A lively analysis of how mistakes in economic policy-making are increasingly made for political reasons and typically in the run up to a crisis when the constraints on the economy are ignored.

Recognising the regained importance of fiscal policy over the last two decades, this timely book provides much-needed insight into the changing practice of fiscal policy and how it is adapting to the unpredictable nature of the 21st century. Expert academic and practitioner contributors consider the resources which underpin current fiscal policy, assessing its overall effectiveness before outlining the changing priorities –ageing, inequality, climate change- and the financial tools available, and considering the future of fiscal policy in uncertain times.

Looking at climate change through the lens of economics is interesting, useful and rewarding for the perplexed but interested citizen.

Half fable, half manifesto, this brilliant new take on the ancient concept of cash lays bare its unparalleled capacity to empower and enthrall us. Frederick Kaufman tackles the complex history of money, beginning with the earliest myths and wrapping up with Wall Street’s byzantine present-day doings. Along the way, he exposes a set of allegorical plots, stock characters, and stereotypical metaphors that have long been linked with money and commercial culture, from Melanesian trading rituals to the dogma of Medieval churchmen faced with global commerce, the rationales of Mercantilism and colonial expansion, and the U.S. dollar’s 1971 unpinning from gold. The Money Plot offers a tool to see through the haze of modern banking and finance, demonstrating that the standard reasons given for economic inequality—the Neoliberal gospel of market forces—are, like dollars, euros, and yuan, contingent upon structures people have designed. It shines a light on the one percent’s efforts to contain a money culture that benefits them within boundaries they themselves are increasingly setting. And Kaufman warns that if we cannot recognize what is going on, we run the risk of becoming pawns and shells ourselves, of becoming characters in someone else’s plot, of becoming other people’s money.

"I had the good fortune to grow up in a wonderful area of Jerusalem, surrounded by a diverse range of people: Rabbi Meizel, the communist Sala Marcel, my widowed Aunt Hannah, and the intellectual Yaacovson. As far as I'm concerned, the opinion of such people is just as authoritative for making social and economic decisions as the opinion of an expert using a model." Part memoir, part crash-course in economic theory, this deeply engaging book by one of the world's foremost economists looks at economic ideas through a personal lens. Together with an introduction to some of the central concepts in modern economic thought, Ariel Rubinstein offers some powerful and entertaining reflections on his childhood, family and career. In doing so, he challenges many of the central tenets of game theory, and sheds light on the role economics can play in society at large. Economic Fables is as thought-provoking for seasoned economists as it is enlightening for newcomers to the field.

This book presents economic policies to combat the challenges posed by financial crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the climate crisis. How the role of the markets, the state, and social cohesion have come into question is explored, alongside broader issues, such as inequality. Particular attention is given to policies relating to the funding and financing of investment to confront the climate emergency, enhancing productivity and technical innovation, the significance of the commons in the context of the state, and macroeconomic policies to underpin sustainability. This book aims to present a framework for a sustainable future, with policy suggestions that promote both environmental and economic sustainability. It will be relevant to students and researchers interested in the political economy and sustainable development.

An original and entertaining introduction to economics. This collection of stories from around the world provides an overview of economics 101 in a simple and appealing way which can be enjoyed by readers of all ages.

EPDF and EPUB available open access under CC-BY-NC-ND licence. Money is central to capitalism and to our many sustainability crises. Could we remake money so as to advance sustainable economies and fair societies? A growing number of scholars, politicians and activists think we can, and they are doing it from the bottom up. This book examines how grassroots groups, municipalities and radical crypto-entrepreneurs are remaking money by designing and organising complementary currencies. It argues that in their novel ideas and governance practices lie the key for building green and inclusive economies. Engaging imaginatively with the future of money, this accessible book will appeal to anyone interested in constructing a more sustainable and just world.