Boom Bust Season 2 Episode 82 Ponzi Austerity and Fiscal Waterboarding in Greece

In this episode of Boom Bust, the focus is on Greece and its economic struggles. Hosts Bart Chilton and Christy Ai begin by discussing the country's history of financial turmoil and its recent woes. They delve into the controversial bailout programs that have been implemented by the Troika (the European Commission, the International Monetary Fund, and the European Central Bank) and whether they have been effective in helping the country recover.

The hosts also discuss the concept of "Ponzi austerity," which refers to the idea that austerity measures, such as budget cuts and tax hikes, can actually worsen a country's economic situation by reducing consumer spending and slowing growth. They examine Greece's experience with austerity and whether it has helped or hurt the country.

The episode then turns to the issue of debt relief and whether Greece should be granted some form of debt forgiveness or restructuring. The hosts bring on guests to debate the pros and cons of debt relief and whether it would be a fair solution for Greece's debt crisis.

Later in the episode, the hosts discuss the concept of "fiscal waterboarding," which refers to the idea that Greece has been coerced into implementing certain fiscal policies by the Troika, even if they are not in the country's best interest. They examine the political and economic forces at play in Greece that have led to this situation.

Overall, this episode provides a comprehensive look at Greece's economic struggles and the various factors that have contributed to them. The hosts use a combination of expert analysis and lively debate to shed light on this complex issue.