Are AI, Debt and Big Tech Creating a New Economic Order? | Merryn Talks Money

The global economy faces mounting fragility as rising public debt and the emergence of "monster" corporations—reminiscent of the East India Company—threaten democratic stability. Governments increasingly prioritize short-term electoral gains over national interests, leading to unsustainable fiscal policies and a reliance on financial repression to manage debt. Technological advancements, particularly in AI, drive massive capital expenditure into consumable infrastructure, creating potential bubbles while distancing corporations from shareholder control. Geopolitical instability, exacerbated by a lack of long-term strategic thinking, further complicates the outlook, with defense spending and border security becoming critical, yet neglected, priorities. Addressing these systemic challenges requires a return to fiscal discipline, a re-evaluation of the relationship between state and private enterprise, and a focus on genuine economic growth rather than dependency-driven policies.