The hottest Political Economy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top U.S. Politics Topics
Global Inequality and More 3.0 1102 implied HN points 13 Jun 25
  1. David Ricardo's economic ideas are still influential, but they often ignore important social classes and conflicts. It's crucial to consider how class affects the economy.
  2. The effects of globalization are often viewed just through a Western lens, which can overlook the benefits it has brought to many people in other parts of the world. This creates a skewed understanding of economic progress.
  3. Critiquing historical economic figures like Ricardo should include recognizing their contributions to understanding social dynamics, not just focusing on their abstract theories.
Silver Bulletin 386 implied HN points 20 Feb 25
  1. Congestion pricing in New York has made commuting faster for many people, saving them time despite the added fees. Some drivers find it worth paying extra to avoid long traffic delays.
  2. Not everyone benefits equally from congestion pricing; it can be a burden for lower-income commuters who rely on personal vehicles. Still, it helps reduce traffic and pollution in the city.
  3. The policy has mixed effects on local businesses. While it may deter some visitors, faster travel within the city could encourage local spending from commuters using public transit.
Points And Figures 1918 implied HN points 03 Feb 25
  1. Tariffs are often more about politics than economics, and many believe they don't help growth. They're seen as special favors rather than economic tools.
  2. While tariffs can raise prices, their real impact on the economy isn't as severe as some think. They could even lead to slower growth, which might help reduce inflation.
  3. There are concerns that government job cuts could hurt people who lack skills for other jobs. However, adapting and reinventing oneself is crucial, as others have had to do in tough situations.
C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. 30 implied HN points 17 Jun 25
  1. Wealthy elites may manipulate politics to maintain power, even if it means harming political figures. They want to avoid changing tax policies that could hurt their income.
  2. Both Democrats and Republicans are failing to meet the needs of everyday Americans, leading to distrust in elections and the political system. Many people feel left behind and want real change.
  3. To achieve true political reform, it's essential to challenge the current political system. Americans need to push for verified voting methods to ensure their voices are heard.
Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality 276 implied HN points 05 Jun 25
  1. Elon Musk may face financial troubles in the future due to his unexpected fallout with Trump. He thought business deals could be made based on loyalty, but that's not how Trump operates.
  2. Musk is trying to show Trump that he has power, which may help him secure subsidies and support for his businesses, Tesla and SpaceX. It's uncertain how effective this strategy will be.
  3. There’s a lot of unpredictability in the political and business landscape, especially with figures like Musk and Trump leading the charge. It's like watching a high-stakes game unfold.
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Glenn’s Substack 859 implied HN points 23 Aug 24
  1. Europe is struggling because it is not adapting to the new multipolar world. Instead of building ties with other major economies, it is relying heavily on the U.S., which makes it weaker.
  2. Countries around the world are trying to diversify their economic connections to avoid too much dependence on a single superpower. Europe, on the other hand, is falling behind by sticking closely to U.S. interests.
  3. As the U.S. shifts its focus to Asia, Europe risks losing its political and economic relevance. If Europe doesn’t change its approach, it might find itself increasingly sidelined.
Unpopular Front 35 implied HN points 12 Jun 25
  1. Trump's idea of rebuilding America mixes old protectionist ideas with modern technology. This mix shows a deep desire to return to a past way of doing things while ignoring the advancements of the Enlightenment.
  2. Trump represents both wealth and the chaos of financial failure. His life story reflects a bigger story about America, blending success with economic downturns.
  3. To understand Trump and his influence, it's important to look at his financial struggles and how they match up with the nation's challenges. His rise is tied to a deeper sense of despair in American politics.
Faster, Please! 731 implied HN points 14 Jan 25
  1. Global population is set to decline for the first time in history, mainly because people are choosing to have fewer children. This shift poses big challenges for governments worldwide.
  2. Unlike past population declines, like during the Black Death, today's situation is driven by personal choices rather than disease. We now face a situation of fewer births happening across different cultures and societies.
  3. The reasons for lower birth rates are complex. It's not just about wealth, as many poorer countries are also experiencing declining birth rates. People's desires for children play a crucial role in understanding these trends.
Erdmann Housing Tracker 463 implied HN points 23 Jan 25
  1. Many people argue that housing costs have always been high, but this isn't accurate. In the past, housing prices were much more stable compared to the rapid increases we've seen in the last few decades.
  2. High housing costs today are not just due to demand. There's a complex web of factors that includes limited housing supply and economic changes, which makes it harder for people, especially those with lower incomes, to afford homes.
  3. The impact of rising rent prices isn't felt equally. While wealthier areas may see rents that align with income growth, poorer communities face much higher rent increases, making it challenging for families to maintain their living situations.
Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality 238 implied HN points 31 May 25
  1. We need to learn from past economic crises so we can prepare for future shocks. They often have long-lasting effects on our economy, making recovery much harder.
