The faith that moves Mammon

Only rarely does the glue that binds the financial system come unstuck

Much in modern economies is taken on trust. Even the most basic goods depend on complex links between suppliers strewn across the globe. The glue that binds the whole system together is trust—trust that suppliers will deliver the right goods on time; trust that the payments will duly pass down the supply chain. That raises a question: what makes people who might not even lend to their neighbours happy to lend their life savings to unknown borrowers whom ... Full Story »

Posted by Walter Cox
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Posted by: Posted by Walter Cox - Oct 20, 2008 - 1:09 AM PDT
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Edited by: Kaizar Campwala - Oct 20, 2008 - 6:37 AM PDT

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3.7
by Walter Cox - Oct. 20, 2008

This commentary explores the central role of trust in the functioning of our global economy. And it is clear that this "glue" that binds together our worldwide financial system is both essential and fragile. Also explored is why it probably is a poor idea to abandon trust and nurture isolationism.

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3.7
by Fabrice Florin - Oct. 20, 2008

A fascinating analysis on the importance of trust in our modern economy. The authors point to the work of Paul Seabright, a professor at the Toulouse School of Economics, who explains how trust " allows strangers to deal with each other safely" and provides a useful perspective on this topic. I would have liked to see more citations to other researchers in this field, but this article provides a good introduction to this timely topic.

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3.8
by Kaizar Campwala - Oct. 20, 2008
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3.8
by Derek Hawkins - Oct. 20, 2008
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