Robin Hahnel (2014): Political Economy and Economics – Past, Present & Future
Channel: Parecon Finland
Date: 2015-01-17

Open discussion between Robin Hahnel and Ville-Pekka Sorsa "Political Economy and Economics: Past, Present and the Future" at University of Helsinki on December 10th, 2014. 

How have the academic disciplines of political economy and economics developed during the last few decades? What are the main research topics, methods, theoretical frameworks and normative approaches in contemporary political economy? Has there been a shift towards more heterodox approaches in economics? Are there some blind spots in both these disciplines? How are for example global challenges like climate change, inequality or erosion of democratic institutions addressed in contemporary research?

Professor Robin Hahnel discusses these and many other questions concerning the past, present and future of political economy on basis of decades of research experience in the United States and all over the world. He is interviewed by Dr. Ville-Pekka Sorsa, who also brings insights on recent developments in these fields in the Finnish context. 

Video produced by Parecon Finland.
http://www.osallisuustalous.fi

About Robin Hahnel and Ville-Pekka Sorsa

Robin Hahnel is an economist, political activist, author and lecturer. He is Professor Emeritus at American University in Washington, D.C. and Portland State University in Portland, Oregon. He is currently engaged in research on climate change policy, micro simulation of participatory planning, and Sraffian price theory.

Ville-Pekka Sorsa is University Lecturer and current Head of Discipline in Political Science at the University of Helsinki. He is also the current Chair of Finnish Association for Political Economy Research.

About Parecon Finland

Parecon Finland aims to help bring issues of democracy and environmental sustainability more into the focus of discussion on economy and economics in Finland. The organization writes commentaries, organizes events and talks, and publishes material related to such key issues as market reforms, local economies, climate change and political and economic democracy.