Oliver Hartwich

Dr. Oliver Hartwich, Executive Director of the NZ Initiative, delves into the current state of democracy and the rise of populism. He critiques the evolution of political alignments, using case studies from Europe and the aftermath of Trump in the U.S. Hartwich highlights the tensions between authoritarianism and freedoms, particularly in New Zealand, while reflecting on historical political landscapes. He also tackles issues of disinformation and the complexities of political legacy, focusing on figures like Gerhard Schröder and the implications of corruption in democratic institutions.

Dr Oliver Hartwich, Executive Director of the NZ Initiative, leads a delegation to Ireland to discuss the country's GDP figures, the success of foreign direct investment and Ireland's economy. They explore the education system, tax rate, and contrasting perceptions of teachers in Ireland and New Zealand. The chapter also discusses the low corporate tax rate in Ireland and the impact of Sinn Fein on the country's politics and housing market.