Political Economics

The political economics community is orientated around re-thinking our approach to economics, and the political institutions and policies needed to support a sustainable and pro-social economy.

Orthodox economics, in attempting to be dispassionate and scientific about our understanding of the economy, typically draws a line between it and the messier world of politics.  In reality, politics and economics are inevitably inter-woven and thus, when looking to solve real world problems, it makes little sense to separate the two.

This community seeks to tackle real problems that appear to be intractable.  The study of complex networks provides a new lens through which we, at Synthesis, aim to address both old problems and new puzzles.

 

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Synthesis

Synthesis is a think-tank devoted to using the emerging paradigm of complex networks in the social sciences to tackle social and public policy concerns.

Over the past 20 years or so, social scientists have increasingly made use of advances in the natural sciences to make better sense of social systems. Fields such as network theory, non-linear mathematics and systems theory, which we refer to as the study of complex networks, give us much greater insights that help us make sense of social systems. Armed with a greater understanding, this collection of paradigm-changing toolboxes can help us to make better policy decisions, in the public, private, and “third” sectors.

The need for new thinking is clear. The world has changed radically over the past 30 years or so, with evolving and growing challenges for public policy at all levels - from local communities to the global domain. At the same time, dominant modes of thinking have been left wonting. Human society is now more interconnected than ever before, and this emphasises the need for understanding that accounts for networks which evolve over time. This is at the heart of Synthesis’ approach. Read more.

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Synthesis is a trading name of Synthesis IPS, a social enterprise that is in the process of being incorporated under British Law as an Industrial and Provident Society.