Épisodes

  • How War Affects the Economy | Marginal Babble Ep.29 with Professor Clifford Thies
    Feb 25 2026

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    51 min
  • History of the Russian Economy | Marginal Babble Ep.28 with Professor Richard Ericson
    Feb 11 2026

    Explore the intricate evolution of Russia's economy, from Tsarist infrastructure to Soviet command systems to Russia’s modern-day challenges. Economist Richard Ericson delves into the sustainability of Russia's resource-driven growth, the impact of geopolitical tensions, and the looming risks of its current economic model. This episode offers a rare glimpse into the forces shaping one of the world's most consequential nations, perfect for those interested in geopolitics and economic resilience.

    Professor Richard Ericson:
    https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=UOLZdsYAAAAJ&hl=en

    “The Classical Soviet-Type Economy: Nature of the System and Implications for Reform”:

    https://www.aeaweb.org/articles?id=10.1257/jep.5.4.11

    Timestamps:

    00:00: Intro

    00:41: Context for the Russian Economy of Today

    02:29: Soviet Era Economics

    14:36: Structure of the Soviet System

    18:21: Soviet Economy: Comparisons to Other Economies

    25:05: Imperial (Tsarist) Russian Economy

    30:17: Transition to Communism

    38:26: What People Misunderstand About the Soviet Union

    41:48: Collapse of the Soviet Union

    48:50: The Modern Russian Economy

    56:35: Russian Economy too Resource Dependent?

    59:30: Wartime Economy (Ukraine War)

    01:10:30: The Future of the Russian Economy

    01:16:24: Richard’s Final Thoughts

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    1 h et 19 min
  • Impact of Chinese Imports on Indian Industry | Marginal Babble Ep.27 with Dr Pavel Chakraborty
    Feb 4 2026

    In this episode, we explore the impact of trade openness on India's economy with economist Pavel Chakraborty. Discover how Chinese imports have lowered prices but challenged Indian firms' profits. Learn about the effects of tariffs, the role of India's manufacturing sector, and the strategic implications for future growth. Perfect for those interested in trade policy and economic development

    Professor Pavel Chakraborty

    https://pavelchakraborty.weebly.com/

    ‘Chinese Import Competition and Prices: Evidence from India’:

    https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/obes.12632

    Timestamps

    00:00: Intro

    00:41: India’s Manufacturing Sector

    06:16: Why Has China Dominated Global Manufacturing Instead of India?

    14:50: India’s Trade Openness

    18:00: Tariff Rates (Developed VS Developing Economies)

    22:03: Effects of Cheap Chinese Imports on India Manufacturing

    34:38: Effects of Cheap Chinese Imports on the Wider Indian Economy

    39:40: Why ‘Stand Alone Firms’ Responded Stronger than Other Firms

    42:35: The Impact on Other Asian Countries

    46:42: Changing Global Tarriff Policies

    49:28: Future of Indian Trade Policy

    57:02: What Future Research Needs Conducting?

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    Website: https://marginalbabble.co.uk/

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    1 h
  • Transforming Education in Peru | Marginal Babble Ep.26 with Professor Panu Pelkonen
    Jan 28 2026

    In this episode, I sit down with general education economist, Professor Panu Pelkonen, to explore the evolution of Peru's education system, focusing on the challenges and reforms from 2010 to 2016. The discussion highlights urban-rural disparities, the impact of increased public spending, and the shift in educational outcomes. Key topics include the role of political stability, privatization in education, and the link between educational improvements and economic growth.

    Professor Panu Pelkonen: https://profiles.sussex.ac.uk/p258681-panu-pelkonen

    ‘Public Gains, Private Strains: Public Investment and Private Schooling in Peru’: https://users.sussex.ac.uk/~saef20/BA_Privatisation.pdf

    Timestamps:

    00:00: Intro

    00:38: Background on Peru's Education Sector

    03:27: Regional Education Disparities

    06:59: Peru Ramps Up Public School Investment

    12:53: Comparisons to Other Countries

    15:36: Outcomes of Public School Investment

    22:55: What Happened to the Private Schools?

    29:30: Education Spending & Economics

    35:24: Did The Investment Reduce Regional Inequality (Internally & Externally)?

    40:08: What Needs Improving?

    45:04: What Future Research Could Capitalize on the Findings of Panu's Research

    Socials:

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    Website: https://marginalbabble.co.uk/

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    52 min
  • The Economy of the Roman Empire | Marginal Babble Ep.25 with Professor Kimberley Bowes
    Jan 21 2026

    In this episode, we delve into the complexities of the ancient Roman economy with expert insights from Kimberly Bowes. Discover how ordinary Romans navigated a world of intricate financial systems, from the use of financial instruments to the role of slave labor. We explore the surprising similarities and stark differences between ancient and modern economies, shedding light on the economic lives of the Roman 90%. Join us for a fascinating journey through history, economics, and the enduring human spirit.

    Professor Kimberley Bowes: https://www.classics.upenn.edu/people/kim-bowes

    Surviving Rome: The Economic Lives of the Ninety Percent Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Surviving-Rome-Economic-Ninety-Percent/dp/0691273332

    Audible: https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Surviving-Rome-Audiobook/B0G1N5R6Q2?qid=1768054226&sr=1-1&ref_pageloadid=not_applicable&pf_rd_p=c6e316b8-14da-418d-8f91-b3cad83c5183&pf_rd_r=D5KPXVBHTT8F3GXM4WT2&plink=PqJXKKoVo8FtuPZm&pageLoadId=9d4eSDx5OCB7RJGL&creativeId=41e85e98-10b8-40e2-907d-6b663f04a42d&ref=a_search_c3_lProduct_1_1

    Timestamps

    00:00: Intro

    00:42: The Economy of Ancient Rome

    06:17: Tax Mix of the Roman Empire

    12:23: How Similar is the Ancient Roman Economy to the Modern Day?

