Kathmandu— Daron Acemoglu, the 2024 Nobel laureate in economics, is being challenged by The Economist magazine over his work examining technological change and the role of artificial intelligence. The publication leveled criticisms at Acemoglu’s arguments, questioning their credibility and specifically targeting his proposals to strengthen the working class—a stance that appears to be at the heart of the dispute. This unexpected attack prompted a public response from Acemoglu himself, highlighting the unusual nature of the disagreement.

A Surprising Critique

The Economist published a piece criticizing Acemoglu’s recent book, *What Happened to Liberal Democracy?*, and his broader research on AI. The magazine declared Acemoglu “oddly unconvincing” and suggested his arguments regarding artificial intelligence were overly pessimistic, damaging his credibility. This assessment came as a surprise to many within the economics community, given Acemoglu’s standing as a highly regarded economist and recent Nobel Prize winner.

Focus on Worker Empowerment

The core of the disagreement appears to stem from Acemoglu's focus on bolstering the working class through economic policy. The Economist specifically criticized his approach as pessimistic and lacking in detail, seemingly objecting to the prioritization of worker interests within his framework. Economist Mònica Martínez Bravo observed this tension, noting the unusual nature of critiquing a Nobel laureate who advocates for prioritizing the working class in economic policy.

AI and Socioeconomic Consequences

Acemoglu’s work centers on the socioeconomic consequences of artificial intelligence and how technological change impacts labor markets. The dispute with The Economist suggests a fundamental disagreement over how to navigate these changes, particularly regarding the role of workers and the need for policies that protect their interests.

The exchange between Acemoglu and The Economist highlights an ongoing debate about the future of work in the age of AI and the appropriate economic policies to address its challenges.

(With inputs from Jacobin)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.