  2. Controlling inflation is key for political stability. When inflation is low and stable, people trust their leaders and feel secure about the economy.
  3. Even with challenges, like low interest rates, we have a great chance for investment in things like infrastructure and education. We should take advantage of these conditions to grow.
Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality 269 implied HN points 29 May 25
  1. Kevin Warsh believes the Federal Reserve should not have authority over bank regulation and should defer to the Treasury instead. This raises questions about what role the Fed really should play in the financial system.
  2. Historically, the U.S. economy has struggled during banking crises due to a lack of a strong central bank. Events like the Panic of 1907 highlighted the need for a central authority to manage financial stability.
  3. The effectiveness of the Federal Reserve hinges on its ability to monitor and regulate banks. Without this oversight, its role as a lender of last resort becomes less effective, suggesting bank regulation is crucial to the Fed's mission.
Chartbook 557 implied HN points 04 Feb 25
  1. There's a discussion about how companies are focusing more on buybacks instead of investing in important areas like the military complex. It raises questions about the priorities of businesses.
  2. The Indian economy appears to be making significant progress. This could indicate shifts in global economic dynamics and growth in emerging markets.
  3. A report from RAND explores how countries share defense responsibilities, particularly relating to Britain's historical wars. This could provide insights into current international relations and military commitments.
Chartbook 1473 implied HN points 19 Oct 24
  1. The recent Nobel Prize in economics was awarded to three economists who stressed the importance of societal institutions in achieving economic prosperity. Their work highlights how fairness and rights can drive economic growth.
  2. The Biden administration supports this view, aligning their economic strategies with the theories of these Nobel winners. They believe government policies can help bridge gaps like inequality and support innovation.
  3. The traditional ideas of free-market economics are becoming less popular, and the current trend leans towards more government intervention in the economy. This shift reflects a broader skepticism about past economic policies.
In My Tribe 410 implied HN points 25 Jan 25
  1. Many experts believe that relying on government decisions can be inefficient because it often favors those with political power instead of addressing real needs.
  2. Inequality is a natural part of society, and efforts to eliminate it through government action can lead to problems, including promoting wokeness.
  3. Economic data can often be misleading due to measurement errors, making it hard to trust figures that inform important decisions like GDP or monetary policies.
Chartbook 600 implied HN points 18 Dec 24
  1. Global dollars and cocoa are connected within the system of capitalism, but they operate under very different political economies. Money is managed through global financial institutions, while cocoa production involves many poor farmers and large corporations.
  2. The relationship between cocoa and global dollars can be explored through the idea of 'sectors' in the economy, like the agro-industrial sector for cocoa and the financial sector for dollars. Each sector functions under its own rules and crises.
  3. Understanding how these sectors combine and differ helps to illustrate the complex dynamics of global capitalism. It’s important to consider how different sectors impact each other and society as a whole.
Chartbook 743 implied HN points 05 Nov 24
  1. The Biden administration's time in office is seen as limited, with many questioning its place in history and legacy. It seems to be moving towards a significant change after one term.
  2. The administration faced various challenges, including obstacles to its policies, which highlighted the need for balance in its approach to both domestic and foreign issues.
  3. As tensions with China increase and significant decisions around issues like climate and economic policy continue, the Biden presidency is grappling with its role in a changing global landscape.
Diane Francis 1518 implied HN points 24 Jul 23
  1. The Prigozhin affair shows that Russia is controlled by a group of wealthy oligarchs who care more about money than the well-being of their people. This makes it hard to negotiate or find solutions to the ongoing war.
  2. Putin's response to the Prigozhin situation reveals his weakness and the corruption within the military. Despite military losses, he continues to escalate the conflict instead of seeking peace.
  3. To effectively end the war, the West needs to take strong actions against Russian oligarchs and their assets. The future of Russia may involve breaking it into smaller states, similar to what happened with the Soviet Union.
JoeWrote 130 implied HN points 19 Nov 24
  1. Capitalists often claim they take risks when starting businesses, but the reality is they just risk losing money, while workers create the real value.
  2. The idea that financial risk deserves the biggest reward is flawed. Labor plays a crucial role in producing wealth and should be valued more than just money at stake.
  3. Ultimately, capitalists face the possibility of becoming workers themselves if their businesses fail, but this isn't much of a risk compared to the actual physical and personal risks that workers take daily.
ChinaTalk 474 implied HN points 21 Oct 24
  1. China looks to the lessons of the Soviet Union to understand its own economic strategies and potential risks. By studying the past, they hope to avoid similar pitfalls in governance.
  2. The distribution of resources in an economy is crucial for success. If too much is spent on heavy industry and not enough on consumer goods, it can lead to dissatisfaction and inefficiencies.
