Why marry capitalism with democracy? Mary Kostakidis and Yanis Varoufakis

When first world governments talk about ‘spreading democracy’ to developing nations, we might assume a barely-veiled synonym for delivering capitalism. Of course, that’s no surprise; capitalism and democracy have been entangled for hundreds of years, formally and otherwise. Free markets and free speech masquerade as the best of friends. Are they?

Yanis Varoufakis has a unique view: as Greece’s minister of finance through this year’s Eurozone debt meltdown, he was charged with the unenviable task of steering democracy’s birthplace through a deep crisis of capital. (His staunch view? ‘Austerity sucks.’) The rockstar economist and self-described ‘libertarian Marxist’ is also a recognised expert on game theory, the author of several books on political economy, and an experienced academic and teacher.

Journalist and social justice advocate Mary Kostakidis joins Yanis Varoufakis for a conversation about Europe’s future, Australia’s prospects and ideas of fairness and equity – as well as contemporary democracy and the health of our political system.

Note to early bookers: if you booked tickets to this event prior to Thursday 19 November, some details may have changed. Please check theinterrobang.wheelercentre.com/#important-info for details.