Editor's note

Economic crises are nothing new to Argentines. That’s why they didn’t hesitate to join foreign investors in dumping their pesos when the telltale signs of yet another crisis began to emerge earlier this year. But with the economy sinking deeper into recession and a severe drought ravaging farmers’ incomes, the government is betting the biggest International Monetary Fund bailout ever – not to mention 60 percent interest rates – can stabilize the peso. Economist Robert H. Scott III and scholar of Latin American politics Kenneth Mitchell consider whether Argentina can avoid repeating history.

On remote Isle Royale in northwest Lake Superior, the National Park Service is trying something new – bringing in wolves from the mainland to keep a tiny native population on the island from going extinct. There are scientific and ecological arguments for attempting this “genetic rescue,” but communications scholars Mark Neuzil and Eric Freedman see an additional motive: the public relations value of rescuing a charismatic species.

Pet spending in the U.S. is estimated to exceed the combined gross domestic product of the 39 poorest countries in the world. Millions of dollars are spend on Halloween costumes for pets. What if even a small percentage of this spending was allocated to reducing suffering around the world, asks Arizona State’s Sandra Woien, a scholar of philosophy.

Bryan Keogh

Economics + Business Editor

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Argentines protest the austerity measures of the IMF bailout. AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko

Argentina bets 60 percent interest rates – and $50B international bailout – will revive its economy

Robert H. Scott III, Monmouth University; Kenneth Mitchell, Monmouth University

A deep recession, a severe drought and a plunging currency have led to the biggest bailout in IMF history. The government hopes it can avoid the meltdowns that followed past crises.

Releasing a female wolf on Isle Royale, Oct. 2, 2018. NPS/Jim Peaco

Restocking wolves on Isle Royale raises questions about which species get rescued

Mark Neuzil, University of St. Thomas; Eric Freedman, Michigan State University

The National Park Service is moving wolves to Isle Royale in Lake Superior to replenish a small pack on the island. Wolves prey on moose, which are overgrazing the island. It doesn't hurt that they are charismatic.

Pet spending in the U.S. is estimated to have exceeded US$72 billion. star5112

Americans spend $70 billion on pets, and that money could do more good

Sandra Woien, Arizona State University

American spending on pets is more than the combined GDP of the 39 poorest countries in the world. What if even a small percentage of this spending was allocated to reducing suffering, asks a philosopher.

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