Listen to the brightest minds in the field of economics and development discuss their latest research and deconstruct global economic trends. IMF Podcasts are also available on other digital platforms such as Spotify, SoundCloud, Libsyn, and free to use for broadcasters, educators and institutions.
Minouche Shafik and Kristalina Georgieva on a New Social Contract
February 17, 2022
Kristalina Georgieva joins Minouche Shafik on a virtual live conversation moderated by CNN’s Eleni Giokos.
As part of the IMF Exchange speaker series, London School of Economics Director, Minouche Shafik and IMF Managing Director, Kristalina Georgieva discuss how current economic trends are straining social safety nets and fueling disaffection among people across the globe. In her latest book What We Owe Each Other, Shafik argues the need for a new social contract. The discussion is moderated by CNN Anchor and Correspondent Eleni Giokos. The podcast is an abridged version of the conversation, you'll find a webcast of the entire event at IMF.org.
Minouche Shafik is the Director of the London School of Economics, Kristalina Georgieva is IMF Managing Director, and Eleni Giokos is CNN Anchor.
Eswar Prasad on the Future of Money
February 15, 2022
Eswar Prasad says the days of cash are numbered.
When was the last time you used cash? In his latest book, Eswar Prasad looks at a world, not that far off, where using cash will no longer be an option. Prasad is a professor of economics at Cornell University, and his book, The Future of Money, describes how digital currencies and other financial technologies are reshaping everything from consumer banking to monetary policy and international payments. In this podcast, he discusses the book with Finance and Development Magazine editor Chris Wellisz. Transcript
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Eswar Prasad is the Tolani Senior Professor of Economics and Trade Policy at Cornell University and a Senior Fellow at Brookings Institution.
Ippei Shibata and Carlo Pizzinelli on the Puzzling Labor Market
February 3, 2022
Has the pandemic induced labor market mismatch? (iStock Images/ RichLegg)
When the pandemic hit two years ago, millions of people quickly found themselves unable to work because of the nature of their jobs or because of the recession that ensued. But now, as economies are picking up- why are companies having such a hard time hiring workers? In this podcast, journalist Rhoda Metcalfe asks economists Carlo Pizzinelli and Ippei Shibata what's behind the labor shortage in many advanced economies. Shibata and Pizzinelli's latest research looks at current trends in the US and UK and suggests there are many pieces to the labor market puzzle. Transcript
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Carlo Pizzinelli and Ippei Shibata are economists in the IMF Research Department.
Franck Bousquet: Supporting Fragile and Conflict-Affected States
January 31, 2022
Fragile and conflict-affected economies are falling further behind. (iStock by Getty Images/ sadikgulec)
Fragile and conflict-affected states are home to nearly 1 billion people and confront some of the greatest challenges among the world’s economies. 220 million people live within 40 miles from a major conflict event and 155 million globally are acutely food insecure. Franck Bousquet is the deputy director, coordinating the Fund's work in fragile and conflict-affected states. In this podcast, Bousquet talks about the growing costs associated with fragility and conflict, and how the IMF is trying to help. Transcript
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Franck Bousquet is the deputy director coordinating engagement with fragile and conflict-affected states.
Ken Opalo: Democratizing Public Finance in Africa
January 11, 2022
Look for Ken Opalo's article on the democratization of public finance in Finance and Development's special online series marking the 60th year of the IMF African Department.
Spending public funds efficiently and effectively is a challenge for governments around the world, but weak public finance management systems are holding back growth and development in Africa. Ken Opalo studies African legislatures and policymaking at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service. In this podcast, Opalo says public spending does not adequately reflect taxpayers' priorities in many African countries because elected officials are often left out of the budget process. Transcript
Ken Opalo is an assistant professor in Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service.