New Enlightenment

Sovereign wealth funds are often portrayed as powerful tools of geopolitical influence, but how much of that narrative is actually true? In this episode of the New Enlightenment Podcast from Adam Smith's Panmure House, host Professor Adam Dixon is joined by Dr. Victoria Barbary , Senior Director at the Milken Institute and former Director of Strategy and Communications at the International For...

In this episode of The New Enlightenment, host Adam Dixon speaks with Josh Zoffer — former advisor in the Biden administration, venture capital investor, and non‑resident fellow at Columbia University’s Centre on Global Energy Policy — to examine one of the most pressing geopolitical and economic challenges of our time. Drawing on his experience shaping U.S. policy on supply chains, sanctions, cli...

In this episode of the New Enlightenment podcast, Professor Adam Dixon is joined by Lee Jones, Professor of Political Economy and International Relations, to unpack China’s rise as a global power and the realities behind Western narratives about Chinese authoritarianism. They explore how China’s political system actually works, why the Chinese party state is not monolithic, and how internal econom...

With the use of AI on the rise, what does the future of Europe's digital future look like? In this conversation, Professor Adam Dixon and Professor Daniel Mügge explore the concept of digital sovereignty in Europe, particularly in the context of artificial intelligence and technology regulation. They discuss the implications of foreign tech dominance, the role of public authorities in shaping...

EPISODE 38 | Why has technological progress slowed, even as AI promises to transform our world? In this episode of the New Enlightenment Podcast from Adam Smith’s Panmure House, host Adam Dixon sits down with Professor Carl Benedikt Frey—Oxford economist and author of How Progress Ends—to explore one of the most pressing questions of our time: why are new technologies no longer delivering the econ...

Can classical liberals learn something from Michel Foucault? It’s a question most proponents of free-market capitalism would never ask - but in this episode, Mark Pennington argues the answer is yes . Joined by Adam Dixon , Pennington dismantles the academic silos around Foucault and repositions the postmodern critic of power as a surprising ally in understanding the erosion of liberal society . T...

What’s driving China’s economic dominance — and what does it mean for the world?  In this episode, host Adam Dixon is joined by Dr. Jostein Hauge, an expert on industrial policy and global development, to dissect the forces behind China’s rapid economic rise. From state-led industrial strategies to market competition under strict state control, we explore how China is reshaping global manufacturin...

In this episode, Adam Dixon and Bryan Cheang takea hard look at the promises and pitfalls of industrial policy, using the mission economy framework popularized byMariana Mazzucato as a case study. They dig into essential questions: Why do governments struggle as economicentrepreneurs? What are the unseen risks when states try todirect innovation? How do democracy, pluralism, and uncertaintycomplic...

In this thought-provoking episode, Adam Dixon sits down with Jens Hillebrand-Pohl to unpack the fascinating world of geoeconomics —where global power struggles, political motivations, and economic strategies collide. Together, they delve into how nations use economic tools like sanctions, investment restrictions , and trade policies to exert influence and advance national interests, often in ways...

In this episode, Adam Dixon and Hylke Dijkstra dive into the future of global cooperation. They discuss the challenges facing international organisations, the lasting effects of Trump’s policies, and China’s growing role on the world stage. With real-world examples and bold predictions, this conversation sheds light on where global politics is headed next. Key Takeaways: International organisation...

Adam Dixon and Robyn Klingler-Vidra break down the intricate ties between government policy, venture capital, and innovation. They explore how nations foster—or stifle—startup ecosystems, why venture capital isn’t a guaranteed path to success, and the global forces shaping entrepreneurship. From Europe's scale-up struggles to China's hyper-competitive market, they reveal the cultural, econ...

In this episode, we explore the intricate relationship between the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and China’s economic development. Adam Dixon and Jeff Henderson discuss the CCP’s influence on business operations, the historical impact of the Great Leap Forward, Deng Xiaoping’s market reforms, and Xi Jinping’s leadership. We also examine China’s global investments, competition within its economy, a...