  3. Khrushchev's time saw a shift in the Soviet mentality from military competition to economic competition with the West. This idea of competing systems is still relevant today, especially in how China views its place in the world.
Chartbook 314 implied HN points 06 Dec 24
  1. Beijing's influence in Hong Kong has grown significantly, leading to a shift in control over its financial hub. This change impacts how the West interacts with Hong Kong's economy.
  2. There are dark tanker fleets off Malaysia, which implies issues related to shipping and potentially illegal activities. It raises questions about maritime security and trade.
  3. Interesting stories include 'potato collusion' and efforts to free hermit crabs from plastic, highlighting different aspects of culture and environmental issues. These topics show how diverse and quirky news can be.
I Might Be Wrong 12 implied HN points 23 Jan 25
  1. Trump has shown an unusual admiration for President William McKinley, frequently mentioning him in speeches and calling him underrated. This is surprising because McKinley is not a common figure of praise among modern politicians.
  2. Trump believes that McKinley's tariffs significantly contributed to America's wealth, but many experts think this is a misunderstanding. Economic growth during that time was influenced by several factors, not just tariffs.
  3. McKinley's views on tariffs changed while he was in office, suggesting that his original ideas might not have been as set in stone as Trump claims. This highlights how historical interpretations can vary over time.
Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality 269 implied HN points 17 Nov 24
  1. Past societies often operated under systems of domination, where a small elite would take resources from the majority. This made it difficult for anyone to improve their situation without facing threats or violence.
  2. Technological progress today is much faster than in earlier times. This rapid change creates new challenges that previous societies never had to deal with, making lessons from the past less applicable.
  3. Understanding the internal workings of elite groups in past societies can provide some insights today. However, we shouldn't assume we are bound by their limitations because our circumstances are very different.
Philip’s Newsletter 78 implied HN points 06 Nov 24
  1. Inequality is growing because free markets and low taxes let wealth concentrate in a few hands. Over time, this leads to more people feeling left out and unhappy.
  2. Different countries face a tough choice between low taxes to drive growth or higher taxes to support fairness. These choices impact how people feel about their economic opportunities.
  3. Creating strong local communities where people support each other can help address the issues caused by inequality. Togetherness and compassion will be key to moving forward.
Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality 207 implied HN points 21 Nov 24
  1. We're facing a big change in how we organize our economies and societies after the old Neoliberal Order collapsed. Right now, there's no clear leader or system guiding us towards the future.
  2. Global warming is a major challenge we're dealing with, and it will likely change how we approach economics and society. It could cost us a lot and make it harder to adapt to new technologies.
  3. Misinformation is a huge problem in politics today. Many people believe false information, which can really impact elections and how we view our society.
Geopolitical Economy Report 378 implied HN points 03 May 23
  1. De-dollarization is a shift away from the US dollar system towards a new economic system based on reducing imbalances and promoting balanced economic growth.
  2. The current crisis in the dollar system is exposing vulnerabilities, such as declining capital inflows and the need for central bank intervention to prop up asset markets.
  3. The future economic system may involve a mixed public-private economy, government intervention in strategic sectors, and capital controls to prevent financialization and promote productive expansion.
God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger 125 implied HN points 27 Nov 24
  1. A small number of wealthy individuals control a huge amount of money. Just 800 Americans hold around $6 trillion, showing how wealth is very concentrated.
  2. Investment firms manage a lot of this wealth, with 117 people deciding where to invest over $50 trillion. This means a few people hold significant power over global investments.
  3. Most of the world's problems are caused by a tiny group of individuals. Recognizing them makes it easier to hold them accountable and work towards change.
Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality 115 implied HN points 27 Nov 24
  1. Zero-sum thinking is on the rise, where people believe that economic growth takes away from someone else instead of benefiting everyone. This mindset can lead to less motivation and lower innovation in society.
  2. The belief that changes in the economy will harm individuals' existing benefits is a growing concern. Many people are starting to think that opportunities for advancement are limited.
  3. Recent predictions suggest that the U.S. economy could surprise us with better growth than expected. This positive outlook contrasts with the general fears of economic decline.
Diane Francis 519 implied HN points 09 Mar 23
  1. Wealthy business leaders in China are disappearing or facing government crackdowns without clear reasons. This shows a shift towards increased government control in key industries.
  2. China's past economic growth relied on free enterprise, which helped lift millions out of poverty. Now, the current leadership seems to favor a more centralized, state-controlled economy.
  3. The government's actions against successful entrepreneurs send a warning to investors about the risks of doing business in China. Many are now hesitant to engage due to fears of losing their investments.
An Africanist Perspective 277 implied HN points 20 Jan 23
  1. African countries face high debt risks, diverting resources from critical areas like education and healthcare to debt servicing.
