In this episode of the Beverage Report Podcast, we interview a leading economic researcher and advisor, Dr Gopi Shah Goda. Are insurance markets are inherently persistently inefficient? How can governments adapt policies to accommodate an ageing population? Are we still experiencing persistent reductions in labour supply due to COVID-19?
Throughout the discussion Dr Goda references her extensive career including her year serving as a senior economist at the White House Council of Economic Advisers and her papers as a research associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research.
Tune in to this exciting episode that reflects upon US economic policies surrounding health and an ageing population.
In this episode of the Beverage Report Podcast, we interview a leading expert on financial risk and the transformative role of artificial intelligence in the financial system and also one of our very own finance professors, Professor Jon Danielsson.
How is AI reshaping the private financial sector, and what are the ethical dilemmas and risks it introduces, such as pro-cyclicality and market instability? What challenges arise in regulating AI-driven decisions, and how can legal frameworks address the complexities of responsibility?
The conversation also explores the world of cryptocurrencies: what are their political roots, speculative nature, and potential impact on traditional financial systems? Why has current regulation taken a hands-off approach, and could this change as crypto evolves? The guest delves into the distinction between endogenous and exogenous risks in finance, shedding light on how institutional diversity can help mitigate systemic crises.
Throughout the discussion, Professor Danielsson highlights the evolving landscape of financial regulation, the disruptive potential of digital currencies, and the opportunities and challenges presented by AI.
Tune in to this thought-provoking episode of the Beverage Podcast to uncover the future of finance and gain insights into the shifting dynamics of our economic systems!
In this episode of The Beverage Report Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Monica de Bolle, a distinguished economist with a remarkable journey. From her early exposure to economics through her father’s career at the Brazilian Ministry of Finance and then later the IMF to her PHD at LSE and later research in infectious diseases, Dr. De Bolle’s story offers a unique perspective on the interplay of economics and societal issues.
How do institutional trust and policy reform influence hyperinflation? Can Argentina’s dollarisation plans succeed amidst deep-rooted challenges? And what lessons can economists draw from the pandemic to better prepare for future global crises?
In the first part of our conversation, Dr. De Bolle reflects on her first hand experience with hyperinflation in Brazil, offering insights into the critical role of institutional reforms in addressing systemic economic instability. She evaluates Argentina’s fiscal strategies under its new leadership, the feasibility of dollarisation, and the challenges of mistrust toward the IMF. She also delves into Brazil’s political and economic landscape, examining the implications of President Lula’s renewed focus on poverty reduction programs like Bolsa Família, his stance on international conflicts, and the tensions of balancing fiscal goals with social equity.
The second part of our discussion shifts to public health, where Dr. De Bolle shares her motivation for pursuing research at Harvard Medical School and obtaining a degree in infectious diseases. Drawing on her interdisciplinary expertise, she explores how economists can bridge gaps with scientists to craft effective policies for health crises and climate change. She praises the flexibility and breadth of economics as a tool for addressing real-world challenges, crediting her LSE education for fostering this perspective.
Listen in as Dr. De Bolle unpacks complex issues ranging from Latin America’s economic trajectory to the intersection of economics, public health, and climate science. Her insights offer valuable lessons for anyone interested in understanding the multifaceted challenges shaping our global future.
In this episode of the Beverage Report Podcast, we interview Professor Christopher Rauh, Professor of Economics and Data Science at the University of Cambridge, Senior Researcher at the Peace Research Institute Oslo and Research Affiliate at the Centre for Economic Policy Research and Institute of Labor Economics.
How do parental beliefs affect the returns to educational and health investment in children? How could voting patterns affect intergenerational mobility and inequality within countries? What could explain the difference in wages between different ethnic groups in the US?
Professor Christopher Rauh answers these questions and more in this highly insightful episode. He explores how investments in education, both in terms of finances and time, impact children’s outcomes, highlighting that parental socioeconomic background plays a smaller role in shaping returns than commonly assumed. Professor Rauh also discusses how the composition of voter demographics can have drastic policy implications, with effects on areas such as education having pertinent effects on intergenerational mobility.
Shifting focus, Professor Rauh delves into the complexities of inequality across various groups and regions. He explores the underlying factors driving the wage gap between Black and White men in the U.S. and analyses the pandemic's far-reaching effects on inequality across countries as well as the implications for gender inequality.
Tune into this episode to learn more about Professor Christopher Rauh’s research and his personal journey as an Economist!
In this episode of the Beverage Report Podcast, we interview Professor Pranab Bardhan, Professor Emeritus of Economics at UC Berkeley, former chief editor of the Journal of Development Economics, and the celebrated author of Charaiveti and A World of Insecurity.
