Top Takeaways from Who rules the world?

Politicians, big tech, media moguls, and hidden influencers all hustle for control behind the scenes – but who really holds the power today? In a world saturated with misinformation, disinformation, and unchecked facts, it’s hard to know freedom of speech from fake news.

Top Takeaways:

This dynamic session launched LiFI 25 looking at today’s global situation and how world leaders are currently taking centre stage.

“Geopolitics is like a chessboard, but there’s a game going on under the table that we can’t even see.” – Mike Bates

“There is an emerging accord between China, North Korea, and Russia. This is a group of autocratic nations that want to reset the world order. That conflict is coming. Will NATO stand strong?” – Matthew Syed

“The UK does NOT matter on the world stage. Trying to cling on is awkward and embarrassing. It just shows how little power we have.”  –  Sam McAlister

“Trump is a kleptocrat. But he’s not alone. Self-interested kleptocrats are enriching themselves the world over. They don’t care about the masses.” – Tom Burgis

Further Reading 

• The Power Elite” by C. Wright Mills — A foundational deep dive into overlapping spheres of influence across government, corporate, military, and cultural sectors.
  

• Networked: The New Social Operating System by Lee Rainie & Barry Wellman — Explores how digital networks distribute power, influence, and information.
  

• This Is Not Propaganda: Adventures in the War Against Reality by Peter Pomerantsev — A journey through the rise of disinformation, information warfare, and the fragility of truth.
  

Related Podcasts

• “On the Media” – Who Owns Truth? — Discusses the consequences of media consolidation and deliberate information distortions on public discourse.
  

• “The Media Show” (BBC Radio 4) – The Power Behind the Screens — Examines how tech giants and platforms now hold outsized sway over what we see and hear.
  

• “Deconstructed” (The Intercept) – How Misinfo Shapes the Real World — A sharp investigation into how falsehoods penetrate institutions, elections, and culture.

Documentaries Worth Watching (3 Picks)

• The Great Hack (Netflix) – Unpacks how digital data and social media were weaponised to influence elections and public behaviour.
  

• Muckrakers (Frontline/PBS) – Chronicles investigative journalists challenging powerful institutions and exposing hidden networks of influence.
  
• The Social Dilemma (Netflix) – Delivers insight into how social algorithms influence our perceptions, often for profit.