Conversations with History: Institute of International Studies, UC Berkeley

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 An Economist Goes to Washington: Conversation with Laura D'Andrea Tyson, by Harry Kreisler, 1/14/98

This interview is part of the Institute's "Conversations with History" series, and uses Internet technology to share with the public Berkeley's distinction as a global forum for ideas. Archival photos are courtesy of Dr. Tyson.

Welcome to a Conversation with History. I'm Harry Kreisler of the Institute of International Studies. Our guest today is Laura D'Andrea Tyson, the Class of 1939 Professor of Economics and Business at UC Berkeley. In the first Clinton administration she served as Chairperson of the National Economic Council and of the Council of Economic Advisors. Before going to Washington, Professor Tyson was Director of the Institute of International Studies and a founding director of the Berkeley Roundtable on the International Economy. Her publications include Who's Bashing Whom: Trade Conflict in High Technology Industries.

  1. Background ... focusing on goals ... education at MIT ... the choice of economics ... writing and teaching
  2. Women in Economics and in Washington ... starting out as one of a few ... taking advantage of the movement toward diversity ... differences in men and women ... cheerleading
  3. Research Interests ... planned economies ... industrial countries ... global focus
  4. An Academic in Washington ... recruitment ... academic vs. political life ... establishing credibility ... implementing ideas into policy
  5. Tackling the Issues ... the deficit ... global markets ... health care reform ... income inequality ... labor unions
  6. Clinton as a Leader ... vision, knowledge, and character ... political ability
  7. The Asian Financial Crisis ... lessons from the Mexican financial crisis ... interconnectedness of economic and political security ... pluses and minuses of globalization
  8. Conclusion ... expectations about policy making ... how to prepare for public service ... skills for working in the public sector

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