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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.

	Can Obama Help Revive Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation? November 4, 2009 Audio
	Jeffrey J. Schott says the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, which President Obama will attend in Singapore, offers an opportunity for him to try to clarify his intentions to a group that accounts for most world trade.

	Obama in China: Limited Expectations November 3, 2009 Audio | Transcript [pdf]
	Nicholas R. Lardy, coauthor of China's Rise: Challenges and Opportunities, credits the President with moves to stabilize the relationship with China but expects few breakthroughs when he travels there later in the month.

	Obama Will Face a Skeptical Asia November 2, 2009 Audio | Transcript [pdf]
	Marcus Noland says President Obama's Asia trip, starting November 11, will highlight questions among many in Asia over the administration's leadership on trade and economic and security issues.

	A Return to Capital Controls? October 27, 2009 Audio | Transcript [pdf]
	Arvind Subramanian says Brazil's latest move to tax certain kinds of foreign investments was sensible and should force a reevaluation of the orthodoxy that opposes all capital controls.

	Will China Cooperate with the United States on Economic Sanctions? October 21, 2009 Audio | Transcript [pdf]
	Gary Clyde Hufbauer assesses the prospects for President Obama winning agreement from China to cooperate on possible economic sanctions against Iran and North Korea.

	Is the "Chicago School" to Blame in the Economic Crisis? October 14, 2009 Audio | Transcript [pdf]
	Michael Mussa, a former student and professor at the University of Chicago, assesses the influence—for good and for ill—of economics as espoused at the University of Chicago.

	Pittsburgh G-20 Summit Gets Only a B October 5, 2009 Audio | Transcript [pdf]
	Morris Goldstein says the G-20 did all right on financial regulation, global governance, and stimulus, less well on the new framework for growth and combating protectionism.

	An A-minus for the Pittsburgh G-20? September 29, 2009 Audio | Transcript [pdf]
	Edwin M. Truman finds that the G-20 summit accomplished more than might have been expected on a future growth strategy, financial regulation, and global governance.

	A Synthetic Currency Can Help the Real Economy September 21, 2009 Audio | Transcript [pdf]
	John Williamson argues that major, regular issues of Special Drawing Rights (SDRs), created to satisfy part of the growing need for international liquidity, could help reconcile payments objectives.

	Pressures on Obama at the G-20 in Pittsburgh September 21, 2009 Audio | Transcript [pdf]
	C. Fred Bergsten suggests that Obama may welcome pressure on the United States from summit partners to disavow protectionism and rein in the federal deficit in coming years.

	Ahead of Pittsburgh, Little Progress on Financial Reform September 16, 2009 Audio | Transcript [pdf]
	Simon Johnson says the Obama administration is not doing much to fix the financial system, and the G-20 summit may do even less.

	A US-China Trade Blowout Over Tires September 14, 2009 Audio | Transcript [pdf]
	Nicholas R. Lardy, analyzing the origins of the dispute with China over tire imports, warns that the fight could imperil future US-China economic and political cooperation.

	Toward a Global Financial Regulatory Regime September 11, 2009 Audio | Transcript [pdf]
	Morris Goldstein says that Treasury Secretary Geithner's proposals for regulatory reform are a step forward that could be endorsed in principle at the G-20 summit in Pittsburgh.

	A Pat on the Back at Pittsburgh? September 9, 2009 Audio | Transcript [pdf]
	Michael Mussa, noting that the global economy is heading out of its slump, says that the G-20 summit in Pittsburgh should also deal with an "exit strategy" from stimulus programs and the future of global financial regulation.

	Russia's Faltering Economy September 8, 2009 Audio | Transcript [pdf]
	Anders Åslund says Russia has made consistently bad economic choices and is falling behind economically while the rest of the world climbs out of the global recession.

	Economic Recovery in Europe? August 18, 2009 Audio | Transcript [pdf]
	Michael Mussa says that while Asia surges economically, the recession appears to be bottoming out in Europe as well as the United States, but it is too soon to determine the strength of the coming global recovery.

	Challenges to the Federal Reserve's Independence July 31, 2009 Audio | Transcript [pdf]
	Adam S. Posen assesses the record of the Fed before and during the recent crisis and discusses the role of its independence and openness as the United States embarks on an "exit strategy."

	China's Role in Squeezing North Korea July 30, 2009 Audio | Transcript [pdf]
	Marcus Noland reports that the Chinese are divided internally between those who want to confront North Korea and those who see it as a useful pawn in a global power game.

