Charter Cities Podcast

In this episode of the Charter Cities Podcast, Mark speaks with Michael Muthukrishna, Associate Professor of Economic Psychology at LSE, about how cultural evolution explains the rise of human civilization. They explore why Homo sapiens prevailed over Neanderthals, the role of self-domestication and social learning in societal development, and how religion and cooperation have shaped social complexity. The conversation covers major historical shifts—from agriculture to the Industrial Revolution—and examines how modern challenges like declining fertility, institutional stagnation, and academic conformity can be better understood through the lens of cultural evolution.

In this episode of the Freedom Cities Podcast, host Carl Peterson speaks with three Wyoming State Senators—Brian Boner (District 2), Chris Rothfuss (District 9), and Dan Dockstader (District 16)—about the bold future of economic development in Wyoming through the lens of Freedom Cities. The conversation explores Wyoming's unique challenges and opportunities, including how the checkerboard pattern of federal land ownership complicates development and how land swaps could help unlock much-needed access and growth.

In this episode of the Freedom Cities Podcast, Mark Lutter is joined by Patri Friedman, a pioneer in the new cities movement. As the founder of the Seasteading Institute and Managing Partner at Pronomos Capital, Patri has spent the last two decades pushing for new approaches to governance through the creation of innovative urban developments. They explore why Africa represents the most promising frontier for urban innovation, how autonomy and special economic zones can drive development, and what it takes to make new cities work in practice. The episode also addresses key challenges, including financing, talent, and how to build trust in unproven governance models. For listeners interested in the intersection of economics, cities, and systems change, this episode offers a unique perspective from someone who has been at the forefront of the movement to rethink how and where we live.

Isaiah Taylor, CEO and Founder of Valar Atomics, joins the Freedom Cities Podcast to discuss their game-changing advancements in nuclear energy. Learn about their $19 million seed round, their first reactor project in the Philippines, and how scalable nuclear power could transform American industry by driving down energy costs. Isaiah also dives into the regulatory hurdles facing nuclear innovation in the U.S. and the exciting possibilities for reindustrialization and advanced manufacturing. Don't miss this electrifying conversation about the future of energy and freedom!

In this episode of the Freedom Cities Podcast, Edward Pinto discusses his work at the American Enterprise Institute Housing Center, focusing on the housing supply crisis and potential solutions. He emphasizes the importance of utilizing federal land for housing development, particularly through the Bureau of Land Management. Mark and Edward explore Freedom Cities as a solution to the housing shortage, aiming to make homes more affordable for first-time buyers. Pinto advocates for legalizing starter homes to stimulate economic growth and improve housing availability across the country.

Welcome to the Freedom Cities Podcast, a short-form series by the Charter Cities Institute & the Frontier Foundation. In each episode, we sit down with innovators, entrepreneurs & thought leaders to explore how Freedom Cities can drive innovation and economic growth.In our first episode of the Freedom Cities podcast, Joshua Abbotoy discusses his innovative approach to building rural communities in Appalachia, focusing on economic decentralization and the integration of modern amenities. He shares his vision for the future of these areas, the journey that led him to this work, and the potential for new cities that cater to the evolving needs of residents. Joshua emphasizes the unique opportunities presented by Appalachia's natural beauty and historical context, and how these can be leveraged for sustainable growth and community building.

In this episode, Nick Allen from the Frontier Foundation delves into the concept of Freedom Cities, highlighting their potential to rejuvenate American urban landscapes and industries. He explores the historical context of city formation in the U.S., the necessity of supporting emerging industries, and the crucial role of coalition-building among stakeholders. The conversation addresses regulatory reform, housing affordability, and the importance of federal support in making Freedom Cities a reality, offering insightful perspectives on reshaping America's urban future. Join the conversation!

In this conversation, Atossa discusses her book 'The Hidden Globe,' which explores the complexities of special economic zones and the unconventional legal systems that exist outside traditional nation-states. She reflects on her upbringing in Geneva, Switzerland, and how it shaped her understanding of sovereignty and international law. The discussion delves into the evolution of citizenship by investment, the implications of offshoring asylum seekers, and the rise of a digital nomad class that challenges traditional notions of belonging and social contracts. In this conversation, Atossa and Mark delve into the complexities of immigration, the dynamics of migrant labor in Saudi Arabia, the challenges of governance in conflict zones, and the future of charter cities. They explore the motivations behind migration, the implications of statelessness, and the evolving nature of sovereignty in regions experiencing instability. The discussion also touches on the potential and pitfalls of charter cities as a solution to governance issues in developing countries.

In this conversation, Kurtis discusses his transition from CCI to establishing the Africa Urban Lab at the African School of Economics in Zanzibar. He highlights the urgent need for new universities in Africa to harness the continent's demographic potential and improve education quality. The conversation delves into the challenges of setting up a university, the focus on practical skills in the curriculum, and the strategic advantages of Zanzibar as a location. Kurtis also outlines the vision for the Africa Urban Lab and the broader goals for CCI in the coming years. In this conversation, Kurtis and Mark delve into the complexities surrounding charter cities, particularly in Honduras, discussing the political risks, the importance of local integration, and the lessons learned from historical transformations. They explore the role of institutions in economic growth and the challenges faced by societies with fragmented ideologies. The discussion culminates in a reflection on the strategies for economic development, emphasizing the need for a nuanced understanding of institutional frameworks and local contexts.

Imagine a world where cities are not just places to live, but dynamic hubs of innovation, specialization, and cooperation. What if the cities of today are shaping the political and economic landscapes of tomorrow in ways we are only beginning to understand? In this episode, we dive deep into the heart of urban development with Ian Goldin, a leading expert on global development and urbanization. Ian is a renowned Professor of Globalisation and Development at the University of Oxford, where he directs the Oxford Martin School and the Oxford Martin Programme on Technological and Economic Change. In our conversation, we discuss the historical evolution of cities, the ways cities drive innovation, and the transition from manufacturing-based economies to knowledge-based economies. Explore the continued rise of major cities, the challenges they will face, the impact of remote work on urban clustering and economic geography, and how cities shape the politics of a country. Discover strategies for creating more accessible and equitable cities, why transport, education, and housing are vital, how urban policies need to change, mitigating climate change impacts through successful urbanization, and more! Tune in to uncover the hidden mechanisms behind urban success and the future of our rapidly urbanizing world with Ian Goldin!Key Points From This Episode:Discover how cooperation, specialization, and innovation drive the evolution of cities.Unpack the role of diversity and connectivity in driving urban innovation.Learn about the key historical milestones in urban development.Impact of the Industrial Revolution on urban growth and specialization.Insights into the political implications of urban concentration.How cities can successfully transition from a manufacturing-based economy.Unpack the unique challenges faced by cities in developing countries.The future of industrialization and urbanization in a rapidly changing world.Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:Ian GoldinIan Goldin on XOxford University Age of the CityThe Death of DistanceCharter Cities InstituteCharter Cities Institute on FacebookCharter Cities Institute on X

Liberalism in China has taken many twists and turns. And in today's episode, we explore its fascinating history, from its early pre-Western roots, all the way to its current incarnation within the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), and beyond. Joining us to unpack this fascinating topic is Evan Osborne, Professor of Economics at Wright State University, and author of the highly informative new book Markets with Chinese Characteristics: Economic Liberalism in Modern China. We talk with Evan about Chinese economic thought, the country's economic history, and the role that the West has played in China's liberalism. Evan shares his insights on how Western economic liberalism was first introduced to China in the mid-nineteenth century, before expanding on subsequent waves of expansion and repression over the next century. We then discuss the rebirth of economic liberalism in China over the past five decades, what the future of economic and political liberalism might look like in China, and the potential long-term implications of this. To learn more about economic liberalism in modern China, and the complex history that has led to this point, be sure to tune in to this fascinating conversation!Key Points From This Episode:Introducing our guest, Evan Osborne, and his book, Markets with Chinese Characteristics.Unpacking the concept of economic liberalism.An overview of pre-Western, semi-liberal traditions in China.How China responded to Western ideas like those in The Wealth of Nations.The Chinese economy's state of development with the arrival of Western powers.Freedoms that allowed Britain and other European countries to develop in key areas.The history of treaty ports and The Opium Wars.What subsequent political and economic transformations in China looked like.How these transformations spread into the interior of the country.Economic liberalization and how it helped facilitate a departure from imperial traditions.Unpacking the sharp turn against economic liberalism in China in the 20th century.How communist and Chinese theorists interpreted Adam Smith and other economic thinkers.What made the period of reform and openness in China possible after 1978.Why economic liberalization ended up being more successful in China than the Soviet Union.The Hokou (Household Registration) system in China; how relaxing it contributed to China's rapid economic success.A closer look at the emergence of the entrepreneurial class and the business elite in China.The problem of corruption: how the Chinese government holds onto wealth and power.How Xi Jinping's government has influenced liberalism in China.Evan's predictions for the future of China's politics and its economy.Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:Evan OsborneEvan Osborne on LinkedInMarkets with Chinese Characteristics: Economic Liberalism in Modern ChinaAdam SmithThe Wealth of Nations

Imagine Africa built their infrastructure using the same systems as the Western World. Embracing sustainability is a critical element of building a greener future for Africa and the world. Leander Moons is the Founding Owner of Studio OMT Architects, a mass timber architecture and urban design firm working in Africa and Europe. During this episode, he joins us to chat about building in Africa in collaboration with local communities. We discuss the rising industry of mass timber and its potential impact on the future of construction. We explore the opportunities and sustainability considerations for scaling timber construction in Africa, and the various projects in development by Leander's firm in Fumba Town Zanzibar; including Africa's tallest timber tower. Join us for an insightful conversation filled with hope for the impact of green choices in Africa on the world beyond its borders. Thank you for listening.Key Points From This Episode:Background on Leander Moons, Founding Owner of Studio OMT Architects.What mass timber is and where it is predominantly used. Considerations for combining modern materials with traditional methods.Barriers to developing a more robust local timber production industry.Sustainable practices in Tanzania and capitalizing on the lifecycle of a tree.Restoring forest life in the plantations and forests that have been lost due to monoculture.Research into the new products of engineered and mass timber.Tree engineering, breeding, and designing and associated challenges. How Leander came to work in this industry in Africa.Promoting sustainability and local investment through landmark projects.The cost curve of timber as a raw material.A projected timeline of adoption for timber on a larger scale.How financing creates a blockage.Projects in planning including the CheiChei housing project.The importance of building sustainably in Africa and interacting meaningfully with the local communities. Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:Leander Moons on LinkedInStudio OMT ArchitectsCharter Cities InstituteCharter Cities Institute on FacebookCharter Cities Institute on X

How do you take the positive aspects of Silicon Valley, and apply it to a radically different context like developing charter cities? Today, Jeffrey Mason, Head of Research at the Charter Cities Institute (CCI), is joined by Mark Lutter, Founder and Executive Director of CCI, and CEO of Braavos Cities, to discuss how the charter cities ecosystem has evolved over the past few years and what he's learned about building successful coalitions. Mark tells us about the circumstances that motivated him to found CCI, and what it's been like combining key features of Silicon Valley, (like entrepreneurial spirit, disruption, and innovation) with the challenging work of creating a coalition of different stakeholders — some of whom are likely to be relatively conservative. We discuss the broader ecosystem that CCI has been building, and how it can act as a force multiplier for other cities, before learning more about CCI's most recent projects, including their endeavors in Zanzibar and how they are contributing to development there. Mark also expands on his new company, Braavos Cities, their long-term goals, and the work that they are doing in the Caribbean. We wrap up our conversation with an overview of exciting developments to pay attention to in the charter cities space, from Zanzibar to California, and how to gain momentum in politically challenging environments. Be sure to tune in for a deep dive into the evolution of charter cities and their broader ecosystem!Key Points From This Episode:Welcoming back Mark Lutter, executive chairman of the Charter Cities Institute (CCI).An overview of the factors and events that motivated Mark to found CCI.How CCI has adapted the positive aspects of Silicon Valley to the context of charter cities.Lessons from working with multiple stakeholders, including policymakers.Generating buy-in at the elite level of policymakers and other powerful constituencies.CCI's goal to build a broader ecosystem that can act as a force multiplier for multiple cities.Key successes CCI has experienced over the past two years.Takeaways from their conference in Kigali during November 2023.Mark's thoughts on recent news concerning celebrities and charter cities.An overview of the development project in Zanzibar and how CCI is contributing to it.What CCI is doing to increase the funnel of talent to Zanzibar.An outline of what they hope to achieve in Zanzibar over the next 25 years.Unpacking viable economic opportunities in Zanzibar and how they can diversify.Mark's new company, Braavos Cities, and the work that they are doing in the Caribbean.How they get projects across the finish line in politically challenging environments.Advice on engaging with politicians, heads of government, and investors.Key insights on Braavos Cities, their goals, and what they are currently working on.What developments you should be paying attention to in the charter cities space.Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:Mark LutterMark Lutter Charter Cities InstituteMark Lutter on XMark Lutter on MediumBraavos CitiesJeffrey Mason on LinkedIn

Can a city hold the key to unlocking economic prosperity on a grand scale? In this episode, we sit down with Brooke Bowman and Mark Lutter to discuss charter cities and their role in addressing economic development challenges. Mark is a visionary thinker invested in progress, governance, social dynamics, and the concept of new cities. He is the Founder and Executive Chairman of the Charter Cities Institute and CEO of Braavos Cities, a pioneering charter city development company. Brooke is the founder of Vibecamp, a community that aims to foster connections and personal growth. Join us as we delve into the intricacies of community-building, economic development, and cultural influence. We unpack the concept of charter cities as a way to address economic development challenges and the importance of facilitating genuine connections with people through city developments and fostering community and co-living without excessive overhead. Tuning in, you'll discover the value of creating spaces where like-minded individuals can gather and interact and how the intersection of co-creation and play drives culture and innovation. To learn how to unlock the potential of charter cities and create vibrant, sustainable communities with a focus on culture, innovation, and positive societal impact, don't miss this conversation!Key Points From This Episode:Introducing Mark, his background, and his interest in charter cities.The concept of Charter Cities and how they can alleviate poverty.Mark and Brooke's experience of a pop-up community experiment called Zuzalu.How community gatherings help drive innovation in a society.Explore creating a sustainable community with a vibrant culture.The Neighborhood project and how it helping to build communities.What role the internet plays in facilitating the formation of real-life communities.Details about the governance structure of the Próspera development.Incorporating families and children into Vibecamp communities.Insights into how long communities will take to grow to scale.Why mimicking successful models from history is essential.The important sense of community and shared values that festivals provide.Why there is a need for economic development alongside community building.An overview of the legal mechanisms to ensure long-term success.Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:Brooke BowmanBrooke Bowman on XMark LutterMark Lutter on XBraavos CitiesVibecampThe Network State ConferenceJason BennThe NeighborhoodCabin CityCharter Cities InstituteCharter Cities Institute on FacebookCharter Cities Institute on...

