Money, Power, and the Social Contract: Who Really Decides? - Justin Santori (MA)

​In the background of our daily lives, terms like fiscal policy, debt ceilings, and central bankers are thrown around constantly. But behind the jargon lies a deeper story: who actually makes these decisions, and why do they matter for your everyday reality?

​This talk offers a clear, accessible crash course in the machinery of macroeconomics. We’re going to unpack the forces controlling taxes, spending, and interest rates to see how they quietly dictate growth, inequality, and financial stability.

​It is a narrative that has been unfolding for centuries, built on a simple trade-off: citizens surrender a portion of their income and accept limits on their freedoms in exchange for public goods and the protection of the law. This is the “social contract” - a deal that is constantly changing. By understanding the core principles of macroeconomics, you can finally place your own role in this contract within a broader, clearer context.

​Who pays? Who benefits? And who decides?

​Join us for an engaging discussion on the economic foundations of our society and leave with a sharper understanding of how policy decisions ripple into your prosperity, your risk, and your daily life

About the speaker

Justin Santori is an economist and educator with a Master's degree in Development Economics and International Development. His academic work focused on Global Cooperation, Finance, and Economic Development.

With over 15 years of international teaching experience, Justin has held appointments as an Adjunct Professor at Webster Leiden Campus and served in international schools across locations like Amsterdam, Dubai, Bogotá, and Fukuoka.

He possesses deep expertise in Global Political Economies, Micro/Macro Economics, and International Relations.