Policy & the Economy
Skip to content
Insight Unpacked Season 2, "American Healthcare and Its Web of Misaligned Incentives" | Listen Now
four people stand in a circle, with one speaking and the others reflecting on their statement.
October 1, 2022

How We Justify Our Unpopular Opinions

The tactic makes controversial views more palatable to others—and has implications for the rampant spread of fake news.

group of people protest in shadow of a statue to earlier protestors.
October 1, 2022

When Do People Protest and When Do They Just Grumble? History Offers Clues.

A tradition of anti-government uprisings can impact communities centuries later.

A horse-drawn wagon pulls wheat through an autumnal wheatfield
October 1, 2022

Why Did So Many Ukrainians Die in the Soviet Great Famine?

They perished at a much higher rate than ethnic Russians during what’s known as Holodomor. A new study suggests this was a deliberate policy decision.

person with butterfly net attempting to capture data
October 1, 2022

Who Should Win the Tug-of-War over User Data?

It’s not always clear whether businesses or consumers should have more control. Research offers a new way of thinking through the problem.

a flag melding china and russia flags
September 28, 2022

China’s Future Will Reflect Russia’s

China learned from Russia’s post-1991 experience and pursued its economic liberalization with more care. But it ultimately could not avoid the political implications of pro-market policies and is now following Russia down the road to autocracy—continuing a century-long pattern of mirroring its neighbor’s historical trajectory.

two people cut a U.S. map with scissors
September 6, 2022

One Nation, Too Divided?

Political sectarianism is rampant in the U.S. Three experts discuss whether we can remain united.

person being raised up by large hands
September 6, 2022

The Thorny Challenge of Measuring Success in “Systems-of-Care” Networks

These networks, which help direct people to the medical and social services they need, must tread carefully in choosing which metrics to use in decision-making.

person in health clinic looking at poster of anthropomorphic virus
September 1, 2022

How Humanizing Disease Could Be a New Public Health Tool

Anthropomorphizing a disease changes how we feel about it—and the steps we take to avoid it.

Office with manager and well-appointed subordinate cubicle sharing political affiliation
September 1, 2022

Could Your Political Views Stymie Your Career?

From being hired to getting a promotion, new research shows you may be penalized for disagreeing politically with the boss.

coffee farms and mills in rural Kenya
August 26, 2022

The Food Crisis Is Bigger Than Ukraine

While Russia’s war has undoubtedly caused real problems in global food markets, they are different and more complex than what most news coverage suggests.

A man walks into a therapy room.
August 1, 2022

For Those Living in Poverty, Therapy Can Have Benefits Beyond Mental Health

A large study suggests that cognitive behavioral therapy can also improve physical health and economic outcomes.

August 1, 2022

How Former Enemies Can Develop Trust

A simple intervention can help diffuse animosity toward onetime armed foes, a study shows.

group seated around thanksgiving table with one person hiding behind turkey drumstick
July 8, 2022

When Political Discussions Get Heated, Is It Best to Just Stay Out of It?

Keeping your head down when hot-button topics arise could come at a cost to your reputation.

two people look out over a city
July 5, 2022

Where Does Capitalism Go Next?

A conversation on “creative destruction,” growth, and designing a more equitable capitalist future.

lobby of a healthcare facility
June 21, 2022

Where Is the U.S. Healthcare Industry Headed?

New business models abound, private equity is expanding, and healthcare workers are hard to find.

illustration of two people putting ballots into ballot boxes
June 8, 2022

Take 5: Democracies and How They Thrive

A look at this form of government at a time when democracy is under stress around the world.

woman pushing double stroller into bank
June 3, 2022

Did China’s One-Child Policy Prompt Households to Save More?

Researchers investigate whether the lack of a “family safety net” is responsible for China’s singularly high household savings rate.

field of wilting flowers and abandoned trucks in front of greenhouse.
June 1, 2022

How Local Disruptions Can Affect the Global Supply Chain

A new study of the Kenyan flower industry can help buyers and suppliers prepare for uncertainty.

italian town with nursery school
June 1, 2022

How One Tax Reform Led to More Women in the Workforce Decades Later

A study of a major fiscal change in Italy shows how much individual lives are affected when governments get more efficient.

two pill bottles stand on a pharmacy counter.
June 1, 2022

Consumers Pay When Generic Drug Companies Collude. Here’s a Way to Stop Them.

Price-fixing by pharmaceutical cartels can cost billions, and the threat of lawsuits isn’t enough to deter it.

1 2 3 45 6 7 8
Add Insight to your inbox.
This website uses cookies and similar technologies to analyze and optimize site usage. By continuing to use our websites, you consent to this. For more information, please read our Privacy Statement.

The Insightful Leader

July 15, 2024  ·  26:04 minutes