The David McWilliams Podcast
David McWilliams & John Davis
The aim of this weekly podcast is to make economics easy, uncomplicated and accessible. With the world at a political, technological and financial tipping point, economics has never been so important to all of us and yet, it’s made inaccessible and complicated by so many.I’ve always thought what is complicated is rarely important and what is important is rarely complicated.That will be our motto.Every week we are going to tease out some big economic or political issue facing us, not just here in Ireland but in Europe and further afield. Globalisation has brought us all together. We all face similar challenges whether you live in Dublin, London, Minnesota or Milan.If you would like to enjoy all of our content ad-free and have early access to episodes, subscribe to DMCW+ on Apple Podcast.If you would like to support the show, please consider becoming a patron at www.patreon.com/DavidMcWilliams. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 23, 2025 • 43min
2025: China’s Year
China is set to be the dominant global power by 2025, focusing on stability and consolidation rather than conquest. The podcast delves into its 2,000-year history of centralization and the unifying power of its written language. It also explores how China has redirected trade in response to U.S. tariffs, illustrating its strategic economic influence. With a historical perspective on imperial bureaucracy, the discussion highlights why internal cohesion triumphs over imperial ambitions, shaping a resilient and quietly powerful China.
Dec 18, 2025 • 38min
Was Genghis Khan the World’s First Globalist?
Genghis Khan is often seen as history's destroyer, but what if he was also a trailblazer of globalization? The Mongol Empire reopened the Silk Road, creating a massive free-trade zone connecting East and West. This led to the exchange of innovations like paper and gunpowder, but also inadvertently spread the Black Death. With unique governance strategies, the Mongols fostered local autonomy while boosting economic integration. Ultimately, they played a crucial role in laying the groundwork for the Renaissance and reshaping the global economy.
10 snips
Dec 16, 2025 • 43min
Can Wind Power Make Us Rich Again?
Ireland has an enormous offshore wind potential, with 600 gigawatts ready to power the entire EU multiple times over. Despite this, it's been two decades since a new wind farm was built. The discussion highlights the need for innovative thinking and a national plan to harness this energy. Technical challenges like floating turbines and upgrading ports are addressed. Financing options such as perpetual bonds are explored, emphasizing the importance of generational investment in renewable infrastructure for future prosperity.
19 snips
Dec 11, 2025 • 47min
Europe Under Threat: Can the Centre Hold?
Europe faces critical military, economic, and political challenges. NATO spending has surged, while German exports to China plummet. The specter of far-right politics looms in France, and Irish neutrality is now questioned. With the shifting US focus from Europe and China’s rise, the region's strategic viability comes into question. The conversation dives into historical ties, the impact of Russian disinformation, and how Ireland can adapt despite these upheavals. It's a deep exploration of Europe's precarious future.
22 snips
Dec 9, 2025 • 36min
The Great Affordability Lie?
Explore why many feel poorer despite rising GDP figures. Discover how outdated metrics fail to capture the true cost of living, with families facing soaring rents and grocery prices. Unpack a staggering 40% gap between perceived poverty and actual expenses. Learn how these financial strains influence political landscapes and voter sentiments globally. Delve into how generational differences affect economic experiences and hear insights on the implications of multinational inflows on local economies.
9 snips
Dec 4, 2025 • 37min
Petty Lines in the Sand
Explore the intriguing economics of borders, tracing their creation from historical conflicts to modern politics. Discover the legacy of William Petty, whose mapping of Ireland transformed land into tradable assets. Delve into the controversies surrounding Herzog Park and examine the complex ties between Ireland and early Israeli figures. The discussion spans from the Sykes-Picot agreement to Cromwell’s impact on Irish history, revealing how precise maps fueled colonialism and shaped global finance.
22 snips
Dec 2, 2025 • 50min
China Explained with Dan Wang
In this engaging discussion, technology analyst Dan Wang, author of *Breakneck*, explores why infrastructure projects like the Dublin Metro stall due to powerful litigators. He contrasts China’s rapid engineering prowess with the lawyer-dominated Anglosphere. Dan shares insights on China’s national ambition, its staggering infrastructure buildout, and the social costs involved. He cautions that while common-law systems slow progress, a world of builders versus barristers might reshape our future. Europe's declining competitiveness also takes center stage, highlighting a looming crisis.
23 snips
Nov 27, 2025 • 39min
Is Central Asia the Next Front Line of Global Power? with Peter Frankopan
Peter Frankopan, an esteemed historian and author of The Silk Roads, delves into the rising significance of Central Asia in global geopolitics. He highlights the region's abundant resources, youthful population, and strategic positioning amidst major powers like China and Russia. Frankopan examines how Central Asian states adeptly navigate alliances, tackle domestic challenges, and face environmental risks. He raises concerns about regional fragility and cyber threats, while discussing how these elements shape the future of global power dynamics.
13 snips
Nov 25, 2025 • 39min
Why Can’t the West Build Anymore?
The discussion reveals why Western countries struggle to build infrastructure, contrasting with China's rapid construction capabilities. It dives into the impact of a lawyer-dominated governance model in the US and Ireland, leading to inefficiency. The podcast explores the historical significance of New York's engineering legacy and highlights the importance of empowering engineers over talkers in politics. By analyzing the cultural bias in electoral systems, it suggests that a shift toward doers could revitalize infrastructure and economic growth.
14 snips
Nov 20, 2025 • 32min
Is $4,000 Gold the First Crack in the Fiat Era?
Dive into the shimmering world of gold as it approaches $4,000 an ounce! Explore how California's gold rush reshaped the economy and the demographic landscape of America in 1849. Hear tales of pioneers like Johann Sutter and the remarkable shifts in mining technology across continents. Discover why central banks are hoarding gold again—could it signal a new era for fiat currencies? From the mudslides of Malibu to the storied vaults of Fort Knox, this discussion connects gold's glittering past with its uncertain future.
