This week on Generating Alpha, I’m joined by Paul Krugman — Nobel Prize-winning economist, prolific writer, and one of the most influential economic thinkers of our time. Over the past five decades, Krugman has helped shape modern economics through both his academic work and his role as a leading public intellectual.

He first rose to prominence for his work on international trade and currency crises, which earned him the Nobel in 2008. But beyond academia, Krugman became a household name through his long-running New York Times column — which he concluded in 2024 — where he blended economic insight with sharp commentary on fiscal policy, globalization, inequality, and politics.

In this conversation, we talk about Krugman’s early life in Utica, the roots of his interest in economics, and the key — sometimes serendipitous — milestones in his career. We dive into his views on the global and U.S. economies, the evolution of trade policy, the rise of Wall Street’s influence, and the challenges of inequality and populism. He also shares what policymakers often get wrong, how he balances analysis with advocacy, and his advice for the next generation.

Paul brings a rare combination of clarity, experience, and conviction to economic issues that are often misunderstood. His perspective challenges assumptions and offers a powerful lens into how the world really works.