The David McWilliams Podcast

In this episode, we delve into the essence of power ahead of the American election. What happens when the warrior, priestly, and merchant castes converge—and who ends up on top? We explore how the modern United States exemplifies this ancient struggle through its billionaires, technocrats, and military-industrial complex. With billionaires investing nearly $700 million into the election, we ask: does this solidify their dominance, or could we be nearing a tipping point, a "peak billionaire" era? From McKinley's front-porch politics to Roosevelt's crackdown on the robber barons, history has lessons for today's plutocrats. Could the pendulum swing against them again?Pre-order the new book Money: A Story of Humanity now: https://linktr.ee/moneydavidmcwilliams Join the gang! https://plus.acast.com/s/the-david-mcwilliams-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re in the final minutes of one of the most consequential American elections ever—and the stakes are high. We're back with Mark Blyth to explore what a Trump victory might mean for the world. Picture this: the return of 19th-century tariffs, mass deportations, and a push to bring American multinationals back home. What’s at risk for global trade, jobs, and even the power of NATO itself? With 14% of Ireland’s jobs tied to U.S. companies, the world could be on the verge of a seismic shift. So here’s the question: if Trump wins, how ready is the rest of the world to play by a new set of American rules? Join the gang! https://plus.acast.com/s/the-david-mcwilliams-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I'm up in Glasgow and we're devoting this podcast to all things Scottish, kkicking off with the amazing Scottish Enlightenment. Why did 18th-century Scotland emerge as a crucible for radical ideas, drawing intellectuals, inventors, and innovators alike? The Scottish Enlightenment marked an era where thinkers like David Hume and Adam Smith thrived amidst newfound economic growth, sparked by an influx of wealth from trade routes and ventures (like Scotland's ill-fated attempt to build a canal in Panama). But unlike France, where revolutionary fervor overthrew established order, Scotland’s intellectual revolution developed under the stability of the British Empire, with Scots integrating into its growing power. As thinkers flocked to Glasgow's and Edinburgh’s salons and Masonic lodges, they fostered advancements in empiricism, economics, and even steam technology, laying foundations for the industrial age. With Ireland facing a similar boom today, we explore whether prosperity will again inspire an era of transformative thinking.Buy the new book here: https://linktr.ee/moneydavidmcwilliams Join the gang! https://plus.acast.com/s/the-david-mcwilliams-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we dive into the decline of Dublin’s inner city, a reflection of urban decay across the English-speaking world. Drawing on Jane Jacobs’ urban theories, we explore how cities like Kreuzberg in Berlin and Hackney in London turned around from dereliction to thriving hubs—and ask whether Dublin can do the same. We discuss the importance of repopulating cities with residents, not just tourists, and why mixed-use spaces are crucial for community vibrancy. Can initiatives like “meanwhile use” transform dead zones into lively areas again? Or is Dublin—and cities like it—stuck in a cycle of neglect and decay? Join us as we explore the future of urban living and what it will take to revive dying cities. Join the gang! https://plus.acast.com/s/the-david-mcwilliams-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the U.S. election looms, we take a hard look at how this pivotal moment could reshape the country. With Donald Trump pulling ahead in key swing states while working at McDonalds, the stakes are higher than ever. Joined again by Tom Frank, we dive into the potential consequences of a Trump victory—authoritarianism, economic upheaval, and the erosion of America's institutions. How could Trump’s policies and the cult of personality around him impact the U.S. economy and democracy? Will the billionaire-backed push for tariffs and mass deportations lead to a recession? As America edges toward a defining moment, we explore the unsettling parallels with other failed states and ask: Can U.S. institutions withstand another Trump presidency? Join the gang! https://plus.acast.com/s/the-david-mcwilliams-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we break down the Nobel Prize in Economics awarded to Darren Acemoglu, Simon Johnson, and James Robinson for their work on development economics. Their central claim? Strong institutions are the key to national success. But is that the whole story? With the richest 20% of countries now 30 times wealthier than the poorest 20%, we ask if focusing solely on institutions ignores deeper issues like geography, culture, and historical legacy. From South Korea’s meteoric rise to Jamaica’s recent turnaround, we explore whether stable institutions are enough to solve the world’s growing inequality. Are these Nobel winners missing something critical, or is this a blueprint for global prosperity? Join the gang! https://plus.acast.com/s/the-david-mcwilliams-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we dive into a rising question: could the European Union impose economic sanctions on Israel if the conflict continues to escalate? As Israel’s largest trade partner, the EU holds significant economic leverage, and with public opinion across Europe shifting, sanctions could become a powerful tool to apply pressure. Drawing on historical examples like South Africa and Russia, we ask: could Israel be the next nation to face international economic isolation? What would that mean for the region, and could it actually stop the bloodshed? As the ground shifts quickly in global politics, we explore whether what seems impossible today could become reality tomorrow. Join the gang! https://plus.acast.com/s/the-david-mcwilliams-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we’re stepping away from the usual economic focus to dive into the culture wars dominating U.S. politics as the election looms. Despite strong job growth, voters seem more driven by cultural identity than economic gains. With Thomas Frank, author of What’s the Matter with Kansas, we explore why the working class has shifted towards the Republicans, while Democrats have embraced the highly educated elite. Frank breaks down how these cultural divides are playing out in key swing states, revealing how identity, not economics, has become the driving force behind voter decisions. As we head into one of the most consequential elections in recent history, we have to ask—will culture continue to overpower economics at the ballot box? Join the gang! https://plus.acast.com/s/the-david-mcwilliams-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As tensions rise between Israel and Iran, the global energy market is feeling the strain. Oil prices have jumped from $72 to $78 per barrel, and any further escalation could disrupt key producers like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, pushing prices even higher. With Israel attempting to provoke Iran into a wider conflict, the U.S. is caught in a delicate balancing act, trying to avoid being drawn in while managing domestic inflation and rising gas prices. For Ireland, already suffering from the highest energy costs in Europe, this adds a dangerous layer of pressure. With 80% of its energy imported and an overburdened grid, the country is highly vulnerable to global shocks. Despite Ireland’s potential for wind and wave energy, slow adoption of renewables leaves households and businesses exposed to soaring costs. This geopolitical turmoil could deepen Ireland’s energy crisis, highlighting the urgent need for infrastructure upgrades and a more serious commitment to energy independence. The question remains whether Ireland will take decisive action or continue to bear the brunt of an unstable global market. Join the gang! https://plus.acast.com/s/the-david-mcwilliams-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we're diving straight into the escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. As missiles fly and regional powers realign, we break down what’s really happening on the ground and why the Middle East is more volatile than ever. With Hezbollah in the mix, and Iran’s influence spreading across Lebanon, Gaza, and beyond, we’re looking at how Israel’s aggressive strategy could lead to something much bigger. We'll also dig into how the U.S. and Europe are responding, or not responding, and why falling oil prices are shaping this crisis in surprising ways. Stay with us as we unravel where this all might be heading and what it means for the future of the region. Join the gang! https://plus.acast.com/s/the-david-mcwilliams-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we turn our focus to the Middle East, specifically Lebanon, a country currently at the epicentre of political and economic turmoil. Joined by Lebanese economist Carole Nakhle, we dive into the complexities of Lebanese society, a nation shaped by hyperinflation, war, and a delicate balance of religious and ethnic factions. Carole shares her personal experiences growing up in Beirut, and we explore how the economic crisis, worsened by years of corruption and political instability, has led to one of the worst financial collapses in modern history. From the ongoing conflict with Israel, Hezbollah's role in Lebanon, and how the broader geopolitical tensions in the region—especially between Israel, Iran, and the U.S.—are shaping Lebanon’s future. Carole provides invaluable insight into the Lebanese diaspora’s impact, the dynamics of Hezbollah’s social and economic influence, and why the current situation is so critical. A must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of the Middle East through the lens of Lebanon’s tragic yet resilient story. Join the gang! https://plus.acast.com/s/the-david-mcwilliams-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

