Penn‘s Exchange: Markets & Cooperation

Sci-fi builds alternative realities from current science, spanning space travel, AI, genetics, and quantum mechanics. Its appeal lies not only in scientific accuracy but also in the constraints it imposes on characters within these worlds. Audiences are drawn to the social questions it poses, exploring diverse societies, cultures, and interpersonal dynamics. Themes delve into human

The Great Enrichment stands as one of humanity's pivotal moments, igniting in Europe during the 17th to 19th centuries, prompting countless attempts to decipher its origins. Today, Dr. Salter will delve into his latest collaborative work with Professor Andrew Young, titled "The Medieval Constitution of Liberty: Political Foundations of Liberalism in the West." In this book, they ar

From the 11th to 14th centuries, the Roman Catholic Church was Europe’s largest and most organized institution. Unlike any other entity at the time, it had the capacity to tax, create law and administer justice. Secular authorities had to grapple with it. They competed and allied with it. But most importantly, they emulated it. Today we will be talking with Dr. Anna Grzymala-Buss

"Too much money spent chasing too few goods" is the preferred explanation that most people think about when discussing the causes of inflation. But how generally applicable is said argument to our modern economy? Today we will be talking with Dr. John Cochrane, who will speak about his most recent book, The Fiscal Theory of the Price Level, where he argues that changes in price lev

We tend to think of political borders as exogenous artifacts that are imposed in a top-down manner by governments with imperial ambitions. And while this is true in some cases, there is a more significant case to be made for the alternative, where borders and jurisdictions are endogenous to the populations that draw them. A country's size and frontiers depend on the political and e

Before the 13th Century, the low countries were a small region at the fringe of Europe. Yet, by the 17th Century, the Netherlands had transformed into the most prosperous society in the world. How did such transformation occur? Today we will be joined by Professors Praak and van Zanden, who will discuss their most recent book "Pioneers ofCapitalism" and guide us into the economic h

As its name implies, the Renaissance is often thought of as a turning point in human history. Art is its most celebrated, long-lasting legacy. And the romanticized perception of the artist as a genius is its byproduct. But how exactly did artists become artists? Who commissioned their work? How could the patrons oversee the quality of the work theywere commissioning? We will be tal

Nigeria is Africa’s largest state by population size and by nominal GDP. It is a multiethnic state where more than 250 minorities coexist. Political conflict due to geographic, religious, and cultural differences has been a common theme since its independence from Britain in 1960. How can a large and diverse state like Nigeria be fully integrated intoone common Nation? Today, Dr.

Up until the 18th century, China was the world’s hegemon. So how did it get there in the first place? And why did the Empire collapse abruptly in the 20th century? Today, Yuhua Wang will talk to us about his most recent book, where he argues the Chinese state experienced a gradual decline in its state capacity caused by a sovereign’s dilemma, where cohesive elites strengthened

Narrow banks are depository institutions that focus on investing in federal reserve deposits and pass on most of the interest accrued to their respective depositors. Dr. James McAndrews, CEO of TNB USA Inc., will help us unravel what role narrow banking can play in modern financial systems.