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Curated by Project Syndicate

A Comeback for Keynes?

27 commentaries

The failure of unconventional monetary policies to lift debt-ridden economies out of their post-2008 torpor has led many to call for big increases in public spending. But fiscal expansion could turn unconventional, too: rather than "tax and spend," or even “borrow and spend, some economists favor "print and spend."

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  1. The New Fiscal Reality
    pisaniferry77_Daniel Roland_AFP_Getty Images_ecb Daniel Roland/AFP/Getty Images

    The New Fiscal Reality

    Nov 1, 2016 Jean Pisani-Ferry maps out how governments should take advantage of record-low long-term borrowing costs.

  2. Out of Ammunition to Combat Recession?
    boskin47_Jim Watson_AFP_Getty Images_obama bill Jim Watson/AFP/Getty Images

    Out of Ammunition to Combat Recession?

    Oct 21, 2016 Michael J. Boskin warns that developed countries' public finances are putting a frail global economy at risk.

  3. Escaping the New Normal of Weak Growth
    slow growth Mark Metcalfe/Stringer

    Escaping the New Normal of Weak Growth

    Sep 30, 2016 Michael Spence says that it's time for politicians to use fiscal policy to relieve the burden on central bankers.

  4. Secular Stagnation or Self-Inflicted Malaise?
    sinn70_John Moore_Getty Images_Wall Street John Moore/Getty Images

    Secular Stagnation or Self-Inflicted Malaise?

    Sep 27, 2016 Hans-Werner Sinn thinks the advanced economies' only hope is a healthy dose of creative destruction.

  5. The Return of Fiscal Policy
    roubini101_Chung Sung-Jun_Getty Images_g7 leaders Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images

    The Return of Fiscal Policy

    Sep 26, 2016 Nouriel Roubini welcomes advanced economies' incipient shift away from reliance on central banks to sustain growth.

  6. Helicopter Money Is in the Air
    skidelsky107_Chris Ryan_Getty Images_Money jar Chris Ryan/Getty Images

    Helicopter Money Is in the Air

    Sep 22, 2016 Robert Skidelsky explains why unconventional fiscal policy could well be the next game in town.

  1. adebajo12_FADEL SENNAAFP via Getty Images_USmilitaryafrica Fadel Senna/AFP via Getty Images

    What Trump’s Return Means for Africa

    Adekeye Adebajo expects a continuation of America's longstanding attitude of benign neglect toward the continent.
  2. hodgkins1_Ulet IfansastiGetty Images_mine Ulet Ifansasti/Getty Images
    Free to read

    The False Promise of “Responsible Mining”

    Chelsea Hodgkins lambasts a corporate-led voluntary global standard that would harm communities and pose risks for automakers.
  3. elerian175_Spencer PlattGetty Images_nyse Spencer Platt/Getty Images

    A Baseline Scenario for the Global Economy in 2025

    Mohamed A. El-Erian

    In 2024, global geopolitics and national politics have undergone considerable upheaval, and the world economy has both significant weaknesses, including Europe and China, and notable bright spots, especially the US. In the coming year, the range of possible outcomes will broaden further.

    offers his predictions for the new year while acknowledging that the range of possible outcomes is widening.
  4. ruto6_LUIS TATOAFP via Getty Images_africafloods Luis Tato/AFP via Getty Images

    A New Deal for Developing Countries

    William Ruto explains what climate-vulnerable Africa will need to strengthen their resilience and sustain economic growth.
  5. mazzucato78_James Glossop - WPA PoolGetty Images_starmerinvestment James Glossop/WPA/Pool/Getty Images

    Good Growth Requires Getting Public-Private Partnerships Right

    Mariana Mazzucato worries that a recently unveiled industrial strategy is not structured properly.
  6. delong266_Michael SwensenGetty Image_musk Michael Swensen/Getty Images

    American Idiots

    J. Bradford DeLong considers the implications of Donald Trump and friends' effort to orchestrate an unnecessary government shutdown.
  7. fischer223_Alexander KoernerGetty Images_bundeswehr Alexander Koerner/Getty Images

    Putin’s Setbacks Are Cold Comfort for Europe

    Joschka Fischer considers the implications of Russia's loss in Syria and Donald Trump's imminent return to the White House.
  8. brown115_WAKIL KOHSARAFP via Getty Images_afghanistanwomen Wakil Kohsar/AFP via Getty Images

    Gender Apartheid Is a Crime Against Humanity

    Gordon Brown urges global policymakers to address the Afghan regime’s egregious violations of women and girls' rights.
  9. Matt Gush/Getty Images

    The US Economy’s Trust Deficit

    Michael Spence considers the causes and consequences of Americans’ declining faith in media and government.

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