Conversations on Economics with My Daughter Published, Translated by Imprisoned Journalist Farid Mehralizade

Farid Mehralizade

The book Conversations on Economics with My Daughter, translated by economist and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) journalist Farid Mehralizade, is now available. Mehralizade finished the translation while serving a 9-year prison sentence after his conviction in June 2024 in the widely criticized Abzas Media case.

The book was written by Greek economist and former Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis. Varoufakis says the book is a dialogue with his daughter, but the text is for readers of all ages and backgrounds.

Content and Philosophy

Mehralizade said the book is very important because economic processes affect everyone, no matter what they do or what their education is. He said that the book believes that economics is not simple enough to be left to economists.

The book avoids hard words and math. Instead, it uses examples from books, movies, and history to explain complex ideas. It explains the basics of the global economy, including money, markets, labor, and capital. It talks about what causes injustice, social-economic inequality, and modern crises.

The book looks at:

• The history of capitalism and what made it.

• The history of today's consumer societies.

• What monetary policy is, what banks do, and how they can create money from nothing

• The risks of automation and artificial intelligence for jobs.

• Tax policy and environmental problems.

Relevance to Developing Countries and Legal Context

Mehralizade says that the author has a solution: increase economic knowledge and democracy. This is important for developing countries like Azerbaijan. He said that in countries where citizens can't make economic decisions, national wealth often only helps a small group of rich people and politicians. To share wealth fairly and reduce inequality, everyone needs to understand economic processes.

Farid Mehralizade says his arrest and conviction, along with six other journalists and coordinators from Abzas Media (who were sentenced to 7.5 to 9 years), were revenge for their journalism, especially their anti-corruption investigations. They all deny the charges, which include currency smuggling, illegal business, and tax evasion.

Human rights organizations have criticized these verdicts. They see them as a way to silence critical voices in Azerbaijan. International groups have asked the government to release those who have been wrongly detained. Currently, at least 30 journalists and activists are in prison under similar charges. The government says that the individuals were tried for criminal offenses.