In recent years, Europe has seen an unexpected rise of populism, culminating in the UK’s Brexit vote, a strong showing of Marine Le Pen in the French Presidential elections in 2017, the stunning electoral success of the far right in Austria as well as the renaissance of the left in Southern Europe.

In this episode of Smart Talk, Alan Tonelson of the Henry George School and his guest, Edward Harrison discuss the economics behind the sudden surge of populism in Europe and explain its persistence in spite of a generally improving economic climate.

Edward Harrison is the founder of Credit Writedowns and a former career diplomat, investment banker and technology executive with over 25 years of business experience. He has also been a regular economic and financial commentator on BBC World News, CNBC Television, Business News Network, CBC, Fox Television and RT Television. He speaks six languages and reads another five, skills he uses to provide a more global perspective. Edward holds an MBA in Finance from Columbia University and a BA in Economics from Dartmouth College.