© 2024 Connecticut Public

FCC Public Inspection Files:
WEDH · WEDN · WEDW · WEDY · WNPR
WPKT · WRLI-FM · WEDW-FM · Public Files Contact
ATSC 3.0 FAQ
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Political Scientist Jacob Hacker Explains the Crisis of America's Mixed Economy

David Ohmer
/
Creative Commons

For the United States, the 20th century marked a period of vast and unparalleled prosperity thanks -- in large part -- to an economic model known as the “mixed economy.” Under that model, the nation's government and markets operated in tandem, creating a robust coalition from which health, wealth, and well-being not only grew, but flourished. 

Recently, however, political scientists Jacob Hacker and Paul Pierson say that model has been rejected -- supplanted by a wave of anti-government sentiment that’s pitted government and markets against each other. It’s a phenomenon the two men write about in their new book American Amnesia.

This hour, we take a closer look inside that book. We learn about the fall of the mixed economy and rise of the so-called “war on government," and find out what it all means for the future of American growthand progress.

GUEST:

Join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter.

John Dankosky and Chion Wolf contributed to this show, which originally aired on March 29.

Stand up for civility

This news story is funded in large part by Connecticut Public’s Members — listeners, viewers, and readers like you who value fact-based journalism and trustworthy information.

We hope their support inspires you to donate so that we can continue telling stories that inform, educate, and inspire you and your neighbors. As a community-supported public media service, Connecticut Public has relied on donor support for more than 50 years.

Your donation today will allow us to continue this work on your behalf. Give today at any amount and join the 50,000 members who are building a better—and more civil—Connecticut to live, work, and play.