Human-Centered Economics:The Living Standards of Nations

Watch our latest event with Richard Samans discussing his latest book "Human-Centered Economics: The Living Standards of Nations," delving into its call for a macroeconomic shift towards societal well-being and the enhancement of global living standards. The conversation tackled the book's challenge to reimagine capitalism for an era marked by inequality, AI, and climate change, aiming to amplify the impact of international cooperation. Watch the event recording below for an exploration of these critical proposals and their potential to reshape global economic policies.

This March, we gathered to delve into Richard Samans' latest book, "Human-Centered Economics: The Living Standards of Nations." The book advocates for a transformative shift in macroeconomics emphasizing societal well-being and related enabling institutions over mere economic growth in order to address the rising demand for stronger progress in household living standards in countries at all levels of economic development. Can the source code of capitalism - liberal economic theory and the advice and assistance of international economic institutions - be rewritten to better serve a world facing increased inequality and disruption from AI and climate change?

Richard Samans, Director of Research at the ILO, was joined by Sung Min Rho, Associate Professor of International Relations / Political Science, Didier Chambovey, Former Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Switzerland to the WTO and EFTA and our Co-Chair Cédric Dupont, Professor of International Relations & Political Science. The conversation reconsidered the pathways to collective prosperity and sustainability and echoed the book’s central message: crafting economic policies that benefit both the marketplace and the broader community is not just possible but essential.

Missed the discussion or want to explore further? Catch the event’s recording above and read Richard Saman’s open access e-book here.