Best Oslo Economics Podcasts (2024)

1
Administrative Capacity and Its Impact on Development in Pakistan — Sameen A. Mohsin Ali 52:04

12d ago52:04

52:04

Effective bureaucracies are pivotal in mobilizing resources, implementing development projects, and ensuring equitable distribution of growth benefits across all societal segments. Conversely, weak administrative systems often result in inefficiency, corruption, and the derailment of vital development efforts aimed at improving health, education, a…

1
Infrastructure, Governance, and Society in Modern Africa — Karuti Kanyinga 43:48

19d ago43:48

43:48

A common concern voiced by leaders in many developing nations is the deterioration of their road systems and the apparent hesitance of the international community to fund infrastructure improvements. In response, China launched the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in 2013. This sweeping project has facilitated investments in sectors such as transport…

1
Politics of the Planet — Lan Marie Nguyen Berg 52:07

28d ago52:07

52:07

The continued reliance on a "business as usual" model is insufficient for countering the detrimental consequences of global warming. Numerous studies, including the influential reports from the IPCC, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, have sparked a keen interest in understanding the prerequisites for the societal transformations necess…

1
Tackling the Energy Access and Development Challenge — Jörg Ankel-Peters 45:34

1M ago45:34

45:34

Many nations around the world are grappling with the challenge of providing reliable and sustainable energy access to their populations. Half a billion people, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and parts of South Asia, still rely on biomass for their basic needs, underscoring the urgent necessity for innovative energy solutions. The quest for elec…

1
The US-China Partnership That Transformed International Trade — Elizabeth Ingleson 47:55

1M ago47:55

47:55

In the fabric of today's interconnected globe, "Made in China" has emerged as a richly layered emblem, intertwined with economic, political, and cultural narratives. Every day, consumers worldwide engage with this tag, embedded in an array of products, prompting us to ponder: What deeper meanings unfold from the assertion that a product is "Made in…

1
Empowering Change: Leadership's Role in Global Development — Willem Fourie 45:53

2M ago45:53

45:53

Effective leadership is characterized by its ability to inspire collective action, foster inclusivity, and navigate the intricate dynamics of political, economic, and cultural landscapes to drive meaningful change. The challenge of leadership in the context of development is further complicated by the need for adaptability and resilience. Leaders m…

1
Cityscapes and Sanctuaries: Exploring the Socio-Spatial and Religious Dynamics of Johannesburg and Lagos — Obvious Katsaura 47:47

2M ago47:47

47:47

The African continent is projected to have the fastest urban growth rate in the world: by 2050, Africa’s cities will be home to an additional 950 million people. While this surge presents urban centers with a wealth of opportunities such as a larger workforce, increased consumer markets, and greater potential for cultural exchange, it also brings f…

1
Voices and Votes: Shaping the Democratic Landscape in Africa — Boniface Dulani 1:00:04

2M ago1:00:04

1:00:04

The landscape of democracy in Africa is characterized by a dynamic interplay between achievements and obstacles, particularly as the continent approaches a pivotal year with numerous elections scheduled in 2024. Countries such as South Africa, Namibia, Mozambique, and Senegal are preparing for electoral contests, underscoring a persistent belief in…

1
Democracy in the Balance: Navigating Latin America's Political Landscape — Gerardo Munck 45:06

2M ago45:06

45:06

The political landscape of Latin America has undergone major transformation since the democratization wave of the 1980s and 1990s. During this time, most democracies in the region have managed to persist, albeit with a few notable exceptions. However, the quality of these democracies has often been questioned. Guillermo O’Donnell's characterization…

1
The Globalization of Finance and Its Impact on State Building — Didac Queralt 50:20

3M ago50:20

50:20

An increasing number of countries are struggling with rising debt and facing defaults. A recent World Bank report revealed that developing countries paid a record $443.5 billion in 2022 to service their public debts, a situation exacerbated by surging global interest rates and a strong U.S. dollar. This debt servicing cost represents a 5% increase …

1
The Genesis of the Human Development Report and Index — Meghnad Desai 20:49

3M ago20:49

20:49

The landscape of development theory, measurement, and policy was transformed in 1990 with the publication of the first Human Development Report by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). This report also introduced the Human Development Index, which is a summary measure of average achievement in 3 key dimensions of human development: life ex…

1
Global Structural Reform: Poverty, Freedom, Justice, and Innovation — Thomas Pogge 57:24

3M ago57:24

57:24

We explore the idea that the gravest deficits in freedom are intrinsically linked to poverty, impacting individuals and nations worldwide. We also examine the global innovation regime's crucial role in shaping progress and human development. International impact funds encourage and reward innovations based on their social benefits, potentially revo…