What would it take to create the ideal jurisdiction for global tech companies to be able to grow and scale in Africa? Joining us today to unpack this question is Luqman Edu, co-founder and CEO of Itana, Nigeria's first Digital Free Zone. Through their partnership with the Federal Government of Nigeria, Itana is creating an opportunity for global businesses to operate and provide services remotely, without being physically present in Nigeria. We use today's conversation to delve into the ins and outs of building a Digital Free Zone, Itana's ambition to become the Delaware of Africa, how this will help companies connect with untapped African talent, and what it will take to realize these goals. We discuss the key challenges startups and companies typically face when trying to do business in Nigeria or Africa, how Itana is solving these problems, the unique benefits they are offering to the first 100 companies to partner with them, and much more. You won't want to miss out on this thought-provoking conversation with Luqmna Edu on Itana, the innovative work that they're doing, and why success for Itana means success for Africa!Key Points From This Episode:Introducing today's guest, Luqman Edu.An overview of Itana, Nigeria's first Digital Free Zone.Common challenges for companies doing business in Africa.Details on traditional Free Zones in Nigeria.Policy and legal measures for making Itana an authentic Digital Free Zone.A rundown of the incentives for working in Itana.The requirements for being able to operate in Itana.Itana's physical campus and their goals for it.Insight into Itana's progress thus far and the companies operating within Itana.How Itana is helping companies access Nigerian talent.Other Digital Free Zones across the world and how they have influenced Itana.Reflections on the future of Free Zones in Africa more generally.How Luqman's experience in the public and private sector has shaped his choices for Itana.What they are doing to ensure Itana's sustainability.The increasingly important role of tech in the Nigerian economy.How Itana wants to facilitate the success of tech companies across the continent.The Itana 100: who they are and how you can join!Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:Luqman Edu on LinkedInItanaItana 100Charter Cities InstituteCharter Cities Institute on FacebookCharter Cities Institute on X

Many countries need radical structural transformation, specifically in more developing nations, and Growth Teams and made it part of their mission to empower developing countries to create jobs and grow their economies. Today, we are in conversation with the cofounders of Growth Teams, Kartik Akileswaran and Jonathan Mazumdar. The pair are here to discuss how their business is playing its part in creating economic stability in countries around the world. Our conversation begins with a breakdown of Growth Teams, how the company works, and why Kartik and Jonathan chose to build it. After taking a look at our guests' professional backgrounds, we dive into the definition of structural transformation, assess its importance, discover why it's so difficult to facilitate and brainstorm ways for governments to stand true to their promises of transformation. We also learn how Growth Teams gets involved in government outreaches, how it's doing things differently to achieve better results, the countries it is working with, and everything the business has planned moving forward. Key Points From This Episode:What Growth Teams is all about and how Kartik and Jonathan came to found itKartik and Jonathan's professional backgroundsThe importance of structural growth and economic developmentWhy the aforementioned issues are neglected by governments and policymakersDefining structural transformationThe factors that make structural transformation difficult to facilitateOur guests' advice for how governments can uphold their transformation reformsHow labor mobility fits inWhy government outreach programs have low skills retention, and how Growth Teams is fixing thisA look at Growth Team's involvement in government outreaches and how it evolves during the processThe countries that Growth Teams is working with and the company's plans for the futureLinks Mentioned in Today's Episode:Kartik Akileswaran on LinkedInJonathan Mazumdar on LinkedIn Growth Teams‘Governance and Development'The perspective of growth-enhancing governance'‘Which World Bank Reports Are Widely Read?'Pockets of EffectivenessCharter Cities InstituteCharter Cities Institute on FacebookCharter Cities Institute on Xl

Affordable housing and economic development challenges in Africa are multifaceted and interconnected, but what is the solution? In today's conversation, we sit down with Jon Vandenheuvel, the founder of Small Farm Cities Africa and senior advisor for the Charter Cities Institute. Small Farm Cities integrates horticulture, aquaculture, infrastructure, and residential housing for ownership and wealth creation throughout Africa. Jon is a visionary leader in agribusiness, municipal infrastructure development, and applied technology systems. His impactful work spans multiple African nations, where he has spearheaded infrastructure, agribusiness, and e-commerce initiatives to help foster economic growth. In our conversation, we unpack his hyper-affordable agribusiness concept, the importance of systems solutions to systems problems like poverty, and how Jon came to be building new cities in Africa. Discover his definition of affordable housing, what is stunting the development of African countries, and why formal ownership of housing and land is so crucial for Africa. We delve into why building and storing wealth is a core value of Small Farm Cities, how the company plans to scale, leveraging the industrial sector for development, realizing Africa's economic potential, and much more! Jon also shares details about the success of their pilot project in Malawi and how the concept is resulting in larger projects he is currently working on. To find out how Jon is driving housing accessibility and development in Africa, tune in now!Key Points From This Episode:The definition of a small farm city and details about the first community he built.Affordable formal ownership of housing and why it is significant for African countries.Providing an affordable housing baseline while incorporating building options.Learn about the company's approach to housing modularity and scaling. Jon shares his approach to sourcing and developing talent for Small Farm Cities. Scaling the company's method and how it is entering the light industrial sector. Unlocking Africa's industrial potential to build communities and cities. Malawi's Special Economic Zone Law and why it is a win for the country.Valuable lessons and takeaways from their project in Ghana. Transitioning refugee cities into investable and productive cities. His professional background and career journey to Small Farm Cities. Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:Jon Vandenheuvel on LinkedInSmall Farm CitiesAfrica Risk DashboardLeif Van Grinsven on LinkedInStarlinkRio TintoThe Mystery of CapitalNational Planning CommissionThomas Munthali on LinkedInMIT School of Architecture and Urban...

Ethiopia's Developmental State model has garnered attention for its ambitious goals and efforts to transform the economy, but has it been successful? Joining us today is Tom Lavers, Senior lecturer in Politics and Development at The University of Manchester, to help navigate this complex topic. Tom is a dedicated researcher whose passion lies in exploring the intricate interplay between social and political dynamics amid structural shifts. His research is characterized by a nuanced investigation into the changing socio-political landscapes and the evolving relationships between states and societies. In our conversation, we delve into Ethiopia's political coalition shifts and explore the government's achievements and setbacks in fostering development. We discuss Ethiopia's complex historical roots, how statehood has significantly shaped Ethiopia's development trajectory, the distributive crisis in Ethiopia, and the factors contributing to Ethiopia's current challenges. Gain valuable insights into the country's industrial landscape, developmental strategies, geographical equity hurdles, urbanization shifts, and much more. Tune in for a comprehensive exploration of Ethiopia's developmental journey with expert Tom Lavers! Key Points From This Episode:The definition of a developmental state and typical examples.Learn what a distributive crisis is and how it applies to Ethiopia.An overview of the successes and failures of Ethiopia's government.Top-down versus bottom-up factors contributing to Ethiopia's crisis.How centuries of statehood shaped Ethiopia's developmental drive.Explore the evolution of Ethiopia's land and agricultural sector.Ethiopia's equity and ethnically inclusive developmental strategies.Valuable insights into Ethiopia's industrial landscape.Urbanization, industrialization, and the complex interplay with politics.Emerging trends and dynamics of urbanization in Ethiopia.Tom shares details about his next upcoming project.Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:Tom Lavers on LinkedInThe University of ManchesterThe Global Development Institute (GDI) Ethiopia's Developmental State: Political Order and Distributive CrisisSeeing like a State The NYU Marron InstituteCharter Cities InstituteCharter Cities Institute on FacebookCharter Cities Institute on X

In today's episode of Charter Cities, we're honored to welcome Lant Pritchett, a distinguished economist and a thought leader in development economics. Our deep-dive conversation will focus on the critical topic of growth diagnostics, exploring the complex challenges policymakers face in developing nations. Lant will illuminate the importance of identifying impactful actions for growth, emphasizing the need for rigorous debate and evidence-based decision-making. We'll also scrutinize the limitations of traditional development metrics like the "dollar a day" measure and consider alternative, more effective approaches. We'll also investigate innovative solutions like charter cities as a mechanism for fostering sustainable growth by addressing institutional challenges.Key Points From This Episode:Why overemphasis on low-bar goals lead to ineffective randomized control trials in developmentHow bright minds in development economics are missing the markPolicymakers in developing countries lack effective prioritization, not ideas, for fostering economic growthTony Blair's approach focuses on achievable priorities but could benefit from rigorous initial diagnostics for high-impact actionsDeveloping countries grow fast but collapse easily due to fragile "deals-based" governance, unlike OECD's robust rule-based systemsPrioritizing the prevention of growth decelerations; reforms can help but need better diagnosticsShifting focus from economic growth blamed on the end of the Cold War and structural adjustment failuresWeighing charter cities: positives include a focus on urbanization and productivity; challenges involve credibility and feasibility of implementing changeEmphasizing the need for experimentation and policy diversityHow migration from low to high TFP countries can yield 40x greater income gains than anti-poverty programsLabor mobility increasingly viable due to demographic shifts and political changeUrbanization requires new approaches to ensure inclusive, opportunity-driven growth in citiesLinks Mentioned in Today's Episode:RISEHarvard Kennedy SchoolCharter Cities InstituteCharter Cities Institute on FacebookCharter Cities Institute on Twitter

On today's Charter Cities episode, host Jeffrey Mason is joined by colleagues Heba Elhanafy and Matthew McCartney to unpack the New Africa's Bad Urban Laws project. This initiative dissects laws in African cities hindering growth and community well-being. Additionally, Jeffrey reminds listeners of the upcoming Africa's New City Summit in Kigali, Rwanda. The team dives deep, discussing the reasons for and effects of detrimental urban laws, using instances like Zambia's land ownership as an example. Tune in for an insightful discussion on urban policies in Africa.Key Points From This Episode:How urban laws negatively affect African urban environments across fiscal, administrative, and spatial planningThe project exposes bad urban laws and questions their persistent existence in African citiesBad urban laws persist due to misunderstandings, political interests, and distributional benefitsHow Zambia's outdated land ownership laws, rooted in colonial times, benefit a few and hinder economic developmentEgypt's attempt to modernize land laws led to unique urban challenges affecting millionsUrban physician reforms laws with expertise; urban politician navigates political realities for urban changesInteractive map showcases bad urban laws, allows user contributions for more awarenessCCI's research aims for awareness through interactive maps and practical urban reformLinks Mentioned in Today's Episode:Africas New Cities SummitCharter Cities InstituteCharter Cities Institute on FacebookCharter Cities Institute on Twitter

Coming up on today's episode of Charter Cities, we have a very special guest joining host Mark Lutter: Vitalik Buterin, the co-founder of Ethereum. In this episode, we delve into the fascinating world of community building and the importance of creating meaningful connections within cities and online communities. We explore the challenges and successes of building communities in different contexts, from crypto communities to health tribes. With insights from Vitalik's own experiences and observations, we discuss the value of diversity, the impact of infrastructure on small towns, and the need for community filters. Stay tuned for an enriching conversation on the power of communities in shaping our lives and the future of cities.Key Points From This Episode:Factors driving relocation due to cost of livingEmotional disconnect from home countriesGlobal impact of the crypto industryNavigating immigration complexitiesGrowing trend of purposeful location choices for hubsZuzalu community's remarkable success storySignificance of local insights in community buildingDiverse dynamics within health-focused communitiesCautions against hasty expansion and misuse of Zozalu's nameStructured growth imperative as project scalesRegional influencers and quest for secure refugesUrban and rural benefits of clusteringInfrastructure's role in enhancing small town appealSpecial network effects in close-knit communitiesDigital communities united by shared valuesSovereignty quest challenges and complexitiesCommunity's pivotal role in city developmentNavigating delegation challenges and preventing tyrannyLinks Mentioned in Today's Episode:ZuzaluVitalik on TwitterVitalik on MediumCharter Cities InstituteCharter Cities Institute on FacebookCharter Cities Institute on Twitter

