What Happened to Liberal Democracy (with Nobel Prize-winning economist Daron Acemoglu)

What Happened to Liberal Democracy (with Nobel Prize-winning economist Daron Acemoglu)

August 11, 2026 · 45 min

About this episode

Daron Acemoglu discusses his new book on the challenges facing liberal democracy and the impact of inequality and technology on politics.

Nobel Prize-winning MIT economist Daron Acemoglu joins Nick and Goldy to discuss his new book, What Happened to Liberal Democracy? Remaking a Politics of Shared Prosperity. They explore why so many people have lost faith in democracy, how inequality and weakened worker power have reshaped politics, and why democracy has to deliver in people’s daily lives. They also dig into AI, automation, and whether new technology will concentrate even more wealth and power — or help build a more prosperous, democratic future. Daron Acemoglu is a Nobel Prize-winning economist and Institute Professor at MIT. He is one of the world’s leading thinkers on political economy, institutions, inequality, technology, and the relationship between democracy and shared prosperity. His books include Why Nations Fail, The Narrow Corridor, and Power and Progress. His new book is What Happened to Liberal Democracy? Remaking a Politics of Shared Prosperity. Social Media: @dacemoglumit.bsky.social @DAcemogluMIT Further reading:  What Happened to Liberal Democracy? Remaking a Politics of Shared Prosperity New York Times - Nearly 200 Economists and Tech Leaders Warn of A.I. Threats NBER - Automation and…

People in this episode

Host: Nick Hanauer

Guest: Daron Acemoglu

Topics covered

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: MIT

Books & works: What Happened to Liberal Democracy? Remaking a Politics of Shared Prosperity, Why Nations Fail, The Narrow Corridor, Power and Progress

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