The Big Con

by Jonathan Chait

First published 2007

Jonathan Chait exposes how a small band of economic radicals seized control of American political policy over thirty years. These fringe theorists promoted ideas that lacked academic backing, expert endorsement, or public support, yet somehow made their agenda dominant regardless of which party held power. Chait traces their methods of gaming both the political system and media coverage to advance policies that serve only their own business interests. He reveals the mechanics of Washington economics and politics through detailed portraits of the self-serving politicians and fake economists who pushed these bogus theories. The author shows how this group of canny zealots sold out the country's future while surviving repeated electoral defeats. Chait provides readers with the analytical tools to see past the deception and understand what really drives economic policy debates in the capital.

Genres: american, political-science, economics, non-fiction, 21st-century, academic

Vibes: intimate, suspenseful, thought-provoking

Tropes: investigative-journalism, political-thriller

Period: 30 Years

Audio CD · Tantor Media Inc

More by Jonathan Chait

Readers who liked The Big Con also liked

View on Siftivo