Host Jeffrey Mason welcomes esteemed guests Martin Rama and Yue Li to another enthralling episode of Charter Cities. Together, they embark on a deep exploration of the intriguing world of private cities, delving into their impact on urban agglomerations and the delicate interplay with local governments. Tune in today to hear their insights on the successes and challenges that private cities face, as well as the potentials that lie ahead. Through engaging discussions and vivid examples, our hosts and guests will illustrate the multifaceted landscape of private urban development. Martin and Yue share their perspectives on how private actors are reshaping urban environments and the intricate dynamics that govern these relationships. As our episode unfolds, the conversation navigates the complexities of urban development, revealing the key facts and insights surrounding this captivating subject. Thanks for listening!Key Points From This Episode:The significance of private cities as major urban agglomerations with political constituenciesThe push for a voice and a shift towards traditional cities as the population growsResistance against converting successful private cities into traditional onesStrategic underinvestment by private actors in services, relying on government provisionEvolution of institutions between private actors and local governmentsDesigning private cities to offer improved services and environmentsWillingness of residents and firms to pay a premium for landBenefits for developers or companies through increased land valueExploration of different private city models and demographic focusesA historical look at private cities and their reemergence in modern timesExamples of private cities in both advanced and developing countriesAn overview of private cities and their types in various countriesFocus on initial research in South Asia, including India and PakistanIndonesia's status as the country with the highest number of private citiesCategorization into company towns, strategic cities, and mixed citiesPrevalence of strategic cities in Indonesia, with some in IndiaAn analysis of economic activities and government support in private citiesVarious economic activities spearheaded by the private sectorEfforts to seek favorable treatment from the governmentThe role of special economic zones and infrastructure supportStrategies to attract specific industries and investorsThe urgent need for empirical research on economic dynamics and inequalityTentative conclusions and a call for further researchDefinitions and challenges associated with private citiesContradictions with typical city governance run by local governmentThe leading role played by private actors in planning, financing, and service operationChallenging but not new conventional notions of city governancePublic-private partnerships (PPPs) in private city governanceTopological studies, inventories, and governance evolution within private citiesVariations in roles and functions between the private sector and local governmentLand value capture and equity issues in private city developmentThe viability and underinvestment associated with value capture limitationsCreative equity solutions, such as preserving original residents or project sharesExploration of alternative value recovery and fairness mechanismsThe challenges faced by local governments in designing effective value capture strategiesLinks Mentioned in Today's Episode:The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank

Charter Cities Institute Founder and Chairman Mark Lutter returns to the podcast to share his perspective on network states, charter city trends, and more. Mark is also the CEO of Braavos Cities, a charter city development company partnering with local landowners and a leading organizer of Zuzalu, a new pop-up city in Montenegro. Tune in today to hear Mark's insights on existing network states and why they have either succeeded or failed. You'll also learn about some of the challenges associated with attracting appropriate talent to cities in order to facilitate growth. Mark shares his experience at Zuzalu and describes the flat hierarchical structure that was made possible there. Using the metaphor of gardening instead of carpentry, Mark illustrates his unique approach to building network cities. Hear how Mark differs from others in the charter city space on the matter of location and his analysis of the global response to the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. As our episode draws to a close, Mark reveals his thoughts on restarting struggling economies, finding buy-in from local government, and more. Thanks for listening!Key Points From This Episode:An introduction to today's episode with CCI Founder and Chairman Mark Lutter. What Zuzali is and how it came together with reference to Vitalik Buterin and Balaji Srinivasan.Defining the terms ‘pop up city', ‘pop up village', and ‘network state'. How the historical failures of network-type states influence Mark's feelings.Examining the examples of Israel, Utah, Salt Lake City, and Jonestown.Considering why San Francisco is especially susceptible to cults.Why Mark returned from Montenegro and Zuzalu with optimism for network states.How the internet can behave as a giant sorting mechanism.His predictions for how sorting mechanisms will change in the future.The problem of attracting appropriate talent to cities. Why Montenegro was the chosen location for Zuzalu. Building Zuzalu whilst building local relationships.The role of the host government in the success of Zuzalu. Where the name Zuzalu came from.Flat status hierarchies in network cities and other agglomerates.How they managed to sustain a flat hierarchy at Zuzalu. What it means to think like a gardener and not a carpenter.What Braavos Cities is and what it aims to do.Where Mark differs from other folks in the charter city space on the matter of location.Two migration patterns to tap into. The greatest successes of the COVID-19 pandemic and what could have been adopted instead.Distinguishing between Charter Cities Institute and Braavos Cities.Restarting an economy through leveraging comparative advantage.Getting buy-in from local government.Job creation and investment. The Zanzibar project that Mark is excited about at the moment.Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:Mark LutterMark Lutter on TwitterMark Lutter on MediumMark Lutter EmailBraavos CitiesZuzalu

Industrialization has a myriad of consequences that have been studied and speculated upon from the very start. In this episode, Dr. Elliott Green joins us to discuss the impact of industrialization on ethnic identity and diversity. Dr. Green is a political scientist, Africanist, and associate professor in the Department of International Development at The London School of Economics. He is also the author of the book Industrialization and Assimilation and today, we learn about his research and insights on the topic. We delve into the Marx-Geller take on industrialization and find out how Dr. Green conceptualizes it and why he promotes pro-industrialization. We discuss the implications of urbanization without industrialization in Africa and how people use their rural identities as insurance against de-urbanization before investigating the cause of “under-urbanization” in countries like Kenya and Uganda. From the measures of industrialization and its relationship to economic growth and identity formation to the effect of decentralization on assimilation, Dr. Green tackles it all! Tune in for this insightful conversation on all things industrialization and identity.Key Points From This Episode:• Introducing political scientist and Africanist, Dr. Elliott Green• The topic investigated in his book Industrialization and Assimilation: the consequence of Industrialization in terms of ethnic diversity.• How Dr. Green's take on industrialization differs from that of Marx and Geller.• Why we have differing levels of ethnic diversity across the world.• The implications of urbanization without industrialization in Africa.• Cases of de-urbanization in Africa and how people use their rural identities as insurance against it.• Which African regions have the highest and lowest levels of urbanization.• What can be attributed to the “under-urbanization” of countries like Kenya and Uganda.• Why Dr. Green promotes pro-industrialization and how he conceptualizes industrialization.• The relationship between economic growth and industrialization.• Other measures of industrialization.• How industrialization generates broader processes of identity formation, irrespective of politics and religion.• The overlap of religious and ethnic identities in 20th century Turkey.• Instances where industrialization and nation-building do and don't go hand in hand.• Government attempts to create ethnically neutral cities.• Why trust is essential for development.• Dr. Green's take on the “markets make us moral” hypothesis.• To what extent decentralization can affect assimilation or ethnic change.• How the “completion” of industrialization will (or won't) impact identity. Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:Dr. Elliott GreenIndustrialization and AssimilationHa-Joon ChangMagnetic Mountain: Stalinism as a...

We are joined on the show today by Joe McReynolds, co-author of Emergent Tokyo: Designing the Spontaneous City, and we have an extensive conversation about the characteristics of Tokyo urbanism, the role of policy in the city, lessons that may be applied to charter cities, and also some of Joe's thoughts on China's current military capabilities. Joe makes a strong argument for avoiding culturally essentialist understandings of Tokyo, and also plots how the history of Tokyo eschews western understandings of urban planning strategies. We touch on the nature of Tokyo neighborhoods, rental and ownership, greenery and beautification, and much more. To finish off this fascinating chat, we turn to Joe's interest and involvement in Chinese affairs and reflect on the impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict on China's ambitions. So to catch all this and more in this lively and eye-opening chat with Joe, press play!Key Points From This Episode:• A look at Joe's two areas of expertise; urbanism in Tokyo and Chinese National security. • Joe unpacks the different forms of relevant urbanism.• The complexity of Tokyo's urbanism and how it stretches typical western paradigms.• The influence of policy and design on Tokyo and its neighborhoods.• Norms around housing, upkeep, and building standards in Tokyo.• Ownership and renting; Joe talks about the importance of landlords in Tokyo.• Shinto practices and the traditions that subtly bind neighborhood communities.• Tokyo residents' attitudes towards the external impacts on individual lifestyles.• Joe's thoughts on greenery in Tokyo.• Lessons from Tokyo for charter cities and Joe's passion for these projects. • The impact of international restrictions on semiconductor exports to China.• Exploring the example that Russia's war with Ukraine is setting for China.• Joe talks a little bit about Ephemerisle and its representation of competitive governance. Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:Joe McReynoldsJoe McReynolds on TwitterEmergent Tokyo: Designing the Spontaneous CityChina's Evolving Military StrategyKeio UniversityThe Jamestown FoundationEphemerisleJeffrey MasonKurtis LockhartCharter Cities InstituteCharter Cities Institute on Facebook

What do high education and low fertility rates have in common? According to today's guest, Charlie Robertson, they are both positively correlated with economic growth. In today's episode, Charlie shares the reasons why he believes that countries that don't get their fertility rates down to below 3 children per woman and those that don't have adult literacy rates above 70% are doomed to remain trapped in poverty. Join us for a round-the-world trip where Charlie delves into the history of South Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the West, and offers his explanation for why some countries have flourished while others have floundered. Charlie is the Global Chief Economist at Renaissance Capital and the author of The Fastest Billion and The Time-Travelling Economist.   Key Points From This Episode:   •   Understanding economic trends in Africa over the past few years. •   Factors that lead to the creation of urban slums. •   Charlie's hypothesis on the link between fertility and economic growth. •   What Charlie sees as the optimal fertility rate. •   Basic adult literacy rates in Sub-Saharan African countries when they were decolonized. •   A statistic that highlights the progress that has been made on the education front globally. •   Why education is imperative for growth. •   The correlation between education and fertility. •   The importance of correctly sequencing educational priorities. •   An explanation of the economic success being experienced in the Philippines. •   Comparing the rate of economic growth in India and China. •   Reasons why Pakistan hasn't kept up with India's levels of economic growth. •   Explaining Sri Lanka's downfall. •   Charlie's thoughts on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. •   The energy financing issues facing African countries. •   Challenges of using green energy as a baseload power source. •   Why Charlie believes governments should be focusing on providing electricity to factories rather than homes. •   Benefits of decentralized energy systems. •   The potential of municipal-level financing approaches.   Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlie-robertson-6814751/?originalSubdomain=uk (Charlie Robertson on LinkedIn) https://www.rencap.com/ (Renaissance Capital) https://www.amazon.com/Fastest-Billion-Africas-Economic-Revolution/dp/0957420307 (The Fastest Billion) https://www.indiebound.org/search/book?keys=the+time+travelling+economist (The Time-Travelling Economist) https://www.chartercitiesinstitute.org/ (Charter Cities Institute) https://www.facebook.com/Charter-Cities-Institute-424204888015721/ (Charter Cities Institute on Facebook) https://twitter.com/CCIdotCity (Charter Cities Institute on Twitter)

The West's misconceptions about Africa are vast, particularly when it comes to the realm of business. Today we are joined by Dr. Deanne de Vries, who has worked across the continent in various capacities for over 30 years. She is currently an advisor for firms looking to enter the African market and is the author of Africa: Open for Business. In this episode, Deanne fills us in on the challenges and the exciting opportunities for doing business in Africa, sharing insights into the evolving tech and startup scenes. We discuss Africa's agricultural and manufacturing sectors, and Deanne breaks down what governments need to do to boost these industries. To hear about the community-centric focus of African business and to find out why on-the-ground integrated local presence is far more valuable than any data, tune in! Key Points From This Episode: •   The history of Deanne de Vries' work in Africa. •   The ABC of learning to do business in unfamiliar territory: Appetite, Bandwidth, and Capital. •   The evolution of the African tech scene. •   The focus of Africa's startup scene. •   The potential for French-speaking West Africa to rise in the tech sector. •   What governments can do to boost agricultural productivity in Africa. •   The importance of access to the market, in terms of agriculture. •   The challenges faced by Africa's manufacturing industry. •   Why African business can't be judged by statistics alone. •   The number one key to success for doing business in Africa. •   Deanne shares a case study to illustrate the importance of being on the ground. •   The potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area to promote business in Africa. •   The greatest Western misunderstandings about doing business in Africa. •   The challenge of data accuracy across Africa. •   What trumps data when it comes to doing business. •   The number one way to de-risk any deal in Africa. •   Deanne shares her chocolate chip cookie story. •   The impact of China's increasing presence across the continent. •   The influence of Turkey, Russia, and the UAE on Africa. •   How best to think about market entry in Africa.    Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: https://www.drdeannedevries.com/ (Dr. Deanne de Vries) https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-deanne-de-vries-582168a/ (Dr. Deanne de Vries on LinkedIn) https://www.instagram.com/drdeannedevries (Dr. Deanne de Vries on Instagram) https://www.amazon.com/Africa-Business-Discover-Continent-Opportunity/dp/B09SVTTZFS (Africa: Open for Business) https://www.chartercitiesinstitute.org/ (Charter Cities Institute) https://www.facebook.com/Charter-Cities-Institute-424204888015721/ (Charter Cities Institute on Facebook) https://twitter.com/CCIdotCity (Charter Cities Institute on Twitter)

