The Grey Rhino of the World: Anti-Market Sentiment

22 George Street

Welcome back to 22 George Street! I’m your host, George, and today we’re diving into a topic that looms large yet often goes unnoticed: the rise of anti-market sentiment, a grey rhino in our economic landscape. While many of us are quick to point fingers at more visible threats like war, disease, and climate change, I argue that the quiet, pervasive nature of anti-market sentiment may pose an equally significant risk—if not more so.

In this episode, we’ll explore what anti-market sentiment really means, how it intertwines with populism and nationalism, and why it fuels a growing distrust of free markets and capitalism. We'll also examine how social media has amplified perceptions of inequality, creating a fertile ground for these sentiments to flourish. As we uncover the roots of this phenomenon, we’ll look at real-world examples, including the housing crises in Scotland and Argentina, to illustrate the unintended consequences of heavy government intervention driven by anti-market views.

Join me as we dissect this grey rhino, challenging conventional wisdom and uncovering the intricate web of beliefs that shape our economic future.