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Institute research staff offer their analyses of current economic and political events in these brief interviews. The views expressed in these interviews are those of the interviewee(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the individual members of the Institute's Board of Directors or its Advisory Committee. We welcome feedback from listeners and encourage you to convey your comments directly to the person interviewed.

Most recent interviews

Stimulus vs. Austerity in Europe
May 23, 2012
Anders Åslund says it is more important for ailing European countries to cut their budgets, reduce their debts, and win market confidence than to embark on economic stimulus right now.

Are World Currencies Becoming More Aligned?
May 23, 2012
John Williamson says the world is groping toward more realistically aligned currency values, but the US-China and Northern vs. Southern Europe current account imbalances remain worrisome.

Russia's New Cabinet Could Bring Economic Reform
May 22, 2012
Anders Åslund says President Putin will continue a hard line on foreign policy, but his team of technocrats is notable for the absence of KGB operatives and others with a reputation for corruption.

Greece's Dilemma and Europe's Anxiety, Part III
May 18, 2012
Edwin M. Truman says that for all its hardline talk, Europe will have to renegotiate at least some parts of the austerity package for Greece even if Greek voters decide to stay in the euro area.

Greece's Dilemma and Europe's Anxiety, Part II
May 17, 2012 | Transcript [pdf]
Jacob Funk Kirkegaard and Arvind Subramanian debate whether a Greek exit from the euro area will be an incentive for Spain, Portugal, or other countries to stay—or to follow the Greeks.

Greece's Dilemma and Europe's Anxiety, Part I
May 16, 2012 | Transcript [pdf]
Jacob Funk Kirkegaard says an exit by Greece from the euro area will be disastrous, but Arvind Subramanian argues that in the medium term Greece will be better off.

Elections in Greece, Part II: Will Greeks Also Say 'No' to the Euro Area?
May 8, 2012 | Transcript [pdf]
Jacob Funk Kirkegaard says that if Greeks confront the consequences of leaving the euro area, they will very likely balk and accept their bailout terms.

Toward a European Fiscal Union, Part II
May 7, 2012 | Transcript [pdf]
C. Randall Henning explains why Spain illustrates the shortcomings and opportunities for resolving the European economic and financial crisis.

Elections in France: Major Shifts Unlikely
May 7, 2012 | Transcript [pdf]
Nicolas Véron argues that François Hollande has no plans and no mandate to shift policies dramatically toward austerity, Germany, or Europe.

Elections in Greece, Part I: Greek Voters Say 'No' to Their Bailout
May 7, 2012 | Transcript [pdf]
Jacob Funk Kirkegaard suggests that after the principal Greek parties fail to form a governing coalition, new elections will be needed to clear the air.