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Will the twain ever meet? Bridging the gap between economics and politics

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  • Alan S. Blinder

    (Princeton University)

Abstract

There is a huge and harmful gap between two civilizations: economists and politicos. This article explores some of the reasons behind that gap and offers suggestions for how we might shrink it. Doing so will necessarily require more change from economists than from politicos, because politicians are normally the decision-makers while economists are just advisers. Hence, I suggest more places where economists should change their ways. The ideas set forth here are an expansion of those I set out in the 2023 Daniel Patrick Moynihan Lecture on Social Science and Public Policy.
(This abstract was borrowed from another version of this item.)

Suggested Citation

  • Alan S. Blinder, 2024. "Will the twain ever meet? Bridging the gap between economics and politics," Working Papers 331, Princeton University, Department of Economics, Center for Economic Policy Studies..
    • Handle: RePEc:pri:cepsud:331
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Diamond, Peter A & Mirrlees, James A, 1971. "Optimal Taxation and Public Production II: Tax Rules," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 61(3), pages 261-278, June.
    2. Diamond, Peter A & Mirrlees, James A, 1971. "Optimal Taxation and Public Production: I--Production Efficiency," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 61(1), pages 8-27, March.
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