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.

How did Janine Widdel's background in history and social sciences influence her path to anthropology?

What insights did the speaker gain from studying the informal underground organizations in Poland?

In what ways does the speaker suggest that the political economy in Eastern Europe has parallels in the United States?