RSA Conversations

Utopia and Reality

Episode Summary

With former economic policy adviser to the shadow chancellor, James Meadway, and Professor Gregory Claeys.

Episode Notes

Just as our reality has seemed to take a dystopian turn, there’s been a resurgence of political imagination. Utopian dreams have returned to the forefront of our politics.

How achievable are these utopias, especially when they collide with the realities of power and government? And what can we learn from past attempts to make dreams into reality?

Guests:

• James Meadway, former economic policy adviser to shadow chancellor John McDonnell
• Gregory Claeys, professor of the history of political thought at Royal Holloway, University of London

Presented by Matthew Taylor.

Produced by James Shield.

Brought to you by the RSA.