The Euro: A failed project?

The Euro was created at midnight on 1st January 1999 when members of the Eurozone fixed their currencies against each other, but it did not become a legal tender until 1st January 2002. The creation of the Euro was seen to be a step towards the political and social unification of Europe through economic means: the means being an optimal currency area (OCA) – a theory … Continue reading The Euro: A failed project?

“The Entrepreneurial State” by Mariana Mazzucato

Marina Mazzucato’s The Entrepreneurial State aims to dispel the harmful myth that innovation is solely the result of entrepreneurial minds working in laissez-faire environments with backing from dynamic venture capitalists, and that the state is a lumbering impediment to revolutionary research and development. Mazzucato contends that this view, put forward by the USA and others, is far from the truth, and using an armoury of … Continue reading “The Entrepreneurial State” by Mariana Mazzucato

Credit card debt is the next big threat to the US economy

In June, US credit card debt reached record levels. The $1.02 trillion in outstanding credit card loans passed the pre-crisis peak set in 2008. Although the US economy is seen to be strengthening in most sectors, some see this as a genuine threat to the stability of the economy, and one which, if realised, would have a disastrous effect on everyone involved. Excessive credit card … Continue reading Credit card debt is the next big threat to the US economy