Challenging Top Economists as Corrupt: Part 3 of INET's Interview with Charles Ferguson

The transcript discusses the reactions of academic economists and administrators to interview questions about conflicts of interest. Initially, there was surprise, not due to ignorance of the issues, but because they were unaccustomed to being challenged. The interviewee realized that these individuals were used to deference and had never been questioned sharply, especially by journalists. The discussion highlights the media's role and the sensitivity surrounding conflicts of interest in economic and finance departments.

What was the initial reaction of academic economists to the interview questions?

In what way did the interview process reveal the economists' sensitivity to being challenged?

What realization did the interviewer come to regarding the economists' awareness of the issues?

What does the interviewer suggest about the economists' usual interactions with their colleagues and subordinates?

How did the interviewer's experience challenge the typical dynamics between journalists and economists?