The Malcolm Wiener Lecture in International Political Economy, Delivered by Jean-Claude Trichet

The Malcolm Wiener Lecture in International Political Economy featured former president of the European Central Bank, Jean-Claude Trichet. Mr. Trichet focused his talk on the economic recessions--particularly in Europe--and analyzed the strategies and approaches to fixing the economic crisis. Most notably, he discussed how the strategies used were far beyond the textbook, and as such, required careful consideration of repercussions. Overall, Mr. Trichet conveyed the incredible complexity of the problem and the vast amount of work and analysis need to pursue solutions. Part of Mr. Trichet’s larger message though, was that the recent economic crises in the U.S and Europe were and eventual part of a larger global pattern of recessions. These recessions are hard lessons for countries, but ultimately will result in stronger, more stable economies. Harvard University President Emeritus Lawrence Summers moderated the lively question and answer session.