Claim OwnershipIEA Podcast
Subscribed: 361Played: 11,576
Subscribe
© Copyright 2020 . All rights reserved.
Description
Welcome to the IEA Podcast. The Institute of Economic Affairs is the UK’s original free market think tank, founded in 1955.
Our mission is to improve understanding of the fundamental institutions of a free society by analysing and expounding the role of markets in solving economic and social problems.
Given the current economic challenges facing Britain and the wider global environment, it is more vital than ever that we promote the intellectual case for a free economy, low taxes, freedom in education, health and welfare and lower levels of regulation.
We hope you enjoy listening!
Our mission is to improve understanding of the fundamental institutions of a free society by analysing and expounding the role of markets in solving economic and social problems.
Given the current economic challenges facing Britain and the wider global environment, it is more vital than ever that we promote the intellectual case for a free economy, low taxes, freedom in education, health and welfare and lower levels of regulation.
We hope you enjoy listening!
443 Episodes
Reverse
On this IEA Podcast episode, host Matthew Lesh engages Tom Clougherty, the Institute of Economic Affairs' Executive Director, in a thought-provoking discussion centered around the government's recent efforts to cut red tape. They dive deep into the 10-point plan announced, which includes measures like issuing new regulations only when "absolutely necessary" and imposing stronger growth duties on regulators. While acknowledging these as positive steps, Clougherty argues that they fail to truly reshape Britain's regulatory landscape fundamentally. The conversation explores the origins of the modern regulatory state, the institutional and cultural forces driving over-regulation, and the structural reforms needed, such as mandatory sunset clauses and a senior government figure spearheading deregulation, to counterbalance these pressures effectively.
In this week's Swift Half with Snowdon, we are joined by Lord Frost, the former Chief Brexit Negotiator and Europe Adviser to Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
Lord Frost provides an explosive insider's view on the chaos of Brexit negotiations under Theresa May, having to reset the failed talks after joining Boris Johnson by taking a hardline no-deal stance, and his principled resignation over pushing lockdowns and vaccine passports despite Omicron's low threat. He also weighs in on nanny state overreach, European courts overstepping, and needed reforms to the House of Lords.
Copy
On this episode of the IEA Podcast, host Matthew Lesh and guest Harrison Griffiths of the Institute of Economic Affairs analyze a recent report claiming high immigration levels have burdened Britain's economy, public services and social cohesion rather than boosting growth as promised.
Harrison rebuts arguments that immigrants deter capital investment or drain public finances, instead attributing those trends to flawed government policies. They also discuss balancing public anti-immigration sentiments against labor demands, potential shifts towards only admitting high-skilled immigrants, and how the small boats issue has toxified the immigration debate, though Harrison notes valid cultural integration concerns exist alongside the economic considerations.
With over half a million more Brits economically inactive compared to pre-pandemic, concerns grow about the UK's economic potential amid labor shortages. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has announced cracking down on disability benefits, claiming exploitation of the system. This week's IEA podcast asks: Where are the missing workers?
Host Matthew Lesh and guest Prof. Len Shackleton explore the spike in long-term sickness inactivity, especially among younger people. They analyze whether disability benefits are being exploited or if socioeconomic factors like mental health, drug abuse, and NHS backlogs are root causes. The pair also examine potential solutions from overhauling welfare incentives to boosting productivity through upskilling. Shackleton provides historical context on the "deserving" vs "undeserving" poor debate framing this complex policy challenge. Tune in for insights on a critical economic issue.
In this episode of The Swift Half with Snowdon, Christopher Snowdon welcomes Erik W. Matson, Senior Research Fellow at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, to delve into Matson's latest work "New Paternalism Meets Older Wisdom". Matson's book, a critical examination of the "new paternalism" philosophy within behavioural economics, published by the IEA, challenges the notion that nudging policies based on choice architecture truly serve individuals' best interests.
Drawing from insights of philosophers like David Hume and Adam Smith, Matson argues for respecting individual autonomy and cautions against paternalistic interventions that may undermine authentic human agency. Their conversation touches on various aspects, including time inconsistency in decision-making and the dangers of overriding diverse values based on simplistic assumptions of people's "true" desires.
