Jeffrey Sonnenfeld - Russia's "Axis of Evil" Will Not Prevent the Imminent Economic Catastrophe

Oct 26, 2024 | Jeffrey Sonnenfeld is Lester Crown Professor of Leadership Practice and a Senior Associate Dean of the Yale School of Management. He helped catalyse the retreat of 1,200 global corporations from Russia, and now strongly advocates for seized Russian Central Bank assets to be passed to Ukraine. Sonnenfeld is known as the founder and CEO of the Chief Executive Leadership Institute (CELI), affiliated with Yale University and for convening Yale's semi-annual CEO Summits, which have drawn thousands of CEOs over the years to engage in off-the-record peer-to-peer conversations.

Why Berlin Can’t Agree on Fixing the Economy | DW News

Oct 25, 2024 | More subsidies for industry -- or lower taxes and less bureaucracy? Germany’s coalition government is divided over how to fix its struggling economy, with each party making their own suggestions. Deutsche Welle speaks with economist Clemens Fuest, president of the Ifo Institute, on what it will take for the German economy to improve and which policy approach he prefers.

Inside Russia: Russia’s Central Bank Has Put Up the Interest Rate to 21%

Anyone’s savings would grow quickly with a rate like that! Read on and comment.
REUTERS: Russia's Nabiullina on raising rates to 21% »

The Obscene Wealth of the Ruling Class & Why You Should Hate Them Even More | Rob Larson | The Majority Report w/ Sam Seder

Oct 24, 2024 | Rob Larson, professor of economics at Tacoma Community College, to discuss his recent book Mastering the Universe: The Obscene Wealth of the Ruling Class, What They Do with Their Money, and Why You Should Hate Them Even More.

Professor Rob Larson then joins, first running through the numbers behind the modern era of wealth inequality and the validity of the parallels with the inequalities of the Gilded Age – from the overwhelming wealth of the top 1% to the minimal holdings of the masses – and the overwhelming social isolation of the upper class via class segregation that defines the stratification of these eras. Expanding on this, Professor Larson walks through the disconnect of the ruling class on the level of the interpersonal (with some strong examples from one Elon Musk) and material, diving deep into how both social institutions (e.g., the media) and economic institutions create (and celebrate) isolated worlds for the uber-wealthy, with boundaries explicitly designed avoid undesirables. Rob, Sam, and Emma then step back and examine the devastating impact this grotesque excess has on the rest of society, particularly in the opportunity cost of the absurd endeavors of the elite, before moving into an expansive conversation on the role of philanthropy in bolstering the power, ego, and wealth of the uber-rich, eventually wrapping up the interview with the central role labor and social organizing must play in the fight to even this playing field.


World Inequality Database here.

Peter Stefanovic: Millions of People Are Living in Poverty, Destitution & Using Food Banks - It’s Barely Mentioned

Oct 24, 2024

Steve Rattner: Trump’s Mass Deportation and Trade War Plans Will Tank the Economy

Oct 24, 2024 | Twenty-three Nobel Prize-winning economists endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris over former President Donald Trump in a joint letter released Wednesday. Morning Joe economic analyst Steve Rattner joins Morning Joe to discuss the economic plans of both Trump and Harris.

Crisis in Venezuela - Maduro's Ongoing Power Struggle | DW Documentary

Oct 23, 2024 | Nicolás Maduro has been president of Venezuela since 2013. He rules the country, which faces grave political and economic problems, with an iron fist. Despite massive criticism from home and abroad, Maduro is clinging to power. Successfully, so far.


Venezuela experienced many dramatic events in recent decades. There was the "Bolivarian Revolution" started by Hugo Chávez, who was elected president in 1998 and introduced a socialist system to the country. There were also attempted coups, violent protests, and severe economic crises — despite the fact that Venezuela has the largest oil reserves in the world.

After the illness and death of Hugo Chávez in 2013, Nicolás Maduro succeeded as president. The former bus driver and socialist set himself the goal of continuing Venezuela's socialist revolution, at any cost.

