The most liberal cities, which are also the densest and the most diverse, but the cities that vote the most for progressive mayors or vote the most for candidates like Obama or Clinton are the most unequal.

Work hard, be smart, and you can achieve success.

That's the American dream, right?

And if so, inequality isn't an unintended consequence of the system.

It's the point, or at least a key ingredient.

That might sound harsh.

But a system where people are incentivized to work hard, take risks, and be made unequal

has led to astounding innovations and enormous leaps in global standards of living.

Of course, that system also depends on everyone having a fair shot at making it.

And that's where this train starts to go off the rails.

Hello, I'm Ian Bremmer, and welcome to the GZero World podcast, where you'll find extended

versions of the interviews from my show on public television.

And today, on the podcast, I speak with leading urbanist and expert on all things cities,

Richard Florida.

We'll talk about inequality, where it it's growing and why urban revival has a

downside. Let's get to it.

The G0 World podcast is brought to you by our founding sponsor, First Republic. First Republic, a private bank and wealth management company,

understands the value of service, safety, and stability in today's uncertain world.

Visit firstrepublic.com to learn more. Top down in China, and top down not only from the party structure, but the mayor, bottom up from the U.S., and who knows.

I mean, I think this is going to be a fascinating thing to watch over the next 20 or 30 or 50 years.

Richard, Florida, great to be with you. Thanks for going on. Hey, thanks for having me.

You are sort of the legendary urbanist.

...