Ways to Change the World with Krishnan Guru-Murthy

More than three decades after publishing The End of History and the Last Man, political scientist Francis Fukuyama is looking back on the ideas that made him famous, and asking whether democracy can still withstand the forces reshaping the world.

In this episode of Ways to Change the World, Krishnan Guru-Murthy talks to Fukuyama about Donald Trump, the rise of populism, why young men are driving political upheaval across the West, and whether social media has destroyed our shared sense of reality. Through the lens of his new book, In the Realm of the Last Man, they discuss why people are drawn to extreme causes, what Europe should do in a world where America can no longer be relied upon, and whether liberal democracy is entering a period of dangerous turbulence.

Fukuyama also reflects on changing his mind about the Iraq War and free-market economics, the intellectual friendships he lost along the way, and why he believes good thinkers must be willing to abandon ideas when the facts change.

Restaurant critic and writer Jay Rayner says restaurants are much more than a set of tables and chairs. In an age of rising costs, social media trends and pressure on the hospitality industry, he argues that restaurants remain vital spaces for creativity, community and human connection.In this episode of Ways to Change the World, he tells Krishnan Guru-Murthy why he would ban tipping. How restaurants help people connect in ways few other public spaces can. And why he believes going out to eat is good for society. He also discusses the challenges facing the restaurant industry, the rise of influencers and online food culture. And states why there’s nothing wrong with taking that photo of your meal.

Historical novelist Robert Harris writes about the Roman Empire - and says the parallels of disillusionment with modern day politics are ‘impossible’ to ignore.  
In this episode of Ways to Change the World, he tells Krishnan Guru-Murthy that Donald Trump’s vanity projects and strong man tactics remind him of Emperor Augustus, how the pressure to appease the masses is ‘crushing politicians into a form where it’s impossible for them to operate’ and why historians might look back and see the Brexit vote as ‘the first big crack’ in British democracy.

We talk more openly about mental health than ever. So why is alcohol so often left out of the conversation?
Millie Gooch believes Britain's relationship with drinking is overdue for a rethink. After struggling with binge drinking and anxiety herself, she founded Sober Girl Society and has become one of the leading voices calling for a more honest conversation about alcohol, addiction and wellbeing.
In this episode of Ways to Change the World, Krishnan Guru-Murthy speaks to Millie about the science behind "hangxiety" (hangover anxiety), why moderation is harder for some people than others, the stigma surrounding addiction, and whether Britain's drinking culture is preventing us from asking difficult questions. They discuss the alcohol industry's influence, the changing habits of younger generations, and why Millie believes giving people better information - not banning alcohol - is the way forward.
This episode features conversation around suicide.

Former Silicon Valley insider Dex Hunter-Torricke spent years advising some of the most influential figures in tech, from Google and Facebook to SpaceX. Now, the founder of The Center for Tomorrow, he is sounding the alarm about the future being built by the industry he once helped champion.

In this episode of Ways to Change the World, Krishnan Guru-Murthy speaks to Dex Hunter-Torricke about why he believes society is unprepared for the impact of artificial intelligence, the growing power of Big Tech, and the political influence of Silicon Valley’s leaders. Drawing on his experience working alongside figures including Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg, he reflects on what changed inside the tech industry, why he feels betrayed by its direction, and why he fears AI could deepen inequality, fuel social unrest and transform the global balance of power. From online safety and regulation to jobs, democracy and the future of international cooperation, this is a conversation about whether technology is really changing the world for the better, and what must happen if we are to avoid the dangers he believes lie ahead.