If you're a regular listener of this podcast you may be familiar with the term Special Economic Zone (SEZ). In short, SEZ refers to an area where business and trade laws are different from the rest of the country. Typically, these zones will have laws or legal codes and regulations that make it attractive for businesses to relocate there. Today on the show you'll learn all about these zones and more as we sit down with Joseph McKinney, CEO of the Catawba Digital Economic Zone (DEZ), a new SEZ established by the Catawba nation based in the Carolinas. In our conversation, we break down the economic and philosophical objectives of the Catawba DEZ and its unique legal and regulatory frameworks as well as how this zone is integrated into tribal governance. We also discuss the Catawba DEZ's special focus on FinTech, digital assets, advancing the digital economy, and why this gives them a competitive edge. Learn about the work they're doing to explore physical infrastructure for data centers, supercomputers, and crypto mining, and why Joseph believes this has the most promising revenue-generating potential. Today's episode takes a deep dive into SEZs and DEZs and breaks down how they can benefit indigenous people when implemented correctly, as well as what it takes to institute good governance. To learn more, make sure you tune in for key insights on this expansive and important topic!   Key Points From This Episode:   ●     Get to know today's guest, Joseph McKinney, his background, and how he became CEO at Catawba Digital Economic Zone (DEZ). ●     An overview of the Startup Societies Network and how it was founded. ●     A breakdown of DEZs and how they work. ●     The regulatory advantages of DEZs. ●     The authority that Native Americans have within their states and how that applies to regulatory governance. ●     How DEZs are creating a middle ground for tribal governance and regulation. ●     How the Catawba tribe benefits from the DEZ in the Carolinas. ●     Some of the physical infrastructure that they're expecting to create, including data centers and supercomputers. ●     An overview of how the Catawba Digital Economic Zone is creating regulatory certainty for Web3, crypto, blockchain, and fintech companies. ●     How digital economic zones are expected to fit into existing trends within the tech industry. ●     The most important value proposition made by the Catawba DEZ. ●     Why this type of SEZ needs a combination of startup culture mobility, along with a secure foundation of good governance. ●     How special economic zones are helping the United States improve its business environment. ●     How the Catawba DEZ in the Carolinas, hopes to compete with Delaware.   Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-mckinney-2a973aba/ (Joseph McKinney on LinkedIn) https://www.startupsocieties.com/ (Startup Societies Network) http://zoneauthority.io/ (Catawba Digital Economic Zone) https://www.forbes.com/sites/johnkoetsier/2022/05/06/this-indian-nation-is-setting-up-a-special-economic-zone-for-crypto-fintech-blockchain-on-native-land/?sh=40e74e2d3f41 (Forbes: This Indian Nation Is Setting Up A Special Economic Zone For Crypto, Fintech, Blockchain On Native Land) https://fortune.com/2022/07/06/crypto-regulation-tribal-land-catawba-nation-south-carolina-web-3/ (Fortune: Is the future of crypto regulation on tribal land?) https://www.coindesk.com/policy/2022/07/13/us-tribal-nation-backed-economic-zone-passes-rules-defining-digital-assets/ (Coindesk: US Tribal Nation-Backed Economic Zone Passes Rules Defining...

Stefan Dercon is the author of Gambling on Development, in which he details his theory of the elite bargain framework for development in low-income countries. Stefan is a Professor of Economic Policy at the University of Oxford, and also serves as the Director of the Center for the Study of African Economies. Prior to his current academic posts, he has extensive experience in the world of policy, as the Chief Economist at the Department for International Development and as an advisor to the UK's Foreign Secretary. In our conversation with Stefan in today's show, we get to delve deep into his elite bargain idea, the impact of effective altruism, the need for self-awareness within governments, and how far lessons from certain examples can be applied to other states. We also get to talk about political settlements and how his framework fits into the context of current popular theories and explanations for economic growth. So to catch all this and a whole lot more, be sure to listen in to this great chat with Stefan Dercon! Key Points From This Episode: •   Stefan's perspective on the different skills needed for policy implementation and idea generation. •   The challenges of communicating the need for policy experimentation to politicians. •   Some key ingredients to effective government meetings and common mistakes that Stefan has seen. •   Examples from Stefan of the kind of practical implementations he has seen used well in governance.  •   Stefan shares some examples that underline his book's main thesis about successful development. •   An approach to determining a country's emerging development bargain. •   Our guest unpacks the three conditions for development bargains noted in his book. •   Why a certain model for development cannot be expected to have the same success in a different context. •   The impact that studying Asia later in his career has had on Stefan's frameworks and philosophy. •   Stefan talks about his findings on possible lessons from urbanization in China. •   Issues that Stefan has with the idea and terminology of political settlements. •   Contrasting Stefan's argument with the thesis of Why Nations Fail. •   Suggestions on how to motivate elites to engage and gamble on development.   •   Stefan's personal perspective on economic growth and its role in poverty alleviation.  •   Why meaningful progress is dependent on a certain amount of risk.  •   How Stefan would suggest spending money on growth interventions and lessons from Africa in the 1990s.  •   What the situation in Sri Lanka right now teaches us about investment in people. •   The danger of consolidating authoritarianism in countries such as China and Rwanda. •   How the mobility of a burgeoning middle class can impact the development of a state.  •   Stefan weighs in on the potential scalability problem in a technocracy. •   Some of Stefan's reflections on his time at DFID and its challenges. •   Looking to the horizon with Stefan and his forthcoming projects.     Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: https://www.bsg.ox.ac.uk/people/stefan-dercon (Stefan Dercon) https://www.gamblingondevelopment.com/ (Gambling on Development) https://twitter.com/gamblingondev (Stefan Dercon on Twitter) https://www.ox.ac.uk/ (University of Oxford) https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-international-development (Department for International Development) https://www.gov.uk/government/people/justine-greening (Justine Greening) https://www.rorystewart.co.uk/ (Rory Stewart) https://www.bsg.ox.ac.uk/people/paul-collier (Paul Collier)...

Development is one of the major challenges of our time. Unfortunately, it's often approached in a way that does more harm than good. Efosa Ojomo has a better solution, and he's here today to share it. Efosa is the leader of the Global Prosperity Research Group at the Clayton Christensen Institute for Disruptive Innovation, the co-author of The Prosperity Paradox, and the author of the upcoming book, The Prosperity Process. In this episode, Efosa explains how his first foray in the development space (building wells in Nigeria) catalyzed a journey of discovery which led him to realize that, in order to truly change the world, we need to implement pull strategies instead of push strategies and focus on market creating innovations. He shares some examples of what these innovations look like and we discuss what it takes to be a market creating innovator, how regulation impacts innovation, a new way to think about corruption, and more! Make sure to tune in today.   Key Points From This Episode:   •  The lesson Efosa learned through his first foray in the development world. •  Definitions of the three types of innovation that Efosa and his co-authors explain in depth in their book, The Prosperity Paradox. •  Efosa shares the story of Mo Ibrhaim to highlight the power of market creating innovations. •  Push versus pull development strategies and the problem with the former. •  The story of Indomie Noodles as an example of the huge amount of change that can be made through the implementation of a pull strategy. •  How a proliferation of government agencies negatively impacts a country's entrepreneurial ecosystem. •  The type of person who is best suited to be a leader in the market creating innovation space. •  Aid for developing countries: how the approach needs to change. •  Efosa explains why good laws are not enough to create thriving communities. •  Key factors that resulted in the rise and fall of Venice. •  How Efosa believes we should be tackling the issue of corruption. •  A tribute to Clayton Christenson. •  The Prosperity Process; Efosa's future book.     Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:   http://www.apple.com (Efosa Ojomo) https://twitter.com/EfosaOjomo (Efosa Ojomo on Twitter) https://www.christenseninstitute.org/global-prosperity/ (Global Prosperity Research Group at the Clayton Christensen Institute for Disruptive Innovation) https://www.amazon.com/Prosperity-Paradox-Innovation-Nations-Poverty/dp/0062851829 (The Prosperity Paradox) https://www.britannica.com/biography/Mo-Ibrahim (Mo Ibrahim) https://www.hurstpublishers.com/book/gambling-on-development/ (Gambling on Development) https://www.linkedin.com/in/yuen-yuen-ang-35a93920/ (Yuen Yuen Ang) https://www.amazon.com/Why-Nations-Fail-Origins-Prosperity/dp/0307719227 (Why Nations Fail) https://www.amazon.com/Innovators-Dilemma-Revolutionary-Change-Business/dp/0062060244 (The Innovator's Dilemma) https://www.amazon.com/Innovators-Solution-Creating-Sustaining-Successful/dp/1422196577 (The Innovator's Solution) https://www.chartercitiesinstitute.org/ (Charter Cities Institute) https://www.facebook.com/Charter-Cities-Institute-424204888015721/ (Charter Cities Institute on Facebook) https://twitter.com/CCIdotCity (Charter Cities Institute on Twitter)

Dr. Jared Rubin is the co-author of How the World Became Rich: The Historical Origins of Economic Growth, which he wrote with Mark Koyama, a previous guest on the podcast. We are so happy to welcome Jared to the show today to discuss the thesis of his book, and what he and Mark aimed to add to the literature on the subject of economic growth in the contemporary context. This is a fascinating and thoughtful conversation, packed with insight and nuance on important arguments of the past, what is needed to broaden and enhance our understanding of economic growth, and how far these projects might go towards enabling us to see a better future. Dr. Rubin answers some questions about geographic, legal, and technological explanations for growth, and stresses the importance of synergy and interplay between these theories for a more illuminating picture. So to hear all this and a whole lot more, including many reasons to pick up his latest book, tune in today!   Key Points From This Episode:   •   Introducing the role of culture in economic growth, and tracing the roots of this inquiry. •   Positioning How the World Became Rich in the lineage of literature on the subject of growth.  •   Looking at England and the emergence of modern growth; arguments over the most important factors. •   Why Dr. Rubin tried to bring different theories into conversation through writing this book. •   Unpacking the argument for the role of liberal speech norms in the history of development, proposed by McCloskey. •   Technological progress and geographic endowments; why this relationship is worth exploration. •   Dr. Rubin's perspective on the role of law and legal systems in the growth trajectory of a country. •   Discussing the relative slowing of growth in the Western world and what this may mean. •   Dr. Rubin briefly comments on an argument for total factor productivity growth being linear. •   Thoughts on big picture topics through a micro lens. •   The lessons we can take from history for the most impactful policies for growth in the future.     Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:   https://www.jaredcrubin.com/ (Dr. Jared Rubin) https://www.chapman.edu/ (Chapman University) https://www.amazon.com/How-World-Became-Rich-Historical/dp/1509540237 (How the World Became Rich: The Historical Origins of Economic Growth) https://twitter.com/jaredcrubin?lang=en (Dr. Jared Rubin on Twitter) https://economics.gmu.edu/people/mkoyama2 (Mark Koyama) https://chartercitiesinstitute.org/podcast/charter-cities-podcast-episode-16-state-capacity-religious-toleration-and-political-competition-with-mark-koyama/ (Charter Cities Podcast Episode 16 with Mark Koyama) https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/economic-sciences/1995/lucas/biographical/ (Robert Lucas) https://economics.northwestern.edu/people/directory/joel-mokyr.html (Joel Mokyr) https://www.amazon.com/Culture-Growth-Origins-Schumpeter-Lectures/dp/0691168881 (Culture of Growth) https://henrich.fas.harvard.edu/ (Joe Henrich) https://www.britannica.com/biography/Max-Weber-German-sociologist (Max Weber) https://www.amazon.com/Protestant-Ethic-Spirit-Capitalism/dp/1603866043 (The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism) https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/economic-sciences/1992/becker/facts/ (Gary Becker) https://press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/chicago/C/bo5970597.html (Culture and the Evolutionary Process) https://press.princeton.edu/our-authors/o-grada-cormac (Cormac Ó Gráda) https://www.deirdremccloskey.com/ (Deidre McCloskey) https://growthecon.com/ (Deitrich Vollrath) https://www.amazon.com/Fully-Grown-Stagnant-Economy-Success/dp/0226820041 (Fully Grown) https://www.stern.nyu.edu/faculty/bio/thomas-philippon (Thomas Philippon) https://www.chartercitiesinstitute.org/...

