Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the first woman and African Director General of the World Trade Organization, shares her insights on global trade amidst rising tariffs. She discusses the personal impact of her mother's kidnapping in Nigeria and highlights the importance of ethical leadership. The conversation also addresses the challenges women face in leadership roles and the need for supportive networks. Dr. Okonjo-Iweala emphasizes embracing digital trade for inclusive growth, advocating for collaborative solutions in global economic dynamics.

Lee Elliot Major, Britain's first professor of Social Mobility at the University of Exeter, discusses crucial ideas from his book, Equity in Education. He emphasizes a shift in perspective, arguing that children should be seen as under-resourced rather than disadvantaged. The conversation highlights the alarming decline in social mobility since 1980 and critiques existing education systems. Major calls for transformative educational reforms, embracing diverse talents, and addresses global challenges in achieving equity, ultimately advocating for a dialogue change to tackle socioeconomic disparities.

In this discussion, Professor Jane Monckton-Smith, a respected forensic criminologist and former police officer, delves into the deep-rooted patterns of domestic abuse. She emphasizes that domestic homicide is often mischaracterized as a crime of passion rather than a culmination of ongoing abuse. Throughout the conversation, she explores the dynamics of male entitlement and the societal factors that perpetuate violence against women. Jane also highlights her Homicide Timeline tool, crucial for law enforcement to identify risk patterns in abusive relationships.

Clare Kelliher, a Professor at Cranfield School of Management, and Brendan Burchell, a Professor at the University of Cambridge, dive into the future of work. They discuss the decline of the traditional 9 to 5 model, advocating for a four-day workweek as a path to enhanced productivity and employee satisfaction. The duo shares success stories from organizations that have embraced this shift, while addressing challenges like mental health and equity in flexible work arrangements. Their insights paint an optimistic picture of the evolving workplace.

Sir Robert Chote, former head of the Institute for Fiscal Studies and the Office for Budget Responsibility, now chairs the UK Statistics Authority. He discusses the critical roles of these institutions in shaping UK economic policy and managing budget forecasts. Chote addresses the challenges of post-COVID fiscal management, emphasizing data transparency in decision-making. He shares insights on key drivers for economic growth like education and infrastructure while reflecting on his transition from journalism to policy-making, blending humor with serious analysis.

In this conversation, Anthony Elliot, a Professor of Sociology at the University of South Australia, discusses his insights on the social impact of artificial intelligence and his new book, 'Algorithms of Anxiety, Fear in the Digital Age.' He reveals how AI is revolutionizing industries but also poses risks like job displacement and biases. The dialogue emphasizes the urgent need for ethical regulations and equitable technology use. Elliot also examines AI's role in shaping democracy, highlighting the balance between transparency and misinformation.

Join Anand Menon, Director of UK in a Changing Europe, as he discusses the retreat of liberal democracy amidst rising nationalism. He highlights the fragility of global institutions, critiquing Europe's self-image and the implications of U.S. foreign policy. Menon dives into the complexities of Brexit, emphasizing trade dynamics with the EU and shifts in voter patterns among ethnic minorities in the UK. This thought-provoking conversation sheds light on how social science can navigate these pressing issues in today's political landscape.

Join host Will Hutton for Season 7 of the We Society from next week to hear some of the best ideas to shape the way we live. Launching January 15th with an interview with Anand Menon, the Director of the UK in a Changing Europe. In this podcast series, you will hear interviews from social scientists, business leaders and public figures to hear their solutions to society's most pressing issues.    Please subscribe, rate and share with your friends.  This podcast is brought to you by the Academy of Social Sciences. 

Matthew Williams, a criminology professor and author of "The Science of Hate," joins Neil Chakraborti, director of the Centre for Hate Studies, for a deep dive into hate crime in the UK. They reveal a staggering 252% rise in hate crimes from 2012 to 2023, emphasizing the dire consequences for victims and communities. The conversation covers the role of digital platforms in amplifying hate, the potential of humor as a counter-speech tool, and innovative uses of AI to combat online hate speech. Their insights shed light on urgent societal challenges.

In this engaging discussion, Alex Stevens, a Professor of Criminology at the University of Sheffield and author of "Drug Policy Constellations," delves into the failures of the war on drugs in Britain. He highlights the irony of increasing drug use despite strict punitive measures and describes the complex socio-economic factors driving substance consumption. Stevens advocates for decriminalization and explores the benefits of cannabis legalization, emphasizing health-focused, evidence-based reforms to tackle the pressing drug crisis effectively.