Special Collections:
Transforming Our Economy
Robert Reich and Mark Zandi debated Glenn Hubbard and Arthur Laffer on the topic: "The Rich Are Taxed Enough." Moderated by John Donvan, the discussion addressed how to fix the U.S. economy.
With a nearing trillion-dollar budget deficit and high unemployment, the expiring Bush-era tax cuts presented a critical economic challenge. President Obama advocated raising taxes on incomes over $250,000 to reduce the deficit. Conversely, others argued the wealthiest 1% already pay over a quarter of federal taxes, and higher taxes on "job creators" would hinder economic growth. The central question remained: should tax breaks be extended for everyone, or are the wealthy not paying their "fair share"?
INEQUALITY FOR ALL features Robert Reich—professor, best-selling author, and former Clinton cabinet member—who passionately argues how the widening income gap devastates the American economy.
The film also offers an intimate portrait of Reich, detailing his personal journey and lifelong commitment to protecting the vulnerable. Discover more about Robert Reich at robertreich.org.
Addressing the environmental crisis, *Wild Law – In Practice* aims to transition Earth Jurisprudence from theory into practice. The book argues that current legal frameworks perpetuate ecological issues and must be radically reconfigured to ensure a viable human presence on Earth.
Authored by Peter Burdon, a Senior Lecturer at Adelaide Law School, the work draws on his extensive expertise in ecological law. His PhD in this field earned him the Bonython Prize and a University of Adelaide Research Medal. Since 2005, Burdon has also actively contributed to Friends of the Earth Adelaide's Clean Futures Collective.
Dean Karlan, a Professor of Economics at Yale University and President of Innovations for Poverty Action, explores how understanding people and language can influence human behavior. His research has led to innovative mechanisms for increasing savings in developing world communities.
This discussion was published by TEDxMiddlebury on August 18, 2013.
David Stevens, CEO of Affinity MacroFinance (AMF), introduces a new paradigm for development financing, advocating for more effective use of local currency. AMF is a mutual financial guarantee insurance company serving the developing world.
This information was published on December 13, 2012, on the Tallberg Foundation YouTube Channel.
On November 16, 2008, the Sanctuary for Independent Media welcomed Austin-based folk musician Eliza Gilkyson and activist Rob Jensen. Their evening featured an intertwining of songs and speeches, offering both beautiful music and radical discussion.
In this clip (Part 2 of 4), Gilkyson introduces Jensen, sharing how his perspective has influenced her beliefs and songwriting. Jensen then begins his presentation on justice, sustainability, and his concept of the "Three E's": empire, economics, and ecology.
Bill Moyers has tracked two Milwaukee families since 1991, documenting their struggles against a harsh economy and urban transformation. His reports highlight the devastating challenges and difficult choices they faced.
Moyers revisits these families' stories, exploring the human cost of inequality with journalists Barbara Miner and Barbara Garson. This report was published on July 4, 2013.
Money is an agreement, not inherently valuable. Charles Eisenstein explores this concept, arguing that money often fails to address fundamental human needs. His work, including the book Sacred Economics, offers specific recommendations for a different approach.
To learn more or purchase his book, visit Amazon or your local bookstore. This content, published on March 1, 2012, was directed by Ian MacKenzie and produced by Velcrow Ripper, Gregg Hill, and Ian MacKenzie.
This excerpt is from a panel presentation at the Business In The Community Ireland Summit on Corporate Responsibility, held in November 2010.
The panel featured experts including James Quincey (The Coca-Cola Company), Sir Stuart Rose (Marks & Spencer), and Gerard O'Neill of Amarach Research.
O'Neill highlighted how marketers' 'pricing trap' hinders sustainability initiatives. He argued that while price accounts for only 30% of a purchase decision, emotion and feelings drive 70%. Emphasizing trust and the social environment is crucial for consumers to move beyond price-driven choices.
Behavioral economist Dan Ariely, author of "Predictably Irrational," reveals how our decisions are often irrational. Using classic visual illusions and surprising research, he demonstrates that we are not as logical as we believe.
Ariely's work highlights a fundamental flaw in traditional economics: its disconnect from actual human behavior. His insights explain why our choices are often predictable, yet irrational.
James Glattfelder, a complexity theorist, studies how interconnected systems, like a bird swarm, are more than the sum of their parts. He applies this theory to the global economy, offering insights into its intricate workings.
