Is it ‘economic halloween’ in the US? with political economist Mark Blyth

In this episode of Rapid Response, Bob Safian interviews political economist Mark Blyth about the shifting U.S. economic landscape amidst tariff wars and political pressures. Blyth draws parallels to the economic shifts of the 1970s, suggesting a move away from Reagan-era policies of deregulation and globalization. He critiques the "MAGA" agenda as a regressive modernization attempt, discusses the complexities of the U.S.-China relationship, and highlights the Democrats' struggle to articulate a compelling economic vision. Blyth also touches on the implications of Trump administration policies on data reliability, immigration, and the national debt, as well as the challenges facing higher education in light of changing federal priorities. Despite the troubling trends, Blyth maintains a long-term optimism about humanity while expressing concerns about the U.S.'s approach to climate change and its potential isolation in the global economy.