Milanovic explores the enigma of Stalin's Great Terror, questioning the motivations behind the purges and the ideological biases in historical narratives, particularly Aragon's account.
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Branko Milanovic is an economist interested in global inequality, sharing insights through his Substack publication.
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7.3From under the rubble
2025-12-01 • socialism economics marxism yugoslavia
The post discusses the ideological and economic evolution of Yugoslav communism following Stalin's 1948 letter, which urged Yugoslav communists to align with Soviet policies. It explores how Yugoslav economists developed a unique ...
The text discusses the ideological confusion in Russia since the dissolution of the Soviet Union, highlighting the historical shifts in political ideology and the rise of intelligence services. It examines the contradictions in Pu...
China's economic rise illustrates a unique ideological fusion of Marxism and traditional Chinese philosophies, potentially reshaping global ideological perspectives.
The post contends that concerns about inequality are intrinsic to human welfare, challenging the view that only poverty alleviation matters.
Rana Dasgupta's 'After Nations' critiques the nation-state system and explores historical narratives of empires, advocating for a future based on cooperation and ecological respect.
The post discusses the failure of neoliberalism, both domestically and internationally, arguing that it was defeated by reality rather than by a lack of intellectual alternatives. The author reflects on the historical context of n...
The post argues that the dominant beliefs of the 1990s were largely hypocritical and flawed, leading to a more intellectually free, if not better, contemporary world.
Westad and Chen's 'The Great Transformation' explores China's economic evolution post-Great Leap Forward, emphasizing the interplay of Maoism, political dynamics, and foreign relations in shaping its growth.
The post advocates for teaching comparative economic systems to enhance understanding of capitalism and its alternatives, despite potential student disinterest.
The post examines the significant geopolitical losses for Russia resulting from the Ukraine-Russia war, including strained relations with Europe and the rise of anti-Russian sentiment in Ukraine.
The post examines the shift of economic power to Asia, particularly China, and the need for reform in international economic institutions to reflect this change.
The author reflects on their recent trip to China, expressing a paradoxical feeling of frustration and addiction to understanding the culture. Despite enjoying their time in Beijing and Shanghai, they realize that the more they le...
The post discusses the impact of new technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence, on income inequality, drawing parallels to historical technological advancements. It argues that the replacement of human labor by machines l...
The text discusses the historical context of neoliberalism, particularly the Mont Pelerin Society's skepticism towards elected officials and their push for the independence of economic decision-making from political oversight. It ...
The author reflects on their recent reading of Gramsci and draws parallels between Gramsci's and Lenin's critiques of representative democracy, particularly in the context of contemporary political issues. They argue that both thi...
Molina critiques the anti-imperialist left's historical errors and advocates for a contextual understanding of international politics over intellectual consistency.
The text is a critical review of Raymond Aron's memoirs, highlighting his significant contributions to sociology, philosophy, and political thought. It discusses his liberalism, anti-communism, and relationships with notable figur...
The author reflects on a conference at Columbia University discussing democracy and inequality, emphasizing the disconnect between popular support for certain leaders and the democratic ideals espoused by political scientists. The...
The Zucman tax serves as a pedagogical tool against greed, advocating for a social credit system to regulate billionaire behavior and limit wealth display.
The post discusses the profound impact of new technologies in China, particularly on foreigners who struggle with language barriers. It highlights the reliance on technology for communication and information, contrasting it with t...
The post examines the cultural and economic implications of work hours in the US and Europe, advocating for a balance between productivity and quality of life.
The author recounts a warm October evening in New York, where he dined at a restaurant and engaged in a conversation with three men who spoke Russian. The discussion turned to the topic of nationalizing small-scale restaurants, wi...
The author recounts a late-night visit to a New York restaurant where they engage in conversations with two women: an older artist and a younger fashion business owner. The older woman embodies a liberal elite perspective, express...