Podcast

In the latest episode of the Freedom Cities Podcast, Mark Lutter sits down with Patri Friedman, Seasteading Institute founder and Pronomos Capital managing partner, to explore how the vision for new cities has evolved. From ocean-based experiments to real-world charter cities, they discuss the future of governance, innovation in emerging markets, and why Africa holds the greatest

In the latest episode of the Freedom Cities Podcast, we sit down with Isaiah Taylor, CEO of Valar Atomics, to discuss how his company is scaling nuclear energy through Giga sites, turning nuclear reactors into the key to affordable, clean energy. Fresh off a $19 million seed round and a contract with the Philippines to launch their

In this episode, Mark Lutter speaks with Edward Pinto, Co-founder of the AEI Housing Center, about unlocking federally owned land to address the housing crisis. They discuss Homesteading 2.0, the potential of Freedom Cities, and why legalizing starter homes is key to affordability. Listen now to explore bold ideas for solving the housing shortage.

In our first episode of the Freedom Cities podcast, Josh Abbotoy discusses his innovative approach to building rural communities in Appalachia, focusing on economic decentralization and the integration of modern amenities. He shares his vision for the future of these areas, the journey that led him to this work, and the potential for new cities that cater

In this episode, Nick Allen from the Frontier Foundation delves into the concept of Freedom Cities, highlighting their potential to rejuvenate American urban landscapes and industries. He explores the historical context of city formation in the U.S., the necessity of supporting emerging industries, and the crucial role of coalition-building among stakeholders. The conversation addresses regulatory reform, housing

In this episode, Mark Lutter sits down with Atossa, author of The Hidden Globe, to delve into the unconventional world of special economic zones, freeports, and the shifting boundaries of sovereignty. From the peculiarities of Geneva’s free zones to the unique openness of Svalbard, Atossa unpacks how alternative governance structures challenge traditional notions of the nation-state. The

In this engaging episode, Mark Lutter and Kurtis Lockhart explore the transformative potential of charter cities and the critical need for innovative education systems in Africa. The discussion spans the challenges of setting up universities, the role of practical skills in shaping future-ready curricula, and the strategic significance of Zanzibar as a hub for the Africa Urban

In this episode we are joined by Ian Goldin, a distinguished Professor of Globalisation and Development at the University of Oxford. Join us as we delve into the historical evolution of cities, the role of urban areas in driving innovation, and the shift from manufacturing-based to knowledge-based economies. Ian shares insights on the future of major cities,

In today’s episode, we explore the history of liberalism in China with Evan Osborne, Professor of Economics at Wright State University and author of “Markets with Chinese Characteristics: Economic Liberalism in Modern China.” We discuss the introduction of Western economic liberalism to China, its resurgence over the past five decades, and the potential future implications.

Discover how Africa’s embrace of sustainable infrastructure, led by innovators like Leander Moons of Studio OMT Architects, is shaping a greener future. In this episode, we delve into the rising trend of mass timber construction, its potential impact on global sustainability, and the collaborative efforts with local communities. From Fumba Town Zanzibar to Africa’s tallest timber tower,

How do you take the positive aspects of Silicon Valley, and apply it to a radically different context like developing charter cities? Today, Jeffrey Mason, Head of Research at the Charter Cities Institute (CCI), is joined by Mark Lutter, Founder of CCI, and CEO of Braavos Cities, to discuss how the charter cities ecosystem has evolved over

Can a city hold the key to unlocking economic prosperity on a grand scale? In this episode, we sit down with Brooke Bowman and Mark Lutter to discuss charter cities and their role in addressing economic development challenges. Mark is a visionary thinker invested in progress, governance, social dynamics, and the concept of new cities. He is

What would it take to create the ideal jurisdiction for global tech companies to be able to grow and scale in Africa? Joining us today to unpack this question is Luqman Edu, co-founder and CEO of Itana, Nigeria’s first Digital Free Zone. Through their partnership with the Federal Government of Nigeria, Itana is creating an opportunity for

