Lesson 2: Theories of Economic Disparity

January 26, 2026

Review:

  • Syllabus and Course Overview
  • Guns, Germs and Steel by Jared Diamond
    • agricultural practices spread easily in mideast/eurasia
    • easily domesticated animals were plentiful in mideast/eurasia
    • both facilitated specialization and development of technology
    • animal domestication also facilitated animal-borne disease immunity

Presentation:

Pareto and Ferguson: The Great Divergence Is Ending
  • My alternative “Prosperity 101”
    • Promote a competitive open market with foreign trade/investment (see China 1978-2008)
    • Invest in Public Health/Education/Infrastructure (see Singapore, Canada, Scandinavia current)
    • Invest in Scientific Research and Technology (see USA 1950-1980)
    • Encourage entrepreneurship (see USA, Germany current)
    • Avoid war (see Japan, Germany after WWII)
  • Discuss

Assignment:

Justin

Justin Holman is CEO of Aftermarket Analytics, where he leads efforts to develop cutting edge sales forecasting and inventory optimization technology for the Automotive Aftermarket. Prior to joining Aftermarket Analytics, Justin managed corporate consulting for the Strategy & Analytics division at MapInfo Corporation, leading major projects for retail clients including The Home Depot, Darden Restaurants, Bridgestone-Firestone, Sainsbury’s and New York & Company. Before that, Justin served as Vice President of Software Development at LogicTools, now part of IBM's supply chain application software group. Justin holds a B.A. from Claremont McKenna College, a Ph.D. from the University of Oregon and an Executive Management certificate from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management.

Leave a Reply