Dambisa Moyo – we need courage if we are to succeed in making democracies more effective and accountable

In our latest Road to Character lecture, world-renowned economist and best-selling author Dr Dambisa Moyo examined the future of democratic governance, and how we can address the evolving political, social and economic challenges facing the world.

Dr Moyo, who was named by TIME Magazine as one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World, has twice topped the New York Times bestseller list with Dead Aid and Winner Take All. Through the lens of her latest book, Edge of Chaos, she set out recommendations for improving the effectiveness of advanced democracies, so that they can deliver better, more sustainable and more inclusive outcomes in the future for their citizens. These are key themes of our own Effective Government and Populism and Political Change programmes, which seek to explain recent political shifts across the western world.

The Legatum Institute’s Road to Character series examines those values which most strengthen and enrich the wellbeing of people, communities and nations. Launched in 2017 by the best-selling author and New York Times columnist by David Brooks, it invites leading thinkers to discuss the character trait they most value, and how it has proved a pivotal influence in their lives. The series comprises a key part of the Legatum Institute’s Cultural Transformation programme which seeks to help the UK’s great institutions examine how they can make a greater contribution to the strength, integrity and health of our society.