1
The Future of Industrialization – Jostein Hauge 47:47

4M ago47:47

47:47

Few events have transformed society as profoundly as the Industrial Revolution. The introduction of the factory system not only revolutionized the production landscape but also reshaped the social and economic contours of nations. This transformation was marked by the birth of industries such as textiles, iron, and glass-making, which catapulted pr…

1
Development as a Right: Unpacking Principles and Practices — Surya Deva 50:01

4M ago50:01

50:01

The right to development enables individuals and communities to actively participate in and benefit from various forms of development — economic, social, cultural, and political — while ensuring their human rights and freedoms. It involves a range of responsibilities, including the roles of states, multinational companies, NGOs, businesses, and edu…

1
Shifting Paradigms: The Global South and Feminist Political Economy Unveiled — Sara Stevano 49:29

4M ago49:29

49:29

The term "Global South" has seen an exponential rise in both academic discourse and international policy dialogues, having evolved from a mere synonym for the “Third World” to a complex geo-historical concept. In the first part of this episode, we critically analyze the utility and limitations of the term, acknowledging the diverse economic, politi…

1
Beyond Trade: China's Cultural and Political Relations in Africa – Joshua Eisenman 56:17

4M ago56:17

56:17

China's burgeoning relationship with the African continent has been characterized by significant economic investment, trade, and infrastructure development, with China emerging as Africa's largest trading partner and a major player in the continent's evolving economic landscape. In recent years, we have seen an influx of Chinese involvement in Afri…

1
Accountability in Action: The World Bank's Inspection Panel on the Frontlines – Ramanie Kunanayagam 55:28

4M ago55:28

55:28

Established as an independent complaints mechanism in 1993, the Inspection Panel is tasked with bringing transparency and redress to those adversely affected by World Bank-funded initiatives. The Panel is widely recognized as an international pioneer in respect to holding a major multilateral organization to account on social and environmental issu…

1
From Miracle to Menace: The Fight Against Plastic Pollution — Gloria Majiga 53:56

5M ago53:56

53:56

Once heralded as a miraculous material, plastic now poses a slow and insidious threat to our waterways, landscapes, and ecosystems. Plastic pollution impacts different regions of the world to varying degrees, and Malawi stands out as a notable example. An estimated 75,000 tons of plastic are manufactured annually in the country, with a minimum of 8…

1
Decoding Development: The Crucial Role of Institutions – Shiping Tang 53:41

5M ago53:41

53:41

Development implies not just growth over a significant period of time but also progressive changes in the structure of an economy. Many influential scholars have identified the crucial role of property rights and the importance of constraining the power of the state while others highlight the importance of political settlements, development cluster…

1
Making Sense of Cancer: Why Better Therapy Leads to More Disease – Jarle Breivik 47:17

6M ago47:17

47:17

The overarching objective of cancer research, championed by organizations like the US National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society, is to "end cancer as we know it". While this statement may suggest a future with less cancer, the stark reality unfolds quite differently. My guest argues that modern medicine is not in the process of endi…

1
Beyond Red Tape: Unraveling Bureaucratic Paradoxes in Public Service Delivery – Akshay Mangla 57:17

6M ago57:17

57:17

Scholars have highlighted the extent to which institutions in certain developing countries often lack the power to effectively project authority and implement policies. There may also be a substantial gap between public policy objectives and their actual execution, which in turn reduces the credibility and legitimacy of the state. Bureaucracies exh…

1
Unpacking the Backlash Against Globalization and its Impact on Inequality – Pinelopi Koujianou Goldberg 1:02:04

6M ago1:02:04

1:02:04

Globalization is a force that has transformed our world in ways both remarkable and challenging. From the historic wave of trade liberalizations in the late 20th century to the monumental rise of China, an intricate interplay of a range of forces has molded the interconnected nature of our planet. Along the way, we have witnessed the decline of man…

1
A New Horizon: Advancing Public Sector Reform in Africa – Happy Kayuni 54:27

6M ago54:27

54:27

Many African countries have undergone various phases of public sector reform aimed at enhancing efficiency and service delivery. But how effective have such reforms been? How and to what extent can some of these reforms be characterised as "institutional mimicry", where institutions adopt the language and behavior of reform without necessarily achi…

1
Political Constraints in Growth and Development: Moving beyond talking about them to actually tackling them – Peter Evans 1:00:51

7M ago1:00:51

1:00:51

Although political constraints have significant negative impacts on development, mainstream approaches to addressing these issues are often primarily technical and lack a willingness to understand and address political economy factors. Despite decades of technical efforts in sectors like health, education, and climate, some critical problems persis…

1
India's Aspirations on the Global Stage — Suhasini Haidar 52:33

7M ago52:33

52:33

India's journey from a post-colonial nation to a global powerhouse has been nothing short of remarkable. The journey to this point has been marked by twists and turns, economic reforms, and strategic partnerships that have propelled India onto the world stage in ways that were once unimaginable. In the process, it has become an economic powerhouse,…

