Join Daniel Freeman as he explores the role of peasants and entrepreneurship in medieval Europe with Dr. Robert Portuss, a lecturer in medieval history. Gain fresh insights into the economic agency of peasants and challenge misconceptions about their role in society. Subscribe for more enlightening discussions on historical topics.

Medieval peasants were trading entrepreneurs, says historian Dr Robert Portass

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.

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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.

Critical Thinking: CEO Pay, Diversity Quotas & Peer Review Biases

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.

British Empire, Colonialism & Slavery: Did Empire Enrich Britain? | IEA Podcast

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.

Bitcoin, Libertarianism, Milei and the Future of Tax | Dominic Frisby

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.

Adrian Chiles Opens Up About Personal Drinking Journey | Swift Half with Snowdon

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.

Medieval peasants were trading entrepreneurs, says historian Dr Robert Portass

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