Legatum Institute Foundation

Jeff Schott, Senior Fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics discusses the challenges of negotiating new, open trade deals in the context of slow economic growth and risk averse industry. Interviewed by Shanker Singham, Chairman of the Special Trade Commission & Director of Economic Policy & Prosperity Studies at the Legatum Institute.

How we can spread prosperity throughout society? This panel at the 2016 Labour Party Conference discussed what enables and hinders life chances in the UK. The speakers also explored how policy-makers can make decisions that promote better cohesion at a national and a local level. Panellists: included Seema Malhotra MP; Julia Unwin, Joseph Rowntree Foundation; Louise Haigh MP and Shanker Singham, Legatum Institute.

The 2016 History of Capitalism lecture series throws the spotlight on the role played by cities and regions that stand out in particular moments within the History of Capitalism. In this short interview, Dr Anne Murphy (Reader in History and Associate Dean for Research, School of Humanities, University of Hertfordshire) explains the influence of Venice in the history of international trade. She later gave a lecture on the origins and workings of The Bank of England and its intricate relationship with the unique ecosystem of the City of London. Interviewed by Alanna Putze, Senior Programme Director, Legatum Institute. More information:

LI's Director of Economic Policy, Shanker Singham, launches a new Legatum Institute Special Trade Commission. The Commission, which has been set up in the wake of the British vote to leave the European Union, aims to present a roadmap for the many trade negotiations which the UK will need to undertake now. The STC will seek to re-focus the public discussion on Brexit to a positive conversation on opportunities, rather than challenges, while presenting empirical evidence of the dangers of not following an expansive trade negotiating path.

The Rt. Hon. Greg Hands MP, Chief Secretary to the Treasury, discusses the government’s role in creating a prosperous economy. He also outlines the Treasury's immediate and longer-term priorities, including plans for public spending on the NHS and infrastructure. He also shares his thoughts on why Britain should remain in the EU, and why we must continue to make the case for 'free markets'.

In conversation with the Legatum Institute's Anne Applebaum, Ilya Zaslavskiy (Senior Visiting Fellow to the Transitions Forum at the Institute) discussed the importance of fighting corruption and transitioning to the standards of the EU energy market. He also argues that Ukraine needs large-scale and quick privatisation of its hydrocarbon sector.

The 2016 History of Capitalism lecture series throws the spotlight on the role played by cities and regions that stand out in particular moments within the History of Capitalism. In this short video prior to her lecture on Hong Kong, Catherine Schenk, Professor of International Economic History at the University of Glasgow, shares her thoughts on which cities have played a key role in shaping human flourishing, and who will be the ones to watch in the future. Interviewed by Mary Schutzer-Weissmann, Project Coordinator at the Legatum Institute.

With a decade of strong growth in Africa now at its close, where has that growth most delivered progress on prosperity, and why? To mark the launch of the ‘2016 Africa Prosperity Report', Lord Malloch-Brown gave a keynote speech on Africa’s prosperity, ahead of a livestreamed panel discussion with experts.

In conversation with Hywel Williams, Julia Peyton-Jones, former Director of the Serpentine Gallery, discusses her experiences at the helm of one of the most successful public contemporary galleries in the world. She also explains how her motto “to think the unthinkable” has developed the range and reach of contemporary art and the gallery.

The Legatum Institute’s Prosperity Index programme hosted New Zealand's Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, the Hon. Bill English MP, for a discussion on New Zealand’s economy and the opportunities and challenges it faces looking forward. In this short interview with Alexandra Mousavizadeh, Director of the Prosperity Index at the Legatum Institute, Minister English explains some of the factor's behind the country's overall prosperity and shares successful policy lessons for the UK and beyond.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Peter Heather (King’s College London and author of 'Empires and Barbarians: Migration, Development and the Birth of Europe') discusses the role of migrants in the early middle ages. Peter was at the Legatum Institute to take part in a special panel that looked at why migration has always been a constant feature of history, and how the motivations and mechanisms of people on the move have shaped the world as it is today. Interviewed by Hywel Williams, Senior Adviser at the Legatum Institute.

Professor Kerry Brown (Professor of Chinese Studies and Director of the Lau China Institute at King's College London) discusses China's current economic transition and the impact it may have on the country's future political landscape. He also discusses the use of political communication in terms of public belief. Interviewed by Alexandra Mousavizadeh (Director of the Prosperity Index, Legatum Institute).

