Why Russia gave up Alaska, America’s gateway to the Arctic
The tale of how and why Russia ceded its control over Alaska to the U.S. 150 years ago is actually two tales and two intertwining histories.
Academic rigor, journalistic flair
Analysis and Comment
To really help US workers, we should invest in robots
Today, the U.S. is leading the robotics revolution. But without timely investment, China will overtake us, and could permanently put Americans out of work.
Does it pay to get a double major in college?
Double-majoring is thought to broaden your horizons and give you more career options. A new look at seven years of U.S. census data tells us that there may be a financial benefit as well.
America can’t be first without Europe
The Treaty of Rome, which eventually led to the European Union, is turning 60 at a time when many inside and outside Europe are questioning the union's value. For the U.S., much is at stake.
Can Silicon Valley’s autocrats save democracy?
While Facebook's Zuckerberg suggested as much recently, companies run like autocracies cannot fulfill technology's promise of reinvigorating the democratic process.
Tax laws are not keeping up with our globally mobile workforce: new research
New research finds there are significant risks and uncertainties in the complexities of national and international tax systems as applied to internationally mobile employees.
Trump’s planned military buildup is based on faulty claims, not good strategy
Trump's first budget proposal would boost defense spending by US$52 billion, but his desired military buildup is premised on misleading claims and lacks a strategic vision.
Why higher interest rates should make you happy
While borrowers may not be thrilled by the Federal Reserve's decision to raise rates, many of us have plenty of reason to celebrate.
Trade Facilitation Agreement’s benefits may extend well beyond cutting red tape
A new WTO trade deal is expected to provide up to $1 trillion in economic gains by eliminating bureaucracy. But that's not its most important benefit.
Why powerful people fail to stop bad behavior by their underlings
Higher-ups at Wells Fargo, Volkswagen and Uber all failed to stop unethical practices that had significant repercussions. New research offers some clues on why.
Phishing scams are becoming ever more sophisticated – and firms are struggling to keep up
You know it's a serious problem when even Google and Paypal have been targeted.
Lessons from Samsung and South Korea in cracking down on corruption
Fighting corruption in the business world requires transforming the internal structure and culture of big companies.
Here’s why your gut instinct is wrong at work – and how to know when it isn’t
Should you go with your gut when hiring an employee or making another decision on the job? The research suggests that in most cases, probably not.
Why Wall Street is like a used car lot
As the New York Stock Exchange marks 200 years since its official formation, investors are wondering whether the surging stock market is a 'Trump bump' or more like a lemon.
Tax laws are not keeping up with our globally mobile workforce: new research
New research finds there are significant risks and uncertainties in the complexities of national and international tax systems as applied to internationally mobile employees.
Here’s why the Murdochs’ bid for control of Sky must be referred to Ofcom
Media plurality is vital in a democracy. Full ownership of Sky would give the Murdoch family too much power.
The truth about Obama’s economic legacy and Trump’s inheritance
The Trump administration has been trashing Obama's economic legacy lately as it pursues a drastic change of course, but the facts tell a different story.
Explainer: what is protectionism and could it benefit the US economy?
The largest economy on the planet is quickly moving to a protectionist stance in its international trade.
How the NEA’s measly millions keep America’s museums alive
Trump has indicated he wants to eliminate the National Endowment for the Arts in his budget to save money. The impact on many US museums could be devastating.
Say yes to mess – why companies should embrace disorder
Whether it's our inboxes and calendars or how companies are structured, we're obsessed with making things orderly. But research suggests it's time to break free.
How racism and a lack of diversity can harm productivity in our workplaces
Workplace cultural diversity and productivity are closely related. But the potential benefits can only be realised if organisations foster a conducive atmosphere for their diverse workforce.
Kraft Heinz’s short-lived Unilever swoop is a warning on weak takeover policy
A weak pound is likely to lure more international bidders to UK shores. Time then to make sure we have our defences in place.
Choosy consumers drive a near 1,000% spike in vanilla prices
Scientists' success in producing synthetic vanilla flavouring means it is used 99% of the time. So why does the price of genuine beans keep rising?