Join us for an IEA Book Club discussion with Alex Edmans, Professor of Finance at London Business School and acclaimed author, as he delves deep into the themes of his latest book, "May Contain Lies: How Stories, Statistics and Studies Exploit Our Biases - And What We Can Do About It". Hosted by Tom Clougherty, Executive Director, this event promises to unravel the intricacies of bias in education, peer review, and data interpretation, offering invaluable insights.
Alex outlines the value of questioning and curiosity in education, challenging conventional methods of learning and advocating for fostering independent thinking. He presents key examples where data presentation leads to opposing conclusions, including the benefits of wider pay gaps and diversity quotas.
In a thought-provoking exchange, Alex dissects flaws within the peer review process, shedding light on how bias can hinder scientific advancement. From humorous anecdotes to sobering revelations, he navigates through the complexities of data interpretation, urging audiences to embrace intuition while remaining vigilant of data-driven limitations.
Join Matthew Lesh, Public Policy & Communications Director at the IEA, and Dr. Kristian Niemietz, Editorial Director at IEA, in a compelling dialogue as they tackle the contentious query: Did empire make Britain rich?
In this week's episode of the IEA Podcast, Dr. Niemietz draws from his latest book, "Imperial Measurement: A Cost-Benefit Analysis of Western Colonialism," to offer a critical examination of colonialism and slavery's economic impact on Britain's prosperity. From Adam Smith's historical critiques to contemporary discussions fueled by movements like Black Lives Matter, the conversation navigates the economic arguments surrounding colonialism. Dr. Niemietz dissects the traditional narrative of empire's economic benefits, analyzing the costs of empire maintenance, colony profitability, and the enduring effects on colonized nations. Through meticulous analysis and historical context, the podcast illuminates the intricacies of Britain's colonial legacy and its relevance in understanding modern economics.
In our latest In Conversation event, we had the pleasure of hosting Dominic Frisby, a multifaceted finance commentator, comedian, and author. Frisby delved into topics ranging from libertarianism and finance to the impact of Bitcoin and the future of tax, offering insightful perspectives. Joined by IEA's Executive Director, Tom Clougherty, Frisby shared valuable insights drawn from his extensive experience. Explore how decentralised technologies and cryptocurrencies are transforming economic paradigms, and gain insights into the potential effects of digital nomadism on government tax revenue.
Join Adrian Chiles and Christopher Snowdon on The Swift Half with Snowdon as they delve into the complexities of alcohol consumption and societal norms. From Chiles' insights from his documentary "Drinkers Like Me" to discussions on drinking guidelines and labelling, the conversation offers thought-provoking perspectives on moderation and personal choices. With expertise in lifestyle economics and broadcasting experience, Snowdon and Chiles navigate through the layers of drinking culture, challenging perceptions and exploring the intersection of policy, lifestyle, and personal freedom. Tune in for an engaging discussion that goes beyond the surface, shedding light on the nuances of alcohol dependence and social drinking.
Join Harrison Griffiths, IEA Communications Officer, and Bryan Cheang from the Centre for the Study of Governance and Society at King's College London in a deep dive into Singapore's economic transformation since 1965. Bryan provides valuable insights into the blend of pro-market policies and interventionist measures that have propelled Singapore from poverty to prosperity, emphasizing personal responsibility and investment in human capital. Discover the lessons other nations can draw from Singapore's experience and gain practical insights for navigating today's economic landscape with maturity and foresight. Dive into The Realities of Socialism, a multimedia project aimed at educating about socialism's global impact throughout the 20th century.
Join us for this week's podcast as we delve into how Britain can foster a more entrepreneurial environment. Head of Research at The Entrepreneurs Network, Eamonn Ives, and Public Policy & Communications Director Matthew Lesh discuss pressing issues surrounding taxation, innovation, and labor dynamics. From proposing reforms to simplify the tax system to exploring the role of innovation in entrepreneurship, our guests tackle key questions about Britain's economic future. They also examine the regulatory landscape and share insights on supporting startups in sectors like health tech and AI. Tune in to gain valuable perspectives on navigating the complexities of today's economic landscape and subscribe for future episodes.
