Economic Narratives and Political Shifts: From Germany to Global Trade

Explore the rise of the far-right in East Germany through the lens of economic insecurity, and delve into the miscalculations of free trade with China that reshaped American industries. Unpack the debate on 'voodoo economics' and its implications for New Zealand's tax policies, and understand how global financial cycles impact South Africa's economy. This episode offers a deep dive into the intersection of economics and politics, revealing the complex narratives that drive policy and public sentiment worldwide.

Sources:
https://www.cnbc.com/2025/02/12/east-germany-is-a-far-right-stronghold-economics-helped-make-it-happen.html
https://www.npr.org/2025/02/11/g-s1-47352/why-economists-got-free-trade-with-china-so-wrong
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/economy/inside-economics-the-return-of-voodoo-economics-do-lower-taxes-generate-more-revenue/W5KSROZMENGU7EEVMCHC4LARAI/
https://news.nwu.ac.za/how-global-financial-cycles-shape-south-africas-economy

Outline:
(00:00:00) Introduction
(00:00:42) East Germany is a far-right stronghold — and economic concerns helped make it happen
(00:03:41) Why economists got free trade with China so wrong
(00:07:06) Inside Economics: The return of ‘voodoo economics’ - do lower taxes generate more revenue?
(00:10:17) How global financial cycles shape South Africa’s economy