Economic History
The New Protectionism: Is 19th-Century Economic Nostalgia a Threat to Modern Finance?
A “protectionist nostalgia” is challenging decades of free trade consensus. Explore its historical roots and its impact on modern finance, investing, and the economy.
The Bardot Economy: Timeless Lessons in Branding, Disruption, and Asset Valuation
Brigitte Bardot was more than a film icon; she was an economic force. Explore the timeless lessons her career offers on branding, disruption, and investing.
The Watermelon Heist of 1987: Unpacking a Forgotten Lesson in Market Psychology and Modern Finance
A 1987 watermelon heist in Beijing offers timeless lessons on market psychology, herd behavior, and the economic principles that drive modern finance today.
The Canary in the Coal Mine: What a Cancelled Grouse Hunt in 1973 Teaches Us About Today’s Economy
A 1973 oil crisis cancelled a traditional grouse hunt, offering a timeless lesson on economic shocks, risk, and second-order effects for modern investors.
Beyond the Grid: Unpacking the Hidden Economic Lessons in the FT’s Polymath Crossword
Discover the profound financial insights hidden within a cryptic crossword, from historical market bubbles to the future of fintech and investing.
The Narco-Economist: Unpacking the Financial Legacy of a Cocaine Kingpin
A look at the Medellín cartel’s business model, revealing lessons in logistics, finance, and the economic impact of a criminal empire.
The Quant Who Broke the World: Robert McNamara’s Cautionary Tale for Modern Finance and Leadership
A brilliant technocrat’s journey from corporate savior to wartime architect offers a chilling cautionary tale for today’s data-driven leaders and investors.
The Harambe Effect: Why a 1914 Warning Haunts Today’s Global Economy
A provocative analogy between 1914 Sarajevo and today’s economy reveals deep cracks in our financial system. Are we on the brink of a new world order?
Precedent or Peril? A Cold War Gold Deal and the $300 Billion Question of Russian Assets
A 1968 UK-Soviet gold deal is being cited as a precedent for seizing Russian assets. This analysis explores why the comparison is flawed and the risks involved.
The Other Side of Victory: Why a Forgotten History of VE Day Shapes Today’s Global Economy
For millions behind the Iron Curtain, VE Day was not liberation but a new occupation. This forgotten history profoundly shapes today’s global economy and investment risks.
The Whale in the Portfolio: A 19th-Century Lesson on Stranded Assets and the Modern Energy Transition
The 19th-century collapse of the whale oil industry offers a stark warning for today’s fossil fuel investors about stranded assets and technological disruption.
The Volcker Mystique: How a Towering Presence and Cheap Cigars Tamed an Economic Firestorm
Explore the leadership of Fed Chair Paul Volcker, whose imposing persona and tough policies tamed the Great Inflation, offering timeless lessons for today’s leaders.