New Enlightenment

In this episode, we sit down with Indrajit Roy to discuss the past, present, and future of Indian democracy, just as the country of more than 1 billion people goes to the polls. The conversation delves into the state of Indian democracy, its historical context, and the impact of Modi's leadership. We explore the effectiveness of Indian democracy in providing a voice to its citizens and the impact on social and economic equality. We discuss the rise of Hindu nationalism and its impact on Indian society and politics, noting the departure from the principles of liberal democracy, particularly around non-discrimination of minority groups. Notwithstanding, the resistance against illiberal tendencies in India is evident through institutional, political, and social activism. This highlights the durability of Indian democracy. Takeaways Indian democracy faces challenges in providing social and economic equality, despite its effectiveness in giving a voice to historically oppressed communities. The rise of Hindu nationalism under Modi's leadership has led to a departure from the principles of liberal democracy, impacting religious minorities and creating a Hindu homogeneous group. The historical context of Indian democracy and the impact of Hindu nationalism on Indian society and politics are critical to understanding the current state of Indian democracy. Caste dynamics play a significant role in Indian politics, with upper caste groups holding disproportionate wealth and power. Modi's leadership has seen positive developments in infrastructure investment, reduction of petty corruption, and digitization of financial transactions. The resistance against illiberal tendencies in India is evident through institutional, political, and social activism, highlighting the durability of Indian democracy. Links: Adam Smith's Panmure House Adam Dixon Indrajit Roy on X Indrajit Roy in Linkedin University of York Audacious Hope: An Archive of How Democracy is being Saved in India

In this episode, we sit down with Philip Rathgeb to discuss the impact of radical right parties on social and economic policies in Europe and the USA. Rathgeb explains that the rise of the radical right is a result of the depoliticisation of the economy because of the neoliberal consensus of the last few decades. This has led to a migration of political conflict to cultural issues such as immigration and identity. The radical right, according to Rathgeb, seeks to politicise these issues and undermine liberal democratic institutions. Rathgeb introduces the concept of 'culture war capitalism' which explores the interdependence between cultural and economic policies. He provides examples of how radical right parties use family policy to implement their cultural principles and entrench gender roles. The conversation then delves into the upcoming European Parliament elections and the dispute among radical right parties from different countries in terms of foreign policy and the economy. Takeaways The rise of the radical right is a response to the depoliticisation of the economy under the neoliberal consensus. Radical right parties politicise cultural issues such as immigration and identity to undermine liberal democratic institutions. The concept of 'culture war capitalism' explores the interdependence between cultural and economic policies.    Radical right parties use family policy to implement their cultural principles and entrench gender roles. Radical right parties in Europe contest different elements of globalisation.  The upcoming European Parliament elections will see the rise of radical right parties, posing challenges in foreign policy and the economy. Mainstream parties need to understand and address the anxieties of voters to counter the rise of the radical right. Links: Adam Smith's Panmure House Adam Dixon Philip Rathgeb: LinkedIn X How the Radical Right Has Changed Capitalism and Welfare in Europe and the USA Website

Helen Thompson, a Professor of Political Economy at the University of Cambridge and co-host of the podcast These Times, delves into the geopolitical dynamics of the energy transition. She discusses how today’s energy landscape mirrors 20th-century oil economies, emphasizing state involvement's crucial role. The conversation highlights China's advantages in minerals for renewable energy and the escalating competition with the U.S. Insights into how energy policies intersect with electoral dynamics and future interdisciplinary collaborations make for a compelling listen.

In this discussion with Joseph Henrich, a Harvard professor and expert in human evolutionary biology, listeners dive into the fascinating ways culture shapes our psychology. They explore how radical interdisciplinarity can tackle complex social questions and trace the roots of individualism back to medieval Church policies. Henrich challenges the nature vs. nurture debate, highlighting cultural evolution's role in human behavior and preferences. He also previews his upcoming book on collective intelligence and its impact on innovation.

In this episode, we sit down with tech evangelist James Whittaker to discuss the potential impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on society. We explore the short-term impacts of AI, including the potential for AI to spread disinformation but equally the possibility for AI to debunk false information. In regards the long term, we discuss the potential loss of purpose and creativity in humans as AI takes over more tasks, a concern not dissimilar to those at the beginning of and through the First Industrial Revolution. The conversation explores the challenges of regulating AI, where geoeconomic considerations are in play. The EU’s push to regulate AI will not stop development elsewhere, namely in authoritarian states. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the ownership of personal data and the possibility of compensating use of data with equity (shares) from the firms that use it. Takeaways The development of AI requires three milestones: knowledge leaving the human mind, digitizing knowledge for machine readability, and access to massive storage and computing power. The short-term impacts of AI include the spread of disinformation, which can be combated by AI debunking false information. Humans may lose their sense of purpose and creativity as AI takes over more tasks. Now is the time to discuss how regulation may be necessary to address the ethical and societal implications of AI. AI is non-deterministic and learns like humans, making it capable of automating tasks beyond what software can do. The ownership of personal data should be recognised, and individuals should be compensated with equity for its use. The regulation of AI is challenging due to the lack of understanding among regulators and the influence of industry. The impact of AI on jobs and society requires a new approach and potential solutions like basic income. Adam Smith's Panmure House: https://panmurehouse.org/ Adam Dixon: https://twitter.com/DrAdam_Dixon James Whittaker: https://twitter.com/docjamesw https://www.linkedin.com/in/docjamesw/

