Edible Economics: A Hungry Economist Explains the World
November 3rd, 2025 12:00PM -1:00PM
Presented by the World Affairs Council of Alaska. (The event will take place 12-1pm Pacific Time.)
What do okra, chocolate, and economic theory have in common? Join the Alaska World Affairs Council for a thought-provoking conversation with renowned economist and bestselling author Ha-Joon Chang as he explores the surprising connections between food, economics, and global change.
Drawing from his latest work, Edible Economics, Chang uses the stories behind everyday foods to illuminate big questions about globalization, climate change, inequality, and the future of capitalism. Through humor, insight, and real-world examples, he challenges conventional thinking and offers fresh ways to understand the forces shaping our world.
This is not your average economics talk — it’s a global feast for curious minds.
About the Speaker
Ha-Joon Chang is a Distinguished Research Professor of economics, as well as Co-director of CSST (Centre for Sustainable Structural Transformation) and of DLD (Development Leadership Dialogue) at SOAS University of London. Previously he taught at the Faculty of Economics at the University of Cambridge (1990-2022). In addition to numerous journal articles and book chapters, he has published 17 authored books (five co-authored) and 11 edited books (seven co-edited). His main books include The Political Economy of Industrial Policy (1994), Kicking Away the Ladder (2002), Bad Samaritans (2007), 23 Things They Don’t Tell You About Capitalism (2010), Economics: The User’s Guide (2014), and Edible Economics (2022). His writings have been translated and published in 46 languages and 48 countries. Worldwide, his books have sold around 3 million copies. Chang has advised numerous international organizations, national governments, civil society organizations, and corporations (both private-sector and public). He is currently a member of CDP (Committee for Development Policy), the highest advisory body of the United Nations on development issues, as well as committees overseeing or advising other international organizations, academic bodies, and charitable organisations. Chang is the winner of the 2003 Gunnar Myrdal Prize and the 2005 Wassily Leontief Prize.
About the Moderator
Lise Kristiansen, born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska, serves as the Norwegian Honorary Consul for Alaska and Advisor to the Alaska World Affairs Council. From 2007 to 2023, she was President and CEO of the Alaska World Affairs Council, where she developed high-impact programs featuring more than 450 world leaders, including diplomats, NATO commanders, policymakers, public officials, presidents, and royalty.
Lise has been recognized for her leadership and civic contributions, including being named one of Anchorage’s Top 40 Under 40, inducted into the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce Athena Society, and honored as Leader of the Year by the National World Affairs Councils of America — selected from 94 council leaders nationwide.
A frequent speaker on Arctic and international affairs, Lise has shared her expertise both nationally and internationally. In recognition of her contributions to Norway-Alaska relations, she was awarded the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit, Knight 1st Class, by the King of Norway.
Lise has a passion for sports and music, including playing the piano, and has participated in 6 Ironman Triathlons including the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii. During her free time, you can often find her on a nearby pickleball court.
The Alaska World Affairs Council
The Alaska World Affairs Council is a focused educational organization dedicated to stimulating interest in world affairs. The council was founded in 1958 by the late Evangeline Atwood with the conviction that better community education in world affairs is necessary for sound democratic citizenship. The Council does not take a stand on current-day issues but rather provides the population a wide spectrum of viewpoints and background information through its diverse range of programs and activities. The Alaska World Affairs Council is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit, non-partisan organization which is membership-based and is one of approximately 90 members of the World Affairs Councils of America in Washington, DC.