China's presence in Africa is widely speculated upon (and wildly misunderstood). Joining us today to speak to the truth of the matter is Sinologist-Africanist Professor of International Development at Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies, Deborah Brautigam. Deborah is also the Director of the China Africa Research Initiative (CARI) and author of Will Africa Feed China? and, more famously, The Dragon's Gift: The Real Story of China in Africa. In this episode, she shares her nuanced perspective on the Chinese development model and aid program in Africa and how the rise of NGOs has shifted the nature of aid, in general. We discuss the role of aid as a geopolitical instrument and the differences in the ways China and the West approach the funding of infrastructure in Africa. We learn about Chinese loans versus commoditized loans, the lessons China has learned through its various endeavors, and the lessons Deborah suspects it is yet to learn. Tune in to hear more about the balance of ensuring sustainability and respecting sovereignty, what's causing the decline in Chinese infrastructure lending, and where China's focus has turned since the pandemic. Key Points From This Episode: •   Deborah Brautigam's interest in the Chinese development model and aid program in Africa. •   The argument of her first book, Will Africa Feed China? •   The problems Western aid projects have faced. •   How the rise of NGOs has shifted the nature of aid. •   The accountability structure of China in Africa. •   Aid as a geopolitical instrument. •   The two primary sources of finance for infrastructure in Africa: China and the bond markets. •   The Japanese Goa formula and its impact on Chinese aid practices today. •   How Chinese commodity-backed aid differs from that of Western entities. •   Zambia's privatization of their copper mines. •   Why commoditized loans have a bad reputation. •   The advantage Chinese loans have over commoditized loans. •   Competitive bidding and external supervision of Chinese infrastructure in Angola. •   China's reasons for supporting the developing world in the 60s and 70s: to support socialism and wrest diplomatic recognition away from Taipei and towards Beijing. •   The lessons China took from undertaking the Tanzam railway project in the 70s. •   Tazara Syndrome: the pride of funding projects nobody else wants to fund. •   The art of project appraisal and how to minimize risk in demand projections. •   China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). •   The balance between ensuring the sustainability of aid projects and respecting sovereignty. •   How political interests undermine the ability of state-owned enterprises to be sustainable. •   The specialization and division of labor between China and the West. •   The Western profit model of new urban agglomerations. •   The misguided New Yorker report on debt-trap diplomacy in Sri Lanka. •   Reasons for the recent decline in Chinese infrastructure spending. •   China's plans to focus on local infrastructure. •   Various views on China's motives amongst policymakers. •   Deborah's book recommendations pertaining to Chinese issues.   Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: https://deborahbrautigam.com/ (Deborah Brautigam) https://twitter.com/d_brautigam (Deborah Brautigam on Twitter) https://www.amazon.com/Dragons-Gift-Story-China-Africa/dp/0199606293 (The Dragon's Gift: The Real Story of China in Africa) https://www.amazon.com/Will-Africa-Feed-China/dp/B017DNILOS (Will Africa Feed China?)...

Dr. Linda Colley is a leading expert on British imperial and global history, among other topics in British history. Dr. Colley is the M.C. Davis 1958 Professor of History at Princeton University, here today to discuss her newly published book, https://www.amazon.com/Gun-Ship-Pen-Warfare-Constitutions-ebook/dp/B085T9SF7P (The Gun, The Ship, and the Pen: Warfare, Constitutions and the Making of the Modern World), which explores the complex interrelationship between the rise of modern warfare and the rise of modern constitutionalism worldwide. After introducing Dr. Colley, and discussing the themes of her book, we launch into a conversation about what drove her to research and write about the topic of constitutions across the globe. Hear about the brief period during 1653 when Britain had its own constitution, before Dr. Colley unpacks the role of printing press technology and the spread of literacy, and explains why building the French navy helped the American revolutionaries, but not the French monarchy. We address Toussaint's two purposes for the constitutions, which unfolds into a discussion about the extent to which constitutions are not just a domestic tool, but serve an international purpose, with Tunisia as one of our examples. Hear how Japan's constitution has worked to concede certain rights for its people, learn about James Beale's vision for governance and modernization, and much more. Tune in for an in-depth discussion on the ever-evolving role of this fascinating type of document today.   Key Points From This Episode:   •   Today's guest, Dr. Linda Colley, expert on British imperial and global history. •   Themes explored in her newly published book, https://www.amazon.com/Gun-Ship-Pen-Warfare-Constitutions-ebook/dp/B085T9SF7P (The Gun, The Ship, and the Pen). •   The brief period during 1653 when Britain had its own constitution. •   What moved her to write about global constitutions and their interpretations. •   The constitution drafted in Philadelphia in 1787's role in influencing the rest of the globe. •   Mechanics of the relationship between war, revolution, and the emergence of constitutions. •   How the spread of literacy and printing presses facilitated codified constitutions. •   Why building the French navy helped the American revolutionaries, but not the French monarchy. •   Toussaint's two purposes for the constitutions: to eradicate slavery in Haiti, and make it known to France that this is the case. •   The extent to which constitutions are not just a domestic tool, but a play for international legitimacy. •   Tunisia's different approach to constitution making. •   How Japan's constitution has worked to concede certain rights for its people. •   James Beale's vision for governance and modernization. •   The evolution and plateau of the role and rights of women in society. •   Observing the link to the pressures of war within global constitutions. •   How Thomas Paine's military service impacted his views, and how actual military service influences constitution makers in general. •   Catherine the Great in Russia and Bolivar in South America, and their constitutional influence. •   Tacit borrowings from the British model, and ultra-plagiarism in Norway. •   The best practices approach that can be pulled from all of these methods. •   How constant borrowing results in a final text that is distinct for each entity. •   Why the average duration of written constitutions is only 18 years and what that means. •   Why many constitutions within a country is not a failure, with South America as an example. •   The evolving aims and...

Today's episode is a bonus episode, where we take a deep dive into the Italian Renaissance (with a focus on Venice) with world-renowned expert, Professor Corey Tazzara. From the fall of the Roman Empire to the formation of independent city-states, to the financial and political ramifications of the crusades, to the rise and fall of Venice as an economic powerhouse, this conversation has it all! We start at the beginning, with a comment on the role of the Middle Ages in the formation of society as it is today, and how the literature of the times contributed to the maintenance of the Roman Empire as a power. Despite this, there was decentralization across Europe in the 800s, and independent city-states arose. Rome regained its power from tourism and through regaining the seat of the papacy, while Florence formed the birthplace of the Renaissance through its art, culture, and adoption of investment banking. Milan became an authoritarian state, and we hear how the condottieri contributed to this. Unexpectedly, Genoa gained wealth in the loss of the War of Chioggia, while Venice was created from the marshes by refugees. The focus of the conversation shifts to the role of Venice in the Renaissance, and how it influenced society as we see it today. We learn how venture capital was created to profit from the Crusades, and how links to other cultures and societies benefitted the trade between Venice and the rest of Europe and the Middle East. Tune in to find out how the Venice of today differs from the Renaissance era Venice, and so much more, in this incredible discussion!   Key Points From This Episode:   •   Welcome to Corey Tazzara, professor of history at Scripps College and the world's leading expert on medieval and early modern freeports. •   Background into the decentralization of the Roman Empire, and why we owe today's society to the Middle Ages. •   How the literature of the Middle ages maintains the Roman Empire's power. •   The formation of independent city-states across Europe, and how they worked. •   The role of the papacy in reviving Roman law. •   What the 12th Century Renaissance is, and how it impacted the European economy. •   How the crusades altered the trade done at the port city-states: sea vs land travel. •   Why the Fourth Crusade was the first example of venture capital. •   The radical democracies that started in the Byzantine era across Italy. •   A quick tour of the major houses at play across the city-states in the 1300s. •   The revival of Rome: from the center of an empire to a tourism hotspot. •   How Florence became a republic, and why Corey feels it is the birthplace of the Renaissance. •   Why the adoption of investment banking fueled Florence's prosperity and the rise of the Medici family. •   Turning to Genoa: how the loss of the War of Chioggia lead to the gain of Western wealth in the centuries to come. •   The role of the condottieri in Milan's authoritarian government and war-based economy. •   Who Francesco Sforza was, and how he served as an example of the dangers of the condottieri to political powers. •   A few honorable mentions of other city-states that had tumultuous histories throughout the Renaissance. •   The formation of Venice: how it was formed, and why its history is so different from other city-states. •   The story of St. Mark's remains, why Mussolini hated the church of San Marco, and what these anecdotes say about Venice. •   Why Venice is the birthplace of investment banking and its role in the Fourth Crusade. •   How making Venice the gateway to the Levant drove up profit and Venetians who changed the world....

The Ukraine-Russia conflict has dominated headlines over the past few months, with countless theories and hypotheses being touted to explain Russia's aggression. Join us as we talk to one of the world's leading experts on violence and politics, Professor Chris Blattman. We start the episode with an explanation of why Chris chose to write his latest book Why We Fight: The Roots of War and the Paths to Peace, and how he can apply the logic within to explain Putin's motivations and behavior. We learn why peace is a better driver for innovation and competition than war, and what Chris feels about the controversial observations made by John Mearsheimer about the Ukraine-Russia conflict. Tune in to learn what the George Washington example is, and the role of the COVID-19 pandemic in the rising levels of violence within the USA. We next move on to the role of CBT in reducing violence across the globe, with some insightful examples of Mr. Rogers-like personas across Africa who Chris has worked with. This episode is jam-packed with tons of fascinating insights into current affairs, how to best tackle poverty, theoretical debate and so much more. Join us today as we talk to a true role model and thought leader on another episode of the Charter Cities podcast.   Key Points From This Episode:   •   An introduction to Chris Blattman, author, economist, political scientist, expert on violence, and seasoned peacebuilder. •   The inspiration behind why Chris wrote Why We Fight: The Roots of War and the Paths to Peace. •   Chris's response to John Mearsheimer's observations on the Ukraine-Russia conflict. •   Why Chris is content that his book was published before Russia invaded Ukraine. •   The five logics of war applied to the Ukraine-Russia conflict: unchecked interests, intangible incentives, uncertainty, commitment problems, and misperceptions. •   Why Chris feels that peace drives competition and innovation better than war. •   The George Washington example: what it means and how it can be applied to other situations. •   Why Chris is interested in applying Machiavellian logic to his research and blogging. •   How the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted levels of violence within the USA, and why. •   Why the Mr. Rogers principle is so effective, and examples Chris has come across in other countries. •   CBT and how it can be applied to reduce poverty. •   The monetary values associated with CBT across different cultures. •   Why oversimplifying complex problems is bad for the solution, and why including locals in the solution is key to success. •   An example of one of Chris' RCTs that failed! •   Why Chris feels that he might have had a larger impact on society if he had moved into consulting in Africa. •   The factors that helped to make the Harris School the success it is today. •   Why Chris thinks giving cash is more effective at reducing poverty than other interventions. •   How decentralizing power will be the ultimate solution to poverty. •   Chris's thoughts on the Charter Cities Institute and goals. •   Where Chris is now, and the issues he will be researching in the next five years.     Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisblattman/ (Chris Blattman on LinkedIn) https://chrisblattman.com/ (Chris Blattman) https://chrisblattman.com/why-we-fight/ (Why We Fight: The Roots of War and the Paths to Peace) https://www.amazon.com/Better-Angels-Our-Nature-Violence/dp/0143122010 (The Better Angels of Our Nature: Why Violence Has Declined) https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-tilley-obe-a242501b8/?originalSubdomain=uk (Charles Tilley on LinkedIn)...

In order to build the cities of the future, there is a need for synergy between a number of elements and institutions and, as philanthropy evolves with the times, an active approach to impacting the necessary changes means an understanding of these sometimes disparate forces. Joining us on the show today to discuss his philanthropic philosophy and plans is the Founder of GitLab, Sid Sijbrandij. Sid is also a supporter of the Charter Cities Institute while occupying an active role in the nutrition, software, crypto, and non-profits spaces. Today, he generously shares his thoughts on what is needed right now in order to push things forward for the next generation of cities. We discuss GitLab's approach to helping Ukraine and their contingent of employees who live in the country and we touch on what needs attention in the longer term, especially with regards to bridging gaps between separate industries or institutions for shared benefit before Sid shares his thoughts on how AI will influence philanthropy in the coming years and what he hopes to see in the cities of the future. To hear all this and much more from a very special guest, join us on Seeding the Future! Key Points From This Episode: •   GitLab's current focus on helping Ukraine and its employees stationed there. •   The role of new technology in providing aid for Ukraine. •   Motivations for Sid's philanthropy and how he frames his efforts.  •   Creative opportunities presented by remote work and new cities. •   Considering the different avenues through which Sid explores impacting positive change. •   Sid's thoughts on where new wealth might go and how innovation can lead to impact. •   Areas that could be improved upon; bringing together wisdom from different spaces.    •   The things that Sid looks for when assessing a new team or organization to work with. •   AI and philanthropy in the 21st century; Sid weighs in on where we are headed.  •   What happens when money transfers between generations and how it impacts philanthropy. •   Sid's predictions about the geography of wealth and giving. •   Transparency and opinions in a big company; why Sid stands by this model. •   Amenities that Sid values in the charter cities of the future. •   Factors that would have a positive influence on philanthropic involvement in charter cities.  •   The excitement that Sid holds for longer-term projects.  •   Important questions in the discussion on the future of philanthropy. •   Balancing the roles of the state and philanthropic institutions for public goods.   Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: https://twitter.com/sytses (Sid Sijbrandij on Twitter) https://about.gitlab.com/ (GitLab) https://www.givewell.org/ (GiveWell) https://www.forbes.com/profile/john-arnold/ (John Arnold) https://www.lionsclubs.org/en (Lions) https://www.rotary.org/en (Rotary) https://www.streetartbio.com/artists/banksy/ (Banksy) https://www.thirdsectorcap.org/team/caroline-whistler/ (Caroline Whistler) https://www.thirdsectorcap.org/ (Third Sector) https://www.chartercitiesinstitute.org/ (Charter Cities Institute)

