Economy & Geopolitics

Anne Applebaum

Anne is a staff writer for The Atlantic and a Pulitzer-prize winning historian. A Washington Post columnist for fifteen years and a former member of the editorial board, she has also worked as the foreign and deputy editor of the Spectator, and as the political editor of the Evening Standard. Her book, The Twilight of Democracy: The Seductive Lure of Authoritarianism, considers why some of Anne’s contemporaries have abandoned liberal democratic ideals in favour of strongman cults, nationalist movements, or one-party states.

Ros Atkins

Ros joined the BBC as a producer on Five Live and is now the BBC News Analysis Editor and presenter of The Media Show on Radio 4. He produces viral explainer videos on topical news stories that led to him being labelled been labelled 'Explainer-in-Chief', and founded the BBC's 50:50 Project which aimed to increase the representation of women in journalism. He is also the author of The Art of Explanation: How to Communicate with Clarity and Confidence.

Jose Manuel Barroso

As President of the EU’s executive and legislative branch, José Manuel dealt with the expansion of the Union, the fallout from the financial crisis, and closer integration of member states. He is also a critic of all sides in the Brexit debate and believes the EU could have done more to avoid it.

Carl Bildt

Once UN High Representative in Bosnia, Bildt challenges Europe and the US to find a common vision to meet the threat to world order. Now that we are endangered by weak states and shadowy structures, how can we prevent a clash between fundamentalists and reformers within a civilisation becoming one between civilisations?

Professor David Blanchflower

Alongside his American academic appointment, the former MPC member has also served as the Economics Editor of the New Statesman and is the author of Not Working, a critical look at the modern employment landscape. As a specialist in ‘the everyday economics of people’ Danny focuses on real data, instead of forecasts.

Rt Hon Lord (David) Blunkett

As Home Secretary David was in charge of security, immigration and policing. He is now Chairman of a multi-Academy Trust and an advisor to easyJet. As well as sharing insights on cyber-crime and crisis management, David considers how leaders can best engage with the public and counter the widespread sense of grievance. He argues for business to take a lead: “You are a part of our communities, not just employers of people with certain skills.” After dinner he takes a lighter look at a life in politics - both highs and lows – from The Queen offering to cut up his meal, to...

Todd Buchholz

As well as serving under George Bush Sr, Todd has headed a $15bn hedge fund, lectured on economics at Harvard and co-produced a Broadway hit. He has also written about global upheaval in Market Shock. Todd looks at macro and geopolitical issues, like the crisis in Syria, and the impact they have on financial markets and business strategy.

Alastair Campbell

Alastair ran Labour’s communications for ten years, in and out of government. Alongside co-hosting The Rest is Politics podcast, he advises on both political and organisational strategy, as well as working extensively with charities and campaigning around mental health. He’s written a slew of books including Winners, drawing inspiration from high achievers in sport, business and politics. In presentations Alastair explains what to do when you come under pressure: “Challenge your basic assumptions, put yourselves in your opponent’s shoes, devise a tight plan from t...

Lyse Doucet

One of the BBC’s most widely respected journalists, Lyse has covered some of the most tumultuous events around the world, from the Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan to the Arab Spring uprisings and the war in Ukraine. Despite the conflict and terror, she’s an unshakeable optimist, seeing the humanity and unity of people in the toughest of circumstances. She analyses the political and social uncertainty the world faces, and considers the nature of risk. She also reveals the lighter side to reporting from some of the world’s most dangerous places.

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Lord (Daniel) Finkelstein

Declared political columnist of the year four times, Daniel has held some of the most senior jobs in journalism and politics. A former Executive Editor of The Times, he has been an advisor to prime ministers and chancellors for over twenty years. He has worked with John Major, David Cameron, Theresa May, George Osborne and Rishi Sunak among many others. His work is respected across the political spectrum and he has recently been the author of an award winning and critically acclaimed best selling book Hitler, Stalin, Mum and Dad. He is also a Director of Chelsea Football Club. ...

Bob Geldof

Bob has inspired hundreds of projects across Africa and ensures it remains on the political agenda and in the public consciousness. In a rousing speech on social responsibility, Bob reminds us that we are all defined by what we do, not what we say. This isn’t confined to philanthropy. He might also confess to some pride at the thought of becoming the first Irishman (and the first genuine rock star) in space.

Misha Glenny

After reporting on the Balkan wars and the collapse of the Soviet Bloc, Misha worked with and advised EU and US governments. He remains an expert on Central and Eastern Europe and an acclaimed writer on global crime, most notably in his book McMafia, which was adapted into a hit BBC drama.

Professor Ian Goldin

Ian served as Vice President at the World Bank, CEO of South Africa’s Development Bank and advisor to Nelson Mandela before taking over the helm of the Oxford powerhouse – which spans everything from economics to stem cell research. Ian’s own expertise extends from the systemic risks of globalisation and future technologies, to migration. He believes that global shocks like the financial crisis will become an endemic feature of the next decade.

Michael Gove

Having served in Cabinet for almost the whole of the previous Conservative government, Michael Gove has been described as 'one of the most consequential ministers of recent times'. Serving variously as the Secretary of State for Education, for Justice, for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and as Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, he has insights that few can rival into the workings of government, leading change and driving strategy. He continues to influence the political debate as Editor of The Spectator, and as a Peer.

Makala Green

Makala is a successful financial expert, author, businesswoman, financial speaker, and wealth coach, and is prestigiously recognised as the first black female chartered financial expert in the UK.

Robert Guest

Robert is The Economist’s Deputy Editor. Previously he was US editor, business editor, Washington correspondent and Lexington columnist covering American news and politics.

Rt Hon Lord (William) Hague

William served as Party Leader, Commons Leader and Foreign Secretary – contending with war in Libya, terrorist threats, and relations with Europe. He weighs up the impact of Brexit, China, the invasion of Ukraine, and inflation on government policy, national security and globalisation. How will political leaders respond to the key challenges: from migration and populism to Putin's aggression and Xi Jinping's attitude towards tech and trade battles?

Tim Harford

The BBC presenter, Oxford Fellow, data detective and million-selling author is a compelling storyteller on economics, psychology and the unexpected bits in between. Tim explores innovation and how ideas spread, what disasters teach us about ourselves, the power of price, and the use of uncertainty as a competitive weapon. He also reveals truths and myths in data – whether public information, misinformation or deliberate disinformation.

Baroness Ayesha Hazarika

Having moved from the civil service to comedy to Harriet Harman’s Chief of Staff and now back to comedy, Ayesha has gone from writing policy and speeches to writing jokes and commentary pieces. With a combination of humour and insight she looks at politics, the operation of government, what goes on behind the scenes of Westminster and what might happen next.

Sir Lenny Henry

Lenny’s credits stretch from classical theatre to arena tours, TV dramas, a blues album and Comic Relief. He continues to balance comedy, drama, and entertainment and campaigns for diversity in TV.

Lord (Jonathan) Hill

After serving as Leader of the House and Leader of the Conservative Party in the Lords, Jonathan went to Brussels as Commissioner for Financial Stability, Financial Services and Capital Markets Union. He resigned after the UK vote to leave the EU. Having been responsible for finance and banking within the EU covering regulation, economic growth, markets and transparency, he offers insight into the workings of the Union, the economy, and negotiations.