Category Archives: Macroeconomic policy

To Resolve the Economic & Environmental Crisis, Do Not Bank On the Private Sector

More political leaders are coming around to the idea of using government economic muscle to combat climate change. But will they act?

The Debt Delusion

A short take on John Week’s new book, The Debt Delusion, and why it matters.

J.D Alt: The People’s Money (Part 4)

Why a Green New Deal looks like it will create a money, as in spending, as in inflation problem. Rest assured, there is an answer….

What This Election Proves Is the Need for Epoch Making Change

The upcoming UK election will usher in major change. But will it be change that benefits ordinary people?

Financing a Global Green New Deal: System Change Needed

Discussion of a contested topic: How to pay for a Green New Deal.

The Stormy Birth of “Europe”

A review of major institutional and political developments that created modern Europe.

Chile in Flames: The Neoliberal Model in Crisis Throughout the Region

An overview of the protests in Chile.

Researchers Detail How Slashing Pentagon Budget Could Pay for Medicare for All While Creating Progressive Foreign Policy Americans Want

Even if you beleve that taxes fund federal spending, a new study shows it is not necessary to raise taxes to pay for Medicare for All.

The IMF Convenes in Washington, Deaf to the Suffering It Causes Across the Planet

A brief reminder of the IMF record of failure and harm.

Thomas Piketty’s New Book: Impressive Research, Problematic Solutions

Capital and Ideology is a quantitative history of inequality, a largely noneconomic theory of social stratification, an investigation into the social roots of current populism, and a political manifesto for the European left.

Michael Pettis: MMT Heaven and MMT Hell for Chinese Investment and U.S. Fiscal Spending

There are conditions under which governments can create money—or debt—without fear of inflation or excessive debt burdens. There are other conditions under which debt or money creation can lead to inflation and balance sheet problems.

Long Term Real Interest Rates Fell Below Zero in all Euro Area Countries

Is praise of negative real interest rates in Europe making a virtue out of (mis)perceived necessity?

Bad Debts Make Good Profits – But What Are the Social Costs?

As European borrowers choke on debts they can’t repay, due to a significant degree to austerity-induced weak economies, financial profiteers swoop in to take advantage of the distress.