1
Humanity's Enduring Quest for Power and Prosperity – Daron Acemoglu 48:10

7M ago48:10

48:10

We engage in a discussion centered around Daron Acemoglu's latest book, co-authored with Simon Johnson, titled Power and Progress: Our Thousand-Year Struggle Over Technology and Prosperity. The choices we make regarding technology can either advance the interests of a select elite or serve as the foundation for widespread prosperity. But technology…

1
Unveiling the Global Tapestry: Liberalism, Democracy, and the Path to Development – Francis Fukuyama 1:02:30

11M ago1:02:30

1:02:30

Grounded in fundamental principles of equality and the rule of law, liberalism is a system for governing diverse societies and emphasizes the rights of individuals to pursue their own forms of happiness free from government encroachment. But classical liberalism is in a state of crisis and is now being challenged from both the political right and t…

1
Unraveling Brazil's political and legal landscape – Conrado Hübner Mendes 49:12

11M ago49:12

49:12

In the wake of President Lula's re-election, Brazil finds itself at a critical juncture, with numerous questions arising about the relationship between the political, legislative, and judicial systems. As Brazil grapples with its political dynamics, it is crucial to understand the extent to which the judiciary maintains its autonomy and upholds the…

1
Planet & Progress: Navigating Climate, Poverty, and Aid — Anne Beathe Tvinnereim 48:51

11M ago48:51

48:51

Our world is currently facing numerous crises. While progress on global poverty reduction has stalled, the incidence of violent conflicts is on the rise. Along with rising poverty and inequality in some parts of the world, geopolitical tensions are also fast escalating, and we are in the midst of a climate crisis that requires urgent political acti…

1
Forging New Paths in Challenging Geopolitical Landscapes — Stephen D. Krasner 50:01

12M ago50:01

50:01

Steve Krasner has for decades been one of the most influential international relations scholars in the world. He is the Graham H. Stuart Professor of International Relations and a Senior Fellow at Stanford University’s Freeman Spogli Institute and the Hoover Institution.In 2002, he served as Director for Governance and Development at the National S…

1
Unleashing the Power of Business to Change the World — Raj Kumar 54:36

12M ago54:36

54:36

Although traditional approaches to aid may often have been well-intentioned, they relied heavily on large-scale endeavors initiated by a handful of aid agencies and international organizations. The situation today is very different. There are disruptive forces in the form of large corporations, Silicon Valley startups, and billionaire philanthropis…

1
Using Evidence to Drive Policy and Achieve Lasting Development Impact — Rachel Glennerster 51:43

12M ago51:43

51:43

There is considerable and growing attention and interest on understanding what works, where, how, and why in development. This also means there are numerous debates on how best we ought to generate evidence and measure development success and impact. One way of measuring development impact is through randomized control trials (RCTs), which have bee…

1
Unpacking the complexities of corruption — Daniel Agbiboa 53:43

1y ago53:43

53:43

The conventional wisdom is that corruption is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that has a significant impact on societies and individuals around the world. And most people would agree that corruption is bad. It can undermine the rule of law, erode public trust, and distort economic development. But there are those who argue that to truly addre…

1
How industrialization reshapes modern ethnic identities — Elliott Green 53:08

1y ago53:08

53:08

One of the most important factors explaining ethnic change in the modern world is industrialization, which has resulted in significant changes in the way we live and work, including changes in migration patterns and social structures. As people move from rural areas to urban centers, they may find themselves interacting with others from very differ…

1
How China's digital entrepreneurs are redefining innovation and reshaping the global economy — Lin Zhang 53:04

1y ago53:04

53:04

Internet-based entrepreneurship has flourished in China for the past decade and a half. This includes start-ups in big cities, rural areas experiencing an e-commerce boom, and middle-class women reselling luxury goods. My guest argues that for many of these individuals involved in digital entrepreneurship, reinventing oneself as an entrepreneur has…

1
Making every dollar count — Ryan Briggs 53:15

1y ago53:15

53:15

Effective altruism has been in the news of late. Sam Bankman-Fried, the CEO of the FTX cryptocurrency exchange, which collapsed in 2022, was for many years a leading voice for and financial sponsor of the effective altruist movement. He and others have argued for ‘longtermism’: the idea that positively influencing the distant future is a key moral …

1
Patching development – Rajesh Veeraraghavan 55:34

1y ago55:34

55:34

Many well-designed development programs do not deliver social benefits effectively, especially to marginalized citizens. While political will and good policy design are vital for a program’s success, they often run into resistance from local power systems. How states react to the local exercise of power that often comes into play at the “last mile”…