	China's Undervalued Currency July 21, 2009 Audio | Transcript [pdf]
	Nicholas R. Lardy, coauthor of a new book with Morris Goldstein, says China's exchange rate practices have improved but could benefit from more reform.

	Benefits of More Trade Between South Asian Rivals July 13, 2009 Audio | Transcript [pdf]
	Mohsin S. Khan argues that India and Pakistan have much to gain from putting aside their hostilities and increasing economic cooperation and trade.

	Escalating Tensions with North Korea July 9, 2009 Audio | Transcript [pdf]
	Marcus Noland cautions that more political, economic, and military pressure on North Korea could push the regime in Pyongyang toward more provocative behavior.

	A Step Forward on Financial Regulation July 6, 2009 Audio | Transcript [pdf]
	Morris Goldstein, assessing the merits and defects of the US Treasury Department's financial regulatory proposals, finds the balance on the positive side.

	Russia's WTO Rebuff: A Challenge for Obama July 1, 2009 Audio | Transcript [pdf]
	Anders Åslund sees Vladimir Putin's reassertion of control in Russia, exemplified by its walking away from the WTO, as reducing US leverage just as President Obama travels to Moscow this month.

	Is China's Stimulus Program Protectionist? June 25, 2009 Audio | Transcript [pdf]
	Nicholas R. Lardy forecasts an economic rebound in China and says the government's procurement spending in its stimulus program continues a long-standing protectionist bias.

	Will the US Auto Rescue Disrupt Global Trade? June 9, 2009 Audio | Transcript [pdf]
	Gary Clyde Hufbauer sees the Chrysler and GM bailouts as running counter to decades of American catechism for other countries and very likely to lead to lawsuits and retaliation by trading partners.

	A Snag for the Panama FTA June 9, 2009 Audio | Transcript [pdf]
	Gary Clyde Hufbauer argues that stalling the Panama free trade agreement because of Panama's bank secrecy laws and supposed status as a tax haven could imperil trade accords across the board.

	Is the United States De-emphasizing its Bank Clean-Up Plan? June 8, 2009 Audio | Transcript [pdf]
	Michael Mussa discusses the reasons why the Obama administration's plan to remove toxic loans from bank balance sheets may turn out to be unnecessary.

	The Dangers of an Overvalued Dollar June 3, 2009 Audio | Transcript [pdf]
	John Williamson, discussing his study with William R. Cline, argues that established fundamental equilibrium exchange rates (FEERs) will help promote global financial stability.

	Geithner in China: What Are the Prospects? May 28, 2009 Audio | Transcript [pdf]
	Nicholas R. Lardy concludes that US-China economic tensions have eased but that the new Treasury Secretary has important items on his agenda to discuss in Beijing.

	Shipping Jobs Overseas: A Misunderstood Problem May 27, 2009 Audio | Transcript [pdf]
	Theodore Moran argues that multinationals with overseas investments are also a major source of high-paying, export-related jobs in the United States.

	Congress Should Support the IMF May 22, 2009 Audio | Transcript [pdf]
	C. Randall Henning argues that a measure to increase the US commitment to the International Monetary Fund, approved by the Senate but not the House, is needed to stabilize emerging-market economies.

	Lingering Perils of Bank Insolvency May 19, 2009 Audio | Transcript [pdf]
	Simon Johnson argues that despite some signs of stability in the financial system, US economic recovery is likely to be anemic without more aggressive bank reforms.

	Bank Stress Tests: How Big a Step Forward? May 8, 2009 Audio | Transcript [pdf]
	William R. Cline concludes that the federal stress tests on banks have brought transparency and potential for improvement in the stability of the financial system.

	Are High Corporate Taxes Shipping Jobs Overseas? May 6, 2009 Audio | Transcript [pdf]
	Gary Clyde Hufbauer, assessing the Obama administration’s latest corporate tax proposals, warns that they might actually cause more businesses to relocate jobs overseas.

	How to Revive the Global Trade Negotiations: A Debate April 30, 2009 Audio | Transcript [pdf]
	Jeffrey J. Schott and Arvind Subramanian assess the impasse that has stalled the Doha Round and disagree over whether and how to restart the talks.

	Challenges of North Korean Food Crisis April 29, 2009 Audio | Transcript [pdf]
	Marcus Noland, reporting on new surveys of North Korean refugees, says the United States must engage the Pyongyang government despite myriad frustrations and obstacles standing in the way.

	Growing Pains for the Euro April 23, 2009 Audio | Transcript [pdf]
	Adam S. Posen, coeditor of The Euro at Ten: The Next Global Currency?, asserts that the euro has helped stabilize the European economy but is also falling short of its potential in the face of the global financial crisis.