His rule has been authoritarian. Corruption within Venezuela's state elite and mismanagement are widespread. Years of poor economic decisions have driven the country to ruin under Maduro's presidency. Millions of people in Venezuela are impoverished, and many have fled to neighboring countries.

Yet despite opposition attempts to force him out, Maduro has survived. He was declared the winner in Venezuela’s 2024 presidential elections in July - this, although the parliament had tried to remove him from office in 2017 already. People took to the streets to demand his resignation back then and this year again.

However, none of this seems to have affected Maduro - and following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and the resulting rift between Russia and North America and Europe, the international geopolitical situation has changed. The world is more desperate for oil than ever; and a vast quantity of oil is lying dormant underground in Venezuela.

Richard Wolff: The Final Case Against Donald J. Trump

Oct 20, 2024 | Richard Wolff is Professor Emeritus of Economics at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and a visiting professor at The New School, where he works on economics in the Marxist tradition. This is Richard’s fifth appearance on Robinson’s Podcast. He and Robinson discussed some of the most profound criticisms of capitalism. They focused on the myths surrounding Marxism and Marx himself. They covered the Israel-Palestine conflict from a Marxist perspective.

Dr Richard Worlff is a Marxist economist. He has a brilliant mind. However, the mere fact that I am posting this discussion on my blog should IN NO WAY be construed as an endorsement of Marxism. It is not an endorsement; I do not endorse it. I do, however, find Dr Richard Wolff a fascinating character and a man who is extremely intelligent and insightful. Do I agree with his take on everything discussed in this video? Certainly not! But, as my regular visitors should know by now, I do not post videos on this blog simply because I agree with everything discussed in them. Were I to adopt that strategy, I should find it very difficult to post ANYTHING!

As a person, I like to have my thinking challenged. If I think something is particularly good, insightful, or interesting, then I usually post it. Even if the video is controversial. In fact, a little controversy can stimulate one’s thinking. Controversy is to thinking what spice is the food! I hope that you enjoy the discussion. – © Mark Alexander

Milton Friedman's Defense of Greed Ruined a Whole Generation of Economists ft. Richard Wolff

Aug 9, 2019 | Richard Wolff puts Milton Friedman in his place.

Are Populists Destroying Democracy? In Conversation

Oct 21, 2024 | In this conversation, Dr. Kristian Niemietz, Editorial Director at the Institute of Economic Affairs, talks with Nils Karlson, Founding President & CEO of the Ratio Institute, about Karlson's new book "Reviving Classical Liberalism Against Populism." Karlson defines populism through three key characteristics: simplistic solutions to complex problems, a rhetorical style that divides society into "us vs. them," and an authoritarian tendency that challenges democratic institutions. He argues that populism poses a threat to liberal democracies and explores its philosophical roots in continental European thought.

The discussion covers strategies for countering populism, with Karlson advocating for a revival of classical liberal principles. He emphasises explaining populist tactics to the public, securing and developing liberal institutions, and creating narratives that highlight the benefits of a liberal society. Karlson also stresses the need for classical liberals to engage more actively in cultural and political spheres, forming coalitions and supporting politicians who can effectively promote liberal policies.

Karlson addresses questions from the audience on topics such as property rights, the role of democracy in liberal thought, and the importance of family values in classical liberalism. He analyses current political trends and provides ideas for revitalising classical liberal ideas in the face of rising populist movements. This conversation is relevant for anyone interested in the future of liberal democracy and the challenges it faces today.

‘Putin Saw BREXIT Hiatus as Opportunity’

Oct 20, 2024 | Former British Military Intelligence Officer, Philip Ingram, confirms that Remainers were gaslit as scaremongers by the Brexit cabal for their warnings that Brexit would embolden our enemies eg Vladimir Putin. Events now prove that Remainers were right to heed these warnings and it's important to remember who told the truth and who misled/lied.

Cameron should NEVER have called that stupid Brexit referendum. It is deplorable that Cameron called it. – © Mark Alexander

Pat Buchanan on Suicide of a Superpower

Apr 25, 2012 | This week on Uncommon Knowledge, author and commentator Pat Buchanan discusses the disintegration of the United States as a superpower and a united nation.

