Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago

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As one of the most popular works of literature of all time, as well as the subject of Christopher Nolan’s newest film, the Odyssey has long been analyzed from a political perspective. But the classic adventure tale also offers important insights into the economics of ancient Greece—and of today.

FP columnist Adam Tooze weighs in on why Odysseus’s journey has been used as a metaphor for modern economics.

Listen to the full episode here or wherever you get your podcasts: foreignpolicy.com/podcasts/ones-and-tooze/the-odyssey