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!