Welcome to Seeding the Future, a podcast from the Charter Cities Institute, where we explore how giving and philanthropy are changing as wealth is created in new industries, at younger ages, and by more diverse demographics. In this inaugural epode, we hear from John Arnold, American philanthropist, former Enron executive, and Founder of Arnold Ventures, about philanthropy for policy change. John hit it big trading natural gas in the 1990s and 2000s, going on to found one of the most successful energy trading hedge funds, Centaurus Energy, after leaving Enron. He now ranks as one of the world's richest people, with a net worth well over a billion dollars, and runs Arnold Ventures (formerly the Laura and John Arnold Foundation) with his wife, an organization doing groundbreaking work in criminal justice reform. Today, John shares how education reform, system design, and public policy inform his giving and some of the challenges he has encountered in advocating for policy. We discuss political polarization, crypto wealth, and their impact on philanthropy and John shares his interesting perspective on nonprofits as third parties that can solve problems in areas that governments and the private sector can't, plus so much more! Make sure not to miss this conversation with the billionaire philanthropist taking on criminal justice reform, John Arnold. Key Points From This Episode: •   How education reform, system design, and public policy have informed John's philanthropy. •   What his strategy for impact entails when it comes to advocating for policy. •   Major changes John has witnessed in philanthropy, including a shift to ‘giving while living'. •   Bridging the gap between founders and the nonprofit world with patience and commitment. •   Why John believes nonprofits need to be more direct with donors. •   Challenges that come with advocating for policy, particularly in the criminal justice space. •   Political polarization and philanthropy; what role nonprofits can play in voting reform. •   How decentralized crypto wealth will impact the philanthropy of the future. •   Global conflict resolution efforts and why organizations have lost momentum in this area. •   Finding problems that philanthropy can solve by looking in areas that are too politically or financially risky for the government or the private sector. •   John's thoughts on the disconnect between philanthropic intent and philanthropic action. •   The inherent flaws of donor-advised funds that the ACE Act seeks to solve. •   Why John is impressed by philanthropic efforts in the climate change space. •   Why he encourages founders, philanthropists, and nonprofits not to wait until tomorrow. •   How to address the issue of connecting nonprofits with donors and vice versa.   Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: https://twitter.com/JohnArnoldFndtn (John D. Arnold on Twitter) https://www.arnoldventures.org/ (Arnold Ventures) https://ssir.org/articles/entry/against_big_bets# (‘Against Big Bets') https://chartercitiesinstitute.org/ (Charter Cities Institute) https://www.linkedin.com/in/skye-lawrence/ (Skye Lawrence on LinkedIn)

Across the global south, cities are growing outwards instead of upwards. Talking to us today about why this is a bad thing for commuters, is urban planning researcher Heba Elhanafy. We dive into the episode with an overview of what the newly released planning guidelines cover, and how new city making has evolved. We hear about the three topics the planning guidelines tackle (how the global south builds, what works, and what doesn't work), and why a single developer working on a city is less effective than multiple developers and shareholders. Heba breaks down the benefits of building bottom-up, instead of top-down, and describes what developers can expect to learn from the planning guidelines. We also hear about two examples of urban planning done right: the Manhattan example, and the much smaller scale Ethiopian Urban Expansion initiative. Tune in to learn how communities help the expansion and growth of a development, and how planning a city can help lift people out of poverty. We wrap up the episode with some of Heba's personal experiences of traffic living in cities across the global south, and why she believes a new model needs to be implemented. So, for all this and so much more, press “Play” now!   Key Points From This Episode:   •   Welcome to today's guest, urban researcher Heba Elhanafy. •   What the newly released planning guidelines cover. •   How new city-making has changed over time. •   The three topics the planning guide looks at: how the global south builds, what works, and what doesn't work. •   Why one developer building a city is a bad idea. •   The benefits of building bottom-up, instead of top-down. •   How planning can assist chartering cities that lift people out of poverty. •   Why the planning guidelines will help developers. •   An example of the Ethiopian Urban Expansion Initiative. •   Understanding that communities will help with the expansion and growth of a development. •   The Manhattan example, as a large-scale example. •   Enhancing mobility within a city, and the benefits to workers. •   Why building up is better than building out.   Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/heba-elhanafy-918691a0/ (Heba Elhanafy on LinkedIn) https://www.chartercitiesinstitute.org/ (Charter Cities Institute) https://www.facebook.com/Charter-Cities-Institute-424204888015721/ (Charter Cities Institute on Facebook) https://twitter.com/CCIdotCity (Charter Cities Institute on Twitter)

In January 2020, the Building Better, Building Beautiful Commission published ‘Living with beauty', a report that has led to a new national design guide and model design code with changes to the national policy. The policy changes replaced the word ‘good design' with ‘beauty', but is there more to beauty than just appearance? Joining us to discuss the beautification of urban spaces today is Dr. Samuel Hughes, a Senior Fellow at Policy Exchange, a Research Fellow in Philosophy, Theology, and Religion at Oxford University, and a frequent commentator on issues ranging from architecture and urbanism to aesthetics. He was also Sir Roger Scruton's researcher on the Building Beautiful Commission. His focus at Policy Exchange is on understanding why the quantity and quality of new homes and neighborhoods is so inadequate in the UK and developing policy instruments to improve them. In this episode, we discuss the consideration of aesthetics in the urban planning process, the concept of beauty as a benchmark that all new developments should meet, and how empowering residents to design their own streets can help solve the housing crisis that the UK is currently facing. We also touch on survivorship bias; data, technology, and aesthetics; and the cost of suburbia, as well as the positive and negative aspects of path dependency, and more! Make sure to join us today for a fascination conversation about the ‘new' urban aesthetic with Dr. Samuel Hughes. Key Points From This Episode: •   How Samuel's philosophy studies have influenced his views on urbanism and architecture. •   His reflections on the role that aesthetics or ‘beauty' plays in UK urban planning debates. •   How the win-win model for ‘street votes' impacts the future of UK cities. •   Samuel describes what he calls a bobtailed version of street votes in Houston, Texas. •   Why he believes we find older buildings more attractive than contemporary architecture. •   Survivorship bias versus loss of skills necessary to replicate ‘more beautiful' architecture. •   The appetite that fueled the dramatic shift in architectural style post WWI, and gave birth to Brutalism, for example. •   Samuel shares why he believes that architects tend to make bad urban planners. •   How modern simulation and design technology have changed the built environment. •   The role empirical data plays in influencing the aesthetics of the built environment. •   While he doesn't share the contempt for suburbia that many of his peers have, Samuel acknowledges that it imposes enormous costs. •   What the west can learn about architecture and urban form from places like Japan. •   German architecture as an example of path dependency as a positive and negative force. •   Samuel's advice for building a new city: design institutional structures in cities that will allow those cities to evolve over time. •   Learn more about Samuel's book on philosophical approaches to artistic modernism.   Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: https://www.philosophy.ox.ac.uk/people/samuel-hughes (Dr. Samuel Hughes) https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuel-hughes-248121a3/ (Dr. Samuel Hughes on LinkedIn) https://twitter.com/scp_hughes (Dr. Samuel Hughes on Twitter) https://policyexchange.org.uk/ (Policy Exchange) https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/861832/Living_with_beauty_BBBBC_report.pdf (‘Living with beauty') https://www.worksinprogress.co/issue/against-the-survival-of-the-prettiest/ (‘Against the survival of the prettiest') https://www.chartercitiesinstitute.org/ (Charter Cities Institute) https://www.facebook.com/Charter-Cities-Institute-424204888015721/ (Charter Cities Institute on Facebook)...

Joining us in conversation today is Scott Beyer, the Founder and CEO of the Market Urbanism Report, a media company dedicated to advancing the free market's classically liberal approach to urban issues. Tune in to hear Scott's definition of market urbanism and how it relates to the traditional free market. He describes how his audience varies drastically from a partisan and ideological perspective and tells us why this happens, before highlighting cities across the world that embody aspects of his vision for market urbanism and talking about how private cities around the world implement liberalization. We touch on how market urbanism's approach to zoning differs from the Euclidean model, speak about MTRs, and delve into the history of transportation with a focus on the railway. Scott points us toward an article he penned with the hypothesis that introducing open access competition can serve to benefit inner city rail, before getting into other areas of infrastructure and why smaller governments often get it right. You'll also hear about construction, quasi-public housing, and Scott's predictions for how crypto will impact how cities are run. Join us to hear all this and more today! Key Points From This Episode:   •   An introduction to today's guest, Scott Beyer. •   What market urbanism is and what the Market Urbanism Report involves. •   The relationship between the market urbanist and the traditional free market communities. •   How Scott's audience varies drastically from a partisan and ideological perspective. •   Why this happens: people who like the urbanism aspect tend to be on the left, and then the people who like the market aspect tend to be on the right. •   His opinion that no city in the US perfectly embodies market urbanism. •   Free market oriented transit in Mexico City: Peseros or Jitneys. •   The incentive that the Singaporean government has put in place to build housing. •   How private cities around the world implement liberalization, for example, Gurgaon, India. •   How market urbanism zoning differs from the kind of zoning we have now. •   The differentiation that the Euclidean model necessitates in comparison to the market urbanism model. •   Shoup-piling and how Scott would go about this as someone who writes for the public. •   MTRs relationship with zoning regulations. •   The history of transportation and how the railway began to really struggle. •   https://catalyst.independent.org/2021/10/08/open-access-competition-can-improve-intercity-rail/ (“Open Access” Competition Can Improve Intercity Rail), the article he recently co-authored. •   His views on what is possible in terms of creating open access competition for intercity rail. •   How the private sector creates a barrier to entry in terms of infrastructure. •   Why the smaller government spend on infrastructure is usually wiser than the federal government. •   What cross laminated timber is and how it is useful for the future of construction. •   Why he isn't completely opposed to the idea of public or quasi-public housing. •   His predictions for the impact of cryptocurrency on how cities are operated in the future. •   What Municipal Utility Districts are and how they impact housing and urban development. •   Scott weighs in on what needs to be in place within a state for market urbanism to take off. •   The world tour he is doing for research purposes to assess the future of urbanization globally. •   We discuss the concept of cyperpunk, green punk and solar punk cities, with Tapei as an example.   Links Mentioned in Today's... Support this podcast

Today's guest is Ed Glaeser, a Professor of Economics at Harvard University, and he joins us to talk about urbanization and urban planning. Ed has written, or co-authored several books, including The Triumph of The City, and more recently, Survival of the City: Living and Thriving in an Age of Isolation, published this year with David Cutler. Our conversation begins on the subject of the rapid urbanization of parts of the developing world such as India and Sub-Saharan Africa. We explore what lessons can be learned in this regard from the urbanization of Latin America in the 1960s. Our exchange moves to touch on ways of urbanizing without industrialization or via services rather than manufacturing. Shifting onto the topic of urban governance, we hear Ed's thoughts on the 15-minute city concept, how to overcome political constraints to construction such as vetocracy, and how to push back against cars when they stand as status symbols to the newly rich. We also get into why the schools in big US cities are failing and how to deal with the rising carbon emissions that come as developing countries urbanize. We then talk about COVID-related challenges to productivity and the supply chain, before wrapping up on the subject of whether charter cities are a way of experimenting with pro-entrepreneurship institutions. Key Points From This Episode: •   The lessons to be learned from Latin America's urbanization regarding transport and more. •   Countries that have become urbanized without being industrialized. •   The connection between urbanization and moving out of poverty. •   Perspectives on manufacturing versus service-led paths toward transformation. •   Whether there is a distinction between urban migrants who arrive due to ‘pull' versus ‘push' factors. •   Ed's thoughts on whether secondary cities can be as productive as primary ones. •   The contrast between entrepreneurship and poor living conditions in Mumbai's Dharavi slum. •   Under which conditions private provision (PPP) works best and worst. •   What we can learn from large urban infrastructure projects built in the 1970s. •   Whether there are examples of cities that are good at combatting vetocracy. •   The leaders behind cities that have experienced massive urbanization. •   Why Ed thinks the 15-minute city is a dead-end concept but agrees with some aspects of it. •   How to push back against environmentally damaging status symbols for the newly rich as a planner. •   The factors that contribute to suburbanization and whether China is headed that way. •   How to deal with the rising carbon emissions that come as developing countries urbanize. •   Why large cities in the US are failing on the schooling front and Ed's thoughts on a solution. •   Ed's thoughts on a land-grant university model in developing countries. •   How to grapple with current COVID-related supply chain challenges. •   Productivity after social distancing in light of the connection between density and productivity. •   Why London and New York are still the only truly global cities. •   Whether charter cities are a way of experimenting with pro-entrepreneurship institutions.   Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: https://scholar.harvard.edu/glaeser/home (Ed Glaeser) https://www.nber.org/ (National Bureau of Economic Research) https://www.amazon.com/Triumph-City-Greatest-Invention-Healthier/dp/0143120549 (Triumph of The City) https://www.amazon.com/Survival-City-Living-Thriving-Isolation-ebook/dp/B08V896ZD6 (Survival of the City: Living and Thriving in an Age of Isolation) https://scholar.harvard.edu/cutler/home (David Cutler)... Support this podcast

