Articles
Go Movies or Go Home?
Owen Milstone explores how piracy threatens entertainment industries by diverting revenue from legal sources. Despite high spending by companies like Netflix, rising costs and labor disputes worsen the issue. The tragedy of the commons applies, where individual benefit outweighs collective harm, leading to widespread piracy. It affects TV, movies, music, and sports, impacting artists and athletes.
Universal Basic Income: The Key to the Economy of the Future
In this editorial, Tomas Serrano dives into the push for universal basic income (UBI) as a solution to poverty and income inequality has gained traction globally, especially in light of job displacement from advancements in AI. In Canada, bill S-233 seeks to establish a national framework for UBI, inspired by historical experiments like Manitoba's MINCOME.
Despite concerns about abuse, inflation, and costs, supporters argue that UBI could provide a safety net, aid workforce reintegration amidst automation, and foster a society where individuals pursue passions.
The Mistiming of Creation and Destruction During AI Innovation
Eric van Remmen discusses how Artificial Intelligence (AI) reshapes industries and job markets, drawing parallels with historical instances of creative destruction. It highlights the potential risks and societal impacts of AI's rapid advancement, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to address these challenges and ensure societal resilience.
Argentina’s Bold Leap into Right-Wing Economic Reform
In our final segment of our Geo Spotlight Series, QBR Editors Amin Nazari and Gefen Shpil engage in a thought-provoking debate on the shift towards right-wing economic policies under Javier Milei's leadership. In a first-of-its-kind ‘debate style’ format, the co-authors of this article propose two possible views regarding the possible outcomes of Mileli's fiscal policies. Shpil argues in favor, championing Milei's radical reforms as necessary 'shock therapy' to revitalize Argentina's floundering economy through deregulation, privatization, and dollarization. Contrarily, Nazari presents a cautionary perspective, questioning the precipitous and potentially perilous impacts of such drastic measures on Argentina's social fabric and economic stability. Their dynamic exchange sheds light on the complexities of Milei's policies, exploring the fine line between economic revival and societal upheaval. This article not only dissects the ideological battleground reshaping Argentina but also invites readers to consider the broader implications of such bold economic experimentation in a historically volatile region.
A Tango of Oil Money and Prosperity
In our second segment of the Geo Spotlight Series, Philip Russ and Simon Ing explore the transformative impact of the oil industry on Latin America's economic giants. This thought-provoking article traces the journey from the early promise of wealth and progress to the challenges of the 'oil curse,' where abundance sometimes leads to economic downturns and corruption. The authors examine the shifting fortunes of Venezuela, Mexico, Guyana, and Brazil, revealing how geopolitical strategies, management practices, and international dynamics influence each country's path. Their analysis invites reflection on the future of energy, the potential for sustainable development, and the delicate balance between exploiting natural resources and fostering long-term national growth.
Powering the Future: Navigating the Lithium Triangle's Role in the Global Energy Revolution
In our latest editorial and first segment of our GeoSpotlight series, QBR Editors Navroz Mehta and Tomas Serrano delve into the heart of the Lithium Triangle—spanning Bolivia, Argentina, and Chile—as a linchpin in the quest for sustainable energy. This insightful piece reveals lithium's pivotal role in the global green tech revolution, confronting the climate crisis with what's been termed 'white gold.' The authors navigate the geopolitical, economic, and environmental landscapes that frame lithium's pivotal extraction, its profound impact on indigenous communities, and the global energy paradigm. Through their analysis, Mehta and Serrano craft a compelling discussion on the journey towards a carbon-neutral future, underscoring the complex interplay of harvesting lithium to power the green revolution.
Toronto’s Ticket Inflation Crisis: How Did We Get Here, and How Do We Get Out?
In our latest editorial, QBR Junior Editor Tomas Serrano dives into the heart of Toronto's soaring hockey ticket prices. As the festive season nears and the Leafs continue their on-ice magic, families across Toronto face a harsh reality: the dream of watching a game live is slipping away, priced out by tickets that seem to soar as high as the team's ambitions. Serrano explores this widening gap, questioning if the spirit of the game is being lost to commercial interests. As Leafs fans grapple with these skyrocketing costs, the article asks: Is attending a game now a luxury beyond the average fan's reach?
Navigating the Debt Dilemma: The Impending Conundrum of U.S. Federal Deficits and Monetary Policy
In our latest financial analysis, Eric van Remmen delves into the mounting government debt crisis, spotlighting the United States' fiscal challenges and their global implications. From historical debt management to current deficits and interest payments eating away at budgets, we scrutinize the intricate web of monetary policies and their potential impacts. The critical question remains: Can governments navigate this economic landscape without catastrophic consequences while addressing mounting debt and its ripple effects?
Beyond Dollars and Cents: Unraveling the Economics of Happiness in Career Choices
In this compelling editorial, QBR Senior Editor Morgan Farley probes the evolving priorities of young Canadians navigating career choices amidst economic uncertainties. Balancing the age-old lure of high earnings against the increasing value placed on well-being and job satisfaction.
Unravelling the Canadian Labour Market's Dance with Inflation, Monetary Policy, and Economic Trends
In this insightful editorial, QBR Editor Eric van Remmen dissects Canada's intricate dance with inflation, labor dynamics, and economic policies. Navigating through strikes, stimulus-induced booms, and aggressive immigration pushes, he shines a light on the delicate balance the nation must maintain amidst post-pandemic tremors. With the Bank of Canada on a tightrope and inflationary pressures at the helm, this piece offers a deep dive into the multifaceted challenges and potential trajectories of the Canadian economy.