Political Economy with Jim Pethokoukis

Political Economy with Jim Pethokoukis


Latest Episodes

Timothy Muris: The 'Big Is Bad' Approach to Antitrust
August 15, 2023

In the early 20th century, the idea that "big is bad" drove a muscular federal antitrust policy that viewed large corporations with suspicion. Then, in the 1980s, the Federal Trade Commission began to incorporate the lessons of economics, considering the

Jeremy Horpedahl: Are American Families Thriving?
July 21, 2023

Does the typical American family today enjoy better living standards compared to 1985? We may have bigger TVs in our living rooms and smartphones in our pockets, but a recent report from Washington, DC, think tank the American Compass suggests the cost of

Rick Hess: Rethinking America's Schools
July 05, 2023

Recent results from the National Assessment of Educational Progress, often called the nations report card, reveal the dire state of American education. The pandemic hit students hard, but it also presents educators and policymakers with an opportunity

Leah Boustan: Busting Immigration Myths
June 27, 2023

In this episode of Political Economy, I sit down with economist Leah Boustan to explore the truth behind the prevailing narratives that surround America's immigration policy debates. Are immigrants truly responsible for job loss among native-born American

Andrew Biggs: The Necessity and Political Challenges of Social Security Reform
June 15, 2023

Republicans in the House recently struck a deal with the Biden administration to raise the debt ceiling. But Washington debates over discretionary spending shouldn't overshadow the hard conversations we need to have about America's entitlement spendi

Beth Akers: Why College Is So Expensive
May 24, 2023

We hear a lot about student debt in the news these days, but why has college gotten so expensive to begin with? My colleague Beth Akers joins Political Economy to discuss that question and to weigh in on the Biden administration's mora

Ruy Teixeira: Understanding America's Shifting Political Coalitions
April 27, 2023

The Democratic and Republican parties have experienced substantial shifts in recent years, from each party's demographic makeup to its policy priorities. To explore that realignment and to consider the future of American political coalitions, I'

Brent Orrell: How Workers Can Prepare for the AI Economy
April 14, 2023

As artificial intelligence continues to develop, many workers fear the disruptive potential of a fast-changing job market. How will AI impact the economy and how can workers prepare for the future? Today, my AEI colleague Brent Or

Angela Rachidi: Is Raising a Family Becoming Unaffordable?
April 05, 2023

There is a growing sense of pessimism that the American Dream is dying. Marriage rates are declining and fewer children are being born. Are economics behind this nationwide shift, or something else? I’m joined for today’s episode of Political Economy

Kevin Corinth: AEI's New Center on Opportunity and Social Mobility
March 09, 2023

Here at the American Enterprise Institute weve launched a new Center on Opportunity and Social Mobility as part of our American Dream Initiative. Former AEI scholar Kevin Corinth has returned to the Institute to serve as deputy director. In this special