What shapes the decisions we make each day, from the seemingly trivial to the transformative? Why do trust, honour or zero-sum thinking persist in some societies but not others? How does a legacy of past events influence not just institutions but the very beliefs we carry and pass on? These questions form the heart of cultural economics, a field that reminds us why culture – often dismissed as too abstract – is central to understanding the world.

In this episode of Our Long Walk, Johan Fourie and Jonathan Schoots interview Nathan Nunn, professor at the Vancouver School of Economics and a leading thinker on cultural economics and economic history.

Nathan's mentioned work:

Transhumant Pastoralism, Climate Change, and Conflict in Africa

Zero-Sum Thinking and the Roots of U.S. Political Divides

The Slave Trade and the Origins of Mistrust in Africa

The Long-term Effects of Africa's Slave Trades

This podcast is produced with the help of Voice Note Productions. Our producer is Vasti Calitz with editing done by Andri Burnett. Kelsey Lemon provided helpful research assistance.

For more information about the episode and to subscribe to Johan’s newsletter, visit ourlongwalk.com.