Left Hook Economics
Left Hook Economics contributors focus on critical analysis of the Trump administration’s economic policies, explaining threats to our economic future, and advancing alternative policy approaches in terms that are accessible to all.
The Underestimated “Price of Parenting”
Even a low-ball estimate of the cost of time shows just how misleading an estimate based only on money expenditures really is.
More Babies or Better Care for Newborns?
Most so-called pronatalist policies seriously underestimate the costs and risks of raising children in today’s economic environment.
Trump Tariffs and Stagflation: Why TACO is the Least Bad Option
The first obvious step right now for fighting stagflation is for Trump to dump his tariff policies.
What’s Crypto Good For? Corruption, Exploitation, and Billions for Insiders
As with the subprime lending crisis, crypto appears to be more of an example of predatory inclusion than enhancing financial access.
How the Rich Got Richer
As more and more pass-through business income goes to the super-rich, the income share of the top 1% doubles.
Making America Poisoned Again
The stated rationale for jettisoning environmental protections is that they are inefficient and have “suffocated” the economy. But economic benefits must be weighed against costs, including impacts on human health.
The Disastrous Climate Impacts of Trump’s Budget Bill: How To Fight Back
Nothing less than saving the planet is at stake.
Crypto: What Is It and What Is the Fuss All About?
Cryptofinance, including cryptocurrency, is the newest hot item in the world of financial “innovation.”
Wages, Employment, and Immigration
Instead of competing with native-born workers for jobs, immigrant workers actually tend to complement native-born workers.
Better Wages and Working Conditions: The Workers Will Come
While many things taught in introductory economics courses are nonsense, it seems to be true that higher wages will attract more workers.
Medicaid Kayfabe: Fake Wrestling
The features of the bill that are likely to help ordinary people were catchy and easy to understand—reduced taxes on tips and overtime pay and a higher standard deduction for the elderly on income taxes. Yet these projected revenue losses are tiny compared to those incurred by the super rich.
Some Elements of a Progressive International Trade Policy
There are other ways to organize U.S. international trade. The neoliberal free trade of recent decades and the trade restrictions of Trumpian tariffs are not the only options.