Viral narratives could be the missing link between emotions and economic fluctuations (Joel Flynn and Karthick Sastry)

Storytelling is central to how we interpret economic events. We recall economic history through haunting images of anxious crowds waiting to take money out of banks during the Great Depression or dejected office workers carrying cardboard boxes out of Lehman Brothers in 2008. We gauge inflation by comparing shopping baskets with friends and family. We …

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Pufendorf’s Moral and Political Philosophy (Michael Seidler)

First published Fri Sep 3, 2010; substantive revision Wed Mar 31, 2021 Samuel Freiherr von Pufendorf (1632–1694) was almost as unknown during most of the 19th and 20th centuries as he had been familiar during the preceding hundred years and more. His fate shows well how philosophical interests shape historical background narratives. More or less …

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The Urgency of Conflict Prevention – A Macroeconomic Perspective (Hannes Mueller,Christopher Rauh,Benjamin R Seimon,Raphael A Espinoza)

Disclaimer: IMF Working Papers describe research in progress by the author(s) and are published to elicit comments and to encourage debate. The views expressed in IMF Working Papers are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF, its Executive Board, or IMF management. Summary Can macroeconomic policy effectively help prevent …

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How Sound Economic Policy Can Help Prevent Conflict  (Franck Bousquet, Paul M. Bisca, Christopher Rauh, Benjamin Seimon)

Simulations that incorporate machine learning-based predictions of conflict suggest large payoffs from preventive policies, including efforts to promote macroeconomic stability and growthMacroeconomic policy can play a key role in preventing armed conflict, in turn saving lives and avoiding injuries, forced displacement and migration, and vast damage to the economy. That’s according to new IMF research, based on …

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The birth of Artificial Intelligence (AI) research

In 1950, English mathematician and computer science pioneer Alan Turing posed the question, “can machines think?” In his paper, “Computing Machinery and Intelligence,” Turing laid out what has become known as the Turing Test, or imitation game, to determine whether a machine is capable of thinking. The test was based on an adaptation of a …

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Global Risks 2025 | World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2025 (World Economic Forum)

The Global Risks Report 2025 highlights an increasingly volatile landscape, marked by accelerating geopolitical, technological and environmental challenges. As risks evolve across short, medium and long-term horizons, how can global leaders prepare for emerging threats and build resilience against shocks? This session was developed in collaboration with The Economist. This event is linked to the …

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Generation Uncertain | World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2025 (World Economic Forum)

The barriers to building secure economic prospects and a high quality of life for young people today are bigger than ever before. What collaborative effort is needed to restore optimism in the future for young people globally amid the present characterized by crises, conflict and climate change? Speakers: Gyri Reiersen, Olajumoke Adekeye, Shehrbano Jamali Niazi, …

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