Money and the international economy dominate debate in Bristol’s autumn season

Date posted: 24 July 08

PRESS RELEASE

As the world reels from the effects of the credit crunch and international problems continue to dominate debate, Bristol’s Festival of Ideas addresses issues of money, trade, climate change and international prosperity in its autumn season.

Two of the world’s leading thinkers come to Bristol in November as part of the festival to throw light on the international economy and international politics.

Harvard historian and broadcaster Niall Ferguson, writer and presenter of a new Channel 4 series, The Ascent of Money, looks at its role in the role in the economy, politics, the arts, war and peace. He sets the events currently affecting the world in context.

Chris Patten, former Chairman of the Conservative Party and European Commissioner for International Affairs, draws on his extensive experience of national and international politics to investigate the many challenges facing the world, and the possible solutions. Patten covers Globalisation, energy, international crime, Weapons of Mass Destruction, nuclear proliferation, small arms proliferation, international drugs trafficking, climate change, water shortage, migration, epidemic disease, among others.

Andrew Kelly, director of the festival, said:

“The world is going through great turmoil currently which is affecting all of our lives. The ideas festival aims to promote debate about the key issues of our time, and to help identify solutions. Both events are timely and essential. I’m delighted that the Bristol festival continues to attract such leading international speakers”.

The autumn season also has events with broadcaster and writer Kate Adie on taking risk in work; Professor Richard Evans on the Nazi Holocaust, Tariq Ali on Pakistan. There is also a range of lectures with leading artists and scientists with the University of Bristol in the annual art lecture series.