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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

Russia's Economy: Challenges Amid the Boom, Part II
December 19, 2012 | Transcript [pdf]
Anders Åslund says that despite enactment of permanent normal trade relations, Russia is retaliating against the United States in the areas of human rights, trade, and security.

A New Era in South Korea?
December 19, 2012 | Transcript [pdf]
Marcus Noland assesses the election of South Korea's new president Park Geun-hye, daughter of a former military dictator, and her pledge of "economic democracy" and less confrontation with North Korea.

Russia's Economy: Challenges Amid the Boom, Part I
December 18, 2012 | Transcript [pdf]
Anders Åslund says the Russian economy is growing briskly but remains hobbled by high-level corruption and expanding state control and ownership.

Will Italy's Political Turmoil Slow Its Reform?
December 14, 2012 | Transcript [pdf]
Angel Ubide says that Italian Prime Minister Monti's resignation may bring in a center-left government that will continue fiscal consolidation but slow down labor reforms.

North Korea's Immunity to Outside Pressure: Part I
December 12, 2012 | Transcript [pdf]
Marcus Noland, assessing North Korea's missile launch, says it likely strengthens Kim Jong Un's hand and proves Pyongyang's ability to withstand political, economic, and military pressure. Part II: What can be done?

North Korea's Immunity to Outside Pressure: Part II
December 12, 2012 | Transcript [pdf]
Marcus Noland, explaining why sanctions have not worked against North Korea, doubts that Russia and China will line up to make them any more effective after the missile launch.

How the "Resource Curse" Affects Stability in Africa: Part I
December 11, 2012 | Transcript [pdf]
Marcus Noland, citing the recent election in Ghana, explains how the discovery of oil can distort and destabilize politics in the developing world.

How the "Resource Curse" Affects Stability in Africa: Part II
December 11, 2012 | Transcript [pdf]
Marcus Noland describes the problems that occur when a country's wealth in resources and minerals corrupts its political system, leading to despotic rule or violent competition for control.

The IMF's View of Capital Controls: A Pendulum Swing?
December 7, 2012 | Transcript [pdf]
William R. Cline and Arvind Subramanian assess a new IMF finding on capital controls, concluding that the Fund has shifted over time toward the consensus that controls are sometimes necessary.

Iconic Battle over a Steel Manufacturer in France
November 30, 2012 | Transcript [pdf]
Nicolas Véron discusses the sharp confrontation between a French industry minister and the Indian-born chairman of ArcelorMittal, which is seeking to cut jobs and close mothballed factories in France.