How Technology has Affected Developing Nations

The technological advances over the past twenty years have been fundamental in structuring the world we reside in today. Despite this, many economies have been left behind and have only recently begun to experience the full potential of technology and the digital economy. This is predominantly because much of the initial progression was concentrated in established economies and so nations that were underdeveloped and more … Continue reading How Technology has Affected Developing Nations

The Galloway Hoard: Economics of the Early Middle Ages

The Galloway Hoard is more than just buried treasure. Discovered in 2014, this Viking-age deposit offers a glimpse of life during the Early Middle Ages, a century after the first Viking raids across Scotland. The collection contains more than 100 silver, gold, glass, rock crystal, stone, and earthen objects, most of which date to roughly 900AD. Our modern stereotype of the Viking age is framed … Continue reading The Galloway Hoard: Economics of the Early Middle Ages

Real Business Cycle Theory

The real business cycle, also known as the boom-and-bust cycle, is a term that illustrates how an economy evolves over time. The real business cycle shows that macroeconomic fluctuations within an economy can be described by technological shocks and changes in productivity. The change in growth affects the decision making of firms on investment. In RBC theory, business cycles are created by agents responding optimally … Continue reading Real Business Cycle Theory

The Economics of Private Prisons

When it comes to incarcerating criminals, there are two options in the US: state or private. A state prison is entirely owned by the government. The government then needs to oversee almost everything, from hiring the guards to providing the building itself. Although, even with state prisons, much of the work, such as food service and prisoner transportation, is outsourced to private contractors. With a private prison, … Continue reading The Economics of Private Prisons

El Salvador and Bitcoin

On the 7th of September 2021, El Salvador accepted Bitcoin as a legal tender, joining the USD as the second official currency of the country. This is the first time a nation has accepted Bitcoin or any other cryptocurrency as a legal tender. Nayib Bukele, the 40-year-old Salvadoran president, was described as a “young president trying to capitalise on a popular image” with the Bitcoin … Continue reading El Salvador and Bitcoin

How Long Will the Semiconductor Shortage Last?

The world’s shortage of semiconductors has had ramifications for the entire globe. Shortages have caused a drastic decrease in the production of electronic parts for renewable energy industries, consumer electronics, and most of all, the automotive industry. If Taiwan’s manufacturing factories experience other lockdowns and closures due to further outbreaks of Covid-19, the effect of the semiconductor shortage could last longer and be more damaging … Continue reading How Long Will the Semiconductor Shortage Last?

Time Preference and Economics of Self-Control

Last year, in the last week of school, I was trapped in a painful dilemma: should I continue revising for that onerous Economics exam or should I flip open the laptop and switch on England’s (not so) dramatic Euro’s Group D decider? Adam Smith back in 1759 would’ve explained my situation as a battle between my passions and my impartial spectator. That is, I found … Continue reading Time Preference and Economics of Self-Control