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“The Economics of War and Peace,” a seven-part video series created by James Boyce, professor emeritus of economics, has been named a finalist for the fifth annual Anthem Community Voice Awards by the International Academy of Digital Arts & Sciences.

The series delivers a deep, thought-provoking analysis of a topic often ignored or labeled as “non-economic” by mainstream economists, opening with a historical exploration of both successes and failures in using economics to end wars and sustain peace. Boyce then delves into the complex interplay of greed and grievances in civil wars, drawing from his first-hand experience in post-war El Salvador in the 1990s.

Throughout the series, he critiques conventional economic wisdom, particularly in areas such as efficiency, debt, tariffs, and the taxation of foreign aid in countries transitioning from war to peace. In the concluding episodes, he highlights the critical challenges and dilemmas economists must confront to address the enormous costs of war. Boyce argues that only by reimagining its role and shedding ideological biases can economic theory truly help humanity understand how to invest in lasting peace.

Anthem Community Voice is a two-week celebration period running from Oct.14-30 that gives the public a say in selecting the recipients of Anthem Community Voice Awards.

Part one of the video series can be found below, and the series can streamed in its entirety on the website for the Institute for New Economic Thinking. To vote in support of the series, visit the Anthem Awards site here.