Most-Read on Economics & World Affairs 2016 published by Project Syndicate (12/2016).
Political rage went global in 2016, fueling a populist backlash across the democratic world and appalling terrorist violence in the Middle East, Europe, and beyond. Here is a selection of commentaries – of the year’s 1,140 published by Project Syndicate – on the global political upheaval of the last 12 months, and its economic causes and consequences, that resonated most with our online readers.
Globalization and its New Discontents
Joseph Stiglitz explains why neoliberalism’s chickens are now coming home – to Europe and the US – to roost.
Central Banking Goes Negative
Stephen Roach inveighs against monetary policymakers’ decision to push interest rates south of the zero bound.
The Abdication of the Left
Dani Rodrik asks why the political backlash against globalization has come mainly from the nationalist right.
The Europe Question in 2016
Nouriel Roubini warns that the EU is in danger of becoming a geopolitical hot spot.
The Coming Anti-National Revolution
Robert Shiller argues that the next fight for justice will challenge the economic implications of the nation-state.
A Year of Sovereign Defaults?
Carmen Reinhart points to a wave of debt non-payment and restructuring that is looming on the horizon.
Brexit’s Impact on the World Economy
Anatole Kaletsky sees three reasons why a global crisis could ensue if the British vote on June 23 to leave the EU.
The End of the New Normal?
Mohamed El-Erian predicts that the world economy will reach another crossroads within three years.
Does Capitalism Cause Poverty?
Ricardo Hausmann takes issue with Pope Francis’s diagnosis of what ails poor countries.
Demonetization Dos and Don’ts
Gita Gopinath praises Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s crackdown on “black money,” but questions his tactics.