What impact does the rise of populism have on global development? How does economic policy shape democracies? And what can we learn from the intersection of politics and economics across India, China, and the West?
Professor Bardhan begins sharing his experience writing his memoir, Charaiveti. He delves into his global academic journey as someone who has a plethora of experience both researching and teaching around the world, he shares how his experiences from Kolkata to Cambridge to MIT have influenced his work on the political economy. He later discusses the shifting landscape of democracy, drawing from his observations on India’s evolving political climate, media influence, and institutional autonomy. Professor Bardhan also explores the "Americanization" of economics and the growing importance of development economics in addressing global inequality. He further advocates for independent institutions and competitive cultures to support innovation and autonomy in universities worldwide.
Listen in as Professor Bardhan reveals thought-provoking insights on populism, economic security, and democracy with reference to his book: A world of insecurity. He offers a nuanced perspective on the current and future challenges facing economies around the globe such as toxic social media as an echo chamber. This episode will captivate anyone interested in the complex dynamics of economics, politics, and society.
Tune in to explore Professor Pranab Bardhan’s impactful research and his remarkable journey as an economist and global thinker!
In this episode of the Beverage Report Podcast, we interview Dr Jonathon Hazell, Assistant Professor in the Department of Economics at the LSE.
How can we overcome estimation issues to evaluate the slope of the Phillips curve? What can previous periods of hyperinflation teach us, when looking to control high levels of inflation post-COVID? How do behavioural factors influence the wage rigidity of newly hired workers? What were the macroeconomic implications of the September 2022 UK mini-budget?
Dr Hazell answers these questions and more, drawing on his experience in macroeconomics and labour economics. He explains his innovative approach to measuring the natural rate of interest, r*, through using property prices, giving the listeners a flavour of how empirical methods can be applied to macroeconomics.
Tune into this episode to learn more about Dr Hazell’s research and personal journey with economics, from his very first encounters with the subject to becoming the economist he is today!
In this episode of the Beverage Report Podcast, we interview Professor David Autor, Ford Professor of Economics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and co-director of both the MIT Work of the Future Task Force and the National Bureau of Economic Research’s Labor Studies Program.
What happens when automation and AI reshape the labour market? Can the rise of China as an economic powerhouse be both a boon and a bane for global trade? How do these seismic shifts influence political landscapes and societal structures?
Prof. David Autor takes us on a journey through his academic and professional life, revealing how his early interests in psychology and computer science evolved into a profound engagement with labour economics. He discusses the historical and future impacts of automation on jobs, emphasising the importance of focussing on the composition of jobs rather than their quantity. Prof. David Autor also explores the implications of AI, suggesting that while it poses challenges, it also offers opportunities to enhance decision-making roles across various sectors. Shifting gears, he examines the “China Shock” and its profound effects on U.S. industries and workers, highlighting the need for proactive policies to mitigate adverse impacts. Finally, Prof. David Autor addresses the persistent gender pay gap and the evolving political dynamics influenced by economic disruptions, offering insights into how we can navigate these complex issues.
Tune into this episode to learn more about Professor David Autor’s research and his personal journey as an Economist!
In this episode of the Beverage Report Podcast, we interview Professor Dani Rodrik, Ford Foundation Professor of International Political Economy at Harvard's John F. Kennedy School of Government and co-director of the Reimagining the Economy Program at the Kennedy School and of the Economics for Inclusive Prosperity network.
Can a new approach to industrial policy and economic nationalism help nations tackle pressing challenges like job creation, climate transition, and economic resilience? Can the United States learn from China’s industrial policies, and how can globalisation adapt to meet today’s complex social and environmental demands?
Prof. Dani Rodrik examines East Asia's industrial policy success and its potential replicability in today’s developing economies. He critically assesses the current U.S. approach, comparing it to China’s model of economic transformation. On economic nationalism, Rodrik revisits Alexander Hamilton’s ideas, weighing the promise and risks of America’s renewed focus on domestic industry. His insights offer guidance for countries balancing domestic goals with global interdependence while staying mindful of economic and geopolitical tensions.
As the conversation turns to the future, Rodrik offers a fresh view on the declining role of traditional manufacturing and the rising importance of service sectors. On climate change, he champions a pragmatic approach that embraces transformative national policies—such as the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act and China’s renewable energy initiatives—while addressing the complexities of global coordination.
Tune into this episode to learn more about Professor Dani’s research and his insights into the Economics of Global Change!
In this episode of the Beverage Report Podcast, we interview Dr. Carl Singleton, Senior Lecturer of Economics at the University of Stirling and Research Fellow Institute of Labour Economics.
What is Sports Economics and what direction is this field taking? What is the legacy of the Cold War on referee bias in international football today? How can market failures in football prevent the best talent from making the pitch? Do these market failures generalise to the broader labour market, for example, in the financial sector?