Many countries need radical structural transformation, specifically in more developing nations, and Growth Teams have made it part of their mission to empower developing countries to create jobs and grow their economies. Today, we are in conversation with the co-founders of Growth Teams, Kartik Akileswaran and Jonathan Mazumdar. The pair are here to discuss how their business

Affordable housing and economic development challenges in Africa are multifaceted and interconnected, but what is the solution? In today’s conversation, we sit down with Jon Vandenheuvel, the founder of Small Farm Cities Africa and senior advisor for the Charter Cities Institute. Small Farm Cities integrates horticulture, aquaculture, infrastructure, and residential housing for ownership and wealth creation throughout

Ethiopia’s Developmental State model has garnered attention for its ambitious goals and efforts to transform the economy, but has it been successful? Joining us today is Tom Lavers, Senior lecturer in Politics and Development at The University of Manchester, to help navigate this complex topic. Tom is a dedicated researcher whose passion lies in exploring the intricate

In today’s episode of Charter Cities, we’re honored to welcome Lant Pritchett, a distinguished economist and a thought leader in development economics. Our deep-dive conversation will focus on the critical topic of growth diagnostics, exploring the complex challenges policymakers face in developing nations. Lant will illuminate the importance of identifying impactful actions for growth, emphasizing the need

On today’s Charter Cities podcast episode, host Jeffrey Mason is joined by colleagues Heba Elhanafy and Matthew McCartney to unpack the New Africa’s Bad Urban Laws project. This initiative dissects laws in African cities hindering growth and community well-being. Additionally, Jeffrey reminds listeners of the upcoming Africa’s New City Summit in Kigali, Rwanda. The team dives deep,

Coming up on today’s episode of Charter Cities, we have a very special guest joining host Mark Lutter: Vitalik Buterin, the co-founder of Ethereum. In this episode, we delve into the fascinating world of community building and the importance of creating meaningful connections within cities and online communities. We explore the challenges and successes of building communities

Hosted by Jeffrey Mason, in the company of esteemed guests Martin Rama and Yue Li, our most recent episode plunges into the enthralling domain of private cities. Tune in to explore this new frontier in urban development, the intricate dance between governance entities, and the triumphs and obstacles that confront private cities. Additionally, we’ll uncover the promising

Always an insightful conversation with Charter Cities Institute Founder and Chairman Mark Lutter who returns to the podcast to share his perspective on network cities, charter city trends, and more.

A fascinating conversation with Dr. Elliott Green who joins us on the podcast to discuss the impact of industrialization on ethnic identity and diversity.

A lively conversation with Joe McReynolds, co-author of Emergent Tokyo: Designing the Spontaneous City about the characteristics of Tokyo urbanism, the role of policy in the city, lessons that may be applied to charter cities, and also some of Joe’s thoughts on China’s current military capabilities.

Join us for a round-the-world trip where Charlie Robertson delves into the history of South Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the West, and offers his explanation for why some countries have flourished while others have floundered.

The West’s misconceptions about Africa are vast, particularly when it comes to the realm of business. Today we are joined by Dr. Deanne de Vries, who has worked across the continent in various capacities for over 30 years.

Get an inside look at Digital Economic Zones and more as we sit down with Joseph McKinney, CEO of the Catawba Digital Economic Zone (DEZ), a new SEZ established by the Catawba nation based in the Carolinas.

In today’s show, we get to delve deep into Stefan Dercon’s elite bargain idea, the impact of effective altruism, the need for self-awareness within governments, and how far lessons from certain examples can be applied to other states.

Development is one of the major challenges of our time. Unfortunately, it’s often approached in a way that does more harm than good. Efosa Ojomo has a better solution.

This fascinating and thoughtful conversation is packed with insight on what is needed to broaden and enhance our understanding of economic growth, important arguments of the past, and how far projects might go towards enabling us to see a better future.