Gary Rawnsley, Director of International Strategy at the University of Aberystwyth and co-author of 'The Routledge Handbook of Chinese', discusses China’s growing ‘soft power’ and how television, journalism, the Internet and social media has, over the last decade, been used to expand the country's cultural influence. Interviewed by Peter Pomerantsev, Senior Fellow to the Transitions Forum at the Legatum Institute.

Seema Malhotra, Shadow Chief Secretary for the Treasury and MP for Feltham and Heston, spoke at a Legatum Institute Business Forum breakfast where she discussed the idea of shared prosperity with broader, inclusive economic goals, as opposed to short term economic policy-making. Interviewed Sian Hansen, Executive Director at the Legatum Institute.

Anton Shekhovtsov, Senior Visiting Fellow at the Legatum Institute discusses his new paper 'Is Transition Reversible? The Case of Central Europe' with Anne Applebaum. The paper traces the development of Hungary, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Romania, with a very brief look at the current situation in Poland, identifying patterns of illiberalism and looking at what can be done to reverse this trend.

Dag Detter, Legatum Fellow and CEO of Whetstone Solutions discusses his book 'The Public Wealth of Nations: How Management of Public Assets Can Boost or Bust Economic Growth', in conversation with Shanker Singham, Director of Economic and Prosperity Studies at the Legatum Institute.

Srdja Popovic—the man who brought down Milosevic, schooled the Arab Spring and has been called ‘The Secret Architect of Global Revolution’—discusses ways to respond to authoritarian-led conspiracy theories. Interviewed by Peter Pomerantsev, Senior Fellow at the Legatum Institute.

Srdja Popovic—the man who brought down Milosevic, schooled the Arab Spring and has been called ‘The Secret Architect of Global Revolution’—discusses innovative ways to defeat ISIS using non-violent methods. Interviewed by Peter Pomerantsev, Senior Fellow at the Legatum Institute.

In the final lecture of the 2015 History of Capitalism series, Philipp Blom, author, journalist, lecturer and broadcaster, painted a picture of 1930s Europe to help uncover what it was like to live after the Wall Street Crash. Interviewed by Mary Schutzer-Weissmann, Project Coordinator at the Legatum Institute.

As part of its History of Capitalism series, the Legatum Institute hosted a seminar on the Great Depression of the 1930s. In this short interview, the Legatum Institute's Stephen Clarke challenges the speakers on the policies of the British Government in the aftermath of the Wall Street Crash and asks the big question: Did Britain really experience a 'great depression'? Speakers include: Nicholas Crafts of University of Warwick; Olivier Accominotti of the London School of Economics and Tobias Straumann of Zurich University. Interviewed by Stephen Clarke.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, launched the Legatum Institute’s ‘Prosperity for All’ manifesto, written by Senior Fellow Tim Montgomerie. Montgomerie has published a series of chapters that unpick how capitalism has come to attract such negative public reaction, and what governments must do to prove to citizens that capitalism really can bring prosperity for all. Introduction by Sian Hansen, Executive Director at the Legatum Institute.

Lord Adonis, the new Chair of the UK Government’s Infrastructure Commission, spoke at a Legatum Institute Business Forum breakfast where he discussed why Britain must invest in its infrastructure if it is to boost business across the UK. Moderated by Cristina Odone, Director of Communications at the Legatum Institute. More Information:www.li.com/events/business-and…on-with-lord-adonis

The Legatum Institute was pleased to host renowned democracy activist and chess master Garry Kasparov for a breakfast discussion of his upcoming book 'Winter is Coming: Why Vladimir Putin and the Enemies of the Free World Must Be Stopped'. Interviewed by Anne Applebaum, Director of the Legatum Institute's Transitions Forum.

Sam Wilkin, a senior advisor to Oxford Economics, discussed how Indian entrepreneur Dhirubhai Ambani completed one of the most unlikely "rags to riches" stories of modern times, and what lessons his experience can teach entrepreneurs in India today. Interviewed by Alexandra Mousavizadeh, Director of Indices at the Legatum Institute.

Aung San Suu Kyi has been the face of Burma's pro-democracy opposition for more than 20 years—5 of them spent in detention. This week, her party has soared to victory in the country's historic 2015 elections. Christian Caryl, Democracy Lab editor and Legatum Institute Senior Fellow, reports from Rangoon.

'Beyond Propaganda Series' panel discussion to launch a collection of papers that look at how 21st century warfare is changing and what can be done to react to information warfare. Speakers included Ben Nimmo, former NATO Public Affairs Officer on Russia and Eastern Europe; Laura Jackson, Director of Research for US Defence Department Study on China’s new warfare; and Mark Laity, Chief of Strategic Communications, NATO European Headquarters. Moderated by Peter Pomerantsev, Senior Fellow to the Transitions Forum at the Legatum Institute.

