The economics of war: Vikings, Conquistadors and Vietnam

How does economics help us understand conflicts through history?

That’s the question that economist and journalist Duncan Weldon tries to answer in his new book, Blood and Treasure.

Tim talks to Duncan about the economic perspective on Viking raiders, Spanish conquest and the Vietnam war.

Presenter: Tim Harford Producer: Tom Colls Production co-ordinator: Brenda Brown Sound mix: Neil Churchill Editor: Richard Vadon