207. Gordon Brown: How to Fix a Fracturing World
Summary
Former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown discusses his new book, which analyzes the breakdown of the global order and a "civic recession" through a survey of 100,000 people. He argues that the world is shifting from a rules-based to a power-based system and proposes a new international charter to counter populism. Brown also critiques post-2008 austerity, advocates for a European capital market to support innovation, and reflects on the challenges of modern political leadership and the decline of community organizations.
Topics discussed
Introduction and sponsor: Rest is Politics Plus
Sponsors: Trading 212, Tremfya, and Wegovy
Book overview: Global survey and broken world order
Seismic shifts: Multipolarity and protectionism
Leadership lessons: Solvency vs liquidity and foresight
Social cohesion: Economic anxiety and civic decline
Rebuilding community: Volunteering and youth engagement
The failure to manage globalization and supply chains
Financial crisis: Capital shortages and bank bailouts
Post-crisis growth and the impact of austerity
Sponsors: Anthropic and SimpliSafe
Economic competitiveness: Capital markets and innovation
Britain as an innovation nation: Quantum and tech
US-China rivalry and the need for a new coalition
Proposed Global Charter: Principles and reciprocity
Nuclear proliferation and the threat of war
Global cooperation: Moving beyond zero-sum mindset
Modern political challenges: 24-hour news and communication
Long-term friendships and the focus on ideas over personalities
Host reflection: Personal history and political dynamics
Gordon Brown's legacy: Communication and policy clarity
Challenges: Volunteering, China shock, and voter views
Role of former PMs: Elders groups and policy work
Conclusion: The 'Board of Peace' and final thoughts
Sponsor: SimpliSafe
Sponsor: Mint Mobile
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