China’s presence in Africa is widely speculated upon (and wildly misunderstood). Joining us today to speak to the truth of the matter is Sinologist-Africanist Professor of International Development at Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies, Deborah Brautigam.

Dr. Linda Colley, a leading expert on British imperial and global history, joins us on the podcast. We talk global constitutions and their relationship between war and revolution, and much more.

Today’s episode is a bonus episode, where we take a deep dive into the Italian Renaissance (with a focus on Venice) with world-renowned expert, Professor Corey Tazzara. From the fall of the Roman Empire to the formation of independent city-states, to the financial and political ramifications of the crusades, to the rise and fall of Venice as

Welcome to Seeding the Future, a podcast from CCI, where we explore how giving and philanthropy are changing. In the first episode, we hear from John Arnold, American philanthropist, former Enron executive, and Founder of Arnold Ventures, about philanthropy for policy change.

The Ukraine-Russia conflict has dominated headlines over the past few months, with countless theories and hypotheses being touted to explain Russia’s aggression. Join us as we talk to one of the world’s leading experts on violence and politics, Professor Chris Blattman.

Talking to us today is urban planning researcher Heba Elhanafy. We dive into the episode with an overview of what the newly released Planning Guidelines cover, and how new city making has evolved. We hear about the three topics the Planning Guidelines tackle.

Joining us to discuss the beautification of urban spaces today is Dr. Samuel Hughes, a Senior Fellow at Policy Exchange, a Research Fellow in Philosophy, Theology, and Religion at Oxford University, and a frequent commentator on issues ranging from architecture and urbanism to aesthetics.

Scott Beyer is the Founder and CEO of the Market Urbanism Report, a media company dedicated to advancing the free market’s classically liberal approach to urban issues. Tune in to hear Scott’s definition of market urbanism and how it relates to the traditional free market.

Today’s guest is Ed Glaeser, a Professor of Economics at Harvard University, and he joins us to talk about urbanization and urban planning. Ed has written, or co-authored several books, including The Triumph of The City, and more recently, Survival of the City: Living and Thriving in an Age of Isolation, published this year with David Cutler.

Chuck sheds light on how the way in which we build our cities has drastically changed since before the Great Depression and how the current North American development pattern creates towns and cities that lack the wealth to be able to maintain their critical infrastructure and take care of their own futures.

Lauri Haav is currently running a program which is the first of its kind, and if you’re wondering why obtaining an Estonian e-ID card is an appealing option, you’ll get all the answers from him in today’s episode.

Today’s guest, Anton Howes, is a historian of innovation, and his first book is “Arts and Minds: How the Royal Society of Arts Changed a Nation”, where he unpacks this organization and the significant roles it plays in influencing the social landscape of the UK.

Because of the way technology has enabled remote work and access, if you want to attract people to a building, city, or neighborhood, it’s less about the location or the physical characteristics of your asset, and more about how you are meeting the lifestyle needs of that specific group of people that you’re targeting.

How do we shape a preferable future? Today’s guest believes that technological advancements could result in what he calls the ‘Roaring 20s’, with a productivity and economic boom that extends well beyond the expected post-pandemic rebound.

The complex history of democracy and its global origins isn’t taught in school. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to self-educate.

There has never been an immortal society. No matter how technologically advanced our own society is, it is unlikely to be an exception.

Today’s guest is Feyi Fawehinmi, author of Formation: The Making of Nigeria from Jihad to Amalgamation

Kurtis Lockhart speaks with Alexander Betts, a Professor of Forced Migration and International Affairs at the University of Oxford, about refugee economics and the role that the private sector, technology, and innovation have to play in the global refugee crisis.

We discuss Joachim’s work with the Sustainable Development Zone Alliance and how they are utilizing Sustainable Development Zones (SDZs) and Brownfield sites to improve the lives of migrants and increase the transitions from the informal sector to the formal sector.

A conversation is about the influence of politics and culture on the cost of building rail-based infrastructure projects across the globe.

