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.

The economics of quinoa: superfoods’ dark side

By Aleisha Hall · April 21st, 2016

Quinoa is one of a wave of trendy “superfoods” to have become popular in recent years. However, does our insatiable demand for these crops have unintended consequences in their native lands? Aleisha Hall explores the side of quinoa you don’t see.

What you need to know about the Panama Papers

By Leon Obrenov · April 13th, 2016

The ripples of the publication of the Panama Papers, history’s biggest leak, are still being felt. Leon Obrenov explains what it’s all about, and why we should care.

Trump: can game theory explain the inexplicable?

By James Stratton · April 11th, 2016

Donal Trump’s rise seems to defy explanation. James Stratton attempts to prove otherwise, armed with the game theorist’s toolbox.