Political Economy with Jim Pethokoukis

Latest Episodes
Timothy Muris: The 'Big Is Bad' Approach to Antitrust
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?
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
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
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
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
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
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
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?
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
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