Janine Wedel - Behind the Scenes of International Banking Regulation

Janine Widdel, an anthropologist from George Mason University, discusses her project on financial institutions like the Basel Committee and ISDA. She uses an anthropological approach to study their influence and networks. Her academic journey began in Kansas, leading to extensive research in Eastern Europe, particularly Poland, during the Communist era. Her work explores informal economies and the role of brokers in political transitions. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding these networks in shaping economic policies.

What is the primary focus of Janine Widdel's project?

• The development of economic theories

• The history of anthropology

• The role of financial institutions in policy influence

• The impact of technology on education

Which two financial institutions are central to Janine's study?

• World Bank and IMF

• Basel Committee and ISDA

• Federal Reserve and ECB

• NYSE and NASDAQ

What was Janine's major during her time at the liberal arts college?

• Anthropology

• History and the Social Sciences

• Economics

• Political Science

What was the focus of Janine's dissertation?

• The cultural practices in the Soviet Union

• The political systems in Eastern Europe

• The informal economy in Poland

• The formal economy in Germany

What significant political change did Janine witness in Poland during the late 80s?

• The rise of capitalism

• The establishment of a monarchy

• The fall of communism

• The introduction of democracy

What role did brokers play in post-communist Eastern Europe?

• They focused on cultural preservation

• They opposed the new economic policies

• They managed the political vacuum

• They were irrelevant to the transition

What parallel does Janine draw between Eastern Europe and the US financial system?

• Both experienced similar financial bailouts

• Both have strong government control

• Both rely heavily on agriculture

• Both have a single-party system