Margaret, Death of a Revolutionary

Jun 24, 2021 | Martin Durkin's explosive film about Margaret Thatcher argues that she did more to liberate and enrich the working class than any socialist ever has or will. And that is why the Left (and the intelligentsia and the Tory old guard) hate her so much.

This star-studded feature-length film includes interviews with the Prime Minister, Norman Tebbit, Nigel Lawson, Cecil Parkinson, Neil Kinnock, Kenneth Baker, Norman Lamont, Geoffrey Howe, John Redwood, David Davis, Bernard Ingham, Charles Powell, Janet Daley, Polly Toynbee, Kelvin MacKenzie, and others close to Mrs Thatcher.

Martin Durkin's previous films include The Great Global Warming Swindle, Britain's Trillion Pound Horror Story and the series Against Nature.

Maggie Thatcher, Karriere einer Eisernen Lady [Doku]

Mar 12, 2017 | Margaret Thatcher war von 1979 bis 1990 die erste weibliche Premierministerin des Vereinigten Königreichs von Großbritannien und Nordirland. Sie gewann den Falkland-Krieg mit einer Entschlossenheit, die ihr den Beinamen "eiserne Lady" einbrachte, kürzte die Sozialausgaben, privatisierte die britischen Staatsbetriebe und zwang die in den Arbeitskampf getretenen Bergarbeiter und Docker in die Knie. Ihre altmodisch-konservative Aufmachung und ihre Vorliebe für die puritanische Sittenordnung ändern nichts an der Tatsache, dass "Maggie" eine Revolutionärin war. Die Passionaria im Gouvernantenkostüm brachte der Welt den "Thatcherismus".

Margaret Thatcher Interview | Conservative | British Politics | 1982

Apr 9, 2013 | Llew Gardner speaks to British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher for TV Eye | First shown: 18/02/1982

A look back at a time when the Conservative Party could show the nation the way forward. Of course, not everyone agreed with Margaret Thatcher's economic solutions for the woes of the British economy. But love Maggie or hate her, she had oodles of class, polish, style, and intellect. Compare her with the contenders for Conservative Party leadership today! There is no comparison! The Conservative Party has truly lost its way. – © Mark Alexander

USA - Der Aufstieg der Ultrarechten | Doku HD | ARTE

Oct 15, 2024 | Wie konnten die Ultrarechten bis ins Zentrum der amerikanischen Politik aufsteigen? Indem sie nach und nach Machtpositionen in Politik, Justiz und Medien besetzten und ihren Einflussbereich stetig ausweiteten. Für ihr Ziel – den Wahlsieg 2024 – ist die ultrarechte Minderheit sogar bereit, die Demokratie aufs Spiel zu setzen. Wie hat sie es geschafft, die politische Bühne zu erobern?

Die Verschärfung des Abtreibungsrechts, der Sturm auf das Kapitol 2021, das Aufflammen rassistischer Gewalt: Nie zuvor waren die Ultrarechten in den USA mächtiger und sichtbarer als heute – und das liegt nicht nur an Donald Trump. Die Ultrarechte konnte sich in der Mitte der US-Politik etablieren, indem sie nach und nach Schlüsselpositionen in Politik, Justiz und Medien besetzte und ihren Einfluss kontinuierlich vergrößerte. Mit Blick auf einen Wahlsieg 2024 ist sie bereit, die Dämonen der Sezessionskriege zu wecken, das Land ins Chaos zu stürzen und die Demokratie ins Wanken zu bringen.

Der Siegeszug der radikalen Rechten ist das Ergebnis einer wohlüberlegten Strategie: Vor mehr als 40 Jahren wurde sie in Gang gesetzt – von einer konservativen Minderheit, die nach der Macht strebte. Sie hat quasi unbemerkt ihre Agenda durchgesetzt. Heute erntet sie die Früchte dieser Arbeit: Ihr ist es gelungen, die Schaltzentralen der Macht zu erobern – in Politik, Justiz und Medien.

