‘Robert Reich is one of the most important voices in America, fighting for an economy that works for all people and not just those at the top.’ – Sen. Bernie Sanders
Millions of Americans have lost confidence in their political and economic system. After years of stagnant wages, volatile job markets, and an unwillingness by those in power to deal with profound threats such as climate change, there is a mounting sense that the system is fixed, serving only those select few with enough money to secure a controlling stake.
Robert Reich understands American power from the inside. He worked at the highest echelons of the American government, serving under Ford, Carter and Clinton, and advised Barrack Obama. Time Magazine named him one of the 10 most effective cabinet secretaries of the twentieth century. Now the best-selling author of Saving Capitalism and The Common Good joins How To Academy with a gripping and urgent analysis of how the rigged systems of American politics and power operate, how this status quo came to be, and how average citizens can enact change.
In a free livestreamed conversation with Matthew d’Ancona, Robert Reich will shows how wealth and power have interacted to install an elite oligarchy, eviscerate the middle class, and undermine democracy.
He’ll expose how those at the top – be they Republicans or Democrats – propagate myths about meritocracy, national competitiveness, corporate social responsibility, and the ‘free market’ to distract most Americans from their own accumulation of extraordinary wealth, and their power over the system. Instead of answering the call to civic duty, they have chosen to uphold self-serving policies that line their own pockets and benefit their bottom line.
His objective is not to foster cynicism, but rather to demystify the system so that voters might install fundamental change and demand that democracy works for the majority once again.
Praise for Robert Reich:
‘Robert Reich is one of our country’s most insightful commentators on politics and economics. Both a diagnosis and a call to arms, The System shows how our economy and our democracy are rigged to work for the wealthy and well-connected. Change is possible – if we are willing to fight for it.’ – Sen. Elizabeth Warren
‘In this book Robert Reich exposes the con job of America’s present manic hyper-capitalism. He exposes a ‘system’ that is defined less by free markets than by elite capture. He shatters the myths about rising tides and boats and slices of pie and whatever else those hackneyed people say, propelled by the insight that while money may not be a zero-sum situation, power is. And when America’s plutocrats use money to capture power to make sure that they monopolize future money, rage swells, human potential withers on the vine, and the soul of the country changes.’ – Anand Giridharadas, author, Winners Take All
This talk takes place at 6:30pm British Summer Time.
About Our Digital Programme:
In response to the global pandemic, How To Academy is curating a not-for-profit programme of live-streamed talks and conversations bringing you advice, insight and entertainment. Tickets are offered on a Pay What You Can basis, including a Free option for those who cannot afford more at this difficult time. Thank you for your help sustaining How To Academy through the crisis — and for enabling us to share new thinking from across the globe at a time when it has never been more important.
Books will be shipped within two weeks of the event (hopefully sooner). Please note that due to the challenges of distribution during the global pandemic, some books may be delayed. If we experience any delay in getting your copy to you, we will contact you by email to let you know. Thank you for supporting a local London business, Primrose Hill Books.
