Hard Times in the 21st Century (with Helen Thompson)

Disorder, a new book by the political economist Helen Thompson, has made waves with its depiction of the long history behind the world’s current political challenges. Helen’s view is that the disruption experienced in geopolitics, the world economy and western democracies has come together in one big surge of turbulence. It also suggests that, even as the world moves towards greener energy, the predicaments cause by our reliance on fossil fuels will not go away.

It’s a fascinating book and a lively discussion with Professor Russell Napier, who starts by asking Helen how she believes that the international capital flows of the very wealthy have impacted upon western democracy.

This episode is a great listen for anyone interested in what really makes the world tick.