealing how it often merely aids survival and perpetuates exploitation. For more on this topic, read his book, "Migration as Economic Imperialism" https://www.politybooks.com/bookdetail?book_slug=migration-as-economic-imperialism-how-international-labour-mobility-undermines-economic-development-in-poor-countries--9781509553983 Learn more about his work at https://immanuelness.com/ Immanuel Ness, a professor of political science at Brooklyn College, examines the limited benefits and significant drawbacks of migration as a development strategy. He argues that migration, often framed as a solution for economic growth, primarily helps individuals survive rather than fostering genuine development. Ness highlights the exploitative nature of current migration regimes, emphasizing the disparity between wealthy and poorer nations. He calls for a rethinking of migration policies, advocating for greater mobility rights and a development approach originating from the Global South.
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The Illusion of Migration as Development

Rob talks with David Smick about his new film "America’s Burning" and the inspiration for the project. Find a screening and learn more at: https://americasburningfilm.com/ From Executive Producers Michael Douglas and Barry Levinson, America’s Burning draws on an amazing collection of thinkers and strategists, from James Carville and Amy Chua to Ian Bremmer and Leon Panetta, as New York Times best-selling author David Smick guides the viewer on a journey to discover the reasons for today’s hate and division — and rising risk of civil war. For 40 years, the US economy has been a paradox. It’s been an extraordinary wealth-creating machine, but only for the half of the country that owns stocks. Capitalism has, as James Carville put it, become “a racket” — the ultimate corporate insider’s club, a system centrally controlled by the well-connected few. As a result, the middle class is shrinking and the American Dream’s promise of social mobility for all who work hard is dying. A new Velvet Rope Society of brains and money has cut itself off from the rest of America. Working families feel forgotten and angry, but it doesn’t have to be this way. America has an impressive history of resilience. Narrated by Michael Douglas, the film shows why our best days could still lie ahead.
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America’s Burning: David Smick on the American Dream

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From Rob Johnson

Once a month, INET President Rob Johnson shares his recommended reads and finds with the YSI community. 

May 2023

by Rob Johnson The Decline of Morality Amidst the Celebration of the Self with Chris Hedges Chris Hedges speaks to Renovatio editor Safir Ahmed about what fuels our contemporary narcissism

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April 25, 2023 No Comments

April 2023

by Rob Johnson How We Learned to Love “Free” Markets By Rebecca L. Spang | Nobody has ever seen the economy. We can see specific markets, but my local farmers’

