Topics Discussed: Utopia from an economics perspective, Competition, Well-informed citizen, Disagreements in economics, Metrics of outcomes, Safety nets, Invisible hand of the market, Regulation of tech sector, Automation, Metric of productivity, Interaction of the economy and politics, Universal basic income, Divisiveness of political discourse, Economic theories, Starting a system on Mars from scratch, International trade, Writing in a time of radicalization and Twitter mobs.
Paul Krugman
Paul Krugman is an American economist, who is Distinguished Professor of Economics at the Graduate Center of the City University of New York, and a columnist for The New York Times. In 2008, Krugman was the winner of the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences for his contributions to New Trade Theory and New Economic Geography. The Prize Committee cited Krugman's work explaining the patterns of international trade and the geographic distribution of economic activity, by examining the effects of economies of scale and of consumer preferences for diverse goods and services.
Books Mentioned in this Podcast with Paul Krugman:
Paul Krugman: Navigating the Confluence of Economics and Politics
Lex Fridman engages with Paul Krugman, a luminary in the world of economics and a Nobel laureate. With a rich academic lineage spanning international economics, economic geography, and more, Krugman also stands out as a vocal columnist at The New York Times, offering incisive commentaries on the complex interplay between politics and economics in modern times.
The World of International Economics
Delving deep into the intricacies of international economics, Krugman provides insights into the forces shaping global economic trends. From currency crises to liquidity traps, the discussion unravels the multi-faceted dimensions of global economic phenomena.
The Intersection of Politics and Economics
Krugman's work, especially his columns, often touch upon the convergence of politics and economics. In this era of divisive political discourse, his perspectives offer a unique lens to view and understand the economic underpinnings of political decisions and their broader societal implications.
Reflecting on Contemporary Challenges
As the conversation progresses, Krugman reflects on the pressing challenges of our times, from economic disparities to the role of government in shaping economic policies. His insights offer a thought-provoking exploration of the dilemmas faced by modern societies.