“The North American development pattern, the way we build our cities, creates a lot of liabilities and not enough wealth, financially, to actually take care of those liabilities.” These are the words of today's guest Charles “Chuck” Marohn. Chuck is the founder and president of Strong Towns, as well as a professional engineer and land use planner with decades of experience. He is also the author of Strong Towns: A Bottom-Up Revolution to Rebuild American Prosperity and Confessions of a Recovering Engineer. In this episode, Chuck sheds light on how the way in which we build our cities has drastically changed since before the Great Depression and how the current North American development pattern creates towns and cities that lack the wealth to be able to maintain their critical infrastructure and take care of their own futures. Tuning in you'll hear how the problems of Ferguson, Missouri can be attributed to this pattern, how northeastern cities compare with southwestern cities based on their development since World War II, and why Chuck has more hope for the future of Detroit than the future of Phoenix. For an eye-opening conversation on how we need to adapt in order to build strong towns, tune in today! Key Points From This Episode: •   Charles “Chuck” Marohn explains how Strong Towns is both an organization and a movement. •   How the North American development pattern creates towns and cities that are unable to take care of their own futures. •   Why Chuck believes that the way cities grow today has a Ponzi scheme-like aspect to it. •   Thoughts on what percentage of the liabilities are covered by Wall Street capital versus state and federal. •   How northeastern cities compare with southwestern cities based on their development since World War II. •   Ferguson, Missouri as an example of a once affluent area that has aged and is experiencing this distress. •   How the way in which we build our cities has drastically changed since the pre-Great Depression. •   Why Chuck is excited about the neighborhoods in Detroit where they are reusing old buildings instead of tearing them down. •   The concept of the Paris 15-minute city and what Chuck likes about it. •   Thoughts on other countries that have copied the North American development pattern. •   A comparison between the development styles of cities in the Netherlands versus those of Belgium and why the cities in the Netherlands are doing better. •   What we can learn from Amsterdam transitioning from a car-centric environment to a pedestrian and bicycle-centric environment. •   What we should expect southwestern American cities like Phoenix to look like in 30 years. •   What Chuck would do if building a new town or a new city from scratch. •   The lesson we can learn from the shift from the 20th century to the 21st century.  •   Thoughts on Manhattan's framework for development. •   The concept of a “good party” and why the ratio of private to public investment is more important than the density ratio. •   Chuck's thoughts on the YIMBY movement. •   Insight into what became of civil engineering. •   Thoughts on why the local Government has become so ineffective and so overburdened. •   What it means to build a Strong Towns movement and what we can expect from it over the next 5 to 10 years.   Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlesmarohn/ (Charles Marohn on LinkedIn) https://twitter.com/clmarohn (Charles Marohn on Twitter) https://www.strongtowns.org/ (Strong Towns) https://www.amazon.com/Strong-Towns-Bottom-Up-Revolution-Prosperity/dp/1119564816 (Strong Towns: A Bottom-Up Revolution to Support this podcast

Because of the pervasive media coverage of Trumpism, Brexit, and the like, it is easy to assume that the dominant sentiment around the world is that mass migration is a new and terrifying phenomenon that could upend the world as we know it. However, that couldn't be further from the truth, and we've brought Parag Khanna, founder of FutureMap, to explain why. Not only has most of the world remained pragmatic about the topic, but mass migration has been occurring for decades, and although there are some exceptions, in the majority of cases, societies have absorbed the newcomers and the newcomers have assimilated remarkably well. Parag is an Asian-American who has also lived in Europe, and his personal perspective combined with the in-depth research that he has conducted around migration, sustainability, community, governance, citizenship and more, reveals a lot about what drives us to do the things we do, and offers a glimpse of what our future could look like.   Key Points From This Episode:   •   Parag shares his thoughts on why the US should (hypothetically) buy Greenland. •   The premise of Parag's new book, Move. •   Two megatrends that are currently shaping the world. •   Four potential futures that Parag thinks we are heading for. •   Immigration policies in the UK, US, and Canada, and what these indicate about the future. •   Changes in migration dynamics since Parag's school days, and what is driving those changes. •   The sentiment amongst European politicians about migrants that Parag has picked up through his research. •   How societies have historically dealt with mass migration. •   High volumes of migration that take place in East and South-East Asia. •   Value that lies in having civilizational confidence. •   Parag explains how Germany is breaking open the definition of what German-ness is. •   A brief analysis of the migration situation in the UAE. •   Primary factors which motivate the migration of Western expats. •   The nuanced nature of citizenship. •   Sustainability, mobility, and connectivity from the perspective of the youth of today, and Parag's opinion on where these ideas emerged from. •   How definitions of community have changed, and how they are changing now. •   The important role that cities are going to play in coming migrations. •   Parag explains what the mobile real estate phenomenon is, and what is driving it. •   Why Parag does not think de-urbanization is a major trend, although it is being talked about as if it is. •   Plans that Parag has for the future.   Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:   https://www.paragkhanna.com/ (Parag Khanna) https://futuremap.io/ (Future Map) https://www.chartercitiesinstitute.org/ (Charter Cities Institute) https://www.facebook.com/Charter-Cities-Institute-424204888015721/ (Charter Cities Institute on Facebook) https://twitter.com/CCIdotCity (Charter Cities Institute on Twitter) Support this podcast

At the beginning of 2021 Lauri Haav altered his career path from the world of tech startups to the realm of government. This might sound like an incongruous move, but the Estonian government is more advanced than most countries in terms of its level of digitization and its embracing of technology, and Lauri is currently running a program which is the first of its kind. Almost 7 years ago Estonia launched their e-Residency program; this means that almost anyone, almost anywhere in the world, can become an e-resident of Estonia. Currently, if e-residents were a city, they would be the third biggest city in Estonia! If you're wondering why obtaining an Estonian e-ID card is an appealing option, you'll get all the answers in today's episode. We also discuss the various reasons why the Estonian government is so ahead of the curve in terms of digitization, how they have assisted their population in making the transition to digital platforms as seamless as possible, challenges that they have experienced, and what they hope to achieve in the coming years.   Key Points From This Episode: •   Estonia's advanced level of digitization, and what their e-Residency program is. •   Lauri shares what his professional background in the tech space consisted of. •   Similarities and differences between working in technology companies and working for government organizations. •   Factors that resulted in the Estonian government's early embrace of the internet. •   How Estonia's approach to electronic ID cards differs to most other European countries. •   Lauri explains the mechanics of an E-ID card. •   Estimated percentages of the Estonian population who make use of Estonia's various E-platforms. •   Ways that Estonia ensures their e-Platforms are secure and their approach to privacy. •   How the Estonian government attracts talent to its technology department. •   Some examples which highlight the constraints of some traditional procurement processes. •   The value of working in different types of organizations. •   Challenges that come with the growth of an organization or department. •   An e-Government program that was drastically accelerated as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. •   Two main reasons that people will sign up for the Estonian e-Residency program. •   The percentage of new businesses in Estonia over the past 3 years that are owned by e-Residents. •   How the government is going to determine whether or not the e-Residency program is beneficial to Estonia. •   Technology that underpins key public infrastructure in Estonia. •   Countries which are following in Estonia's footsteps, and how Lauri feels about this. •   Lauri shares his opinion on the work being done by Propsera. •   How being an EU member affects Estonia's e-Residency program.   Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurihaav/?originalSubdomain=ee (Lauri Haav on LinkedIn) https://www.chartercitiesinstitute.org/ (Charter Cities Institute) https://www.facebook.com/Charter-Cities-Institute-424204888015721/ (Charter Cities Institute on Facebook) https://twitter.com/CCIdotCity (Charter Cities Institute on Twitter) Support this podcast

For the past 270 years, The Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA) has been the U. K's national improvement agency. If this sounds difficult to wrap your head around, it's because it is hard to pin down exactly what a national improvement agency does. Today's guest, Anton Howes, is a historian of innovation, and his first book is Arts and Minds: How the Royal Society of Arts Changed a Nation, where he unpacks this organizations. In today's episode, Anton offers insights into the RSA and how it has evolved over time. At different moments in history, it has played significant roles in influencing the social landscape. We hear about where the organization finds itself today and where some of the opportunities lie moving into the future. As a historical hub for innovation and invention, the RSA drew some formidable forces into its ranks. Our conversation also touches on the social status of inventors and how this can change, what we know about the nature of inventions, and whether you have to be an expert to be an inventor. Tune in to hear it all!   Key Points From This Episode: •   What The Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce is. •   Understanding a national improvement agency and the role it plays. •   Hear about what the draw of joining the RSA was. •   Precursors to the RSA and some of the problems with these organizations. •   Some of the changes the RSA undergoes in the 19th century. •   How the Great Exhibition of 1851 changed the landscape. •   How the 1800 utilitarian movement in the UK was similar to the progressive movement in the late 19th Century in the U.S. •   The influence that the utilitarian idea had on examinations and the long-lasting impact. •   The RSA's work in conservationism and what the springboard for this was. •   Prince Phillip's interest in conservation and how he influenced the RSA. •   What the RSA does today and what the future has in store for the organization. •   Opportunities Anton believes are being missed with the current structure of the RSA. •   How Anton would structure the new world fair and the sectors he would include. •   The importance of being able to showcase competing interests in public. •   Suggestions for how we can raise the social status of inventors. •   We should encourage innovation across all sectors of society. •   What Anton would do if he had 100 million dollars to change the status of the sciences. •   Which inventions were invented after their time and the consequence of this. •   What separates inventors from everyone else in society. •   How to build a culture of innovation and invention in a city or country. •   The reason that Anton left conventional academia. •   Unpacking the link between expertise and invention.   Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:  http://linkedin.com/in/antonhowes/?originalSubdomain=uk (Anton Howes) https://www.amazon.com/Arts-Minds-Society-Changed-Nation/dp/0691182647 (Arts and Minds: How the Royal Society of Arts Changed a Nation) https://www.thersa.org/ (The RSA) https://www.amazon.com/Silent-Spring-Rachel-Carson/dp/0618249060 (Silent Spring) https://www.chartercitiesinstitute.org/ (Charter Cities Institute) https://www.facebook.com/Charter-Cities-Institute-424204888015721/ (Charter Cities Institute on Facebook) https://twitter.com/CCIdotCity (Charter Cities Institute on Twitter) Support this podcast

Today's guest is Dror Poleg, an economic historian who explores how physical and digital systems affect human behavior, well-being, and dignity. Dror joins us on the show to talk about how technology is undermining the basic foundations of real estate's value and how this is scrambling a lot of what we know about buildings as well as cities. Dror's thesis is that because of the way technology has enabled remote work and access, people no longer make their choices about where to live for reasons of work and access. Therefore, if you want to attract people to a building, city, or neighborhood, it's less about the location or the physical characteristics of your asset and more about how are you meeting the lifestyle needs of that specific group of people that you're targeting. Dror sketches out different ways in which we could see cities and suburbs changing due to the emergence of residential and office brands that cater to multitudes of customers with specific and idiosyncratic needs. Dror also speaks to how entrepreneurs could take advantage of these changes, how the structure of corporations might change, and how remote work will impact things like innovation and productivity. Tune in today.   Key Points From This Episode:  •   Dror's thesis that technology is undermining the basic foundations of real estate's value. •   How technology has influenced the reasons behind people's choices of where to live. •   New factors that are driving value in real estate and shifting it toward being a consumer good. •   How these new forces driving peoples' decisions about where to live are influencing human settlement patterns or the structure of cities. •   The widening gap between creative high earners and service workers. •   How superstar and second-tier cities will change as a result of these new patterns. •   What suburbs around cities will have to do to remain attractive and accommodate new residents. •   Whether it will be possible to make an economic case for urbanization in suburbs to suit the lifestyle needs of new residents. •   Which historical analogies are most applicable to the current changes in real estate. •   How entrepreneurs can take advantage of these up-and-coming trends. •   Ways in which remote work will change the importance of time zones. •   How WeWork exemplifies capitalizing on these shifting consumer needs for all its faults. •   Different ways that cloud kitchens are changing the urban landscape. •   How these changes will impact productivity over the next 20 years and the tensions it will create. •   The evolution of corporations and how remote work will affect firm formation. •   How remote work will impact innovation and productivity. •   Whether Dror agrees that everybody will be Western-educated, industrialized, rich, and democratic in the next two decades. •   Whether the changes Dror predicts will happen in low-income countries as well. •   How Mayor Saurez has apprehended these movements and could change Miami. •   What the tech diaspora would need to do to keep the places they move to attractive. •   Mark's thoughts on what remote work will mean for the future of charter cities.   Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: https://www.drorpoleg.com/ (Dror Poleg) https://twitter.com/drorpoleg (Dror Poleg on Twitter) https://twitter.com/FrancisSuarez?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor (Mayor Saurez) Support this podcast