In this episode, we welcome Gracelin Baskaran, Director of the Project on Critical Mineral Security at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, to discuss the geopolitics and geo-economics of critical minerals. We discuss how China’s dominance in the sector can be addressed by building new relationships with countries in Africa and South America. But the benefits must not go in one direction. The opportunity in diversifying the critical mineral supply chain is more than addressing national and economic security considerations. There is a huge development opportunity. This requires building new relationships in producing countries, investing in their infrastructure, and processing capabilities. Western governments and western companies need to step up their engagement and build better relationships in the Global South. Takeaways: China is not the only producer of critical minerals; resource-rich countries in Africa and South America offer opportunities for the United States and other advanced economies to diversify their supply chains. Responsible mining practices are crucial to minimise environmental damage and ensure a more mutually beneficial model of mining for resource-rich countries. Critical minerals are essential for national economic and energy security, as they are used in defence applications, electronics, and energy technologies. The West, including liberal democracies, needs to address the security and economic implications of relying on China for critical minerals. Partnerships with countries that have capital to deploy, such as Middle Eastern countries like Saudi Arabia, can help secure critical mineral supply. Geology and political and economic stability are important considerations when choosing mining jurisdictions. Financing development is crucial for resource-rich African countries to ensure better education, health, and standard of living. Critical minerals offer significant potential for Africa's economic development, but avoiding the resource curse is a challenge. Adam Smith's Panmure House: https://panmurehouse.org/ Gracelin Baskaran: https://www.csis.org/people/gracelin-baskaran https://twitter.com/GraceBaskaran https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracelinbaskaran/

In this episode, we sit down with Alex Trembath, Deputy Director at the Breakthrough Institute, an eco-modernist think tank that offers an alternative to traditional environmentalism. We discuss the inadequacies of the modern environmental movement and how in many places it has become a barrier to decarbonisation. We discuss the eco-modernist alternative, which takes seriously the reality of modernity and the reality of carbon and of nitrogen-based biogeochemical processes to modern human thriving. Adam Smith's Panmure House: https://panmurehouse.org/ Alex Trembath: https://twitter.com/atrembath The Breakthrough Institute: https://thebreakthrough.org/

In this episode, we sit down with Paul Tucker, former Deputy Governor of the Bank of England and now research fellow at Harvard University’s Kennedy School, to discuss his book 'Global Discord' and the role of cooperation in a fractured world order. We discuss the continued relevance of David Hume’s work in defining how constitutional democracies can maintain their liberal traditions while cooperating with rising authoritarian states. Tucker emphasises the importance of broadening perspectives and understanding different values in order to achieve cooperation. We also discuss the concept of the West and its significance in the current political landscape. The West should not be limited to a geographically constrained view. Rather, the West is defined by the practice of liberalism. Tucker concludes by highlighting the value of liberal critique and the capacity for learning from mistakes in maintaining order and cooperation. Sir Paul Tucker's website: https://paultucker.me/ Buy Sir Paul Tucker's Book: https://press.princeton.edu/books/paperback/9780691232089/global-discord

In this episode, we sit down with Andrew Moore, a biochemist and author of 'The Decarbonization Delusion.' For Moore, the decarbonisation agenda is misguided. But he is emphatic about the need to stop using fossil fuels. Moore is concerned about the limitations of battery technology in achieving sustainability, arguing instead that we need to consider e-fuels and other technologies that can be used in existing internal-combustion engines.  Takeaways  The decarbonisation agenda should focus on achieving net zero emissions but must consider the sustainability and environmental impact of alternative technologies.  Battery technology has limitations and requires careful consideration of its environmental impact and recycling challenges.  The sustainability footprint of battery electric vehicles needs to be evaluated in comparison to internal combustion engine vehicles.  China is not solely focused on electric vehicles and is investing in technology diversity, including methanol burning internal combustion engine vehicles. The European Union's policy on zero and low emission vehicles lacks technological diversity and may overlook the potential of e-fuels.  E-fuels, such as methanol, can be a viable alternative to electric vehicles, especially for long-distance trucking and buses. Buy Andrew's book: https://global.oup.com/academic/product/the-decarbonization-delusion-9780197664834?cc=gb&lang=en& Adam Smith's Panmure House: https://panmurehouse.org/

In this episode, we sit down with geographer and political economist Brett Christophers to discuss his new book The Price is Wrong, which explores the profitability challenges of renewable energy businesses and the economic obstacles to decarbonisation. We explore the role of subsidies, profitability, and market design in renewable energy investment. For Christophers, there are clear limitations of relying solely on free markets to address climate change.     Takeaways  The profitability challenges of renewable energy businesses pose economic obstacles to decarbonisation.   Subsidies play a crucial role in incentivising renewable energy investment; and removing them too soon can lead to a decline in investment.  Market design is essential in facilitating the transition to renewable energy, and simply relying on market forces may not be sufficient.  State intervention, either through compelling investment or state-owned companies, can be effective in driving renewable energy development.  Public sector ownership should operate differently from the private sector to achieve the desired outcomes in renewable energy.  Adam Smith's Panmure House: ⁠⁠https://panmurehouse.org/⁠ Buy Brett's book: https://www.versobooks.com/products/3069-the-price-is-wrong