1
Is economic growth the magic wand for ending poverty? — Charles Kenny 54:01

1y ago54:01

54:01

Charles Kenny is a senior fellow at the Center for Global Development in Washington DC. He was previously at the World Bank, where his assignments included coordinating work on governance and anticorruption in infrastructure and natural resources, and managing investment and technical assistance projects covering telecommunications and the Internet…

1
A more fragmented world — Helen Clark 46:09

1y ago46:09

46:09

Our guest on this very special (100th) episode is someone I greatly admire and needs very little introduction. Helen Clark has engaged widely in policy development and advocacy across the international, economic, social and cultural spheres. She was Prime Minister of New Zealand for nine years and has also served as the administrator of the United …

1
The European Union and global development — Johanne Døhlie Saltnes 47:53

1y ago47:53

47:53

The European Union is collectively the biggest provider of international aid in the world, contributing over € 50 billion a year to the fight against poverty and the advancement of global development. However, while the EU’s capacities and impact in foreign and security policy have been extensively discussed among scholars and policymakers, its rol…

1
Banking on Beijing — Axel Dreher 57:44

1y ago57:44

57:44

China plays a crucial role in the development policies of many countries around the world. It offers grants and loans, and builds major infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, power plants, parliament buildings, hotels, and football stadiums. A new book claims that that much of the conventional wisdom about Chinese development finance rests…

1
Africa’s youth in the race for climate action — Hilda Flavia Nakabuye 54:29

1y ago54:29

54:29

Fridays For Future is a youth-led movement that began in August 2018. This movement was inspired by 15-year-old Greta Thunberg and other young activists, who sat in front of the Swedish parliament every school day for three weeks, to protest against the lack of action on the climate crisis. While Greta has become a household name, there are many ot…

1
Poverty and the new threat to prosperity — Indermit Gill 49:49

1y ago49:49

49:49

The onset of the pandemic in 2020 marked a turning point in the 30-year pursuit of successful global poverty reduction. According to recent World Bank estimates, the incomes of the poorest 40 percent of the world’s population likely fell by 4 percent in 2020. And as a result, the number of people living in extreme poverty likely increased by 11 per…

1
Rethinking "evidence" — Eivind Engebretsen and Mona Baker 54:53

1y ago54:53

54:53

In the past few decades, we have witnessed the rise and consolidation of “evidence-based medicine” among health professionals. This refers to a systematic approach to medicine in which doctors and other health care professionals use the best available scientific evidence from clinical research to help make decisions about the care of individual pat…

1
Locally led development and the future of aid — Håvard Mokleiv Nygård 1:02:27

1y ago1:02:27

1:02:27

The global development domain currently faces huge challenges. Apart from trying to stimulate economic growth and ensuring a fair distribution of the benefits of that growth, national governments and their international partners must also tackle complex conflicts, provide humanitarian assistance, and not least address the harmful impacts of climate…

1
The Wild World of WhatsApp — Jamie Hitchen 58:12

1y ago58:12

58:12

The role of social media in spreading political misinformation has received considerable attention. But various forms of social media also facilitate and enable participatory democracy across boundaries. They help to hold leaders to account as well as provide channels for airing the needs and demands of marginalised communities and vulnerable group…

1
Christmas special – The acronisation game 8:46

1+ y ago8:46

8:46

While much of the success of the show is due to my fabulous guests, I am also lucky to have a wonderful team to assist me at the University of Oslo. I wish to in particular thank Kristoffer Ring, our IT guru, and Oda Fagerland, Bella Reid, and Eliska Sottova for research assistance and transcripts. My colleague Desmond McNeill, who was on the show …

1
Just copy us! Why can’t the rest of the world be more like Scandinavia? — Harald Eia 51:50

1+ y ago51:50

51:50

Scandinavian countries are well-known for high standards of living and many people wonder about the origins of the welfare state model in Scandinavia and why it has worked so well. The features of the welfare state in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden typically include high state spending, strong universal public services, and relatively high equality in…

1
Contemporary state building and elite taxation in Latin America — Gustavo Flores-Macías 58:12

1+ y ago58:12

58:12

While many Latin American states have experienced severe public-safety crises in the context of fiscal duress, elite engagement in state building has taken place in some countries but not in others. Why is that the case? In explaining the adoption of elite taxes for public safety, Gustavo Flores-Macías argues that the conventional crisis-centered e…

1
The power of the Chinese state: Examination, Autocracy, Stability, and Technology — Yasheng Huang 55:05

1+ y ago55:05

55:05

Ever wondered why the state in China is so powerful? Yasheng argues that Keju — the Imperial civil service examination — has historically maximized a specific type of knowledge in the minds of the population such as memorization. It also reduced the scope of, or eliminated, alternative ideas. Keju made the state all powerful. The state was able to …

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