
LSE: Public lectures and events
The London School of Economics and Political Science public events podcast series is a platform for thought, ideas and lively debate where you can hear from some of the world's leading thinkers. Listen to more than 200 new episodes every year.
Latest episodes

Jul 4, 2024 • 41min
The British Economy
In this discussion, Professor Sir Tim Besley, a leading economist, Professor Richard Davies, an expert in economic theory, and Eshe Nelson, a financial journalist, dive into the pressing challenges of the British economy. They analyze the looming pressures on public finances and the differing party strategies regarding tax and spending cuts. The trio also discusses the implications of political instability, economic inequality, and the need for innovative policies to stimulate growth and investment. Future geopolitical dynamics and the role of strategic industries are critically examined.

Jul 4, 2024 • 55min
Introduction to British Politics
Contributor(s): Dr Laura Serra, Elinor Goodman, Professor Tim Bale | Our experts provide insight and analysis on the night.

Jul 4, 2024 • 42min
Foreign policy
Contributor(s): Professor Iain Begg, Professor Michael Cox, Professor Stephanie Rickard, Professor Peter Trubowitz | They explore rising global tensions and defence spending to the outcome of the next US election, and the future of our relationship with the EU and potential outcomes of the French elections.

Jul 4, 2024 • 51min
Climate Change
Contributor(s): Dimitri Zenghelis, Dr Philipp Rode, Professor Elizabeth Robinson | They will also examine the role climate change has played in the election and if the plans made by the main political parties deliver sufficiently to what the next Government could and should do.

Jul 4, 2024 • 42min
AI, Fake News and the Media
Contributor(s): Dr Nick Anstead, Professor Helen Margetts, Professor Julie Posetti | They explore the difference between this election in 2024 and previous ones with regard using AI and what the next Government should do (if anything) to protect the democratic process.

Jul 3, 2024 • 1h 18min
What went wrong with capitalism
Contributor(s): Ruchir Sharma | Sharma says progressive youth are partly right and that capitalism has morphed into “socialism for the very rich.” The broader issue, however, is socialised risk for the poor, the middle class and the rich; government is trying to guarantee that no one ever suffers economic pain by borrowing heavily to prevent recessions, extend recoveries, and generate endless growth. The result is rapidly rising debt and declining competition.

Jun 27, 2024 • 1h 9min
Global trends in climate litigation
Contributor(s): Zaneta Sedilikova, Cynthia Hanawalt, Professor Harro van Asselt, Dr Joana Setzer, Catherine Higham | Activist groups and civil society organisations continue to play a pivotal role in leveraging climate litigation to shape climate governance. Central to many of these cases is the use of human rights arguments to hold governments and corporations accountable for inadequate action on climate issues. The report's authors share their insights and discuss with experts on the latest trends in climate change litigation.

Jun 15, 2024 • 1h 5min
AI guardians: who holds power over our data
Contributor(s): Sadiqah Musa, Professor Neil Lawrence, Dr Chandrima Ganguly | Who is in charge of the algorithms and models that shape our future?

Jun 15, 2024 • 57min
Invertebrate minds: from spiders to octopuses
Contributor(s): Daria Zakharova, Professor Elli Leadbeater, Professor Jonathan Birch, Sam Beckbessinger | Human beings are part of a vast sentient world full of conscious creatures, and even those of us far away from centres of political power have immense influence over huge numbers of animal lives - influence which we can choose to exercise for good or ill.

Jun 15, 2024 • 1h
Is diversity and inclusion bad for business?
Contributor(s): Dr Grace Lordan | Recently there has been a surge in popular voices in social media stating that DEI is bad for business. There has also been a significant reduction in investment in diversity and inclusion by some of the world’s largest firms.