Explore the Roman Empire's dynamics during the Antonine Plague with Colin Elliott, Associate Professor at Indiana University and author of "Pax Romana." Elliott offers profound insights into the pandemic's impact on the economy, military, and society, challenging conventional views on Roman cities' roles. He navigates complexities, highlighting economic interconnections and societal resilience, providing invaluable perspectives on this pivotal period in history.
Join Matthew Lesh, Director of Public Policy & Communications at IEA, as he hosts Rainer Zitelmann, Historian & Author, for an insightful exploration of poverty alleviation strategies discussed in Zitelmann's book "How Nations Escape Poverty."
This week's question: how do nations escape poverty?
Through critical analysis, Zitelmann underscores the significance of economic freedom and market-oriented reforms in fostering development, drawing on case studies from Vietnam to Poland to illustrate transformative economic shifts. By examining the role of entrepreneurship and market dynamics, the discussion challenges prevailing notions about the sole efficacy of development aid in poverty reduction, offering a grounded perspective on pragmatic policy measures and empirical evidence. Subscribe for informed insights on advancing free and prosperous societies.
In Snowdon's latest episode of Swift Half with Simon Clark, Director of Forest, they tackle the challenges of modern journalism and the erosion of personal freedom in public health policies. From frustrations with media interaction to concerns about biased reporting, Clark sheds light on the need for balanced discussions and the recognition of individual autonomy in lifestyle choices. Gain valuable insights into smoking advocacy and the importance of diverse perspectives in shaping policy decisions in this thought-provoking discussion on journalism, smoking, and individual liberty.
This week, the UK government accused China of cyber attacks on the Electoral Commission and critical employees, leading to sanctions against Chinese state actors. This sparks debates on the adequacy of the UK's China strategy. Join host Matthew Lesh and guest Professor Syed Kamall for a discussion on "How should Britain deal with China?" Professor Kamall provides expert analysis on UK-China relations, covering cyber attack responses, Trump-era dynamics, and economic engagement. Gain insights on navigating China's global influence while balancing economic interests and security concerns.
Join Matthew Lesh, Director of Public Policy and Communications at the IEA, and Carlo Cordasco, Lecturer at the Alliance Manchester Business School, as they explore the question: Should AI be more transparent?
They discuss how AI is reshaping decision-making in sectors like healthcare and finance, the EU's landmark AI Act, and the delicate balance between regulation and innovation. Dive into the intersection of AI and public policy to uncover its implications for society's future.
Dive deep into the realm of Canada's prohibition and more with Christopher Snowdon and special guest, Professor Dan Malleck from Brock University.
Together, they unpack the complexities of alcohol, tobacco, and prohibition, challenging prevailing narratives and advocating for evidence-based approaches. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion that questions conventional wisdom and reflects on the intersection of health, choice, and government intervention.
Join Dr. Kristian Niemietz and guest Vincent Geloso, Assistant Professor of Economics at George Mason University, for a deep dive into the relationship between economic freedom, social mobility, and the UK welfare state. Gain insights into absolute and relative mobility, economic growth's impact, and the role of cultural attitudes and policies. Discover why economic freedom is vital for societal progress and how the UK welfare state has influenced social mobility over time. Don't miss this thought-provoking discussion challenging conventional wisdom and offering fresh perspectives. Subscribe now for more!
Join Matthew Lesh, Director of Public Policy at the IEA, and Iain Murray, Vice President for Strategy at the Competitive Enterprise Institute, as they discuss the priority of addressing climate and social justice. Explore government priorities, regulatory competence, and societal implications with insights on climate action, social justice, and government policy. Subscribe for valuable insights into regulatory reforms and connect with us on social media for more.
Join Harrison Griffiths and IEA Executive Director Tom Clougherty as they dissect the recent Spring Budget. From National Insurance cuts to new taxes on vaping, gain insights into what went well, what went wrong, and the underlying structural issues in the UK economy. Explore the economic challenges within the planning system and energy sector, uncovering bureaucratic hurdles and high costs hindering growth and innovation. Delve into the intertwined challenges of fiscal policy and the size of the state, addressing the need for fundamental reforms. Don't miss out on valuable insights into Britain's economic landscape and the path forward.
Comments
Download from Google Play
Download from App Store
United States