What makes us better off? Deirdre McCloskey, Distinguished Professor of History, Economics, English, and Communication at the University of Illinois at Chicago, delivered a lecture at the Legatum Institute that argued ideas, rather than capital, play a crucial role. In this short clip, the Legatum Institute's Hywel Williams interviews McCloskey about her research.

Why are some cities surrounded by slums and riddled with crime, while others are affluent, ordered and desirable places to live? The Legatum Institute's Hywel Williams interviewed urban consultant James Fischelis, who has authored a new LI report that explores why cities that are within close proximity to each other are so different from each other. They were joined in conversation by author and journalist, Harry Mount.

Congressman George Holding, Representative for the 13th District of North Carolina, discusses why the next four years are so important in determining whether American can become "the aspirational entrepreneurial nation that made America great"—or not. He also discussed why there is an urgent need to support small business through comprehensive tax reforms. Interviewed by Sian Hansen, Executive Director at the Legatum Institute.

Historian, author and presenter, Andrew Roberts, discussed the development of Winston Churchill’s support of the free market, one of the less-studied facets of his well-documented career. Speaking to the Legatum Institute's Hywel Williams in this short interview, Roberts went on to give a lecture on the same subject at the Institute's offices in Mayfair.

The Legatum Institute's Transitions Forum hosted Andrei Kirilenko, Professor of the Practice of Finance, MIT Sloan School of Management, for a conversation on how to tackle Ukraine’s economic crisis. Interviewed by Peter Pomerantsev, Senior Fellow at the Legatum Institute.

The Rt. Hon. Michael Gove MP called for reform of the justice system in England and Wales, as he delivered his first speech as Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice at the Legatum Institute. Introduced by Sian Hansen, Executive Director at the Legatum Institute.

Lord (Paddy) Ashdown discusses the position of Britain's main political parties today, how to make voters feel connected to politicians (through devolution of powers to local communities) and why so many people in the West feel that capitalism is not working for them. Interviewed by Tim Montgomerie, Senior Fellow at the Legatum Institute as part of his Vision of Capitalism programme.

Anton Shekhovtsov, Transitions Forum Visiting Senior Fellow, shared insights from his research on Romania and Hungary’s democratic development—and the threats that might lie ahead. Interviewed by Peter Pomerantsev, Senior Fellow to the Transitions Forum at the Legatum Institute.

Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks discusses the contribution of social institutions—like the family—to economic growth. Interviewed by Tim Montgomerie, Senior Fellow at the Legatum Institute, as part of his Vision of Capitalism Series.

Professor Stephen Trachtenberg,President Emeritus of George Washington University, discusses the challenges faced by the leadership running universities today. Interviewed by Sian Hansen, Executive Director at the Legatum Institute.

Peter Salisbury, freelance journalist and Democracy Lab blogger, gave a detailed analysis of the conflict in Yemen at a recent Transitions Forum breakfast. Salisbury described the local conflict that has been internationalised and turned into a complex regional security and humanitarian challenge with global implications. He explained the history of the conflict, the policy considerations, and the possible outcomes for the country. Interviewed by Anne Applebaum, Director of the Transitions Forum at the Legatum Institute.

What is the role of architects in the 21st century? Can—and should—they have a moral responsibility in shaping the overall good of society? As part of the Legatum Institute's Architecture of Prosperity series, Charlotte Skene Catling, architect and Director at Skene Catling de la Peña, shared her thoughts on why entrepreneurial architects matter in policy and how they can contribute to lasting prosperity as we grow our cities. Interviewed by Hywel Williams, Senior Adviser, Legatum Institute.

Andrew Palmer (Business Affairs Editor at The Economist) discusses his new book, Smart Money. In this podcast, Palmer explains how financial innovation can make future crises less, not more, likely. He also discusses the role of pay-day lenders, and the developing relationship between technology and finance. Interviewed by Stephen Clarke, Research Analyst at the Legatum Institute.

As part of the 'Roads to Freedom' series, A.N. Wilson, biographer, novelist and columnist, discussed the ways in which Shakespeare has been used by British and European admirers and detractors, particularly during the 19th century.

Bronwen Everill, Leverhulme Early Career Fellow, King's College London, gives an overview of her History of Capitalism lecture for the Legatum Institute which discussed the Atlantic commercial enterprise and the Royal African Company. In conversation with Hywel Williams, Senior Adviser at the Legatum Institute.