Donald Trump hat diesen Prozess in jeder Hinsicht beschleunigt. Mit seiner Hilfe haben die Ultrarechten den Obersten Gerichtshof in ihre Gewalt gebracht, nun können sie bei wichtigen Entscheidungen im Kongress den Ausschlag geben. Mit Donald Trump oder einem seiner politischen Erben könnten die Ultrarechten in Zukunft noch weiter in die Offensive gehen.

Dokumentation von Alice Cohen (F 2024, 53 Min)
Video verfügbar bis zum 27/01/2025

The Thatcher Legacy & the Future of British Politics with Charles Moore | In Conversation

Oct 14, 2024 | In this new episode in the 'In Conversation' series, Charles Moore, Baron Moore of Etchingham and Member of the House of Lords, sits down with Tom Clougherty, Executive Director of the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), to discuss the current state of British politics and the legacy of Margaret Thatcher. Moore, the acclaimed biographer of Thatcher and former editor of The Spectator and The Telegraph, offers unique insights into the challenges facing modern conservatism and draws intriguing parallels between today's political landscape and the era of Thatcher's rise to power.

Throughout the discussion, Moore delves into a range of pressing issues, including the impact of globalisation, the changing nature of political institutions, and the cultural shifts affecting contemporary society. He reflects on the lessons that can be learned from Thatcher's leadership style and governance approach, while also addressing the new challenges that have emerged in the decades since her tenure. Moore's nuanced perspective on topics such as immigration, the role of international institutions, and the evolving dynamics within the Conservative Party provides a thought-provoking analysis of the current political climate.

This conversation offers viewers a rare opportunity to hear from one of Britain's most respected political commentators as he shares his insights on the past, present, and future of conservative thought. Whether you're a student of politics, a history enthusiast, or simply curious about the forces shaping modern Britain, this discussion between Charles Moore and Tom Clougherty promises to be both enlightening and timely.

How Marlboro Became the #1 Cigarette Brand

Jun 30, 2022 | Marlboro cigarettes are the most smoked by far, but it wasn’t always like that; At one point, Marlboro owned less than 1% of the cigarette market. However, one famous marketing campaign that Marlboro ran skyrocketed their sales and made them the #1 cigarette brand in the world. This is the story of The Marlboro Man.

P&O Ferries Owner Pulls £1bn UK Investment after Rayner Attack

THE TELEGRAPH: Dubai company chief withdraws from investment summit after Deputy PM’s criticism of employment practices

P&O owner DP World has put a £1bn expansion of one of Britain’s biggest container hubs on hold after ministers attacked the ferry company’s employment practices.

The Dubai-based business had planned to announce the investment in London Gateway port at a summit convened by Sir Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, next week.

However, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, the DP World boss, will no longer attend the event after Louise Haigh, the Transport Secretary, and Angela Rayner, the Deputy Prime Minister, described P&O as “unscrupulous” and “exploitative” this week » | Christopher Jasper, Transport industry editor | Friday, October 11, 2024

Talks on UK Rejoining EU Could Start in 10 Years’ Time, Says Peter Mandelson

THE GUARDIAN: Labour peer says in meantime it is essential to try to reduce damage of Brexit deal struck by Boris Johnson

Peter Mandelson has suggested the UK could start talks on rejoining the EU in 10 years’ time, much earlier than Keir Starmer believes.

Lord Mandelson told an audience in Edinburgh the “truth is that [reversing Brexit] could be a conversation which starts in 10 years’ time”, but only if EU member states were willing to consider it.

He said that in the meantime it was essential for the UK’s productivity and growth to reduce the damaging impact of the Brexit deal struck by Boris Johnson “as best we possibly can”.

Mandelson’s remarks, at a lecture for the thinktank Reform Scotland, are in contrast to the prime minister’s prediction before the general election that the UK would not rejoin the EU, or the single market or customs union, in his lifetime. » | Severin Carrell, Scotland editor | Friday, October 11, 2024