Power and Progress: Does technology lead to progress or inequality with Daron Acemoglu

In this episode, join Dr. Daron Acemoglu, renowned economist and co-author of "Why Nations Fail," as he delves into the intricate relationship between politics, economics, and technology. Discover the insights from his latest book, "Power and Progress: Our Thousand-Year Struggle Over Technology and Prosperity," co-written with Simon Johnson.

Dr. Acemoglu sheds light on the current state of technological progress and the challenges of equitable distribution. Explore the historical context of technological advancements and their impact on shared prosperity. Gain valuable insights into the future of artificial intelligence and its implications for inclusive growth.

Don't miss this engaging discussion as we explore innovative approaches to nudge progress towards a more equitable distribution of benefits. Discover win-win solutions for labor, wages, and human development. Learn how to cultivate a balanced technological portfolio and the significance of proper incentives and regulatory safety measures. Uncover the pivotal role of government in shaping these dynamics.

Don't forget to support the podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/rhyslindmark

Topics:

  • Welcome Daron Acemoglu to The Rhys Show!: (00:00:00)

  • Intro: (00:00:30)

  • Throughline behind Daron’s work: (00:01:22)

  • Thesis of Power and Progress: (00:03:20)

  • Historical lens of gain distribution as from industrial revolution: (00:06:13)

  • Technology versus institutions versus vision: (00:00:00)

  • The balance between technology and institutions to have shared prosperity: (00:11:56)

  • Creating abundance out of just automation and distributing it in ways so that it looks a bit like shared prosperity: (00:14:36)

  • From 100% growth post world war II 100% to a 0% growth in 1970: (00:19:25)

  • What is going to happen to AI in regards to shared prosperity: (00:28:11)

  • Thoughts about technology vs institutions vs vision in the next ten years: (00:33:26)

  • Turkey today and thoughts about last election: (00:41:08)

  • Advice for ambitious young people that want to nudge progress towards more distribution: (00:48:53)

  • Overrated and underrated questions: (00:50:36)

Daron Acemoglu Books:

Why Nations Fail By Daron and James A. Robinson

The Narrow Corridor By Daron and James A. Robinson

Power and Progress By Daron and Simon Johnson

Connect with Daron Acemoglu:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DAcemogluMIT

MIT Economics: https://economics.mit.edu/

Connect with Rhys:

https://twitter.com/RhysLindmark

https://twitter.com/roote_

https://twitter.com/RhysShow

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Recoding America: Understanding Government Failure in the Digital Age with Jennifer Pahlka

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Unraveling the Mysteries of Alien Technology and Objects in Space with Avi Loeb