	The Gulf Cooperation Council: A New Global Force? April 22, 2009 Audio | Transcript [pdf]
	Mohsin S. Khan, former director for the Middle East and Central Asia department at the International Monetary Fund, assesses the Persian Gulf countries' prospects for a monetary union and a repository of dollar reserves generated by oil.

	Russia's Road Back April 22, 2009 Audio | Transcript [pdf]
	Anders Åslund, coauthor of The Russia Balance Sheet, finds that Russia has made progress pulling back from financial crisis and could be returning to a liberalizing path.

	Goldman Sachs's Challenge to Treasury April 15, 2009 Audio | Transcript [pdf]
	Simon Johnson argues that Goldman Sachs's decision to return Federal bailout money could lead to new instability in the banking system.

	A Short-Lived Recovery? April 10, 2009 Audio | Transcript [pdf]
	Adam S. Posen cautions that as the economy recovers and the banking system stabilizes, the United States still needs to treat several underlying problems to prevent another downturn.

	A "Crisis Round" to Save the World Trading System April 1, 2009 Audio | Transcript [pdf]
	Arvind Subramanian proposes an urgent negotiated accord among major economic powers to freeze the current trading system in place and avert more protectionism.

	The IMF's Disappointing "Reforms" March 25, 2009 Audio | Transcript [pdf]
	Morris Goldstein doubts that the Fund's attempt to reduce the stigma attached to its programs and expand lending for developing countries will accomplish either goal.

	Is China Stepping Up to the Plate? March 23, 2009 Audio | Transcript [pdf]
	Nicholas R. Lardy says that China is moving aggressively in response to the global economic crisis, but that Chinese leaders remain wary of asserting themselves on the world stage.

Trade Rift Deepens with Mexico March 19, 2009 Audio | Transcript [pdf]   Barbara Kotschwar explains how a new US-Mexico trade dispute has complicated President Obama's efforts to strengthen international economic cooperation.

Why Is the Rescue of US Banks Taking So Long? March 18, 2009 Audio | Transcript [pdf]   Michael Mussa, analyzing the reasons for the delay over the financial bailout, discusses the costs and other factors creating so much public frustration.

Financing Woes for the Developing World March 12, 2009 Audio | Transcript [pdf]   Arvind Subramanian says developing countries have many reasons for resenting the IMF, but they need to work together better to achieve reform at the Fund.

	Bank Nationalization: A Debate March 9, 2009 Audio | Transcript [pdf]
	William R. Cline and Simon Johnson debate the pros and cons of bank nationalization.

	A New Asian Monetary Giant? February 27, 2009 Audio | Transcript [pdf]
	C. Randall Henning assesses the slow birth of a potential new financial cooperative led by China, Japan, South Korea, and the growing economies of Southeast Asia, but they are struggling to define themselves and their mission.

	Does the Auto Bailout Undermine Global Trade Rules? February 26, 2009 Audio | Transcript [pdf]
	Gary Clyde Hufbauer says the rush to rescue auto industries worldwide may create inefficiencies, hurt consumers, and weaken the global trading system. Hufbauer is coauthor of "Money for the Auto Industry: Consistent with WTO Rules?" (Policy Brief 09-4).

	A "Grand Bargain" at the G-20 February 20, 2009 Audio | Transcript [pdf]
	Morris Goldstein explains why a "grand bargain" between developed and developing nations at the G-20 summit in April could arrest the downward slide in the global economy.

	The Recession: How Deep Will It Go? February 17, 2009 Audio | Transcript [pdf]
	Michael Mussa, saying there will be an end to this recession, assesses the latest economic indicators and the Obama administration's plans for a financial system bailout.

	The Global Economic Crisis as a National Security Issue February 13, 2009 Audio | Transcript [pdf]
	I. M. Destler, coauthor of In the Shadow of the Oval Office, a book about national security advisers since the Kennedy years, says that President Obama is not the first president to try to bring economic issues into the national security process.

	Is a Green Recovery Possible? February 5, 2009 Audio | Transcript [pdf]
	Trevor Houser, assessing the proposals before Congress to create jobs and promote energy efficiency, calls on the United States to work with G-20 allies to achieve a green recovery across the globe.

	Will Buy American Produce Jobs for America? February 4, 2009 Audio | Transcript [pdf]
	Jeffrey J. Schott cautions that a Buy American provision in the economic stimulus bill might cost more American jobs than it saves.

