Gains from Trade in The Last of Us
How does trade still help the richest people in the world?
What happens when society collapses, and money as we know it loses all meaning? HBO’s hit series "The Last of Us" finished it’s second season last night, and it offers a captivating exploration of these very questions, showcasing how trade and currency evolve in a world transformed by catastrophe.
In this video, I'm joined once again by economist Chris Clarke (Washington State University) to dissect how the characters Joel, Bill, and Frank illustrate critical economic principles—especially gains from trade and the nature of currency.
How Does Trade Help in The Last of Us?
We analyze several scenes where even the most self-sufficient characters benefit significantly from trading, underscoring the timeless relevance of absolute and comparative advantage. Why would someone trade a gun for strawberry seeds? How do prescription drugs and ration cards replace traditional currency?
Our discussion covers:
The persistence of trade, even after societal collapse
Why even the wealthiest individuals gain from trade
The evolution and characteristics of post-apocalyptic currency
The rise and inevitability of black markets (or shadow economies)
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Want to talk about improvements from like in the 1950s? Just listen to Matt at the end of the clip!
In the 1950s, treadmills were primarily used for punishment in prisons, and video games didn't really exist. Today? Matt is running on a treadmill for exercise while playing video games.