Is Economics Predictable? Prof Tony Lawson and Dr Jochen Runde

For years, economists have been debating as to whether it is possible to predict the economy. People have attempted to forecast recessions, predict trends in the global economy and speculate on the financial conditions of nations in 10 year time. But is any of this worthwhile? Is prediction, except in trivial cases, misguided and a waste of time? Our first CSEP event of the year with Professor Tony Lawson and Dr Jochen Runde explores this question!
This lecture was recorded on 19th October 2016 at Mill Lane Lecture Room 2, University of Cambridge.

Women as economic victims Dr Catherine Hakim, Ben Southwood and Dr Anne Boring

According to the Office for National Statistics, on average, men earned 19.2% more per hour than women in 2015. This difference has led to claims of gender discrimination, and some scholars argue that such inequalities are problematic. In today's developed societies, can women still be considered economic victims?

So What Now for the US? First thoughts on the Election Dr Dan Larsen, Dr Bronwen Everill and Maha Rafi Atal

On November 9th the USA elected a new president after – even by American standards – an ugly and unforgiving campaign. This is a discussion of what’s next for the USA. What might US economic policy with a new president be and does modern economic theory have anything to contribute to the debate?
This lecture was recorded on 9th November 2016 at Mill Lane Lecture Rooms, University of Cambridge.

How does colonialism shape today's development challenges? Dr Shailaja Fennell and Dr Jason Hickel

Colonialism forms at least some part of the history of almost every developing economy in the world today. Though this is widely recognised, in the discussion of economic development it is sometimes treated as an aside; an auxiliary explanation tacked on when general models are applied to specific countries. The purpose of this event then is to discuss countries' colonial experiences as more than a historical footnote with regard to their development. It is to think systematically about how the imposition of colonial rule still affects aspects of a society's politics, institutions and economic outcomes, and in doing so to help better understand the challenges faced by modern developing economies.
This lecture was recorded on 16th November 2016 at Mill Lane Lecture Rooms, University of Cambridge.

Understanding the Chinese Economy: Where Is It Headed? Arthur R. Kroeber and Joe Studwell

Is China heading for a crash? China’s economy inspires extreme and, often, diametrically opposed views. Bears: growth is severely unbalanced, waste unbearably high, and collapse nigh; massive stock market crashes, weakening manufacturing, and devaluation of the Chinese currency are all risk factors. Bulls: past performance is proof of the government’s managerial skill, innovation is blossoming and China will soon surpass America as the global economic powerhouse. Can we go beyond the conventional wisdom?
This lecture was recorded on 21st November 2016 at Mill Lane Lecture Site, University of Cambridge.