Mars Bar-isation of the Irish Electorate & Other Yarns

As the war in Ukraine drags on, how do we untangle the web of money, power, and manipulation at the heart of Vladimir Putin’s regime? In this Christmas special, we revisit one of our most revealing episodes with financier and political activist Bill Browder, recorded in May 2022.From the origins of Putin’s rise to power to the oligarchs’ uneasy pact and the enduring corruption within Russia, Browder offers an insider’s perspective on the forces driving this geopolitical chess game. With haunting parallels to today’s events, we explore the enduring dynamics of Russia’s kleptocracy, the Western response to the war in Ukraine, and the grim calculus of prolonging conflict to pursue regime change. What’s the West’s real endgame? Can sanctions and military aid shift the balance, or are we destined for years of grinding stalemate? And what does it say about global power when wars are dictated not just by ideology, but by who controls the money? Join the gang! https://plus.acast.com/s/the-david-mcwilliams-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As we hurtle toward an AI-driven future, what’s really at stake? In this Christmas Eve special, we revisit our conversation with Martin Wolf, the Financial Times’ chief economics correspondent, and dive into his predictions for the seismic changes reshaping our world.From the rise of AI and its potential to dismantle the middle class, to the demographic time bombs ticking in the West and sub-Saharan Africa, we explore how technology, climate, and population shifts are redefining economics and geopolitics. Are we headed for a new era of prosperity, or a feudal system ruled by techno-overlords? And what role does socialising the means of production play in protecting democracy? Happy Christmas! Join the gang! https://plus.acast.com/s/the-david-mcwilliams-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Was 2024 the turning point for our economic, political, and cultural future? In this episode, we break down the top 10 seismic shifts that reshaped the world. From Trump’s polarising return and America’s brotocracy taking center stage, to the collapse of the Assad regime and the waning dominance of Germany and France, the global order is tilting. Why is Italy’s Meloni now Europe’s most compelling leader? What does China’s deflation signal for the rest of us? And how has Ireland quietly positioned itself as a winner in the chaos? These are the moments that matter, and this is the year that changes everything. Join the gang! https://plus.acast.com/s/the-david-mcwilliams-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ireland’s economy is booming, bolstered by its close ties to the American economic engine. But beneath the shine of GDP growth and high living standards lies a stark reality: a growing gap between standard of living and quality of life. Why are Irish families delaying children longer than any other in Europe? Why hasn’t Ireland used its wealth to solve fundamental issues like childcare, housing, and commutes? In this episode, we explore the divergence between the U.S. and European economies, shedding light on why Ireland is an economic outlier. Drawing on research from Money: A Story of Humanity, we discuss the driving forces behind American innovation, Europe’s struggles with productivity, and how Ireland’s successes mask deeper societal challenges. From satellite images of city luminescence to Belgium’s clever solutions to vacant housing, this is a conversation about the paradox of prosperity—and what happens when governments fail to plan for the future. Join the gang! https://plus.acast.com/s/the-david-mcwilliams-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The fall of Assad’s 50-year regime marks a pivotal moment in Middle Eastern history, but what happens next? In this episode, we connect the dots between the collapse of Syria’s government, the geopolitical power vacuum left behind, and the ripple effects across Europe. Drawing from decades of history, including parallels to regime changes from Saddam Hussein to Gaddafi, we examine the roles of Russia, Iran, Hezbollah, and the jihadist HTS in shaping Syria’s uncertain future. Taking notes from The Great War for Civilisation by Robert Fisk for historical insights into Middle Eastern geopolitics, unpack the complexities of migration patterns, and analyse how rising far-right movements—from Marine Le Pen in France to the AFD in Germany—could destabilise Europe's political landscape further. With millions displaced and Europe bracing for another wave of desperate migrants, this episode explores the intersection of history, politics, and human resilience. Join the gang! https://plus.acast.com/s/the-david-mcwilliams-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.