Dear reader,

The first half of the year has been eventful, marked by a world in flux and shifting certainties. One thing which remains clear is that economic research is as vital as ever. And so is making it accessible and understandable. Wishing you a restful summer break, we look forward to reconnecting with fresh updates soon.

Sincere regards,

Ernst Fehr, Director
Hans-Joachim Voth, Scientific Director

"The trade war is a serious test"

For two and a half years, Ralph Ossa served as Chief Economist of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Geneva. Since early July, he has returned to the University of Zurich to take up the UBS Foundation Professorship of Economics. In this interview, he reflects on his final months at the WTO, the US-led trade war, and its effects on global trade.

Falling fertility and economic growth

In his webcast, Michael Peters (Yale) showed that falling population growth, particularly in developing countries, is very likely here to stay. He concluded by highlighting international migration and the advent of AI as two main remedies to address far-reaching consequences. Not only economically, but for society at large.

Guohui Jiang successfully defended his PhD Thesis

UBS Center Scholarship holder Guohui Jiang investigated in his thesis Essays in Economic History and Political Economy three critical moments in American history: how draft-dodging by the rich during WW2 suppressed voluntary enlistment, how racial discrimination led to a tragic misallocation of talent for the Tuskegee Airmen, and how highly educated lawmakers became key proponents of eugenics in the early 20th century.

Exploring the ethics of individual rights

In this special edition of our Public Paper series, Maya Eden delves into the unresolved questions within normative economics. In her essay, she explores the ethical considerations surrounding population, individual rights, and societal obligations, aiming to bring clarity to these complex issues through a blend of economic theory and ethical philosophy.