Ideas in Action with Jim Glassman

It’s no surprise the economy is on the minds of most Americans. One in ten of us is out of work. It’s a rate that hasn’t changed in a year and a half. So why aren’t jobs being created? Why aren’t businesses hiring? Can the government do anything about it? Should it? Three different economists with three very different views discuss how they would get America back to work.

It’s no surprise the economy is on the minds of most Americans. One in ten of us is out of work. It’s a rate that hasn’t changed in a year and a half. So why aren’t jobs being created? Why aren’t businesses hiring? Can the government do anything about it? Should it? Three different economists with three very different views discuss how they would get America back to work.

Over the past decade, the Internet has expanded enormously, changing the lives of Americans. Unlike other forms of communication, like telephones and television, the Internet has expanded largely without regulation. But that may be changing. As the use videos increases, the companies that provide the pipelines for Internet access may be running out of space. Many people and businesses worry that these companies will begin to limit their access to the Internet in a way it’s never been limited before. How to resolve this issue is a high-stakes Washington question, with billions of dollars and some very important principles – like free speech and free enterprise – at stake.

He has taken a struggling democracy and slowly consolidated his hold on power, nationalizing key industries such as oil and food distribution. Tyrant, Dictator, Socialist Hero; whatever you call him, Hugo Chavez is committed to keeping a tight rein on his power and those who oppose him. And now he has stated a commitment to developing nuclear capabilities. What do his policies mean for U.S. foreign policy?

He has taken a struggling democracy and slowly consolidated his hold on power, nationalizing key industries such as oil and food distribution. Tyrant, Dictator, Socialist Hero; whatever you call him, Hugo Chavez is committed to keeping a tight rein on his power and those who oppose him. And now he has stated a commitment to developing nuclear capabilities. What do his policies mean for U.S. foreign policy?

W. Michael Cox is a professor at the Cox School of Business at Southern Methodist University and a leading economist and analyst of the American economy. America ranks number one in the sale of services such as finance, management, education and transportation to a world hungry for American know-how. Cox argues the key to future American economic growth is for companies to sell their services in developing markets abroad.

W. Michael Cox is a professor at the Cox School of Business at Southern Methodist University and a leading economist and analyst of the American economy. America ranks number one in the sale of services such as finance, management, education and transportation to a world hungry for American know-how. Cox argues the key to future American economic growth is for companies to sell their services in developing markets abroad.

Jim and his guests discuss the vast American reserve of natural gas in shale, controversies over the extraction process called Hydraulic Fracturing, and the promise of this clean and domestic energy resource.

Jim and his guests discuss the vast American reserve of natural gas in shale, controversies over the extraction process called Hydraulic Fracturing, and the promise of this clean and domestic energy resource.

The modern state of Israel is only 60 years old. Its population is smaller than some U.S. states. Geography-wise, Israel sits in the middle of hostile territory. Yet this tiny nation is forecasted to grow 3.5% in 2010, attracts more venture capital investments per capita than any other country, and its high-technology sector rivals that of the U.S. This episode examines Israel’s unique attributes that lead to successful innovation and risk-taking, and the lessons the U.S. can learn from it.

The modern state of Israel is only 60 years old. Its population is smaller than some U.S. states. Geography-wise, Israel sits in the middle of hostile territory. Yet this tiny nation is forecasted to grow 3.5% in 2010, attracts more venture capital investments per capita than any other country, and its high-technology sector rivals that of the U.S. This episode examines Israel’s unique attributes that lead to successful innovation and risk-taking, and the lessons the U.S. can learn from it.

Part two of a conversation on China and the U.S., examining what policies the United States government should pursue to insure America remains competitive with China. Many people are saying the 21st century will be known as China's, much as the 20th was called the American century. How seriously should Americans view China's ascendance as an economic and military power?

Part two of a conversation on China and the U.S., examining what policies the United States government should pursue to insure America remains competitive with China. Many people are saying the 21st century will be known as China's, much as the 20th was called the American century. How seriously should Americans view China's ascendance as an economic and military power?

China's economic growth seems staggering, leading many to wonder if the 21st century will belong to China. China holds billions in U.S. debt, triggering fears of increasing Chinese leverage over the U.S. economy. Tensions are rising between the U.S. and China over trade, currency, natural resources and global influence. How should the U.S. respond to the rise of China as a world power?

China's economic growth seems staggering, leading many to wonder if the 21st century will belong to China. China holds billions in U.S. debt, triggering fears of increasing Chinese leverage over the U.S. economy. Tensions are rising between the U.S. and China over trade, currency, natural resources and global influence. How should the U.S. respond to the rise of China as a world power?