Erin McDonnell, Professor of Sociology at the University of Notre Dame, joins us to discuss her recent book Patchwork Leviathan, which looks at the emergence of bureaucratic pockets of effectiveness within otherwise weak state administrations with a particular focus on Ghana.

A largely unexplored counterargument to immigration liberalization is that immigrants who come from countries with worse institutions will make the institutions in their destination country worse.

China’s rapid rise may seem unprecedented, but its journey is oddly familiar. Joining us today to provide insight is Yuen Yuen Ang.

An optimistic climate conversation with Matthew E. Kahn, an Economics Professor at Johns Hopkins University.

A conversation with Judd Devermont, Director of the Africa Program at CSIS to find out Africa’s current global position

A conversation with Vox co-founder, policy writer, and celebrated journalist Matthew Yglesias

From fleeing Benin for his pro-democracy activism to becoming a renowned Princeton professor and founding one of Africa’s most prestigious universities, Leonard Wantchekon’s life is as impressive as his economic and political research. Today we speak with Leonard and explore his story, academic work, and how he founded the African School of Economics (ASE). After sharing details

We speak to Jim Wolfensohn on development and Sebastian Mallaby on the World Bank. Listen to learn about this and more.

Creating and enforcing a watertight contract between two global parties is a challenging task. Though not unheard of, contract disputes are becoming commonplace and there is an increasing need to evolve systems.

Cities may have seemed more fragile during the global COVID-19 lockdowns but, as Greg Woolf’s impressive studies of early urbanism show, cities have been re-invented many times. In today’s episode, listeners hear from Greg, an historian and archaeologist specializing in the late Iron Age and the Roman Empire. Greg is currently the Director of the Institute of

There is a growing body of empirical evidence that points toward the important, long-term effects that historic events can have on economic development, and today’s guest, Dr. Nathan Nunn, is a major player in this area of research.

We talk to Mark Koyama about some of its big themes – state capacity, religious toleration, and political competition.

Digital technology has evolved to the point that by hitting keys and tapping mice buttons, you can literally build a city in the cloud.

What is progress, has it slowed down, and what can we do about it? Joining us today to talk about the emerging field of progress studies and how it might help us dig into questions like these, is Jason Crawford.

CCI has grown pretty rapidly and our projects have also grown. Today we take a closer look behind the charter cities movement.

Today we welcome Erick Brimen, the CEO of Próspera, which is arguably the world’s first charter city, off the coast of Honduras on an island called Roatán.

Tocqueville said, “We need to work at making democracy work.” That is the springboard from which this episode begins.

Charter cities can be thought of as the next generation of special economic zones. Today’s guest is Lotta Moberg, a macroeconomic analyst at the Dynamic Allocations Strategies team at William Blair in Chicago.

In this episode, we discuss what it means to create livable, sustainable cities, the process of building them, and how they fit into the broader regional development of their locations.

Today’s guest, Ivan Ko, is the founder and CEO of the Victoria Harbour Group, an organization with the bold idea to create international charter cities in Western countries for Hong Kong immigrants to move to.

Today we look at funding charter cities and how these cities overlap with and diverge from Western governance models.

Our guest underlines the central part that geography and access play in the destinies of countries like France, Germany and Africa.

Iyinoluwa sheds light on his thoughts on emerging markets, what he calls survivalist entrepreneurialism and Nigerian aspiration.

Mwiya talks the role of institutions and networks in establishing the overarching culture of a city as well as an intercontinental Africa.

Alain’s says labor markets are the foundation of cities and service-based approaches to planning will make healthier labor markets.

For our second episode of the Charter Cities Podcast, Mark is joined by Gyude Moore to discuss his experiences in and the history of Liberia, the challenges facing emerging markets and of charter cities. Gyude takes a brief look at the defining moments in Liberian history for this discussion, mentioning the population that arrived from America in

We are happy to welcome you to the Charter Cities Podcast, where we highlight the different facets and importance of charter cities.