Glattfelder's groundbreaking study reveals how control is concentrated among a surprisingly small number of entities. This significant power concentration leaves the entire global economy vulnerable. His findings were presented at TEDxZurich and published on February 13, 2013.
This animation explores a post-consumer society, envisioning a future with fewer work hours, increased re-skilling, homesteading, and small-scale enterprises. These shifts aim to reduce the consumer economy's overall size and impact. It is narrated by economist and best-selling author Juliet Schor and produced by The Center for the New American Dream.
Dr. Schor's book, *Plenitude*, delves deeper into these concepts. You can order it from Amazon or find it at your local bookstore.
Discussions on the Green Economy often overlook its social dimensions. The UN Research Institute for Social Development (UNRISD) addresses this through its project on the Social Dimensions of Green Economy and Sustainable Development. Explore their work at UNRISD.
For broader information on the Green Economy, consult the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) at UNEP. Following both UNRISD and UNEP offers insight into how the UN integrates social, environmental, and economic aspects to advance sustainability.
Growth is an unsustainable, temporary state.
Dr. Susan Krumdieck, an Associate Professor at the University of Canterbury, researches this topic.
Her expertise spans fuel cells, alternative energy, energy conservation, energy systems engineering, and materials for energy systems.
Since 2000, the middle class has declined in size, income, and wealth, also losing some faith in the future. A new report, released August 22, 2012, explores how middle-class Americans view themselves, their future, and presidential candidates.
Read the full report here.
On June 9th, at the Strategies for a New Economy 2012 Conference, a historian and political economist discussed the urgent need for new institutions. He argued that the current system is politically stalemated, economically stagnant, and decaying, despite managing the wealthiest nation.
He emphasized that public awareness of these systemic failures creates an opportunity for fundamental rethinking. As an example, he cited the Cleveland experience, which successfully integrated profits into the community, supported by existing purchasing institutions.
Gar Alperovitz, a political economy professor at the University of Maryland and co-founder of the Democracy Collaborative, delivered the Green Party convention's keynote address, aired by Democracy Now. Emphasizing "we," Alperovitz stressed the importance of third-party politics to challenge a corporate-run society.
Author of "America Beyond Capitalism: Reclaiming Our Wealth, Our Liberty, and Our Democracy," he argued that systems are defined by wealth control. He highlighted that "the top 400 people own more wealth now than the bottom 185 million Americans taken together," calling it a "medieval structure."
Dr. Jim Kim seeks public input on three vital questions:
What are the best ways to eradicate poverty? What innovations can bring prosperity to all? How can member countries' vast experience be harnessed?
Submit your questions and comments via the form below, or tweet using #AskJimKim. Follow @WorldBank on Twitter for updates.
Sir Partha DasGupta, Frank Ramsey Professor Emeritus of Economics at the University of Cambridge, discusses the economic significance of natural capital. He highlights how ecosystems, including farmland and forests, have historically been overlooked in economic considerations.
In his article, "Nature's Role in Sustainable Economic Development," published in Philosophical Transactions B for the Royal Society's 350th anniversary, Sir Partha advocates for integrating nature into economic development. Wendy Barnaby interviews him in a podcast about these crucial insights.
Author Charles Eisenstein addresses the future of our economy and money, questioning a return to "normal." His book, *Sacred Economics*, challenges established financial patterns and offers resolutions for the future.
Eisenstein recently spoke to a sell-out crowd in Portland, Oregon. The video of this enlightening talk is proudly presented by The Center for a Sustainable Today, Evolver, and Transition PDX.
Order *Sacred Economics* from Amazon or visit your local bookstore.
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The Thinking Game | Full documentary | Tribeca Film Festival official selection
“The Thinking Game” is the inside story of DeepMind's groundbreaking AI research, culminating in the Nobel Prize-winning AlphaFold breakthrough. Filmed over five years by the award-winning team behind "AlphaGo," this documentary explores co-founder Demis Hassabis's lifelong pursuit of artificial general intelligence and the rigorous scientific journey from mastering strategy games to solving the 50-year-old protein folding problem.
Following its world premiere at the Tribeca Festival, "The Thinking Game" is now available to watch for free. For those interested in hosting a screening for a classroom, community, or workplace, visit: rocofilms.com/films/the-thinking-game/.






















