Book Review: How Economics Can Save the World by Erik Angner

 Erik Angner’s How Economics Can Save the World is a refreshing and optimistic take on a subject that is often seen as dry or dismal. Rather than treating economics as a purely theoretical or mathematical discipline, Angner argues that it is a practical and moral tool that can help address some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

Main Themes and Arguments

Angner’s central premise is that economics is fundamentally about improving human well-being. He challenges the stereotype of economists as detached number-crunchers and instead presents them as problem-solvers engaged in making the world a better place. Drawing on behavioral economics, public policy, and real-world case studies, he illustrates how economic thinking has successfully tackled issues such as poverty, climate change, and public health.

A key strength of the book is its accessibility. Angner writes in a lively, engaging style that avoids excessive jargon, making economic concepts understandable to a general audience. He emphasizes the practical applications of economics, showing how it can be used to design better policies and improve decision-making at both the individual and societal levels.

Strengths

1. Optimistic and Engaging – Unlike many economic books that focus on crises and failures, How Economics Can Save the World is refreshingly positive. Angner conveys a sense of hope and agency, arguing that economic tools can lead to real progress.
2. Practical Case Studies – The book is rich with examples that illustrate how economic principles have been applied successfully. Whether discussing taxation, nudging, or incentive structures, Angner makes his points through compelling real-world stories.
3. Interdisciplinary Approach – By drawing on psychology, philosophy, and politics, Angner presents economics as a broad, human-centered field rather than a narrow technical subject.

Weaknesses

1. Limited Discussion of Political and Institutional Barriers – While the book is strong on the potential of economics, it sometimes underplays the political and institutional challenges that prevent good economic policies from being implemented.
2. Occasionally Simplistic – In making economics accessible, some arguments may feel a little too neat. Complex problems like inequality and climate change are often deeply entrenched, and while economic tools can help, they are not silver bullets.

Conclusion

How Economics Can Save the World is an engaging and inspiring book that makes a strong case for the power of economic thinking in solving real-world problems. It is an excellent read for anyone interested in how economics intersects with public policy and social change. While it may not fully grapple with the political obstacles to economic solutions, its optimism and clarity make it a valuable contribution to public discourse on economics.