Podcast
Peak Human - How openness and institutions shape progress across time
What makes societies flourish—and what causes their decline? In this episode of IAF Continued Conversations, hosts Arpita Nepal and Rainer Heufers talk with Johan Norberg about his latest book Peak Human: How We Can Learn from the Rise and Fall of Golden Ages. Drawing on examples from Athens to Baghdad and Song China, Norberg shows how openness to ideas, trade, and innovation has fueled human progress across time and cultures. Together they explore the balance between strong institutions and creative freedom, the tension between traders and tribalists in every society, and what it takes to sustain progress in today’s interconnected world.
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Resources mentioned in this episode
The Power of Ideas: How Liberty Sparks Human Prosperity
In this episode, Deirdre McCloskey shares her insights on how liberty and innovation, not capitalism, drive prosperity. Discover how ideas shape our world and fuel human progress. Tune in now!
Unpacking Development in the World
Lant Pritchett on why national development—not just human flourishing—must be at the center of effective aid. What drives real progress? Find out in this wide-ranging conversation.
The Housing Theory of Everything
What if housing policy explains rising inequality, lower growth, and stalled innovation? Sam Bowman joins to discuss zoning, cities, and why housing is more than just a place to live.
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Podcast: IAF Continued Conversations
We are bringing you insights and experts from our seminars of the International Academy for Leadership (IAF) of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom in Germany.