Professor Carlin in Financial Times on economics and the pandemic

"The way we talk about the economy limits the political rhetoric that shapes public policy. We now have another opportunity for a fundamental shift in the vernacular."

"Like the Depression and WWII,  the Covid-19 pandemic will change how we talk about the economy and public policy. The narrative that emerges after the pandemic will have to embrace three truths.

First, there is no way that government, however organised and professional, can address such challenges without a civic-minded citizenry that trusts public health advice and is committed to the rule of law.

Second, people facing great risk and cost have acted with extraordinary generosity and trust. The model of the economic actor as amoral and self centred will finally need to be updated.

A third truth must be faced: people may care about others in negative as well as positive ways. This frightening upsurge of xenophobia is a warning".