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April 5, 2023 1 Comment

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This talk was hosted by the South Asia Working Group of the Young Scholars Initiative. The South Asia Working Group provides a platform for young scholars from South Asia (and those interested in the economic issues of the region) to select an issue they wish to work on, collaborate and discuss for better conceptualization of the problem and, debate, critique and improve upon solutions. We also invite scholars to suggest the most pressing problems and challenges to better guide the path for this working group. Thought this was interesting? Become a member of YSI and join the South Asia Working Group via https://ysi.ineteconomics.org/south-asia/ About the Speaker: Prof. K S James is the Senior Visiting Scholar at Newcomb Institute, Tulane University. He possesses extensive research and teaching experience in the field of Demography with a focus on South Asia. He was formerly the Director and Senior Professor of the International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS), Mumbai, India. He also served as a Professor of Population Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi and as Professor and Head of the Population Research Centre at the Institute for Social and Economic Change (ISEC) in Bangalore, India. Currently, he holds the position of Vice-president of the Asian Population Association (APA) and serves as a member of the Commission set up by the Government of Kerala, India, to formulate Kerala Urban Policy. YSI is an initiative of the Institute for New Economic Thinking. Twitter: https://twitter.com/ysi_commons​​​​ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ysicommunity Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YoungScholarsInitiative Blog: https://www.economicquestions.org/​​​​
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Session 2 of Macroeconomic Development and Inclusive Growth in East and Southeast Asia. With Prof. Peter Skott, Professor Emeritus, University of Massachusetts Amherst, the United States About this series: East and Southeast Asia stand at the forefront of global economic dynamism, characterized by remarkable growth, industrialization, and technological advancements. The region has experienced significant economic transformations, shifting from agrarian economies to becoming major players in the global marketplace. East Asia, led by economic powerhouses such as China, Japan, and South Korea, has demonstrated resilience in the face of challenges, leveraging robust macroeconomic policies and technological innovation. Southeast Asia, with its diverse economies, is witnessing rapid urbanization and industrialization, contributing to its emergence as a key player in the global supply chain and geopolitics in the region. Nonetheless, the economic growth in both regions has also presented complex issues, including informal economic activities, income inequality, and the need for inclusive development. Against this backdrop, this webinar series aims to explore and contextualize the ongoing economic development challenges and opportunities in East and Southeast Asia, with a focus on the historical context of economic transitions, macroeconomic strategies, and the imperative of inclusive growth and poverty reduction. Hosted by the YSI East Asia Working Group Organized by Kosal Nith, Ninad Mukherjee, Ryan Martinez, and Jakkrya Sey YSI is an initiative of the Institute for New Economic Thinking. Twitter: https://twitter.com/ysi_commons​​​ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ysicommunity Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YoungScholarsInitiative Blog: https://www.economicquestions.org/​​​
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Prof. Louis-Philippe Rochon Full Professor of Economics, Laurentian University, Canada About this series: East and Southeast Asia stand at the forefront of global economic dynamism, characterized by remarkable growth, industrialization, and technological advancements. The region has experienced significant economic transformations, shifting from agrarian economies to becoming major players in the global marketplace. East Asia, led by economic powerhouses such as China, Japan, and South Korea, has demonstrated resilience in the face of challenges, leveraging robust macroeconomic policies and technological innovation. Southeast Asia, with its diverse economies, is witnessing rapid urbanization and industrialization, contributing to its emergence as a key player in the global supply chain and geopolitics in the region. Nonetheless, the economic growth in both regions has also presented complex issues, including informal economic activities, income inequality, and the need for inclusive development. Against this backdrop, this webinar series aims to explore and contextualize the ongoing economic development challenges and opportunities in East and Southeast Asia, with a focus on the historical context of economic transitions, macroeconomic strategies, and the imperative of inclusive growth and poverty reduction. Hosted by the YSI East Asia Working Group Organized by Kosal Nith, Ninad Mukherjee, Ryan Martinez, and Jakkrya Sey YSI is an initiative of the Institute for New Economic Thinking. Twitter: https://twitter.com/ysi_commons​​​ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ysicommunity Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YoungScholarsInitiative Blog: https://www.economicquestions.org/​​​
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This discussion was part of YSI's Money and Finance Reading Group. The session focused on Schumpeter’s History of Economic Analysis with Jan Toporowski and Perry Mehrling. To join the next discussion live, join the reading group here: https://ysi.ineteconomics.org/event/money-and-finance-reading-group/2024-05-09/ YSI is an initiative of the Institute for New Economic Thinking. Twitter: https://twitter.com/ysi_commons​​​ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ysicommunity Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YoungScholarsInitiative Blog: https://www.economicquestions.org/​​​
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A fireside chat on CBDCs and stablecoins offers a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas, share perspectives, and deepen understanding of the evolving landscape of digital currencies and its implications for the future of finance from a perspective of political economy. A fireside chat will provide an engaging and informative discussion on the rapidly evolving landscape of digital currencies and their implications for the financial system. During the program the audience will get an overview of CBDCs and Stablecoins. The topics include: (i) Benefits and Risks of CBDCs, (ii) Stablecoins and Market Stability, (iii) Regulatory Considerations. We will also focus on the global Perspectives and use cases Organizers Ádám Kerényi Saleem Khan Gerhardt "Kiko" Kalterherberg Aneesha Chitgupi YSI is an initiative of the Institute for New Economic Thinking. Twitter: https://twitter.com/ysi_commons​​​ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ysicommunity Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YoungScholarsInitiative Blog: https://www.economicquestions.org/​​​
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Paper Presentations - The Role of Debt Management in Monetary Policy and its Implications for Capital Markets (Marina Clavijo) - What has impeded private capital to close the trade finance gap (Gerhardt Kalterherberg) - The Many Faces of Money and Hierarchy (Alex Howlett) - Imaginary Money and its Stabilisation since the 17th Century (Claudio Ferri) This talk was part of the 4th Annual Money View Symposium, hosted by YSI on 3-5 February, 2024. The Symposium showcased the work of scholars and practitioners that make use of the money view, ranging from economists to lawyers, politicians and social scientists at large. Thought this was interesting? Get involved with YSI! YSI is an initiative of the Institute for New Economic Thinking Twitter: https://twitter.com/ysi_commons​​ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ysicommunity/​​ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YoungScholarsInitiative Blog: https://www.economicquestions.org/​
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