In this episode of New Enlightenment , Adam Dixon sits down with Ilan Kelman to unravel the complex realities behind disasters, climate change, and the power of effective communication. Kelman challenges the common notion of “natural disasters,” emphasizing that disasters are driven by human choices and public policy failures rather than nature alone. The conversation dives into why understanding...

In this episode, Adam Dixon sits down with RobertoDuran-Fernandez to explore North America's shifting trade landscape. They examine Mexico’s growing role in global supply chains , the impact of recent U.S.-Mexico trade agreements , and the evolving U.S.-China trade rivalry . The conversation dives into nearshoring trends , accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic , and how geopolitical tensions ar...

In this episode, Francesca Ghiretti joins Adam Dixon to discuss the complexities of the China-US rivalry and its implications for Europe and the UK. They explore the escalating tensions between the two superpowers, the impact of self-sufficiency trends, and the challenges Europe faces in navigating its relationship with China while maintaining strong ties with the US. The discussion highlights the...

In this conversation, Adam Dixon and Amir Lebdioui delve into the intricacies of green industrial policy, emphasising its necessity in a climate-conscious world. They explore the economic advantages for developing countries to adopt green strategies, the challenges of fossil fuel development, and the importance of equity in energy transitions. The discussion also highlights the role of oil compani...

In this conversation, our guest Stacy Swann discusses the evolution of climate finance, particularly in the context of COP meetings and the role of blended finance. She explains how the definition of climate finance has changed over the years, moving from a narrow focus on development aid to a broader understanding that includes private investment. The discussion also highlights the importance of...

In this conversation, Adam Dixon and Professor Darius Wojcik explore the field of financial geography, its distinctions from economic geography, and the importance of mixed methods in understanding financial systems. They discuss the Atlas of Finance, a comprehensive project that visualises financial data and relationships, emphasising the role of qualitative research in uncovering insights that q...

In this conversation, Jean-Baptiste Wautier, veteran private equity leader, joins host Adam Dixon to discuss the complexities of capitalism, discussing its benefits, challenges, and the pressing need for reinvention. They explore the issues of inequality, environmental concerns, and the cyclical nature of economic booms and busts. Wautier emphasises the importance of shifting the focus from short-...

In this episode, Adam Dixon and Aniket Shah discuss the implications of Donald Trump's presidency on climate change and energy policy, China's lead in the green technology sector, and the current thinking on ESG investing. They explore the complexities of global emissions, the potential for breakthroughs in energy technology, and the need for adaptation strategies in a warming world. They also exp...

In this conversation, Adam Dixon and Samuel Gregg delve into the life and influence of Friedrich Hayek, a pivotal figure in classical liberal thought. They explore Hayek's multifaceted approach to economics and politics, his critiques of collectivism, and the contemporary misinterpretations of his ideas as far-right. The discussion also touches on Hayek's vision for a balanced state that plays a c...

In this conversation, Adam Dixon and Kerry Brown explore the intricate historical relationship between Britain and China, spanning over 400 years. They discuss the importance of understanding this history in the context of contemporary geopolitics, particularly as tensions rise between the West and China. Brown emphasizes the need for a historical perspective to navigate current challenges, highli...

In this episode we are joined by Ryan Streeter, the Executive Director of the Civitas Institute at the University of Texas at Austin. The conversation explores the emergence of new schools of civic leadership in response to perceived ideological monocultures on university campuses, the importance of open inquiry and critical thinking in education, and the challenges of fostering economic dynamism...

This conversation with Niall Ferguson unpacks the state of Western universities today. Our conversation begins with a discussion on the importance of the Scottish Enlightenment in shaping the modern world. We then discuss the growing illiberalism at Western university, considering the reasons behind the upstart University of Austin. Adam Smith's Panmure House: ⁠⁠Website⁠⁠ Adam Dixon: ⁠⁠On X⁠⁠...

In this episode, we are joined by Matthias Thiemann to discuss the need for a real debate on the role of central banks in keeping capitalism and financial markets afloat. The episode focuses on central bank actions in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis and recently during the COVID pandemic. We explore the debates around allowing central banks to regulate and monitor financial market actors, no...