This week, Noah Smith and Erik Tornberg explore Japan’s economic and societal structure—covering urban zoning, housing policy, and government efficiency—before critiquing Abundance by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson, advocating for balanced market dynamics and governance, and discussing broader socio-political themes like right-wing ideologies, gender in the workforce, and economic populism.

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RECOMMENDED IN THIS EPISODE:

Abundance: https://www.amazon.com/Abundance-Progress-Takes-Ezra-Klein/dp/1668023482

I have written a book!: https://www.noahpinion.blog/p/i-have-written-a-book

Noahpinion: https://www.noahpinion.blog/ 

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TAKEAWAYS:

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  Japan's Urban Development Success: Japan's efficient housing development stems from streamlined approvals, standardized zoning, administrative processes, and mixed-use zoning.


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  Abundance Agenda Discussion: Noah analyzed Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson's "Abundance" book, which promotes a results-oriented progressive approach focused on building things.


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  Government Structure and Process: Successful governance needs both market mechanisms and effective bureaucracy.


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  Political Factions and Resistance: Discussion of different progressive factions (Warren vs. Bernie supporters).


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  The "Doge" Discussion: References to "Doge" (likely Project 2025) as an ideological effort to reduce bureaucracy.