Can a Nation Plunder Its Way to Wealth (with Noah Smith) ...

What this episode covers

Did nations get rich on the backs of other nations? Did the West get rich from imperialism? Noah Smith says no. But why not? If you can steal stuff, isn't that better than having to make it yourself? Listen as Noah Smith and EconTalk's Russ Roberts discuss the impact of imperialism and industrialization on growth and wealth. Smith argues that understanding plunder and where wealth comes from is more than an exercise in economic history--it matters for today's world, too.

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How long is this episode of EconTalk?

This episode is 1 hour and 9 minutes long.

When was this EconTalk episode published?

This episode was published on January 15, 2024.

What is this episode about?

Did nations get rich on the backs of other nations? Did the West get rich from imperialism? Noah Smith says no. But why not? If you can steal stuff, isn't that better than having to make it yourself? Listen as Noah Smith and EconTalk's Russ Roberts...

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