## 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](https://www.imf.org/en/news/podcasts/all-podcasts/2017/11/11/ian-goldin-disruptive-changes-that-will-transform-the-world)

## Other formats

- [Markdown version](/en/news/podcasts/all-podcasts/2017/11/11/ian-goldin-disruptive-changes-that-will-transform-the-world/index.md)
- [Structured JSON version](/en/news/podcasts/all-podcasts/2017/11/11/ian-goldin-disruptive-changes-that-will-transform-the-world/index.json)
- [Bundle manifest](/en/news/podcasts/all-podcasts/2017/11/11/ian-goldin-disruptive-changes-that-will-transform-the-world/bundle-manifest.json)

## Bibliographic details
- Published: June 7, 2017

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### 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.

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## Content in this bundle

- [Goldin (MP3)](/-/media/websites/imf/imported-podcast/imported-podcast-mp3/external/podcast/2017/goldin.mp3){rel="external" type="audio/mpeg"}

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_Source: https://www.imf.org/en/news/podcasts/all-podcasts/2017/11/11/ian-goldin-disruptive-changes-that-will-transform-the-world_