Global economy

The need for a second round of ‘look east’ policies in south Asia

Pradumna B. Rana, Chia Wai Mun, 1 April 2013

The global economy was once dominated by north-north relations, with some limited concern for north-south relations. This column argues that south-south economic relations now matter and explains what new ‘look east’ policies that are being implemented in south Asia mean for the global south and the global economy.

The leaderless global economy: Can economic history suggest lessons?

Peter Temin, David Vines, 13 March 2013

Although policymakers want to help foster a global recovery, they are not sure how. Presenting lessons from the last two centuries, this column argues that we need to reduce unemployment first and deal with debt second if we are to see the back of this recession. Ultimately, the problems we face necessitate international cooperation. History shows us that international leadership is possible, and our current circumstances also show us that it is urgently necessary.

Theories of financial crises

Itay Goldstein, Assaf Razin, 11 March 2013

Broadly speaking, there are three types of economic crisis: banking crises and panics, credit frictions and market freezes, and currency crises. This column argues that features from these types of crises have been at work and interacted with each other to shape the events of the last few years. From an extensive review of literature on these issues, it’s clear that the biggest challenge policymakers and economists face is in developing integrative models that better describing contemporary economic realities.

Root causes of currency wars

Simon J Evenett, 14 February 2013

Discussion of currency wars has broken out again in the run-up to this week’s G20 finance ministers' meeting in Moscow. This column points to the underlying policy choices responsible for the recurring currency disputes and the feeble ex-post rationalisations for them.

The world economy: Cliffs avoided, mountains ahead

Olivier Blanchard, 13 February 2013

The new year has provided cheer for macroeconomic optimists. This column by Olivier Blanchard, one of the world’s leading economists, argues that important progress has been made in putting the crisis behind us, but that recovery continues to be hampered by the need for fiscal consolidation and a weak financial system.