Op-ed by President Mark Zupan published in Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
An op-ed written by Alfred University President Mark Zupan, which was published recently in the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, discusses how the economic success of a country depends on the ability of its citizens to pursue innovation and trade on their own behalf.
The op-ed, titled “‘Air,’ Adam Smith, and how US fosters agency,” appeared in the May 21 issue of the Democrat and Chronicle.
The piece refers to political economist Adam Smith’s work “The Wealth of Nations,” which connects economic success to agency (defined as having control over actions and their consequences). That sentiment is reflected in the recently-released film “Air.” The movie tells the story of basketball star Michael Jordan’s relationship with shoemaker Nike, which granted agency to Jordan in the making and marketing of Nike’s signature athletic shoe, Air Jordan.