Dr. Singleton answers these questions and more, drawing on his experience in the intersection of sports and economics. Interesting links are uncovered between sport and seemingly unrelated topics, for example, between Premier League football and local university admissions, leaving the listener curious as to what other areas of life are influenced by sports.
Tune into this episode to learn more about Dr. Singleton’s research and journey from LSE BSc Economics to a career in Whitehall and in Economics!
In this episode of the Beverage Report Podcast, we interview Professor Camille Landais, Professor of Economics & Director of STICERD at the LSE.
What is the child penalty and how come even countries at similar levels of development, such as Scandinavian and German-speaking countries, demonstrate large variations? Why is inheritance taxation an unpopular concept, and how could the current system be reformed? What are the benefits and potential drawbacks of short-term work compared to unemployment insurance schemes?
Professor Landais answers these questions and more, explaining the context and rationale behind his research, as well as the applicability of the results. Drawing on his expertise, Professor Landais shares his insights and carefully weighs up potential benefits and disadvantages of certain policies, allowing listeners to draw informed conclusions.
Tune into this episode to learn more about Professor Landais' research and his personal journey as an economist.
*Special thanks for this episode goes out to Dave, the wider Beverage Report Podcast team & the Department of Economics at the LSE.
In this episode of the Beverage Report Podcast, we interview Professor David Luke, Professor in Practice and Strategic Director at the Firoz Lalji Institute for Africa at the LSE.
How does the AfCFTA change the current trade regimes in place in Africa? Is rapid growth we have seen in sub-Saharan Africa in recent decades indeed not sustainable due to "poor prospects for industrialisation"? How can Africa best prepare itself for the EU's CBAM legislation?
Professor Luke answers these questions and more, drawing on his immense expertise marrying theory and practice in the field of trade policy and negotiations, as well as development in Africa. Describing his expansive career, Professor Luke divulges how current students and young professionals seeking to go into similar areas of work can do so, and what to look out for while laying the foundations for such a career.
Tune into this episode to learn more about Professor Luke's research and his personal journey as an economist!
*Special thanks for this episode goes out to Dave, the wider Beverage Report Podcast team & the Department of Economics at the LSE.
In this episode of the Beverage Report Podcast, we interview Professor Keyu Jin, Associate Professor of Economics at the LSE Department of Economics & author of the new book 'The New China Playbook: Beyond Socialism and Capitalism'.
What are the West's biggest misconceptions about China? How has the one-child policy impacted policy regulations and aggregate household savings? What insights can we glean from the collapse of SVB?
Professor Jin explores these topics and more, sharing her insights and work on some of the most important and impactful current areas of research: the Chinese economy, international trade & finance.
Tune into this episode to learn more about Professor Jin's research and her personal journey as an economist!
In this episode of the Beverage Report Podcast, we interview Baroness Dambisa Moyo, a member of the House of Lords serving on a number of corporate boards, with a PhD in Economics from the University of Oxford, and a Master's degree from Harvard University!
How might geopolitical instability mould the landscape of investment opportunities? In what ways might AI impact growth and human development? Which sectors are the most vulnerable to the need to refinance maturing corporate debt as interest rates remain high?
Lady Moyo shares her insights and outlook on some of the most important current trends globally, including inflation, interest rates, geopolitics, climate change, AI and more. With an illustrious and expansive career, Lady Moyo also discusses key lessons she has gained from her experiences, and imparts wisdom for those interested in a career in economics and politics.
Tune into this special episode to learn more about Baroness Dambisa Moyo's academic and professional journey.
In this episode of the Beverage Report Podcast, Raza Rasool interviews Professor Matthias Doepke, our very own Professor of Economics at the LSE Department of Economics! Professor Doepke shares his insights on various topics within the field of family economics.
Do parenting decisions influence inequality? What is Scandinavian-style parenting? How is fertility related to income?
Professor Doepke also discusses his best-selling book‘Love, Money, and Parenting: How Economics Explains the Way We Raise Our Kids’, as well as some other publications, and shares how his research on family economics have influenced his own views of parenting.
Tune into this episode to learn more about Professor Doepke's research and his personal journey as an economist.
In this episode of the Beverage Report Podcast, Raza Rasool interviews Professor Imran Rasul, a professor of economics at University College London and co-director of the Centre for the Microeconomic Analysis of Public Policy at the Institute for Fiscal Studies. Professor Rasul shares his insights on various topics in labour, development and public economics, such as inequality, vocational training, social mobility and policy evaluation. He also gives some advice for students who are interested in pursuing a career in economics or related fields. Tune in to this episode to learn more about Professor Rasul's research and his personal journey as an economist.