As we step into a new decade, it's a good time to reflect on our expectations for the next 10 years. There are a wide variety of possible futures, some of them more plausible than others, but how do we shape a preferable future? Today's guest believes that technological advancements could result in what he calls the ‘Roaring 20s', with a productivity and economic boom that extends well beyond the expected post-pandemic rebound. Eli Dourado is an economist and regulatory hacker living in Washington, DC, and a senior research fellow at the Center for Growth and Opportunity at Utah State University. His research is focused on dramatically increasing the pace of innovation and economic growth, especially in hard tech and aerospace, and in today's episode, he outlines what total factor productivity (TFP) is and why it matters, how technology could lead to the end of what he calls the Great Stagnation, and how charter cities fit into the concept of neomedievalism. We also discuss the interplay between political change, technology, and geography, and how meaningful policy change can result from the deployment of new technologies, as well as how NEPA prevents the government from accelerating growth and why we should bring back wooly mammoths. Tune in for a fascinating conversation about shaping a preferable future with Eli Dourado!   Key Points From This Episode:   •   Eli starts by explaining what total factor productivity (TFP) is and why it matters. •   Why he is focused on TFP as a means for future economic growth. •   Five inventions that led to past TFP growth, from the internal combustion engine to electricity. •   Learn about the Great Stagnation and why Eli is concerned about TFP growth since 2005. •   How reliable total factor productivity statistics are and how they are calculated. •   Why there appears to be a disparity between dissemination of products and the rate at which innovation is impacting TFP growth. •   What neomedievalism is and how charter cities and online communities fit into this concept. •   How technology drives political change and the interplay between technology and geography. •   Eli shares his predictions for a technology like crypto currency in the next 10 years. •   Discover the technological developments Eli is most excited for, from biotech to supersonics. •   How we should think about leveraging policy reforms to impact the development and deployment of new technologies. •   What percentage of TFP decline can be attributed to regulation versus other cultural factors. •   How a higher percentage of linoleic acid in our diets is literally making American softer. •   Find out what NEPA is and how it prevents the government from making swift decisions. •   Eli reflects on the social change necessary to embrace necessary new infrastructure. •   How environmental organizations use NEPA to prevent beneficial projects from going forward. •   The growing eco modernist movement advocating for growth and environmental protection. •   Eli shares his idea for a remotely piloted airship that could move more cargo, more quickly. •   What Eli believes we can expect the impact of AI to be over the next decade. •   Learn why it would be a positive step to climate change to bring back wooly mammoths. •   What key industries Eli would target in a charter city to allow for greater technological innovation than the US; housing, •   The potential benefits of medical tourism for charter cities to recruit wealthy residents.     Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:   https://elidourado.com/ (Eli Dourado)... Support this podcast

The complex history of democracy and its global origins isn't taught in school. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to self-educate. On today's episode, we speak with David Stasavage, a Professor of Political Science and Dean of Social Sciences at the University of New York. He allows us to dip into his incredible wealth of knowledge around the history of this form of governance, as well as giving us his insights and predictions for its future. You'll hear about the role of technology and geography in the emergence (or non-emergence) of democracy across the globe. We talk about the factors that influence the strength of a city's fiscal position and David suggests an extreme solution to restoring that power: to disallow the issuing of debt. Next, we talk about the growth rates of autonomous cities, how location and craft guild contribute to growth, and David tells us why the effectiveness of political inclusion rests on how a society is organized. We dive into Olson's theory of the stationary versus roving bandit, and discuss exit options through the lens of Carneiro's Circumspection Theory. David weighs in on Herbst's view that redrawing borders can reduce conflict, and gives us his prediction for how democracy will fare with populism and technocracy in mind. We touch on theories by Henry Pierrine and David recommends Wim Blockman's research as a rich resource on cities and representation. Tune in for a thorough look into the history of democracy with the future in mind!   Key Points From This Episode:   •   The topic of David's recently published book, The Decline and Rise of Democracy. •   The global origins of democracy which contradict the idea of it starting in Athens. •   How technology and geography play into the emergence of democracy (or not). •   Why cities and smaller states could accrue long-term debt as early as the 13th century. •   How the strength of the central political unit dictates the strength of a city's fiscal position. •   An extreme solution to restoring a city's fiscal strength: disallow the issuing of debt. •   We discuss the reversal of faster growth rates in autonomous cities after 100 years. •   How location and craft guild influenced the growth of cities throughout history. •   Why the effect of political inclusion depends upon how society itself is organized. •   We discuss Olson's stationary versus roving bandit theory. •   Exit options through the lens of Robert Carneiro's Circumscription Theory. •   David weighs in on Herbst's view that redrawing borders can reduce conflict. •   Why, if you have collective governance first, the possibility for bureaucracy is greater. •   Local elections as a way for autocratic rulers to gather information. •   How David foresees political institutions navigating outdated laws and godlike technology. •   The role of connection and disconnection to the state in decentralization, and local control. •   David's prediction on how democracy will fare with populism and technocracy in mind. •   Why it might be true that government officials can't achieve anything alone. •   We discuss the theory outlined in Henry Pierrine's Early Democracies in the Low Countries. •   Wim Blockman's research as a powerful resource on cities and representation. •   David's book in gestation about the future of democracy.     Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: https://stasavage.com/ (David Stasavage) https://twitter.com/stasavage (David Stasavage on Twitter) https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-stasavage-787b1842/ (David Stasavage on LinkedIn) https://www.amazon.com/Decline-Rise-Democracy-Antiquity-Princeton/dp/0691177465... Support this podcast

There has never been an immortal society. No matter how technologically advanced our own society is, it is unlikely to be an exception. In order to achieve a positive future that defies these odds, it is critical that we understand the hidden forces that shape society. To help us do that is today's guest, Samo Burja, a sociologist and the Founder of Bismarck Analysis, a consulting firm that investigates the political and institutional landscape of society. Samo is a Research Fellow at the Long Now Foundation, where he studies how institutions can endure for centuries and millennia, and a Senior Research Fellow in Political Science at the Foresight Institute, where he advises how institutions can shape the future of technology. He is also a writer and a sought-after speaker on history, institutions, and strategy, with a focus on exceptional leaders that create new social and political forms. He has systematized this approach as the Great Founder Theory, which he shares with us today. Listening in, you'll find out why Samo believes that a small number of functional institutions founded by exceptional individuals form the core of society, what an archeological site in Turkey tells us about the history of complex human social behavior, and what his predictions are for the evolution of the American state and its institutions. Learn what role software engineers play in accelerating cultural and perhaps even political change, what the chances are of the entire world becoming ‘weird', and the effects that mass supersonic travel will have on cities, plus a whole lot more! Tune in today! Key Points From This Episode: •   Samo describes his Great Founder Theory and how it is distinct from “great man history.” •   He weighs in on the natural endowments or geographical determinism arguments. •   How incremental cultural developments and traditions fit into Great Founder Theory. •   How Great Founder Theory differs from theories like Marxism. •   Hear why Samo believes that social and material technology build on one another. •   Some of the most underrated great founders in history; Confucius and King Ptolemy of Egypt. •   What characteristics the great founder of a city needs, including dogged determination. •   The importance of having an awareness of different cultures and how they co-exist. •   What Gobekli Tepe tells us about the correlation between agriculture and early civilization. •   Learn how Gobekli Tepe changes our view on the history of complex human societies. •   Why Samo believes we will continue to find sites that force us to revise our preconceptions. •   The reason for the inward-looking nature of many professions in the Western world. •   How this myopia became particularly apparent in the public health sector during COVID. •   How bureaucracies could benefit from working with talented and widely followed bloggers. •   Samo shares his predictions for the evolution of the American state and its institutions; how decayed institutions are a barrier to technology. •   Some of the reasons Samo has to be cautiously optimistic about the future of the US. •   The cultural innovation that follows forging a new middle-class, as Samo is seeing happening with software engineers in Silicon Valley. •   The bravery required to accelerate this change and engage political processes. •   Samo's response to the entire world becoming ‘weird' (Western, educated, industrialized, rich, and democratic) in two generations. •   His reflection on recent alien observations discourse and the possibility of interstellar travel. •   Where to build new cities Support this podcast

Today's guest is Feyi Fawehinmi, author of Formation: The Making of Nigeria from Jihad to Amalgamation. Feyi joins us on the show to talk about the period of history in Nigeria that his book covers and we kick things of hearing our guest talk about his reasons for writing the book. After the Civil War in Nigeria, there was a cultural prohibition on developing a sense of history because of the risk of upsetting an unstable political equilibrium. This combined with a very demographically young country means that many people, therefore, don't know the history of the formation of their state. After providing the context behind the book, Feyi dives into the events it covers, beginning in 1804 with a Jihad led by the Fulani in the northwest part of today's Nigeria which led to the Sokoto caliphate. Feyi takes us through the effects of this Jihad, the role of the ending of the transatlantic slave trade, and the events that led up to European colonization. He gets into the tactics the British used to take over and rule Nigeria and then brings us right up to the present moment in Nigeria. After weighing in on some of the current tensions around migration and oil, Feyi gives us his perspectives on whether we can still expect Nigeria to be a state in 30 years. Wrapping up on a more positive note, we speak about Nigeria's status as a tech hub and hear Feyi's views on why this might be. Key Points From This Episode: • A biased telling of history in Nigeria after the civil war and how Feyi's book corrects this. • The situation in Nigeria where Feyi's book starts from; the waging of a state-building jihad in 1804. • Local slavery practices in Nigeria during the caliphate versus how Europeans treated slaves. • The role of the ending of the transatlantic slave trade in events in Nigeria. • Tsetse flies making animal husbandry difficult and the main role of slaves in Nigeria for transportation. • How missionary educated slaves returned to Nigeria and became a new elite. • The bargain struck by the new elite to stop violent neighboring tribes which led to colonization. • Events that led to the formation of the Hausa-Fulani and Feyi's definition of ethnic groups. • The diverse amount of languages and ethnic groups in Nigeria and the movements that led to this. • The power play between Europeans in Nigeria and what led to them heading inland. • The role of the maxim gun and the Berlin conference in the spread of colonialism in Nigeria. • Joseph Chamberlain's approach and how the Europeans developed and governed Nigeria. • Why Britain ended up deciding to amalgamate North and South Nigeria. • The difference between French and British colonialism and the after-effects on former colonies. • The current situation in Nigeria; weaponization of civil war and discrimination against Igbo people. • Climate change causing Fulani migrations to feed cattle and the tensions this is causing. • Feyi's perspectives on whether Nigeria will still be a state in 30 years. • Thoughts from Feyi on why Nigeria is such a tech hub.   Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: https://twitter.com/DoubleEph?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor (Feyi Fawehinmi on Twitter) https://www.amazon.com/Formation-Making-Nigeria-Jihad-Amalgamation/dp/191317509X#:~:text=Formation:%20From%20Jihad%20to%20Amalgamation,countries%20along%20the%20Niger%20river. (Formation: The Making of Nigeria from Jihad to Amalgamation) Support this podcast

Refugees bring skills, talents, and aspirations and can be a benefit rather than a burden to receiving societies. Realizing this potential relies on moving beyond a purely humanitarian focus to fully include refugees in host-country economies, build economic opportunities in refugee-hosting regions, and navigate the ambiguous politics of refugee protection. In today's episode of the Charter Cities Podcast, Kurtis Lockhart speaks with Alexander Betts, a Professor of Forced Migration and International Affairs at the University of Oxford, about refugee economics and the role that the private sector, technology, and innovation have to play in the global refugee crisis. Alex currently leads the Refugee Economies program at Oxford, where his research focuses on the political economy of refugee assistance with a focus on African countries. His book, Refuge, co-written with economist Paul Collier, was named one of the best books of the year by the Economist in 2017, and he has written several other books on migration and refugee issues, most recently The Wealth of Refugees, which came out earlier this year. Alex is uniquely qualified to share his insights into the Jordan Compact, as he does in this episode, and he reflects on how displaced people can build economies, the value of providing refugees with basic socio-economic rights and entitlements, and what constitutes meaningful, dignified work for refugee communities. To learn more, make sure to tune in today! Key Points From This Episode: • An introduction to Alexander Betts and his passion for running and debating. • What Alex learned about UN High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) while working there and how it has informed his work. • How his time in Silicon Valley influenced his thinking and led to Refugee Economics. • Learn about the Jordan Compact and the opportunities it creates for Syrian refugees. • The value of giving refugees basic socio-economic rights and entitlements. • Replicating this special economic zone strategy for refugees in a context-specific manner. • The main impacts of the Jordan Compact, its political successes and economic weaknesses. • Why one of the main challenges has been the gender dimensions of the Compact. • The critiques of the Compact that Alex takes most seriously, including what constitutes meaningful, dignified work for refugees. • Why Alex believes a history of refugee self-reliance has been forgotten. • Hear more about Alex's research in Africa and the ethical scope for randomized control trials. • The challenge of doing harm to vulnerable populations through random experimentation. • How Alex explored a natural experiment model in Kenya's Kalobeyei and Kakuma camps. • Why the disconnect between the success of refugee self-reliance and economic inclusion and the lack of adoption more broadly. • Comparing refugees' economic lives in rural versus urban areas; the pros and cons of each. • What interaction or contact does for social cohesion between host communities and refugees. • How the costliness and fragmentation of African cities can lead to the exclusion of refugees. • The role of cash transfers from organizations in urban assistance models for refugees. • The key support, training, and access to opportunity that refugee-led organizations provide. • Alex reflects on how to get big bureaucracy like UNHCR to embrace change and be more proactive rather than reactive. • Combining status quo options to the benefit of refugees, host communities, and countries. • Hear what Alex is working on now and the inherent value of participatory research methods.   Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: http://www.alexanderbetts.co.uk/ (Alexander Betts) https://twitter.com/alexander_betts (Alexander Betts on Twitter) https://www.amazon.com/Refuge-Alexander-Betts/dp/0141984708/ (Refuge)... Support this podcast