Venture-backed “tech capital” is reshaping U.S. politics through campaign finance, platform gatekeeping, defense/AI procurement, and policy entrepreneurship. In an interview with Nick French, INET's Research Director Thomas Ferguson discusses these channels of influence, examining their macro-distributional consequences, and outlining guardrails to restore democratic accountability and broadly shared gains.
Nick French
gorodenkoff/Getty ImagesGender equality at work has barely improved over the past ten years, with paid work opportunities held back by women doing the bulk of unpaid work in the home, new research shows.
Alex Segre/ShutterstockUniversal basic income (UBI) has supporters across the political spectrum. The idea is that if every citizen received a payment from the state to cover their living costs, it this will allow them the freedom to live as they choose.
In the run-up to the 2024 election, future prime minister Keir Starmer labelled wealth creation Labour’s number one mission. “It’s the only way our country can go forward,” he declared. “We should nourish and encourage that – not just individuals but businesses.”
Starmer was right, in theory. But wealth creation is a slippery concept. Essential for economic and social progress, it can also work against both. It’s therefore vital to distinguish between “good” and “bad” wealth.
The issue has buoyed Democrats and is resonating with an American electorate that is souring on the president’s economic agenda.
Oil prices have declined in recent months owing to a persistent oversupply in the market. A key driver has been a shift in the stance of OPEC+. The group has been increasing oil supply at a rapid pace despite already low prices, marking a clear departure from its historical role as a market stabiliser. A similar shift in behaviour occurred in 2014, when oil prices declined sharply and remained persistently low. This box evaluates the risk of a similar scenario unfolding today.
Exchange of letters between the Governor and the Chancellor
As farmers rallied in Athens on Tuesday, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis was in the Rhodope region, a key agricultural area in northeastern Greece, where he announced a 50 pct increase in the fuel tax rebate cap for farmers.
For immigrant communities from countries with especially high duties, food costs have risen sharply courtesy of President Trump.
For immigrant communities from countries with especially high duties, food costs have risen sharply courtesy of President Trump.
