Forum: Science as an economic force

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President Obama says the US must invest in science and technology to stay competitive in today’s global economy. The World’s Lisa Mullins speaks with Dartmouth business professor Chris Trimble about the role science plays in boosting the nation’s economic growth. Download MP3
Join the conversation with Chris Trimble

Tight Times in Europe

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Governments throughout Europe have begun the long process of reducing national debts and slashing state budgets. What will it all mean for the European model of generous social welfare? Also a look at one European nation that seems immune from the financial troubles there, and another country that wants to be in the Euro club. And, we won’t charge you for this podcast, but the London Times is charging for its content. Is this future of online journalism? And will it work? Download MP3

The Business of Tourism

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Tourism is big business: It generates Close to a trillion dollars a year. How can nations get ahead in the tourism game? Why do tourists flock to one beach over another? And what does a nation give up when it becomes a tourism destination? These questions and others explored on this edition of The World’s Global Economy podcast.
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• More of The World’s Economy coverage

Imports and Exports

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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

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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

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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

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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

US concern about the sliding euro

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Anchor Marco Werman finds out more on the possible contagion effect of the sliding Euro and what it could mean for the American economy from economist David Blanchflower of Dartmouth College. Download MP3

• Germans approve euro rescue plan
• World markets left at whim of euro on bailout fears

Taxes

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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

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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

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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?

Obama attacks bank reform critics

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President Barack Obama has attacked critics of his banking reforms in a speech which warned that without change the financial crisis will be repeated. Regulatory reform was in the financial sector’s interests, and bankers and lobbyists should not fight against it, the President said. The World’s Matthew Bell looks at the international implications of US banking reform. Download MP3

• BBC coverage
• Global Economy podcast
• Video of the President’s weekly address

All Things Coffee

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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

Can the US double exports within five years?

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President Obama made a bold declaration during his State of the Union address: He said the US will double exports over the next five years. That’s a lofty goal, but can it be done? The World’s Jason Margolis visited Western Michigan to explore just how realistic the president’s goal may be. Download MP3 (photo: Jason Margolis)

• Global Economy podcast
• State of the Union address (full text)

The All India Podcast

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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