    17:33: Is the Past a 'Foreign Country'?

    20:38: How Can We Measure the Roman Economy?

    25:39: Why Britain, Pompeii & Egypt?

    29:30: Does Commercial Construction Facilitate Archaeology?

    36:01: Was There Social Mobility in the Roman Empire?

    40:58: Slavery in the Roman Economy

    48:46: Currency in the Roman Empire

    54:19: Did the Military Collapse the Roman Economy?

    01:00:19: 'Rifling Through the Pockets of the Dead'

    01:03:40: Closing Remarks

    Socials:

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    Website: https://marginalbabble.co.uk/

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    1 h et 4 min
  • Is Banking Dead? | Marginal Babble Ep.24 with Professor Kent Matthews
    Jan 13 2026

    Kent Matthews delves into the evolution of banking, exploring whether traditional banks are becoming obsolete in the face of technological advancements and fintech innovations. From the historical roots of banking to the impact of the 2008 financial crisis, Kent discusses the challenges and transformations within the industry. He also examines the role of regulation, interest rates, and the rise of ESG in shaping the future of banking. Tune in to understand how banks are adapting to a rapidly changing financial landscape.

    Professor Kent Matthews: https://profiles.cardiff.ac.uk/emeritus/matthewsk

    'Trends in Domestic and International Banking': https://www.worldscientific.com/doi/pdf/10.1142/9789811275067_0001

    Timestamps:

    00:00: Are Banks Dead?

    01:26: The History of Banking

    05:09: Has Banking Improved Post Breton Woods?

    08:33: What Caused the 2008 Financial Crisis?

    13:18: What Banking Regulation Has Slowed Growth?

    18:00: Why Banking in America Is More Profitable?

    22:11: Is FinTech a Threat to Traditional Banking?

    29:33: Will AI Replace Bankers?

    33:28: Best Country for Banking Regulation

    36:31: Encouraging Lending to Small Businesses

    43:00: How Interest Rates Affect the Economy

    49:02: Covid Pandemic's Impact on the Economy

    51:14: How Will Banking Change Over Time?

    56:13: How ESG is Changing Banking

    01:00:13: Kent's Closing Thoughts

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    1 h et 2 min
  • Indian Healthcare Industry | Marginal Babble Ep.23 with Professor Chirantan Chatterjee
    Jan 1 2026

    Economist Chirantan Chatterjee delves into the complexities of India's healthcare system, highlighting the duality and inequality that persist across regions. With a focus on health equity, Chatterjee discusses the challenges faced by the elderly in accessing insurance and the impact of out-of-pocket expenses on poverty. The conversation also explores the role of entrepreneurship and government programs in improving healthcare outcomes, while addressing the need for preventive measures against non-communicable diseases. Tune in to understand the intricate dynamics of healthcare in India and the potential lessons for other developing nations.

    Professor Chirantan Chatterjee: https://profiles.sussex.ac.uk/p535606-chirantan-chatterjee https://www.linkedin.com/in/chirantanchatterjee/?originalSubdomain=uk

    'Financial vulnerability of the elderly population undergoing cataract surgery within a distributed eye care delivery system in India (2011–2022): a multicentre, retrospective cohort study': https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lansea/article/PIIS2772-3682(25)00111-8/fulltext

    Timestamps:

    00:00: Background on the Indian Healthcare System

    05:45: Chirantan's Research (Insurance Coverage)

    11:03: Why Aren't the Elderly Covered by Health Insurance? 17:20: How Health Affects the Economy

    24:59: Are the Research Findings Applicable to the Wider Healthcare Industry?

    28:48: What Health Programmes Have Led to India's Improved Health Outcomes?

    33:03: Health Inequality in India

    Socials:

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    Website: https://marginalbabble.co.uk

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    39 min
  • How Mafia Networks Allow Them to Thrive | Marginal Babble Ep.22 with Dr Pasquale Accardo
    Dec 18 2025

    In this episode, we delve into the intricate world of mafia networks with Dr Pasquale Accardo. Discover how these organizations operate within and outside the law, their historical roots, and their complex relationships with formal institutions. Pasquale shares personal insights from growing up in Naples, the heartland of the Camorra, and discusses his research on the socio-economic impacts of organized crime. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation on the hidden dynamics of power and influence.

    Pasquale Accardo: https://researchportal.bath.ac.uk/en/persons/pasquale-accardo/

    'The good connections: A Network Analysis of organized crime, patronage, and local elites': https://researchportal.bath.ac.uk/en/publications/the-good-connections-a-network-analysis-of-organized-crime-patron/

    Timestamps:

    00:00: Why Research Mafia Networks?

    03:24: What is Network Analysis?

    04:37: Data Used for the Research

    08:18: The Shadow Economy

    14:25: The 'Anti-Mafia' Commission

    16:47: Research Methods & Results

    28:40: Can Network Analysis Stop Crime?

    35:07: Are the Findings Applicable to Other Countrys?

    43:17: Mafia Infiltration of the State!

    46:45: How AI & Automation Can Improve Research

    51:10: Further Reading On Crime Economics & Network Analysis

    57:50: Pasquale's Other Research

    Socials:

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    59 min