	Is China a Currency "Manipulator"? January 28, 2009 Audio | Transcript [pdf]
	Morris Goldstein says Treasury Secretary Geithner was correct to label China a currency manipulator but argues for a nuanced approach in addressing the problem.

	Social Security, the Financial Crisis, and Lessons from Abroad January 27, 2009 Audio | Transcript [pdf]
	Jacob Funk Kirkegaard, coauthor of US Pension Reform: Lessons from Other Countries, assesses the vulnerabilities of the US social security and pension systems and how other countries are tackling the same problems.

	The Deepening Banking Crisis January 26, 2009 Audio | Transcript [pdf]
	Simon Johnson, noting that the banking crisis has deepened, proposes a government rescue to inject capital, acquire "toxic" assets, and return the system to full private sector ownership.

	Will Obama Bring "Change We Can Believe In" to the IMF? January 16, 2009 Audio | Transcript [pdf]
	Edwin M. Truman urges the new Obama administration to embrace reform of the International Monetary Fund as a part of its international economic agenda.

	The Perils of a "New Mercantilism" January 14, 2009 Audio | Transcript [pdf]
	Arvind Subramanian sees a danger of countries trying to recover economically by competitive devaluation of their currencies and other forms of "new mercantilism."

	The Obama Stimulus Program: Will It Work? January 9, 2009 Audio | Transcript [pdf]
	Adam Posen says that President-elect Obama's proposals to stimulate the economy may be a hodgepodge, but that is not necessarily a bad thing.

	Russia's Dire Economic Condition December 30, 2008 Audio | Transcript [pdf]
	Anders Åslund, noting recent difficulties in the Russian economy, predicts political and economic troubles for Putin and Russian leaders if the price of oil does not rebound in 2009.

	Economic Outlook for 2009 December 30, 2008 Audio | Transcript [pdf]
	Michael Mussa, surveying the record of 10 American recessions since World War II, suggests that there is a good chance of recovery as early as the end of 2009.

	The Impact of a Fiscal Stimulus Program December 22, 2008 Audio | Transcript [pdf]
	Adam S. Posen argues that if the Obama team structures its stimulus package properly, it can have a significant effect on the economy.

	Preserving the Global Trading System December 22, 2008 Audio | Transcript [pdf]
	Jeffrey J. Schott assesses the Obama team's trade agenda as it prepares for the rising threat of global protectionism.

	Incremental Steps Toward a Radical Solution December 16, 2008 Audio | Transcript [pdf]
	Simon Johnson observes that the Federal Reserve's policy of "quantitative easing" of monetary policy is a necessary step to combat deflation and rescue the economy.

	The Perils of Moving Too Quickly on Financial Reform December 5, 2008 Audio | Transcript [pdf]
	Edwin M. Truman, assessing the global economy and the agenda of the G-20 countries, cautions that overly restrictive reforms could stifle economic recovery.

	Will Fiscal Stimulus Stimulate Confidence? December 1, 2008 Audio | Transcript [pdf]
	Leszek Balcerowicz, visiting fellow at PIIE and former chairman of the National Bank of Poland, suggests that countries with high debt levels that embark on fiscal stimulus may weaken public confidence instead of strengthening it.

	Challenges for the American Workforce November 20, 2008 Audio | Transcript [pdf]
	Howard Rosen explains why traditional approaches to helping the unemployed need to be overhauled in light of recent trends in globalization, technology, and business management.

	G-20 Summit: Neither a Disappointment nor a Triumph November 17, 2008 Audio | Transcript [pdf]
	Morris Goldstein says the most positive contribution of the G-20 summit meeting is that it sets in motion a process of reform, with details to be filled in later.

	Is a Trade Deal in the Offing in Congress? November 14, 2008 Audio | Transcript [pdf]
	I. M. Destler says it is unlikely that there will be a quick congressional approval of the Colombia free trade agreement as part of an economic stimulus package.

	Looking for Reassurance from the G-20 November 10, 2008 Audio | Transcript [pdf]
	Michael Mussa assesses the prospects of coordinated fiscal stimulus, new regulatory standards and other reforms at the G-20 summit on the global financial crisis.

	Latin American Memories at the G-20 November 7, 2008 Audio | Transcript [pdf]
	John Williamson suggests that the leaders of Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina will bring lessons from their own financial crises of a decade ago to the G-20 summit in mid-November.

	A Seat at the Table for Emerging Markets November 4, 2008 Audio | Transcript [pdf]
	Arvind Subramanian sees an increasing role for China, India, Brazil, and other emerging-market countries in shaping the global response to the financial crisis at the meeting of leaders of the G-20 nations November 14–15.

