Superclass
"Should we be worried that the superclass seems to have an ever-expanding reach that bypasses governments and remains unchecked? A new breed has emerged. They set the global agenda, ride on Gulfstreams and manage the credit crunch in their spare time. They are anything but elected; they are entrepreneurs and entertainers, media moguls and former politicians - the self-made super rich who are using their money to lay down a new set of global rules. So where did this new global aristocracy come from and who is keeping them in check? Interviewees: Paul Theroux: Writer and novelist Paul Farhi: Journalist, The Washington Post Matthew Bishop: Author of ""Philanthrocapitalism"" Christopher Hitchens: Author of ""The Trial of Henry Kissinger"" Ken Silverstein: Author of ""How lobbyists plunder the nation"" Guests: David Rothkopf: Author of ""Superclass"" Jeff Faux: Author of ""The Global Class War"" Moisés Naím: Author of ""Illicit"" Janine Wedel: Author of ""Shadow Elite"""
More from 2010
Episode 1
'War on terror' through Muslim eyes
In this episode, Empire looks at how al-Qaeda is perceived in the Muslim world. Does the US' so-called 'war on terror' serve only to alienate Muslims, driving them into the arms of extremist groups? Can the US reverse the tide of military intervention in the region and instead try to reach political solutions that involve all political parties, including repressed Islamic parties? We will also discuss whether the Arab world has an answer to the al-Qaeda challenge.
Episode 2
What future for capitalism?
From New York to Dubai and Bangladesh, Empire looks at the impact of US-style capitalism and asks: What does the future hold for crony capitalism? And what are the alternatives to neo-liberal globalisation?
Episode 3
US and Iran: The best of enemies?
In this episode, Empire asks if US-Iranian relations have taken a turn for the worse. The time for hands extended in friendship has been replaced by menacing fists, as both sides ratchet-up the rhetoric. Will this mini cold war continue, giving both the US and Iran time and face to get back to the negotiating table, or will the bellicose words lead to a confrontation that neither side wants? Empire finds out.
Episode 4
BRIC: The new world order
Brazil, Russia, India and China are booming whilst many other countries are struggling economically, or even crashing. When their leaders recently convened in Brasilia for their second BRIC summit, they all underlined their commitment to a more democratic global governance. Will the emerging powers change the way the world works, or merely grab a bigger share of it? And what future for Brazil on the world's summit?
Episode 5
The sun never sets
It once ruled a quarter of the world, but what is so great about Great Britain? And what gives this faded island off the coast of Europe the right to act like a global power player?
Episode 6
Running on empty?
What happens when the world runs out of oil? Who and what will be the dominant power in the 21st century?
