Is it Game Over for Keir Starmer? Martin Wolf for The Intelligence Squared Economic Outlook 2026 (Part One)

Intelligence Squared

News Commentary, Arts, News, Society & Culture

4.2 • 1.2K Ratings

🗓️ 15 February 2026

⏱️ 39 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

2026 opened with a bang on the world stage. With Donald Trump's aggressive approach to foreign policy and the release of the Epstein files threatening more political upheaval, it's clear that this year will be another test of resilience for the global economy. On February 9, Chief Economics Commentator for the Financial Times Martin Wolf joined us for the latest installment of The Intelligence Squared Economic Outlook, in partnership with Guinness Global Investors. In conversation with BBC broadcaster Jonny Dymond, he argued these could be the final days of Keir Starmer’s tenure as British PM, and what this means for the British economy. More broadly he shed light on the implications of American antagonism for the existing world order, and what the rising wave of populism from left and right could mean for the economic policies of incumbent parties in the UK, Europe, US and beyond. Widely regarded as one of the world’s most influential writers on the global economy and a multi-award-winning financial journalist, Wolf has been chronicling and analysing geopolitical and economic upheaval for nearly 40 years. He has written five bestselling books. His latest, The Crisis of Democratic Capitalism, maps out the implications of globalisation, technological development and the impact of democratic decline on the global economy. This recording is part of The Intelligence Squared Economic Outlook series of events made in partnership with Guinness Global Investors, an independent British fund manager that helps both individuals and institutions harness the future drivers of growth to achieve their investment goals. To find out more visit: https://www.guinnessgi.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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0:36.4	Her parents are annoyed, but not too worried.
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0:59.0	Welcome to Intelligence Squared, where great minds meet.
1:02.4	I'm producer Mia Serente.
1:04.6	On today's episode, Chief Economics commentator for the Financial Times, Martin Wolfe, returns to the Intelligence Squared stage.
1:12.3	2026 opened with a bang. With Donald Trump's takeover of Venezuela and aggression towards Greenland,
1:18.5	it's clear that this year will be another test of resilience for the global economy. What are the
1:23.8	implications of American antagonism for the existing world order? Will Rachel Reeves' economic plans finally bear fruit for an increasingly impopular Labour government?
1:32.9	And what does the rising wave of populism from left and right mean for the economic policies of incumbent parties in the UK, Europe, US and beyond?
1:42.5	Wolf joined us at Smith Square Hall in Westminster for a special edition
1:46.1	of the Intelligence Squared Economic Outlook, made in partnership with Guinness Global Investors.
1:52.2	For those who don't know, Guinness Global Investors is an independent British fund manager
	...

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