Economy | PRI's The World - Part 27

These days, what happens in New York doesn’t stay in New York, especially when it comes to the economy. Events on Wall Street and Main Street in the United States ripple outward, affecting markets and lives across the globe. And likewise, if it matters to business in Beijing or Delhi, Moscow or Madrid, it matters in America as well.

Economy

Imports and Exports

By Jason Margolis ⋅ July 23, 2010 ⋅ Post a comment ⋅

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President Obama has set a lofty goal: He wants to double U.S. exports within the next five years. It would go a long way to help get the U.S. out of the economic doldrums. But can it be done?

Rebuilding a war-torn nation

By Jason Margolis ⋅ July 15, 2010 ⋅ Post a comment ⋅

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The West African nation of Liberia suffered through an on-again, off-again civil war for 14 years from 1989 to 2003. As many as 250,000 people were killed. The country was economically devastated: Roads were destroyed, sewage and water largely ceased functioning, and electricity was knocked out throughout the entire country. On this podcast, we look at how a nation economically rebuilds from 14 years of civil war.

Good Economic News

By Jason Margolis ⋅ July 7, 2010 ⋅ Post a comment ⋅

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With all the bleak economic news these days — high unemployment, countries deep in debt, and the plunging stock market — here’s a podcast with smattering of only GOOD economic news. A story about making money from environmentally-friendly packaged wine. A new model to showcase foreign films in the U.S. And they’re waxing up their surfboards in the Gaza Strip.

The Economics of Africa

By Jason Margolis ⋅ June 10, 2010 ⋅ One comment ⋅

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The World Cup has begun, so in honor of the games, we bring you the All-Africa Global Economy Podcast. Hundreds of millions of dollars have been spent on stadiums and infrastructure improvements in South Africa. Who has benefited? Also, a look at the economy of Zimbabwe. And some upbeat economic news from Africa: The continent proved resilient in the face of the global economic crisis. Download MP3

Taxes

By Jason Margolis ⋅ May 20, 2010 ⋅ One comment ⋅

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U.S. Supreme Court justice Oliver Wendell Holmes once said, “Taxes are what we pay for civilized society.” That message often seems forgotten these days: Most citizens, the world-over, seemingly hate to pay their taxes. And in some places, like Greece, tax evasion is rampant. What’s a government to do? What’s the best way to collect taxes? And what’s the strangest way to collect taxes? All questions examined on this edition of The World’s Global Economy Podcast.

China’s Roaring Economy

By Jason Margolis ⋅ May 5, 2010 ⋅ One comment ⋅

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Thirty years ago, China was a centrally planned economy largely closed to international trade. Today, China is the third largest economy in the world. China’s gross domestic product grew by 8.7 percent in 2009. (And that was during a worldwide recession!)

But while China’s economic engine hasn’t stalled during the worldwide recession, China faces economic challenges of its own. On this edition of the World’s Global Economy Podcast: An in-depth look at the booming Chinese economy, points good and bad.

The Greece Problem

By Jason Margolis ⋅ April 30, 2010 ⋅ Post a comment ⋅

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The European Union appears on the verge of agreeing to emergency loans to Greece. But that doesn’t mean that Greece is out of the woods. Some economists argue this latest loan just kicks the can down the road.

Greece has run up the tab. Now the bill is due. How can the Greeks meet their financial obligations? If they can’t, what happens?

All Things Coffee

By Jason Margolis ⋅ April 21, 2010 ⋅ Post a comment ⋅

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From the bean to the barista, coffee is big business. An estimated 117 million bags are produced each year. Starbucks has more than 16,000 stores in 49 countries. On this edition of The World’s Global Economy podcast, we look at the coffee business in Venezuela, Colombia, and Taiwan. Download MP3

The All India Podcast

By Jason Margolis ⋅ April 9, 2010 ⋅ Post a comment ⋅

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India’s economy is booming. In this edition of The World’s Global Economy podcast, we look at what’s driving India’s remarkable success, and also explore the challenges of zooming ahead from a developing nation to economic powerhouse of the 21st century. How do you provide energy and sanitation for more than a 1.1 billion people? Where will the scores of new middle class live? Who will take care of India’s elderly as sons and daughters become more mobile and leave the family structure? Who wins in the new India? And who loses? Download MP3

Gambling in Russia, Taxing Canadian Carbon, and Returning from War in a Weak Economy

By Jason Margolis ⋅ March 31, 2010 ⋅ One comment ⋅

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It’s hard enough to go to war. Imagine coming back home to look for work in a weak economy. On this edition of the global economy podcast, U.S. military veterans looking for work at home in Wisconsin.

Also gambling in Russia, preparing for the 2014 Winter Olympics, and taxing British Columbians at the gas pump to prevent climate change. And live like a hamster in France!

More Greece, Russian films, and German potholes

By Jason Margolis ⋅ March 16, 2010 ⋅ Post a comment ⋅

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More news from Greece on this edition of the Global Economy Podcast. The country in the middle of its “worst crisis” in modern history, as the Greek finance minister put it. How are the Germans feeling about Greece? And how are the Greeks feeling about Greece? Also on this edition of the podcast: potholes in Germany, film in Russia, and a new trade route through the Himalayas. Also, is it better to give charitable donations of money or goods to help rebuild Haiti? Download MP3

A Cross-Border Comparison of Stimulus Spending

By Jason Margolis ⋅ February 26, 2010 ⋅ Post a comment ⋅

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Just over a year ago, President Obama and Congress passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, better know as “The Stimulus.” It was a $787 billion shot-in-the-arm to the U.S. economy, a mix of tax cuts and expenditure spending.

The U.S. wasn’t the only country to take such action. On the Global Economy Podcast, we look at how the stimulus plans in different countries have fared and compare the actions taken by the Canadian and U.S. governments.

The Financial Problems With Greece

By Jason Margolis ⋅ February 15, 2010 ⋅ 2 comments ⋅

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Eurozone leaders say they will come to Greece’s rescue. But Greece’s Finance Minister wants details as to how exactly other eurozone nations will bailout his country. In this podcast we explore what went wrong with Greece and what it means for the rest of us.

Also, an update from Haiti: How to bring jobs to the millions of unemployed. And a small flower shop near Vancouver that is putting together 1,800 bouquets for all the Olympic medal winners.

The Costs of the Winter Olympics and Toyota

By Jason Margolis ⋅ February 4, 2010 ⋅ One comment ⋅

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It took seven years of planning, construction, hassle and heartache. Finally, the party is about to begin. Starting February 12th, British Columbia will host the Winter Olympics for 17 days. (And the Paralympics to follow.) Canadian taxpayers are on hook for CDN $6 billion, by some estimates. What did British Columbia get for all that money? Was it all worth it?

Also on this edition of the podcast, news about Toyota and Moscow McDonald’s turns 20. (Photo credit: © VANOC/COVAN)

Haiti’s Chances for Long-Term Growth

By Jason Margolis ⋅ January 22, 2010 ⋅ One comment ⋅

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The earthquake in Haiti has taken a terrible toll. But out of the rubble, there is some hope. The earthquake offers that country a chance to rebuild its economy from scratch, and develop the infrastructure its been sorely lacking.

Also on the podcast, two stories from Europe: Problems with the Euro and Iceland on sale.