Economist Martin Wolf discusses the threat autocrats pose to democracies globally. He delves into the rise of populist, illiberal, and far-right parties in over 50 countries. Wolf shares insights from conversations with experts like Robert Kagan and Fiona Hill. They explore challenges to liberal democracy, economic factors behind support for Trump, and links between plutocracy, racism, and identity politics. The podcast also covers risks in global politics and climate change.

Martin Wolf and Raghuram Rajan discuss the recent Indian election, analyzing authoritarian styles of government, financial disparities, challenges of financial inequality, and India's economic aspirations. They also reflect on the dangers of authoritarian leaders like Narendra Modi and the future of democracy.

The episode is part two of our live event, System Error: Should We Fix Capitalism or Abandon It?Here Chief Economics Commentator at the Financial Times, Martin Wolf and Greek politician and Economist Yanis Varoufakis continue their debate on the future of capitalism. In his new book, The Crisis of Democratic Capitalism, Wolf argues that democratic capitalism remains the best system for human flourishing, while Varoufakis advocates for a post-capitalist world without banks, billionaires, or tech giants. BBC journalist and broadcaster, Ritula Shah, was our host for the night.Part one of this event came out in our last episode and is available now to all our listeners. Do take a listen to that first if you can.Part three is available exclusively to subscribers, along with a special bonus episode from our series Bright Sparks, where we’ll be hearing from both Yanis and Martin on the creative ideas that make them tick.This event originally took place at the Tabernacle in London on February 9th 2023 and was produced by Executive Producer Hannah Kaye, with editing by Executive Producer Rowan Slaney.—We’d love to hear your feedback and what you think we should talk about next, who we should have on and what our future debates should be about. Send us an email or voice note with your thoughts to podcasts@intelligencesquared.com or Tweet us at @intelligence2. At Intelligence Squared we’ve got our own online streaming platform, Intelligence Squared+ and we’d love you to give it a go. It’s packed with more than 20 years’ worth of video debates and conversations on the world’s most important topics as well as exclusive podcast content. Tune in to live events, ask your questions or watch on-demand, totally ad-free with hours of discussion to dive into. Visit intelligencesquaredplus.com to start watching today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s Ok To Be Angry About Capitalism is the title of the new book by the US politician Bernie Sanders. In it he castigates a system that he argues is fuelled by uncontrolled greed and rigged against ordinary people. He tells Tom Sutcliffe it’s time to reject an economic order and a political system that continues to benefit the super-rich, and fight for a democracy that recognises that economic rights are human rights.The Chief Economics Commentator at the Financial Times Martin Wolf looks more closely at how and why the relationship between capitalism and democracy appears to be unravelling. But despite the failings – slowing growth, growing inequality and widespread popular disillusion – he argues in The Crisis of Democratic Capitalism that the relationship remains the best system for human flourishing. But the economist Kate Raworth believes that mainstream economics has had its day. Its failure to predict and prevent financial crises, while allowing extreme poverty, inequality and environment degradation to persist, means its contributing to, not solving, societal unrest. She argues that her theory – Doughnut Economics – offers a new model for a green, fair and thriving global economy.Producer: Katy Hickman

Renowned economics commentator Martin Wolf discusses the peril facing democracy in 2024, highlighting the rise of populist, illiberal, and far-right parties worldwide. He explores the implications of a potential Trump victory on US democracy and the global order, emphasizing the urgent need to safeguard democratic values amidst political uncertainties.

Martin Wolf, Chief Economics Commentator at the Financial Times, shares his insights on the UK economy and the challenges facing the new Labour government. He discusses the implications of Brexit and COVID-19 on investor confidence and the complexities of raising taxes to stimulate growth. Wolf emphasizes the importance of public-private partnerships and the need for improved savings rates. He balances optimism about advancements in AI and life sciences with concerns about the impact on less skilled workers, while critiquing the effectiveness of the UK's green investment strategy.

Daniel Markovits, Martin Wolf, and Madeleine Pennington discuss the meaning of productivity in the 21st century, the correlation between productivity and well-being, the role of governments in increasing output, the impact of technology on productivity, the alternative to productivity, the importance of democracy, and the urgency of preserving democracy while creating a stronger and more inclusive society.

Martin Wolf and Anne Applebaum discuss the global rise of populist, illiberal, and far-right parties, focusing on Poland's political shifts. They analyze the stakes of a potential second term for Donald Trump in the US presidency and emphasize the importance of defending liberal democracy. The episode delves into the challenges of restoring neutrality in democratic institutions and the implications of authoritarian responses in different countries.

Martin Wolf, chief economics commentator at the Financial Times, discusses the fragile relationship between capitalism and democracy in light of his new book. He highlights how rising inequality and economic policies benefiting the wealthy threaten democracy and the middle class. Wolf advocates for stronger social safety nets and examines immigration's impact on labor markets and societal cohesion. He draws on personal experiences to emphasize the importance of advocating for economic and political change to restore balance in society.

Discussing the economic outlook for 2024, including the impact of a Trump presidency, AI development race between China and the US, and global conflicts. Martin Wolf shares insights on globalisation, technological advancements, and democratic decline. The conversation covers environmental challenges, economic risks, and semiconductor industry's role. Audience questions touch on democratic capitalism, AI's societal impacts, and future economic landscapes.