Why mass deportations are costly and hurt the economy
Following through on campaign promises to forcibly evict several million illegal immigrants, Trump has set in motion a plan to deport those with criminal records. But doing so won't come cheap.
Kraft Heinz’s short-lived Unilever swoop is a warning on weak takeover policy
A weak pound is likely to lure more international bidders to UK shores. Time then to make sure we have our defences in place.
Uber’s dismissive treatment of employee’s sexism claims is all too typical
The escalating indifference with which Uber allegedly reacted to a software engineer's harassment claims is the norm in the corporate world, where enforcing civil rights laws is seen as a tax on profits.
Trump in transition
Why Trump’s ‘skinny’ budget is already dead
Trump is proposing a budget with little substance and filled with politically toxic spending cuts, making it very unlikely to go anywhere, even in a Republican Congress.
Trump’s address to Congress: Expert reaction
Three scholars grade Trump's first address to Congress. How did he do on Obamacare? What would his 'merit-based' immigration proposal mean? And can he play nice with others
Trump’s trade policy is more predictable and less isolationist than critics think
Trump snubs ethical norms because we’ve forgotten why they matter
How progressives can still make change in the age of Trump
Evidence from states shows why Trump’s brand of Carrier-style dealmaking won’t work
Why President-elect Trump doesn’t think he has a conflict of interest problem
Inequality in America
Why inequality is the most important economic challenge facing the next president
Finding a way to reduce inequality is key not only to solving a host of other problems but also to rescuing America's fast-disappearing middle class.
How corporate America can curb income inequality and make more money too
Rather than pursue self-interested policies that widen the gap between rich and poor, companies can invest in their workers, curb income inequality and make more money all at the same time.
Trade
Want to help free trade’s losers? Make ‘adjustment assistance’ more than just burial insurance
Trade adjustment assistance, dubbed 'burial insurance’ by those it's supposed to help, needs to be significantly reformed so that future trade deals don't have so many workers feeling left behind.
Stumped about what to make of Obama’s TPP trade deal? You’re not alone
The 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership has its share of boosters and bashers. But for those still uncertain what it's all about and whether it's worth it, here's a primer.
Research and Expert Database
Editors’ Picks
Want a stronger economy? Give immigrants a warm welcome
Trump's plans to build a wall with Mexico and deport millions of people in the US illegally cast immigrants as an economic threat to Americans. The evidence suggests otherwise.
As Trump mulls another ‘reset’ with Russia, he should consider perils of Big Oil diplomacy
As Trump explores warmer ties to Russia, he'd be wise to brush up on the history of past resets and the role the oil industry played in each one. The results weren’t good.
Election rage shows why America needs a new social contract to ensure the economy works for all
The collapse of New Deal-era policies gave rise to deep-seated frustrations. Addressing that anger will require mobilizing workers, business leaders and others to get wages rising again.
Trump can kill trade deals but he can’t kill globalisation
Many of the US’s current and mooted free trade negotiations are now dead in the water, but that doesn't mean it's game over for free trade.
Why companies like Wells Fargo ignore their whistleblowers – at their peril
The bank's recent scandal probably would never have happened had senior management only listened to Wells Fargo's whistleblowers.
What we can learn from market’s reaction to a President Trump
Research suggests their initial reaction may portend how they will perform in the coming months and even years.
What we can learn from Trump’s $916 million loss
A 1995 tax return shows a net operating loss so large that it raises concerns about whether it was reported properly – and if Trump has been honest about his taxes.
It’s time we reinvented labor for the 21st century
The link between labor's decline and stagnating worker pay has convinced some politicians that we need to rebuild unions. What we need are new labor policies for tomorrow's workforce.
What Peru’s new president can learn from Brazil’s fight against corruption
Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, known as PPK, became president arguably because his citizens are fed up with corruption. Scandal-plagued Brazil offers a template for how he could tackle it.
Love it or leave it: why the UK’s Brexit vote should matter to Americans
Polls show voters are beginning to lean toward leaving the EU, so it's time to brush up on what will happen if there's a Brexit – and why it matters on this side of the Atlantic.
Why it’s so hard for students to have their debts forgiven
About 10 million borrowers in the government's main student loan program are struggling to make their payments, yet unlike other types of debt, it's next to impossible to have it forgiven.
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