

Branko Milanovic
Visiting Presidential Professor at the Graduate Center, CUNY, and senior scholar at the Stone Center on Socioeconomic Inequality; former lead economist at the World Bank's Research Department; author of "Capitalism, Alone."
Top 10 podcasts with Branko Milanovic
Ranked by the Snipd community

42 snips
Nov 6, 2025 • 47min
Why Economists Should Care About Inequality, with Branko Milanovic
Branko Milanovic, a renowned economist and expert on global income inequality, joins the conversation to unpack the critical intersections of capitalism, democracy, and inequality. He discusses why income inequality is a global concern and challenges the idea that capitalism is the sole driver of success, particularly in China. Milanovic argues that market solutions alone won't fix inequality; government intervention is crucial. He also explores how effective democracy requires diverse political voices and critiques the simplistic views on equality of opportunity versus equality of outcome.
16 snips
Mar 7, 2025 • 44min
The puzzling politics of inequality
Charlotte Cavaille, an assistant professor at the University of Michigan, and Branko Milanovic, a senior scholar on socio-economic inequality, delve into why inequality isn’t a front-burner political issue despite its profound impacts. They discuss the 'Elephant Curve,' which illustrates global income disparities. The conversation highlights the disconnect between various political factions, ideological divides over fairness, and the challenges of coalition-building in addressing economic redistribution. Their insights aim to reshape our understanding of inequality in the modern context.

Dec 24, 2023 • 1h 16min
Branko Milanovic on Globalization
Economist and professor Branko Milanovic discusses the history and trajectory of global inequality, focusing on his famous 'Elephant Curve' graph. They also delve into globalization's impact on geopolitics and power balance, shifts in globalization and its effects on Western middle classes, and the implications of Western political concern with democracy as a form of imperialism.

May 11, 2020 • 1h 38min
Branko Milanovic on Capitalism, Alone
Branko Milanovic, a prominent economist and author of 'Capitalism, Alone,' dives into the intricacies of capitalism in the U.S. and China. He explores the stark contrasts between liberal and political capitalism, revealing how these systems shape income inequality. Milanovic discusses the challenges of corruption in China and the nuances of individual choices that perpetuate wealth disparities. He also examines the commercialization of daily life, where familial roles are increasingly outsourced, emphasizing the broader societal implications of hyper-commercialization.

Nov 20, 2025 • 21min
Der Sturz des Neoliberalismus bringt nur noch mehr Zerstörung – Interview mit Branko Milanović
Branko Milanović, ein renommierter Ökonom und Kritiker globaler Ungleichheit, beleuchtet den Aufstieg Asiens und seine Auswirkungen auf die neoliberale Ordnung. Er diskutiert die Entstehung neuer Eliten in den USA und China und analysiert, wie deren Versagen Populismus anheizt. Milanović führt den Begriff des Nationalmarktliberalismus ein, beschreibt die Instabilität des neuen Modells und relativiert die Risiken des Klimawandels zugunsten technischer Lösungen. Er warnt vor der Kommerzialisierung des Lebens und den sozialen Folgen der aktuellen Entwicklungen.

Nov 17, 2025 • 1h 27min
Downstream: Ex-World Bank Insider on Western Decline & the Chinese World Order w/ Branko Milanovic
Branko Milanovic, a former World Bank macroeconomist and expert on global inequality, dives into the shifting geopolitical landscape. He discusses how the rise of China compares to the Industrial Revolution, the implications of the new elite class, and the declining social mobility in the West. Branko critiques neoliberal globalization and explores the potential for conflict between the US and China. He also touches on the factors behind the USSR's collapse and examines the economic forces driving Russia's pivot towards Asia.

Nov 11, 2025 • 35min
How globalisation set the stage for new strongmen
Branko Milanovic, an economist renowned for his work on global income distribution, discusses the interplay between globalization and rising authoritarianism. He argues that Trump, Xi, and Putin share similarities as part of a global backlash against free trade. Milanovic explores how perceptions of inequality have shifted and the implications of China's economic rise. He warns of increasing geopolitical tensions and considers the impact of AI on inequality, questioning if nationalist policies can genuinely support everyday Americans.

Sep 24, 2024 • 53min
Behind the News: Inequality Through History w/ Branko Milanovic
Branko Milanovic, an economist renowned for his insights on inequality, joins Niobe Way, an author investigating the emotional lives of boys. They discuss the challenges boys face in expressing emotions within rigid cultural norms, leading to a crisis in male connections. Milanovic reviews economic theories from iconic thinkers like Adam Smith and Marx, exploring their relevance to today's inequality debates. The conversation also addresses how economic disparities impact social structures and relationships, challenging listeners to rethink societal values and norms.

Mar 8, 2024 • 55min
Visions of Inequality with Branko Milanovic
Branko Milanovic, a leading scholar on inequality and professor at the CUNY Graduate Center, dives into the complexities of income distribution influenced by historical figures like Adam Smith and Karl Marx. He reflects on his academic path starting in socialist Yugoslavia and the ideological hurdles in discussing inequality. The conversation explores the potential effects of AI on labor markets and emphasizes the need for capital redistribution. Milanovic also critiques the global elite's rise and discusses the intricate dynamics of globalization and national identity.

Oct 10, 2023 • 46min
Branko Milanovic on Different Visions of Inequality
Writing a book like that makes you really think brutally about the past. It makes you really think about the current time and also how the future would look at you.Branko MilanovicAccess Bonus Episodes on PatreonMake a one-time Donation to Democracy Paradox.A full transcript is available at www.democracyparadox.com.Branko Milanovic is a Research Professor at the City University of New York and a Senior Scholar at the Stone Center on Socio-Economic Inequality. He served as the lead economist in the World Bank’s Research Department for almost 20 years. His most recent book is Visions of Inequality: From the French Revolution to the End of the Cold War.Key HighlightsIntroduction - 0:31Why Economic Inequality - 2:53Ideas Before 1820 - 13:26Marx and Socialism - 19:52Piketty and Modern Thought - 40:17Key LinksVisions of Inequality: From the French Revolution to the End of the Cold War by Branko Milanovicglobalinequality blog by Branko MilanovicFollow Branko Milanovic on X @BrankoMilanDemocracy Paradox PodcastThomas Piketty on EqualityJacob Hacker and Paul Pierson on the Plutocratic Populism of the Republican PartyMore Episodes from the PodcastMore InformationApes of the State created all MusicEmail the show at jkempf@democracyparadox.comFollow on Twitter @DemParadox, Facebook, Instagram @democracyparadoxpodcast100 Books on DemocracySupport the show


