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Curated by Project Syndicate

Goodbye, ZIRP?

12 commentaries

The US Federal Reserve is considering raising interest rates for the first time since the global financial crisis erupted in 2008. Is monetary tightening premature, given the real state of the US economy, and how will it affect the now-struggling emerging world?

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  1. The World When the Fed Raises Rates
    Janet Yellen Bao Dandan/ZumaPress

    The World When the Fed Raises Rates

    Sep 10, 2015 Martin Feldkircher, et al. explain why US monetary tightening will affect different countries differently.

  2. Fed Up with the Fed
    Janet Yellen federal reserve Yin Bogu/ZumaPress

    Fed Up with the Fed

    Sep 7, 2015 Joseph E. Stiglitz asks why US policymakers are considering an interest-rate hike at a time of below-target inflation.

  3. Inflation, the Fed, and the Big Picture
    balloons Tolga Akmen/ZumaPress

    Inflation, the Fed, and the Big Picture

    Sep 3, 2015 Carmen M. Reinhart argues that the real threat nowadays, especially in the advanced economies, is declining prices.

  4. Globalized Crisis
    friendship Trina Alexander/Flickr

    Globalized Crisis

    Sep 3, 2015 Harold James explores the dark side of connecting far-flung people and economies.

  5. Will Americans Become Poorer?
    Wall Street New York City Sergi Reboredo/ZumaPress

    Will Americans Become Poorer?

    Aug 31, 2015 Martin Feldstein takes on Robert Gordon's thesis that US economic growth will remain permanently subdued.

  6. The US Still Runs the World
    Xi Jinping and Barack Obama Rao Aimin/ZumaPress

    The US Still Runs the World

    Aug 28, 2015 Simon Johnson points out that China's troubles represent only the latest affirmation of US global leadership.

  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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