From Der Speigel
08/18/2010 04:52 PM
By Frank Thadeusz

( Did Germany experience rapid industrial expansion in the 19th century due to an absence of copyright law? A German historian argues that the massive proliferation of books, and thus knowledge, laid the foundation for the country's industrial might. )

From WSJ Market Watch
GDP much weaker in second quarter, economists say
WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) -- Growth in the U.S. economy from April through June was probably much softer than first estimated by the government, private economists said Wednesday after updated trade figures for June were published showing higher imports.

"The markets ( Read more... )

From Robert Reich's BlogFriday, July 9, 2010 ( Read more... )

From The IndependentReuters ( Read more... )

Financial Times:
G20 communiqué steers clear of protectionismLeaders of the world’s 20 leading and emerging economies meeting in London this week are set to reiterate a pledge to avoid protectionism and complete stalled global trade talks but offer little to those calling for more economic stimulus ( Read more... )

The Washington Post:
Trade Barriers Could Threaten Global Economy
World Bank Finds Protectionist TrendAt least 17 of the 20 major nations that vowed at a November summit to avoid protectionist steps that could spark a global trade war have violated that promise, with countries from Russia to the United States to China enacting measures aimed at ( Read more... )

1930s-style protectionism looms as Davos deemed a failure

Bloomberg: ‘Grimmest’ Davos Ever Brings Anger, Finger-Pointing at BankersThe theme of the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting was “Shaping the Post-Crisis World.” Unfortunately, the assembled executives, policy makers and do- gooders were stuck in the here and now ( Read more... )

Keeping tabs on Davos...

MarketWatch.com:Davos defines 'optimism' downward
DAVOS, Switzerland (MarketWatch) --
Optimism is an apparently relative concept in Davos. ( Read more... )

Paul Krugman (New York Times)Fifty Herbert HooversNo modern American president would repeat the fiscal mistake of 1932, in which the federal government tried to balance its budget in the face of a severe recession. The Obama administration will put deficit concerns on hold while it fights the economic crisis ( Read more... )