DURHAM ECONOMICS DIGEST

All the Latest

Welcome to the Durham Economics Digest, your weekly window into the ideas, trends, and debates shaping today's economic landscape- made by students, for students.

Here we break down complex concepts, highlight cutting-edge research, and showcase the work of Durham University's best and brightest, led by our expert writing team.

If you'd like the opportunity to submit your own article to the Digest, please reach out to economics.society@durham.ac.uk - we'd love to hear from you!

How Tunisia Threw its Youth in the Sea

In the field of socioeconomic research, following the ever-increasing rate of globalisation, the studied phenomenon of “brain drain” has become increasingly prevalent. This is the colloquial term for human capital flight, which is defined as the emigration or immigration of highly skilled individuals seeking better living standards and higher wages. Tunisia, an economically stagnant country with most of its GDP vested in education, stands tall, ongoing for the past 13 years,

Ines Gueriri

7 hours ago6 min read

The Hidden Psychology of AI Advertising: How Companies and Cookies influence Consumer Choice

Is your phone listening to you? One moment you’re chatting about the newest trending makeup product - phone in hand. And the next time you’re online, doomscrolling TikTok’s or Instagram reels, ads for that specific cosmetic and content promoting that coveted must-have pops up everywhere. Coincidence, or is Mark Zuckerberg secretly in your walls?  Probably not. AI algorithms push content that you’re more likely to enjoy — carefully measured by your watch time, engagement,

Gabrielle Wong

8 hours ago3 min read

The Modern Women of Economics

In October 2023, now Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves released a new book: ‘The Women Who Made Modern Economics’. An admirable and – as many who have experienced a 9am Principles of Economics lecture will know – necessary discussion in a field that can feel a little bit like a sausage party. However, it was soon alleged by the Financial Times that (shock horror) some passages had been lifted from Wikipedia. The ensuing scandal was suitably tiresome as it was splashed

Emily Hatwell

8 hours ago3 min read

Fixing the UK Productivity Gap: How Investment, Management, and Policy can Make a Difference

For over a decade, the UK has struggled with a persistent productivity gap- workers here produce less output per hour than in many comparable countries. This isn’t just an abstract economic problem: it affects wages, living standards, and even public services. Understanding why productivity lags and how we might fix it is vital. One major factor is investment, or the lack of it. Many UK businesses, especially smaller firms, insufficiently invest in new technology and employee

James Smith

8 hours ago1 min read

Economic Deterrence: Can Money Really Prevent War?

When we think about deterrence, we often picture tanks, fighter jets, or nuclear weapons. But recent events in Europe show that money can be just as powerful. The Guardian reports that the EU has imposed its 19th set of sanctions against Russia, including a phased ban on Russian liquefied natural gas and restrictions on over 100 “shadow fleet” vessels used to bypass oil price caps. It’s a clear example of economic deterrence in action, where money itself becomes a weapon. At

Sophia Boiko

8 hours ago2 min read

Trump targets Diversity and Inclusion policies: Implications for Federal Programs and Businesses

On January 20 and 21, 2025, President Trump signed a series of executive orders aimed at rolling back policies from the Biden administration. Among these, two orders specifically target diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, arguing that “illegal DEI” is a “guise” for racial and sex-based preferences. In his January 20, 2025, Executive Order titled “Ending Radical And Wasteful Government DEI Programs And Preferencing” (EO 14151), President Trump mandates the eli

Gayathri Sunil Pushpangadan

8 hours ago3 min read