Episodes
![Oliver Volckart on how Germany created its first common currency in the 16th century](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/ep-logo/pbblog12756037/PODCAST_TEMPLATE8la2f_300x300.jpeg)
5 days ago
5 days ago
The concept of a monetary union today implies a multilateral entity that centralizes the emission of a common currency shared by multiple countries. This arrangement provides benefits, such as lower transaction costs, but poses challenges, especially without a complete fiscal union, which can create perverse incentives. However, monetary issues are not new; they have been a consistent aspect of human organizations throughout history. Today, we will discuss how the politically fragmented German lands under the Holy Roman Empire established a common currency in the sixteenth century and examine the debates surrounding its perceived success or failure.
![Francisco Bethencourt on the History of the New Christian Trading Elite in the Early Modern Period](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/ep-logo/pbblog12756037/PODCAST_TEMPLATE_2_7p15r_300x300.png)
Wednesday Jun 12, 2024
Wednesday Jun 12, 2024
In 1492, Spain's Alhambra Decree forced Jews to convert to Christianity or face expulsion, leading many to become conversos. Portugal issued a similar edict in 1496. Driven by a desire for religious homogeneity, these measures led to persistent discrimination based on Jewish ancestry. How did this new group of New Christians defend their interests and thrive in economic and social spheres, building connections with Europe, Africa, and the Americas? Today, we talk with Dr. Bethencourt about his new book, "Strangers Within: The Rise and Fall of the New Christian Trading Elite."
![Marc Palen on Pax Economica and the Left-Wing visions of a free trade world](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/ep-logo/pbblog12756037/PODCAST_TEMPLATE_2_6d6sn_300x300.png)
Tuesday May 07, 2024
Marc Palen on Pax Economica and the Left-Wing visions of a free trade world
Tuesday May 07, 2024
Tuesday May 07, 2024
In today's political discussions, the endorsement of free trade is commonly linked with perspectives that lean toward the right side of the spectrum. However, it's crucial to recognize that the roots of free trade and classical liberalism extend beyond contemporary left-right divides. As a result, the promotion of free trade has profoundly impacted modern ideologies across the political spectrum. Originating as a response to the imperialist and mercantilist policies of the early 19th century, the ideals of free trade possess a profound intellectual legacy intertwined with the narratives of historical social radicals, feminists, and pacifists. Joining us today is Marc Palen, author of "Pax Economica: Left-Wing Visions of a Free Trade World," who will delve into the themes explored in his recent publication.
![Mark Koyama on the Economics of Dune and Science Fiction Worlds](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/ep-logo/pbblog12756037/PODCAST_TEMPLATE_2_aaxg4_300x300.png)
Monday Mar 25, 2024
Mark Koyama on the Economics of Dune and Science Fiction Worlds
Monday Mar 25, 2024
Monday Mar 25, 2024
Sci-fi builds alternative realities from current science, spanning space travel, AI, genetics, and quantum mechanics. Its appeal lies not only in scientific accuracy but also in the constraints it imposes on characters within these worlds. Audiences are drawn to the social questions it poses, exploring diverse societies, cultures, and interpersonal dynamics. Themes delve into human behavior, societal structures, power dynamics, and the impacts of technology. Mark will explore how social science influences sci-fi narratives and the insights they offer through a discussion of one of the most important pieces of science fiction: Dune.
![Alex Salter on the Medieval Constitution of Liberty](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/ep-logo/pbblog12756037/PODCAST_TEMPLATE_2_ach3n_300x300.png)
Friday Feb 23, 2024
Alex Salter on the Medieval Constitution of Liberty
Friday Feb 23, 2024
Friday Feb 23, 2024
The Great Enrichment stands as one of humanity's pivotal moments, igniting in Europe during the 17th to 19th centuries, prompting countless attempts to decipher its origins. Today, Dr. Salter will delve into his latest collaborative work with Professor Andrew Young, titled "The Medieval Constitution of Liberty: Political Foundations of Liberalism in the West." In this book, they argue that Western exceptionalism traces back to the intricate and fragmented political systems of Medieval Europe. These structures, they assert, provided the fertile ground for effective governance, which in turn spurred the generation of wealth.
![Anna Grzymala-Busse on the Sacred Foundations of European States](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/ep-logo/pbblog12756037/PODCAST_TEMPLATE-195hp7_300x300.jpg)
Sunday May 14, 2023
Anna Grzymala-Busse on the Sacred Foundations of European States
Sunday May 14, 2023
Sunday May 14, 2023
From the 11th to 14th centuries, the Roman Catholic Church was Europe’s largest and most organized institution. Unlike any other entity at the time, it had the capacity to tax, create law and administer justice. Secular authorities had to grapple with it. They competed and allied with it. But most importantly, they emulated it. Today we will be talking with Dr. Anna Grzymala-Busse about her most recent book, Sacred Foundations: The Religious and medieval roots of the European State.
![John H. Cochrane on the Fiscal Theory of the Price Level](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/ep-logo/pbblog12756037/PODCAST_TEMPLATE-1_1_6dq7i_300x300.jpg)
Sunday Apr 16, 2023
John H. Cochrane on the Fiscal Theory of the Price Level
Sunday Apr 16, 2023
Sunday Apr 16, 2023
"Too much money spent chasing too few goods" is the preferred explanation that most people think about when discussing the causes of inflation. But how generally applicable is said argument to our modern economy? Today we will be talking with Dr. John Cochrane, who will speak about his most recent book, The Fiscal Theory of the Price Level, where he argues that changes in price levels depend rather on the expectations of the ability of governments to repay their debt
![Enrico Spolaore on Political Borders and the Size of Nations](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/ep-logo/pbblog12756037/PODCAST_TEMPLATE-1ax16a_300x300.jpg)
Sunday Mar 19, 2023
Enrico Spolaore on Political Borders and the Size of Nations
Sunday Mar 19, 2023
Sunday Mar 19, 2023
We tend to think of political borders as exogenous artifacts that are imposed in a top-down manner by governments with imperial ambitions. And while this is true in some cases, there is a more significant case to be made for the alternative, where borders and jurisdictions are endogenous to the populations that draw them. A country's size and frontiers depend on the political and economic costs and benefits of sticking together or breaking up. Today we will have Enrico Spolaore, a leading economist in this research area, who will talk about countries' optimal size and why borders are drawn the way they are.
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