S8 Ep60: The planet has a problem with populism

In this episode of VoxTalks Economics, Tim Phillips interviews Sergei Guriev and Catherine de Vries about the rise of populism in Europe and beyond, and its implications for policy choices, particularly concerning climate change and sustainability. They discuss the definition of populism, recent events that populists have exploited, and the impact of populist policies on economic performance, referencing studies on austerity, immigration, and public service deprivation in Italy and the UK. The conversation explores how populists frame issues like immigration, inflation, and climate policy to appeal to voters, often by creating a narrative of a detached elite versus the pure people. The guests suggest ways to revitalize the social contract, including better communication from politicians, deliberative democracy through citizens' assemblies, and regulation of social media. They also address the challenges of promoting sustainability policies in the face of populist opposition, recommending that policymakers learn from past mistakes and involve ordinary people in the decision-making process.