I’m not the only economist campaigning to bring about a new, empirical, realistic economics–far from it. In fact there is an association dedicated to this end with over 10,000 subscribers: the World Economics Association.
As is often the case, the formation and management of the WEA has rested on the shoulders of one person: Edward Fullbrook, the UK-based scholar who kept the PAECON movement alive after its birth with the French student “Protest Against Autistic Economics” revolt back in 2000. Without his energy and commitment, that spark lit by the French students might have petered out. Thanks to Ed’s efforts, the WEA is flourishing, and has almost as many members of the American Economic Association. The WEA’s purpose is:
to improve economics. It intends to do so by encouraging pluralism, by developing a thriving, growing, and active platform for economists committed to pluralism and new thinking; and by deepening and broadening the reach of its activities. To that end it will expand and continually upgrade the quality of its suite of journals, establish its conferences as leading the field, and expand its website to become a central location and reference point for economics and economists.
Now the WEA is trying to expand its operations, and it requires financial support to do this. It has put out an appeal to raise US$100,000. Membership of the WEA is free, but they are asking members and supporters to pledge an annual amount equivalent to US$15. They also accept sponsors with one-off payments of from $100 up (I just put in $1,250 as a sponsor).
If you want to encourage the development of a realistic economics, then please consider donating to the WEA.