  2. The lack of market discipline in public finance management in African states can be attributed to factors like moral hazard involving foreign creditors and poor linkages to political institutions.
  3. Lessons learned from past debt crises emphasize the importance of democratizing public finance management and learning from mistakes to make smarter policy decisions.
Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality 84 implied HN points 31 Oct 24
  1. The work in political economy and moral philosophy from the 1900s often comes from thinkers connected to the Vienna Circle. Their ideas shaped modern views in these fields.
  2. Natural issues like global warming and resource scarcity greatly impacted the economy throughout the 20th century. It's important to consider these environmental factors when studying economic history.
  3. Understanding different authors and theories, especially those related to socialism and welfare states, helps us grasp the changes in economic growth and social democracy since the late 19th century. Their insights remain relevant today.
Hypertext 139 implied HN points 20 Nov 23
  1. Hypertext journal is a new platform from the Niskanen Center focused on liberalism, political economy, and policy.
  2. They aim to engage in thoughtful dialogue through essays to bring people together and restore the original promise of hypertext.
  3. The Niskanen Center works to bridge the gap between traditional left and right ideas by injecting fresh perspectives into public discourse.
Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality 261 implied HN points 02 Feb 24
  1. Debt-to-GDP ratio in the U.S. has fluctuated over the years, with significant changes under different administrations.
  2. The U.S. could manage its debt by matching program spending to taxes in the future, allowing it to gradually diminish.
  3. The current U.S. deficit is a concern as it exceeds the optimal level, posing a risk for the future due to political and economic factors.
Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality 222 implied HN points 04 Mar 24
  1. The Viceroyalty of New Spain in 1550 was dominated by a gunpowder-empire machine with Castilians and indigenous populations, showcasing early forms of state development.
  2. The introduction of the Patio Process in 1554 for silver extraction revolutionized mining districts in Mexico, attracting workers and increasing prosperity due to the flow of mercury.
  3. Improved fiscal legibility in mining districts post-Patio Process led to accelerated political centralization, as viceroys had more confidence in transitioning areas from encomienda to corregimiento for better state control and revenue collection.
C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. 42 implied HN points 08 Dec 24
  1. The U.S. involvement in Syria may lead to negative consequences for America in the Middle East. People there could react strongly against Americans and their presence.
  2. There is a belief that American ignorance about its history and global actions contributes to its problems. Many feel that the U.S. needs to acknowledge its past mistakes and take responsibility.
  3. The current state of America's government and society is seen as corrupt. Some believe that a significant change is needed, potentially putting more power in the hands of indigenous people.
Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter 15 implied HN points 12 Feb 25
  1. We are at a crossroads between a future of control by a wealthy few or a harmonious society where everyone can thrive. It's essential to choose a path that empowers people and promotes cooperation.
  2. Our current way of living, driven by individualism and consumerism, isn't sustainable. We need to shift towards a society based on shared resources and community participation.
  3. Transforming our consciousness and understanding of the world is key. By recognizing our interconnectedness, we can encourage positive change and foster a more compassionate society.
Pekingnology 26 implied HN points 12 Nov 24
  1. China's e-commerce market grew rapidly even without strong laws and regulations in place. This shows that sometimes markets can develop in unexpected ways, relying on private platforms to fill the gap left by the government.
  2. The rise of online shopping has changed many aspects of life in China. It has led to a cashless society where even beggars use QR codes to receive donations, showing how deeply e-commerce has integrated into everyday life.
  3. China's unique approach of allowing e-commerce to flourish has led to innovative technologies like mobile payments and AI-driven logistics. This shows that government regulations can sometimes help or hurt the growth of industries.
Letters from an American 22 implied HN points 15 Nov 24
  1. The Biden-Harris administration has seen a huge increase in small business applications, with more than 20 million filed in four years. This growth helps create jobs and supports a stronger economy.
  2. Biden's policies aim to reduce wealth inequality by investing in the middle class and promoting government regulations, moving away from the neoliberal strategies of the past that favored the rich.
  3. There's a growing concern about the future under a possible Trump administration, where proposed cuts to government spending could harm many Americans and return to a system that favors the wealthy.
Of Boys and Men 131 implied HN points 23 May 23
  1. More men should be encouraged to work in HEAL professions like healthcare and education for a variety of reasons.
  2. It's important to address the gender disparities in occupations like health care and education to better serve clients and address labor shortages.
  3. Supporting opportunities for men in both blue-collar jobs and growing HEAL sectors is vital for a balanced workforce.
Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality 76 implied HN points 29 Feb 24
  1. The distribution of technological progress can be influenced by the balance of power in both markets and politics.
  2. Technologies can have both positive and negative impacts on society, so it's important to consider the distributional effects.
  3. Diverse perspectives and opinions are crucial in shaping better and more equitable technological trajectories.