The Blue Wave signals significant voter frustration with cost of living and inflation, giving Congress a mandate to prioritize affordability and cost-reduction measures. Economically, the rapid build-out of AI data centers is creating localized stress, driving up skilled labor wages and straining resources, while also facing constraints from power grids and potential local regulatory backlash. Policymakers must manage this 'sequencing issue'—addressing rising costs before full productivity gains from AI can materialize—and anticipate shifts in global data center infrastructure as the market matures.
C. Peter Mc Colough Series on International Economics With Daron Acemoglu
English Summary
Acemoglu argues that the current crisis facing liberal democracy stems from its inability to consistently deliver shared prosperity and robust public services, undermining the social contract. This strain is significantly exacerbated by the disruptive forces of digital technology and deepening social divisions within post-industrial societies. For policy, he proposes adopting a 'working-class liberalism' framework, suggesting that democratic stability requires a fundamental re-focus on inclusive economic growth and equitable governance to restore faith in democratic institutions.
中文摘要
阿西莫格魯（Acemoglu）認為，當前自由民主所面臨的危機，源於其無法持續提供共同繁榮和健全的公共服務，從而動搖了社會契約。這種壓力，因數位技術的顛覆性力量，以及後工業社會日益加深的社會分歧而顯著惡化。在政策層面，他提倡採用「工人階級自由主義」框架，指出民主穩定需要將重點重新聚焦於包容性的經濟增長和公平的治理，以恢復對民主制度的信心。
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