Big Ideas That Changed The World

Mikhail Gorbachev looks at the history of Communism and how it started in Russia and spread worldwide. Looks at its history in Russia, and Gorbachev's disillusionment with the system and desire to reform and improve it. He discusses the policies of "glasnost" and "perestoika" that he introduced, the fall of the Berlin wall, his own position and his hopes for the future.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu talks about the origins, precepts and history of Christianity and what his faith means to him.

Tony Benn looks at how the concept of democracy developed and spread across the world over the centuries from its beginnings in Ancient Greece. Particularly considers the impact of extending the vote to more people in 19th century Britain and the state of democracy in 20th century Britain.

Germaine Greer looks at the historical treatment of and attitudes towards women, some of the women who developed the idea of feminism and how it became a powerful movement, particularly in the twentieth century.

Danish author Bjorn Lomberg looks at the origins and history of environmentalism from the late eighteenth century to date. Looks at the increase in pollution of the planet in the twentieth century and the harmful effects and consequences on both nature and man. Considers nuclear issues, the rise of Green politics, and also suggestions which differ from most...

Joseph Stiglitz discusses the history of capitalism, from the ideas of Adam Smith in the eighteenth century to the current day. Considers the effects of industrialization, the Depression, nationalization and the welfare state, the Cold War, free-market theories and globalization.