 In this episode, we continue our European mini-series, moving from Germany to the broader continental landscape. Europe faces mounting economic challenges as Mario Draghi, the former president of the European Central Bank and technocratic Italian prime minister, issues a bold €800 billion investment proposal aimed at closing the gap with the U.S. and China. Is Europe falling behind due to overregulation, fragmentation, and a lack of innovation? We discuss Draghi’s call for massive investment, the continent’s economic stagnation, and why the gap between Europe and America has widened over the past two decades. Is the European dream of a unified, prosperous continent slipping away, or can Draghi’s vision revive the old-world dynamism that once defined it? Join the gang! https://plus.acast.com/s/the-david-mcwilliams-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

 In this episode, we take a hard look at Germany’s current crossroads, where economic fragility and political tensions collide. Once the bedrock of European stability, Germany now faces challenges like the rise of the far-right AFD party, factory closures at Volkswagen, and energy crises driven by its dependency on Russian fuel. We explore the deeper cultural and historical factors at play, diving into the uneasy relationship between East and West Germany, the legacy of Angela Merkel’s policies, and the country's strained stance on immigration. With the help of historian Katja Hoyer, we unpack why Germany’s once rock-solid economy and political center are starting to crack—and what that means for the future of Europe. Join the gang! https://plus.acast.com/s/the-david-mcwilliams-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating resurgence of vinyl and its surprising resilience amidst the digital age. We explore the economics of vinyl, the history of the music industry’s evolution, and how formats like CDs and streaming disrupted the landscape. Vinyl, once thought to be on the brink of extinction, has made an extraordinary comeback, and we're here to find out why. From independent record shops keeping the flame alive to the unique cultural experience vinyl provides, we look at how this format has redefined the music experience across generations. We speak with Graham Jones, author of The Vinyl Revival and the Shops That Made It Happen, to get his insight into the ongoing revival. Graham takes us through the vinyl resurgence, Record Store Day, and how independent record stores played a pivotal role in keeping vinyl alive. Buy the new book here: https://linktr.ee/moneydavidmcwilliams Join the gang! https://plus.acast.com/s/the-david-mcwilliams-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This podcast episode dives deep into the complexities of the Apple tax ruling and its broader implications for Ireland's economic model. We explore how Ireland's low corporate tax strategy, which began in the mid-20th century to attract foreign capital, evolved into a cornerstone of its economic growth. The discussion touches on Ireland's historical emigration issues, the soft power of the Irish diaspora, and the country's role as a bridge between American corporations and the European market. We also unpack how Apple’s tax dealings with Ireland resulted in a €13 billion windfall, the legal challenges involved, and the potential reputational risks for both Ireland and multinational companies. With a focus on Ireland’s current housing and infrastructure crises, the episode argues that now is the time for bold political decisions—especially how best to spend the Apple windfall to address urgent public needs. Get ready for a mix of economic history, policy analysis, and insights into what lies ahead for Ireland.Buy the new book here: https://linktr.ee/moneydavidmcwilliams Join the gang! https://plus.acast.com/s/the-david-mcwilliams-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.