The Spark

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Leading thinkers posit solutions to the structural problems of our age.

The Spark: Paul Collier and John Kay v Destructive Individualism

Paul Collier and John Kay v Destructive Individualism

BBC Radio 4 - The Spark, Paul Collier and John Kay v Destructive Individualism

Leading thinkers propose solutions to the structural problems of our age.

Helen Lewis asks two leading economists about their proposed alternative to the destructive which, they argue, dominates political thinking on left and right.

A new series of the interview programme in which journalist Helen Lewis meets the writers and thinkers who are breaking new ground. 

From politics to economics, from tech to the study of how we live, things are changing fast. Old certainties have not been under such challenge for decades. 

Each week, we give the whole programme over to a single in-depth, close-up interview with someone whose big idea is bidding to change our world. 

Helen’s challenge is to make sense of their new idea, to find out more about the person behind it – and to test what it has to offer us against the failures of the past.

In the first episode of this latest series, leading economists Sir Paul Collier and John Kay argue that the world is in thrall to destructive individualism, from the right’s obsession with shareholder value to the left’s extremes of identity politics. 

They tell Helen why they argue in their new book, Greed is Dead, that we need to focus instead on mutual obligations and community. Helen asks them to lay out the practical proposals for trying to make this happen, from devolving power to promoting German-style 'associations'.

Producer: Phil Tinline

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

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