Ian Goldin: Disruptive Changes That Will Transform the World
IMF Podcasts, June 7, 2017
Source details
- Canonical URL
- Ian Goldin: Disruptive Changes That Will Transform the World
Other formats
Bibliographic details
- Published: June 7, 2017
Core argument
- Ian Goldin argues the present is a contest between the bright and dark sides of discovery.
- Science and technology are propelling societies into the future at what some would describe as breakneck speed.
- Goldin compares contemporary social division, political extremism, and insecurity with the first Age of Discovery in the 15th Century, drawing lessons from historical experience.
Key themes and observations
- Comparison of eras:
- The first Age of Discovery in the 15th Century is used as a historical analogue for current global transformations.
- Social division, political extremism, and insecurity during the 15th Century are paralleled with trends observed today.
- Role of science and technology:
- Rapid scientific and technological progress is a primary driver of disruptive change.
- The pace of change motivates the need to learn from past transitions rather than assume novelty.
- Normative framing:
- The framing of current change as a contest implies policy and social choices determine whether outcomes follow the bright or dark side of discovery.
Speaker and roles
- Ian Goldin:
- Founding director of the Oxford Martin School.
- Professor of Globalization and Development at Oxford University.
- Behind the mic:
- Bruce Edwards, International Monetary Fund, produces the IMF podcast program; award-winning audio producer and journalist; has covered armed conflicts, social unrest, and natural disasters from all corners of the world; believes economists have an important role in solving the world's problems and aspires to showcase their research in every IMF podcast.
- Rhoda Metcalfe, independent journalist and audio producer.