In this episode of the Beverage Report podcast, we resume our conversation with Asli Demirguc-Kunt, a Turkish economist and a non-resident Fellow at the Center for Global Development. Asli is a former chief economist of the Europe and Central Asia Region of The World Bank, where she also served as the Director of Research, Director of Development Policy, and the Chief Economist of the Finance and Private Sector Development Network. She has authored more than 100 research papers and books, and is widely cited and recognized as one of the top women in economics.
We talk to Asli about her research on the determinants and consequences of banking crises, which she has studied extensively using cross-country empirical methods. We discuss how bank concentration, regulation, supervision, and institutional quality affect the likelihood and severity of systemic banking distress. We also discuss her role as the chief economist of the Europe and Central Asia region at the World Bank, where she oversaw the production of analytical reports and policy advice on various topics related to the economic development and integration of the region. We explore the main challenges and opportunities facing the region in terms of growth, trade, innovation, governance, and human capital. Finally, we talk to Asli about her experience as a woman in economics, and her advice for young women who want to pursue a career in this field.
In this episode of the Beverage Report podcast, we are honored to have a conversation with Asli Demirguc-Kunt, a Turkish economist and a non-resident Fellow at the Center for Global Development. Asli is a former chief economist of the Europe and Central Asia Region of The World Bank, where she also served as the Director of Research, Director of Development Policy, and the Chief Economist of the Finance and Private Sector Development Network. She has authored more than 100 research papers and books, and is widely cited and recognized as one of the top women in economics.
We talk to Asli about her role in creating and leading the Global Findex Database, the world’s most comprehensive database on financial inclusion. The Global Findex Database provides almost 300 indicators on topics such as account ownership, payments, saving, credit, and financial resilience for 123 economies. The database is used to track progress toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and to inform policy makers, researchers, and practitioners on how to expand access to financial services for individuals and businesses.
We also discuss her research on the impact of financial inclusion on economic development, poverty reduction, and gender equality. We explore how digital financial services, powered by fintech, can lower costs, increase speed, security, and transparency of transactions, and allow for more tailored financial services that serve the poor. We also examine the challenges and opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to access finance and grow their businesses in developing countries.
This is part one of a two-part interview with Asli Demirguc-Kunt. Stay tuned for part two, where we will delve into some of her other research topics.
In this episode of the LSE Beverage Report podcast, we continue our conversation with Sir Oliver Hart, a British-born American economist and Nobel laureate. Sir Oliver is the Lewis P. and Linda L. Geyser University Professor at Harvard University, and one of the leading experts on contract theory. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences in 2016, together with Bengt Holmström, for his contributions to the theory of incomplete contracts.
We talk to Sir Oliver about some of his more recent research topics, such as corporate social responsibility, shareholder rights, and behavioral contracts. We discuss how corporations should balance their profit objectives with their social and environmental impacts, and whether shareholders should have a say in these matters. Sir Oliver shares with us his views on the opportunities for young economists, and his advice for students who want to pursue a career in economics.
This is part two of a two-part interview with Sir Oliver Hart. If you missed part one, where we discussed his life and career, his groundbreaking work on the roles that ownership structure and contractual arrangements play in the governance and boundaries of corporations, and his influential work on the hold-up problem.
In this episode of the LSE Beverage Report podcast, we are delighted to have a conversation with Sir Oliver Hart, a British-born American economist and Nobel laureate. Sir Oliver is the Lewis P. and Linda L. Geyser University Professor at Harvard University, and one of the leading experts on contract theory. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences in 2016, together with Bengt Holmström, for his contributions to the theory of incomplete contracts.
We talk to Sir Oliver about his life and career, from his early days as a student, to his groundbreaking research on the roles that ownership structure and contractual arrangements play in the governance and boundaries of corporations. We also discuss his influential work on the hold-up problem, the property rights approach to the theory of the firm, and the implications of incomplete contracts for public policy and institutional design. Sir Oliver shares with us his insights on how he came up with his seminal ideas and what challenges he faced along the way.
This is part one of a two-part interview with Sir Oliver Hart. Stay tuned for part two, where we will explore some of his more recent research topics, such as corporate social responsibility, reference points, and behavioral contracts.
In this episode of the Beverage Report Podcast, we're joined by Professor Leah Boustan, an economic historian at Princeton University. Professor Boustan is the author of two books, Competition in the Promised Land and Streets of Gold: America's Untold Story of Immigrant Success. In our conversation, we discuss the Great Migration, white flight, and the impact of immigration on the American economy. We also talk about how machine learning is being used to track immigrants and their descendants, and how the concept of the American Dream has evolved over time. Professor Boustan is a leading expert on immigration and the economics of race. Her research has important implications for policymakers who are grappling with the challenges of immigration today.