Insights

‘Insights’ is the weekly newsletter of The New Zealand Initiative. Every Friday it provides comment pieces on domestic and global policy issues and the state of the world as such. It is a newsletter serious enough for a think tank – and lighthearted enough for an enjoyable Friday afternoon read. Please subscribe to ‘Insights’ by visiting the website of The New Zealand Initiative: www.nzinitiative.org.nz

Ten years of Initiative

Who would start a serious think tank on April Fools’ Day? Presumably someone with a good sense of humour. [...]

Welcome to the 1970s

white coupe on body of water near bridge

Perhaps the most urgent task is to realise that demand-side stimulus cannot fix supply shocks. Ultimately, it took policymakers most of the 1970s to finally realise that. [...]

No excuse for being Russian

saint basil cathedral on red square at new year night

Targeting Putin and his supporters makes much sense. But demonising Russian culture more broadly is stupid, not least because it pushes Russians into line with the dictator. [...]

The economic consequences of the war

back view of people in street holding signs against the war in ukraine

Russia’s actions have set in motion a chain of events that could plunge the world into a serious economic crisis. [...]

Flying blind

Challenges, threats, and severe risks abound. But does New Zealand have the institutions to handle them? Does the government have the necessary capabilities? [...]

Our generation’s historic challenge

protester holding sign with stop putin on it

We must rediscover the cultural and political foundations of our civilisation. It is the Enlightenment values of freedom and peace that we must defend against illiberalism, both at home and abroad. [...]