Austerity in Spain and most of Europe has failed, according to Wharton management professor Mauro Guillen. Further proof came this week with the announcement that the Spanish economy’s downward spiral continued, with GDP shrinking by 0.4% in the third quarter — the fifth-straight quarterly decline — and unemployment hitting a record 25%. Despite the government’s attempt to put off a eurozone-led bailout of public debt, expect Spain to accept terms within two to three months, says Guillen. In this video, he addresses the question: Have attempts at economic reform in Spain worked on any level?

Professor Guillen offers additional thoughts about austerity and some possible solutions in this video: Searching for a Way Out of Europe’s Dead-end Austerity.

He discusses the risks involved in a possible secession from Spain in Catalonia’s Risky Gamble. 

Comments

New This Week

A neoclassical building with large columns and decorative elements. The text "This Week in Business" is overlaid at the bottom with a city skyline and signal icon.
Podcast

The Fed’s Payment Rails and Fintech Access

March 18, 202614 min listen

David Zaring, Wharton professor of legal studies and business ethics, discusses the Fed’s proposal to grant limited payment system access to fintech and crypto firms.

Various sports balls and a whistle on a blue background with strategic play icons, featuring the Wharton School logo and the word "Moneyball."
Podcast

How Analytics Shape NFL Team Building With Brandt Tilis

March 18, 202648 min listen

Carolina Panthers EVP Brandt Tilis discusses draft capital, quarterback contracts, and roster construction, while the hosts also examine the World Baseball Classic and late-season NHL storylines.

A healthcare professional in blue scrubs working on a laptop in a medical setting. They have a stethoscope around their neck.

Can AI Manage an Entire Medical Decision Process?

March 17, 20266 min read

A new Wharton study tests whether AI can handle realistic clinical decision-making, a dynamic process that requires managing a patient’s condition under time pressure.