The Israeli Economy: Success and Hidden Costs with Dr. Joseph Zeira

In this episode of the Business Talk podcast, host Deepak Bhatt speaks with Professor Joseph Zeira of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem about his book The Israeli Economy: A Story of Success and Costs. Drawing on Israel’s unique history, Professor Zeira explains how rapid growth from 1922 to 1972 was driven by external financing through immigrant capital, German reparations, and large-scale public investment in education and technology. He highlights the 1980 peace agreement with Egypt as a pivotal “natural experiment” that enabled economic stabilization, sharply reduced public spending, and showed that long-run growth can remain robust even as the state shrinks. The conversation also explores his “missing capital” research, the economic costs of wide and narrow conflicts, and why Israel’s neoliberal turn failed to boost growth but significantly increased inequality. This podcast is brought to you by Global Management Consultancy. For more information, please visit www.globalmanagementconsultancy.com. Disclaimer: A. The background music used in this video is the property of its respective developer and is protected by Copyright. Although it is a free version, Business Talk, Global Management Consultancy and Deepak Bhatt do not hold the rights to this music. B. In a compelling conversation on the Business Talk podcast channel, Prof. Joseph Zeira shared thoughtful perspectives drawn from his acclaimed book, “The Israeli Economy: A Story of Success and Costs”. The uploaded video contains copyrighted material; therefore, any modifications to graphics, music, or the presence of the author or host are strictly prohibited.