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A Comeback for Keynes?

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The failure of unconventional monetary policies to lift debt-ridden economies out of their post-2008 torpor has led many to call for big increases in public spending. But fiscal expansion could turn unconventional, too: rather than "tax and spend," or even “borrow and spend, some economists favor "print and spend."

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  1. The New Fiscal Reality
    pisaniferry77_Daniel Roland_AFP_Getty Images_ecb Daniel Roland/AFP/Getty Images

    The New Fiscal Reality

    Nov 1, 2016 Jean Pisani-Ferry maps out how governments should take advantage of record-low long-term borrowing costs.

  2. Out of Ammunition to Combat Recession?
    boskin47_Jim Watson_AFP_Getty Images_obama bill Jim Watson/AFP/Getty Images

    Out of Ammunition to Combat Recession?

    Oct 21, 2016 Michael J. Boskin warns that developed countries' public finances are putting a frail global economy at risk.

  3. Escaping the New Normal of Weak Growth
    slow growth Mark Metcalfe/Stringer

    Escaping the New Normal of Weak Growth

    Sep 30, 2016 Michael Spence says that it's time for politicians to use fiscal policy to relieve the burden on central bankers.

  4. Secular Stagnation or Self-Inflicted Malaise?
    sinn70_John Moore_Getty Images_Wall Street John Moore/Getty Images

    Secular Stagnation or Self-Inflicted Malaise?

    Sep 27, 2016 Hans-Werner Sinn thinks the advanced economies' only hope is a healthy dose of creative destruction.

  5. The Return of Fiscal Policy
    roubini101_Chung Sung-Jun_Getty Images_g7 leaders Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images

    The Return of Fiscal Policy

    Sep 26, 2016 Nouriel Roubini welcomes advanced economies' incipient shift away from reliance on central banks to sustain growth.

  6. Helicopter Money Is in the Air
    skidelsky107_Chris Ryan_Getty Images_Money jar Chris Ryan/Getty Images

    Helicopter Money Is in the Air

    Sep 22, 2016 Robert Skidelsky explains why unconventional fiscal policy could well be the next game in town.

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