Legatum Institute Foundation

The 2016 History of Capitalism lecture series throws the spotlight on the role played by cities and regions that stand out in particular moments within the History of Capitalism. In this short clip, Victoria Bateman, Fellow in Economics at Gonville and Caius College, University of Cambridge, reflects on 800 years of history to understand which cities have been instrumental to 'the history of capitalism' and human flourishing. Interviewed by Mary Schutzer-Weissmann, Project Coordinator at the Legatum Institute.

Richard Cockett, former South East Asia Editor for The Economist, gave his insights into the prospects for Burma’s new government and discussed his book, 'Blood, Dreams and Gold: The Changing Face of Burma'. Framing his analysis in Burma’s history, as well as his own experience travelling through the country, Cockett found some cause for optimism at this critical juncture in the country’s trajectory. He cautioned that the recent triumph of Aung Sang Suu Kyi and the National League for Democracy (NLD) should be seen as a new phase in Burma’s transition, rather than the end of a long road towards democracy.

Tim Shipman, Political Editor of The Sunday Times, moderated a panel discussion that analysed the dynamics of the 2016 US elections. Speakers included Anne Applebaum (Director of the Transitions Forum at the Legatum Institute); Tim Montgomerie (Columnist for The Times and Legatum Fellow); and Shanker Singham (Director of Economic Policy and Prosperity Studies and economic advisor to the Marco Rubio Presidential campaign). Introduction by Sian Hansen (Executive Director at the Legatum Institute).

The 2016 History of Capitalism lecture series throws the spotlight on the role played by cities and regions that stand out in particular moments within the History of Capitalism. In this short clip, Huw Bowen, Professor of Modern History at Swansea University, highlights the cities that he believes have had the biggest impact on the past, the present and the future of capitalism. Interviewed by Mary Schutzer-Weissmann, Project Coordinator at the Legatum Institute.

The Legatum Institute's Economics of Prosperity programme hosted a breakfast discussion with Peter Boettke, one of the world’s most prominent Austrian economists. In this short clip, the Legatum Institute's Shanker Singham, Boettke discusses the US elections (in particular, the rise of populist candidates such as Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump), the issue of inequality and economic distortion, which Boettke believes has come about because of the crony capitalism that has been spawned by a regulatory system that is captured by the elites, and why 'innovation' could be the 'magic bullet' for improving human capital.

In October 2015, Princeton University Professor of Economics and International Affairs, Angus Deaton, was awarded the Nobel Prize in economics for his work charting global developments in health, wellbeing and inequality. The Legatum Institute was delighted to host Professor Deaton, in conversation with Democracy Lab editor, Christian Caryl, for a discussion on what it was like to receive 'that' phone call from Stockholm. They also discuss the debate around 'wealth versus health', and the rise of 'big data'.

The 2016 History of Capitalism lecture series throws the spotlight on the role played by cities and regions that stand out in particular moments within the History of Capitalism. In this short clip, David Abulafia, Professor of Mediterranean History at Cambridge University, explains why London was key to the history of capitalism and human flourishing. Interviewed by Mary Schutzer-Weissmann, Project Coordinator at the Legatum Institute.

Alina Mungiu-Pippidi (Hertie School of Government) discusses her new book, 'The Quest for Good Governance: How Societies Develop Control of Corruption' which shows why only so few succeeded in building control of corruption. Her research ranges from medieval Italy to contemporary Uruguay to illustrate what good governance means in practice and what a sound anti-corruption strategy looks like. Interviewed by Christian Caryl, Senior Fellow at the Legatum Institute and editor of Democracy Lab.

A conversation with Antony Beevor, author and historian, to launch the Legatum Institute's latest History of Capitalism report, ‘A World Transformed: Studies in the History of Capitalism’. Interviewed by Hywel Williams, Senior Adviser at the Legatum Institute.

Katya Andreyev (The Russian and East European Studies Centre, University of Oxford) discusses the migration of Tsarist and revolutionary Russian refugees in the late 19th/early 21st century. Katya was at the Legatum Institute to take part in a special panel that looked at why migration has always been a constant feature of history, and how the motivations and mechanisms of people on the move have shaped the world as it is today. Interviewed by Hywel Williams, Senior Adviser at the Legatum Institute.