Questions and answers about
the economy.

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Does Adam Smith's theory really imply today's inequality?

What was the ideal economic system for Adam Smith? His writings disapprove of high profits and advocate regulation, a minimum wage and well-designed taxes.

Aid & international development

Asylum seekers in Europe: where do people go and why?

As millions of people cross dangerous terrain to seek refuge in Europe, understanding the factors that drive them to go to particular places is crucial. It is also important to assess whether certain policies in destination countries deter or attract asylum seekers.

Energy & climate change

How should a national energy efficiency policy be targeted ahead of winter?

Rising gas and electricity prices have affected millions of UK households and increased rates of energy poverty. Energy efficiency policies should make a priority of support for the most vulnerable, particularly low-income households and those with disabilities or long-term illness.

MAGAZINE

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Newtonian principles, Stoic philosophy and post-Calvinist religious thinking all shaped the ideas of Adam Smith – and through him, they underpin modern economics.

Jobs, work, pay & benefits

What explains the gender division of labour and how can it be redressed?

Adam Smith’s division of labour was about the efficiency gains from task specialisation in factories. But the gender division – gaps between men and women in pay, prestige, career progression and much more – can also be highly inefficient as well as highly inequitable.

Banks & financial markets

Why did Credit Suisse fail and what does it mean for banking regulation?

Jitters in the US banking system spilled over into Europe with the buy-out of one of Switzerland’s leading banks by its traditional rival, UBS. The causes of Credit Suisse’s failure are different from those of Silicon Valley Bank, but the impact on future regulation is likely to be greater.

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