The USSR and Barter Economy: How Pepsi Once Became the Sixth Largest Military in the World
In part two of this series, Phil concludes the discussion on the USSR’s exchange rate with a case study on Pepsi, warships, and comparative advantage.
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A Very Brief History of the USSR’s Economy and the Value of the Ruble
The first article in a two-part series, Phil outlines the economy of the USSR in its early years, examining why the value of the ruble was worthless as international currency.
Vision 2045: Shaping Vietnam’s future economy through innovation – Part I
Vietnam is one of the fastest developing economies in the world. Join Olivia on this 3-part series as she explores the idea of the ‘innovation ecosystem’ that lies behind the country’s success.
Once upon a time in Babylon
Law and order are a common feature of everyday existence. But how did it come to be this way? Join Domenic as he ventures to Babylon and uncovers the very beginnings of law in the world.
To scoot or to boot – Are e-scooters here to stay ?
E-scooters have been gaining popularity since their recent launch in Melbourne, with one visible at nearly every street corner. Join Daniel and Thanh as they collaborate to explore the good, the bad, and the ugly of this new trend.
The new Silk Road: Cementing Beijing’s global influence
China’s Belt and Road Initiative has spread all over the world. Is it a generous development scheme for countries that the West has left behind? Or is it a threat to the independence of developing states? Join Wes as he discusses the initiative and Beijing’s motivations behind it.
The folly of growth via consumption
History has shown that the balance of world power shifts in cycles. In a time of growing geopolitical uncertainty, what can American hyperconsumption and Chinese reinvestment tell us about the limits of economic growth via consumption? Join Felix in this final instalment of his three-part series to explore what the rise of China tells us about world power.
Empires on which the sun will never set
How does history prescribe the narrative of changing world powers? What traits and attributes allowed nations to become empires so vast that ‘the sun never set’ on their lands? Join Felix in this second instalment of his three-part series to journey through history for answers to these questions.
Black Wednesday: How one man broke the Bank of England
The British government devalued the pound sterling in 1991. As a result, one man made a profit of over $1 billion. Join Domenic as he discusses how George Soros became known as “the man who broke the Bank of England.”
The making of an economic superpower
How can we know who qualifies as an economic superpower? What does history tell us about who that might be now, and in the future? Join Felix in this first instalment of his three-part series to explore the role of currency in answering these questions.
Building the blocks of blockchain: Part 1
Modern blockchain technology was introduced as a method to securely timestamp digital documents and it has since revolutionised the world of finance and economics. Given the increasing popularity and adoption of these technologies, join David as he dives into the origins of blockchain in this two-part series.
“Mindset change” – The ACCC’s proposal to revolutionise Australia’s merger control regime
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is the chief competition regulator of the Government of Australia. Its recent changes urge Australian law to consider the long-term danger to markets posed by mergers that suppress potential competition. Join Max as he unpacks what these changes mean for Australia’s merger control regime.