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Economists, Dictators, and the Forgotten Rights of the Poor

Josh Carter

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Published in The Tyranny Of Experts: Economists Dictators And The Forgotten Rights Of The Poor

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The Tyranny of Experts: Economists, Dictators, and the Forgotten Rights of the Poor

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
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The relationship between economists and dictators is a complex and often controversial one. On the one hand, economists can provide valuable advice to dictators on how to manage their economies. On the other hand, economists can also be used by dictators to justify repressive policies that harm the poor.

In recent years, there has been growing concern about the role of economists in shaping economic policies that have exacerbated poverty and inequality. This concern is particularly acute in developing countries, where dictators often use economists to justify policies that benefit the wealthy elite at the expense of the poor.

This article will explore the relationship between economists and dictators, and the impact that this relationship has on the rights of the poor. We will begin by examining the history of economists' involvement with dictatorships. We will then discuss the different ways in which economists can be used to justify repressive policies. Finally, we will consider the ethical responsibilities of economists who work with dictators.

The History of Economists' Involvement with Dictatorships

The involvement of economists with dictatorships dates back to the early days of the discipline. In the 19th century, economists such as David Ricardo and John Stuart Mill argued that free markets were the best way to promote economic growth and development. These ideas were embraced by many dictators, who used them to justify policies that favored the wealthy elite.

In the 20th century, economists continued to play a role in shaping economic policies in dictatorships. During the Cold War, economists such as Milton Friedman and Friedrich Hayek argued that free markets were the best way to defeat communism. These ideas were embraced by many dictators in Latin America, Africa, and Asia, who used them to justify policies that led to widespread poverty and inequality.

In recent years, the involvement of economists in dictatorships has continued. Economists have been used to justify policies that have led to the impoverishment of millions of people in countries such as Zimbabwe, North Korea, and Venezuela.

The Different Ways in Which Economists Can Be Used to Justify Repressive Policies

There are a number of different ways in which economists can be used to justify repressive policies. One common way is to argue that these policies are necessary to promote economic growth. For example, economists may argue that cutting taxes for the wealthy will lead to increased investment and job creation. However, there is little evidence to support this claim. In fact, studies have shown that cutting taxes for the wealthy often leads to increased inequality and slower economic growth.

Another way in which economists can be used to justify repressive policies is to argue that these policies are necessary to protect national security. For example, economists may argue that increasing military spending is necessary to deter potential enemies. However, there is little evidence to support this claim. In fact, studies have shown that increasing military spending often leads to increased conflict and instability.

Finally, economists can be used to justify repressive policies by arguing that these policies are necessary to maintain social order. For example, economists may argue that cutting social welfare programs will lead to increased crime and social unrest. However, there is little evidence to support this claim. In fact, studies have shown that cutting social welfare programs often leads to increased poverty and inequality, which can actually lead to increased crime and social unrest.

The Ethical Responsibilities of Economists

Economists who work with dictators have a special ethical responsibility to ensure that their work does not contribute to the impoverishment or oppression of the poor. This means that economists must be careful to avoid making recommendations that could be used to justify repressive policies. It also means that economists must be willing to speak out against dictators who violate the rights of the poor.

The ethical responsibilities of economists who work with dictators are complex and challenging. However, it is important to remember

The Tyranny of Experts: Economists, Dictators, and the Forgotten Rights of the Poor

4.6 out of 5