On Tuesday 10th October we welcomed geography professor and writer onto It’s Bloody Complicated, our fortnightly live podcast recording. Listen to the full episode here.
The conversation roamed far and wide, covering topics from Biden and Covid, to Finland and Extinction Rebellion. We also discussed Danny’s three latest books: Rule Britannia (written with Sally Tomlinson) , Slowdown, and Finntopia (written with Annika Koljonen).
Some key points from the discussion:
- Reflections on Biden’s victory in the US election from the point of view of British and European progressives. (It’s more relief than happiness).
- Just as the aftermath of wars tend to see reductions in inequality, there’s a chance that the Covid-19 pandemic could force some non progressive players into backing progressive policies.
- Why is geography such a brilliant subject, and why has it produced so many interesting progressive thinkers?
- We’re in the middle of a global slowdown in terms of economic growth, population growth, and innovation. Why is this a good thing?
- Finland is ranked as the happiest country in the world, and comes in the top three for many other global indicators. Why is that? (Clue: it has something to do with a progressive alliance)
- The automation revolution is already well underway in our workplaces. What role will as Basic Income play in our future societies?
- Why has Covid stimulated the debate around inequality in a way that austerity could not?
- Why Labour must cooperate with other parties if they want to regain power in the next decade.
And much more.
It’s Bloody Complicated is recorded Live on Zoom every second and fourth Tuesday of the month.
Compass members can register here for more information on how to join these live events.