The 1st Presidential Debate: A setback for the Donald?

By Tom Crowley · September 27th, 2016

A fiery first presidential debate has just concluded over in the United States. After 90 memorable minutes, Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton left the stage leaving millions with lots to consider. Tom Crowley provides his hot take on the debate.

Why are my flights still so expensive?

By Eloise Hesse · September 23rd, 2016

Sky-high airfares: Eloise Hesse explores why flights still so expensive.

Democracy: a drag on economic development?

By Quoc Anh Nguyen · September 18th, 2016

We take it as a given that democracy and wealth go hand in hand. However, is this really as much of a truism as we think? Does democracy result in inefficiency and an unwillingness on the part of elected officials to make tough decisions? Quoc Anh Nguyen examines this difficult questions.

Development Aid: A Mixed Track Record

By Fredrik Thor · September 16th, 2016

Extreme poverty has never been lower in the history of mankind. 135 billion USD is spent on official development aid every year. However, to eradicate extreme poverty, is the answer to simply increase aid? Fredrik Thor investigates.

Road to Ruin: The Economic Case for choosing NOT to host the Olympic Games

By Edmund Kemsley · September 2nd, 2016

“Faster, Higher, Stronger”? Edmund Kemsley explains why hosting the 2016 Summer Olympic Games will not make the local and national economic prospects stronger in Brazil.

Quantifiably Cool? Melbourne most liveable city 6 years running

By Eloise Hesse · August 24th, 2016

And the most liveable city in the world is… Eloise Hesse explores how Melbourne has once again topped the list of liveable cities and why the measure may not be all it seems.

The Endorsement Game

By Eddie Go · August 10th, 2016

In a politically polarised America where the major party nominees are widely resented, who have the influential chosen to back? Eddie Go dissects the strategies and rationale behind endorsing (or even shunning) a presidential contender.

Household income equality: changing families or changing pay-cheques?

By Taylor Nugent · July 29th, 2016

Statistics show that income inequality in the US is rising. However, Taylor Nugent explores how this problem is much less the fault of the labour market than people realise.

Brexit: Divided Kingdom

By Sam O'Connor and Tom Crowley · June 24th, 2016

Not sure what to make of today’s Brexit? ESSA has you covered.

The Trans-Pacific Partnership: where economics and power politics collide

By Quoc Anh Nguyen · May 8th, 2016

The Trans-Pacific Partnership has been praised as a breakthrough in international free trade efforts. It has also been heavily criticised, seen as merely a smokescreen for increasing American influence in the Asia-Pacific region and the reach of its corporations. However, it is also a fascinating example of how political and economic rivalries can overlap.

The Swedish Brains Behind the Welfare State

By Eddie Go · May 4th, 2016

Few places in the world have managed to maintain strong economies with high tax rates and welfare spending. Eddie Go delves into the Swedish origins of the unique Scandinavian model.

This article first appeared in Short Supply 2016 – check out the full magazine via the Short Supply tab at the top of this page!

A pragmatic approach to free speech

By Chris Kounelis · April 25th, 2016

What exactly constitutes “free speech” is a highly controversial issue. Should ultimate freedom of expression be allowed regardless of the offence it might cause, or should we take a more tempered approach? Chris Kounelis makes the case for the latter.