The right amount to spend on defence should, of course, primarily be a decision based on the benefits to our security. But could more defence spending also be good for growth? The short answer is ‘not necessarily’. The overall impact on the economy will depend on how the additional spending is financed, and on whether … Continue reading Is defence spending good for growth?
Tag: public goods
Should overseas aid be cut to fund more spending on defence?
This week the Prime Minister announced that UK defence spending will now be raised from 2.3% to 2.5% of national income in 2027, funded by cutting overseas aid from 0.5% to 0.3%. The politics around this switch are controversial – the minister responsible for aid has just resigned in protest – but the economics is … Continue reading Should overseas aid be cut to fund more spending on defence?
Why economists should sit on SAGE
Throughout the pandemic, our politicians have been urged to “follow the science” or, more accurately, the advice provided by medical scientists. Other disciplines play only a bit part. There are Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) sub-groups assessing the impacts of Covid on the provision of social care, or minority ethnic groups, but what about … Continue reading Why economists should sit on SAGE
How can economists help to tackle climate change?
Here are the slides from a presentation on climate change I gave to 14- to 16-year-olds on Saturday 25th September as part of an event run by Bubble Bubble, in partnership with the Royal Economic Society’s ‘Discover Economics’ campaign… how-can-economists-help-to-tackle-climate-change-sep-2021Download You can find more about 'Bubble Bubble' here... Economics for teens | Bubble Bubble | … Continue reading How can economists help to tackle climate change?
Plain-speaking Economics 