Economic Outlook EMEA

Economic Outlook: EMEA Inflation, Recession, and Political Instability

At the 2023 hybrid event in London, Booth thought leaders discussed pressing issues of the day—from inflation and interest rates to trade and the war in Ukraine.

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How should leaders respond to increasing economic and political instability in the Europe, Africa, and Middle East region? Record high inflation and soaring energy and food prices, together with the war in Ukraine and a rise in nationalism, pose challenges for political and economic leaders—challenges that are unprecedented in recent times.

In this volatile environment, monetary and fiscal authorities often clash in their search for solutions, with real political implications. History also demonstrates the connection between financial instability and extremism, which further imperils economic performance at the firm and national levels.

At the 2023 Economic Outlook event in London, cosponsored by Chicago Booth and UChicago’s Institute of Politics, experts explored the inextricable link between the economic and political environments, and offered insights for business leaders and policymakers facing an extremely difficult 2023.

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Speakers

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Jeff Currie, PhD ’96 (Economics)

Global Head of Commodities Research in Global Investment Research, Goldman Sachs

In addition to his role as head of commodities research, Jeff Currie, PhD ’96 (Economics), is a member of the GIR client and business standards committee, growth markets executive group, and macro executive committee at Goldman Sachs. The commodities research team has consistently been ranked number one under Currie’s direction, and in 2011, he was named CNBC Analyst of the Year by City A.M. Prior to joining the firm, Currie taught courses in microeconomics and econometrics at the University of Chicago and served as associate editor of Resource and Energy Economics.

Jeff Currie, PhD ’96 (Economics)
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Sasha Havlicek

Cofounder and CEO, ISD

As cofounder and CEO of ISD, Sasha Havlicek spearheaded ISD’s pioneering research and data analysis, digital education, policy advisory, training, tech and communications programmes. With a background in conflict resolution and an expertise in extremism, digital information operations and electoral interference, she has advised a range of governments at the highest levels and has spearheaded partnerships with the UN, EU Commission, and Global Counter-Terrorism Forum. Havlicek serves as an expert advisor to the UK Counter-Extremism Commission and the Mayor of London’s counter-extremism programme, and is a member of the European Council on Foreign Relations. 

Sasha Havlicek
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Randall S. Kroszner

Norman R. Bobins Professor of Economics

Randall S. Kroszner served as a governor of the Federal Reserve System from 2006 until 2009. He chaired the committee on Supervision and Regulation of Banking Institutions and the committee on Consumer and Community Affairs. He took a leading role in developing responses to the financial crisis and in undertaking new initiatives to improve consumer protection and disclosure.


Randall S. Kroszner

Moderator

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Mark Landler

London Bureau Chief, The New York Times

In his three decades at the The New York Times, Mark Landler has been the bureau chief in Hong Kong and Frankfurt, White House correspondent, diplomatic correspondent, and European economic correspondent. In 2007, he won an Overseas Press Club prize for his work on a series about China and the environment. He is the author of Alter Egos: Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama and the Twilight Struggle over American Power, which was named a best book of the year by the Financial Times in 2016.

Mark Landler
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The Institute of Politics

This year, Chicago Booth’s Economic Outlook event in London is being hosted in partnership with the Institute of Politics at the University of Chicago. This nonpartisan institute is committed to fostering in our students a passion for public service, meaningful dialogue, and active engagement in our democracy. 

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