	Ukraine's Financial Ordeal October 30, 2008 Audio | Transcript [pdf]
	Anders Åslund says that following its loan agreement with the International Monetary Fund, Ukraine faces political turbulence, a painful retrenchment, and a slow recovery.

	Continuing Threats from the Global Financial Crisis October 27, 2008 Audio | Transcript [pdf]
	Simon Johnson sees more rough weather, a recession that could last years, and more need for urgent action by the United States and its global partners.

	China's Rise and the Global Financial Crisis October 7, 2008 Audio | Transcript [pdf]
	Nicholas R. Lardy, coauthor of China's Rise, assesses China's economy slowdown, what China can do about it, and its impact on the global economy and financial crisis.

	Crisis Management and Global Markets September 18, 2008 Audio | Transcript [pdf]
	Morris Goldstein rates the performance of the US Treasury and the Federal Reserve as crisis managers and calls for broad changes in global financial regulations to curb the contagion and prevent future turmoil.

	Turmoil in the Markets: How Big a Danger September 17, 2008 Audio | Transcript [pdf]
	Adam S. Posen explains and assesses the actions by the Federal Reserve and the US Treasury to rescue AIG and suggests how the United States can lead in creating a new regulatory system for global financial institutions and markets.

	Russia's Economic Travails in the Wake of Georgia September 10, 2008 Audio | Transcript [pdf]
	Anders Åslund argues that the Russian economy has been jolted by problems following its invasion of Georgia in August, 2008, and that the West can exploit these difficulties as it tries to modify Russian behavior.

	Role of the IMF in Current and Future Financial Crises July 22, 2008 Audio | Transcript [pdf]
	Michael Mussa, former director of research at the International Monetary Fund, argues that the Fund should take a stronger stand on violation of norms for exchange rates.

	Effects of Famine and Other Deprivations on North Korean Refugees in China July 21, 2008 Audio | Transcript [pdf]
	Marcus Noland reports on the results of a survey of 1,346 North Korean refugees at 11 Chinese sites. Conducted between August 2004 and September 2005, the survey indicates flight from famine, poverty, and political repression.

	The Case for a US-China G-2 July 8, 2008 Audio
	C. Fred Bergsten suggests the United States bring China into leadership of the global economy at the highest level to deal more effectively with common interests and to give China a larger stake in the existing order.

	Best Practices for Sovereign Wealth Funds July 8, 2008 Audio | Transcript [pdf]
	Edwin M. Truman analyzes both the key concerns raised by sovereign wealth funds and the essential measures required to alleviate those concerns.

	Impact of Global Warming on Agriculture Around the World June 18, 2008 Audio | Transcript [pdf]
	William R. Cline explains the effect of climate change on agriculture on a country-by-country basis, where the impact will be greatest, and what we need to do to reduce the risks.

	Climate Change: International Competition and US Policy Responses June 17, 2008 Audio | Transcript [pdf]
	Trevor Houser explains the US domestic economic impact of measures to limit greenhouse gas emissions, the advantages and limits of a cap-and-trade system, and discusses how such a system might fit into the WTO trade structure.

	The Subprime Credit Crisis: Origins, Policy Responses, and Reforms June 12, 2008 Audio | Transcript [pdf]
	In a three-part interview, Morris Goldstein analyzes the origins of the subprime credit crisis, the policy responses so far, and suggests his own top ten regulatory reforms needed to respond to the subprime credit crisis.

	US Trade Policy Credibility Undercut by Congress May 21, 2008 Audio | Transcript [pdf]
	C. Fred Bergsten explains how the credibility of the United States as a negotiating trade partner has been undermined by the House of Representatives decision to change the rules for Congressional action on trade agreements.

	Russian Outlook with Medvedev at the Top and Gridlock in Ukraine May 20, 2008 Audio | Transcript [pdf]
	Anders Åslund offers litmus tests for the strength of the new Russian president and comments on inflation and privatization in Ukraine.

	The Food Crisis and Inflation: Asian Policy Responses May 13, 2008 Audio | Transcript [pdf]
	India and other Asian countries now face growing inflation pressures and new demands on their food trade policies. Arvind Subramanian discusses the pros and cons of Asian policy responses so far for the short, medium and long term.

	Renegotiation of NAFTA: Economic Implications and Political Risk March 19, 2008 Audio | Transcript [pdf]
	Gary Clyde Hufbauer assesses what Canada and Mexico would seek in any NAFTA renegotiation and what the economic effects of any new labor standards introduced by the United States would be.