Volatility and reforms: The overlooked virtues of economic uncertainty

for any change, know better how it works … Published on VOX (CEPR’s political portal), by Alessandra Bonfiglioli and Gino Gancia, Dec 19, 2015.

The Great Recession highlighted the prominent role that economic uncertainty plays in hindering investment and growth. This column provides new evidence that economic uncertainty can actually play a positive role by promoting the implementation of structural reforms with long-run benefits. The effect appears to be strongest for countries with poorly informed voters. These findings suggest that times of uncertainty may present an opportunity to implement reforms that would otherwise not be passed.   Continuer la lecture de « Volatility and reforms: The overlooked virtues of economic uncertainty »

Spain: A Year of Change Postponed?

Published on ZNet (first in Jacobin Magazine), by Luke Stobart, Dec 20, 2015.

At the time of writing, Podemos is making an inspiring late comeback in the Spanish general-election campaign, but few expect that 2015 will be the “year of change” that Pablo Iglesias promised when Podemos was leading in the polls last year. Mass participation in the new party and a lightning rise in popular support in its first year gave way to limited grassroots activity and an electoral slide until this October … // Continuer la lecture de « Spain: A Year of Change Postponed? »

what means Socialism for Americans?

Universal Basic Income UBI could arrive in Europe faster than you think

Published on Business Insider.in, by Jim Edwards, Dec 14, 2015.

Several European countries are moving to adopt universal basic income schemes in the next few years. If any of them come to fruition we could finally get an answer to one of the most exciting questions in economics: whether basic income is the best way to end poverty and the welfare state:   Continuer la lecture de « Universal Basic Income UBI could arrive in Europe faster than you think »

Dept concerns

about the Greece Dept:

about the US Dept:   Continuer la lecture de « Dept concerns »