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.

We also welcome contributions from all students, so feel free to submit an article here (if you are a Durham student) or here (if you are a non-Durham student). Further information is provided in the links above. We look forward to hearing from you!

The EU’s Reparations Loan Is Risky. Here's An Alternative.

On December 18th , the day I am nervously looking forward to, the European Council in Brussels will make a decision either too prudent or too fatal. Europe has now reached a stage where it needs only one last push to deter Russian aggression. The push however, is not anymore affordable. That is why you and I have recently heard too much about what Brussels calls “reparations loan” which I must admit I hope it be not implemented. The EU is short of Ukraine’s new budget require

Ali Hashemifara

Dec 14, 20255 min read

The Lasting Impact of 1975’s Loans Affair

‘God Save the Queen, Because Nothing Will Save the Governor-General’ The 11th November is known to most as a day of remembrance for those that died in WW1 and for the innumerable conflicts that followed; poppies are worn, wreaths are lain, the eery notes of the Last Post can be heard. However, for Australia, 11th November is also remembered for another monumental event that happened fifty years ago. Let’s set the scene. It’s November 1975, Mamma Mia by ABBA is the Number 1

Emily Hatwell

Dec 8, 20254 min read

Buy Now, Pay Later: is financing that Black Friday burrito really worth it?

Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) providers have rapidly taken over online checkouts. Now, it’s become impossible to visit any online vendor without seeing the soft pastel colours of Klarna or Afterpay; slowly dominating and becoming the primary method of payment for the younger shoppers. The prospect of paying four small instalments – no interest charged, if paid on time. This makes the hard pill of the total price much easier to swallow. BNPL providers like Klarna, Affirm, Afterpay

Gabby Wong

Dec 7, 20254 min read

Cracking the Chinese Consumption Code: Why China’s Growth Model Needs to Flip

China’s remarkable economic rise has primarily been driven by investment, whether in factories, infrastructure, or real estate built at unprecedented speed. But for more than a decade, Beijing has aimed to shift toward household consumption as the core driver of growth. Progress has been limited. Today, consumption accounts for just around 39% of GDP, which is far below major advanced economies, and remains overshadowed by investment and exports. Why is household consumption

James Smith

Dec 7, 20252 min read

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

Nov 16, 20256 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,

Gabby Wong

Nov 16, 20253 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

Nov 16, 20253 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

Nov 16, 20251 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

Nov 16, 20252 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