What undermines democracy
Nobel laureate James A. Robinson
The US will not become Colombia
Nobel laureate James A. Robinson argues that today’s global tensions are less the result of a historic rupture than of unresolved social and economic failures in the United States. In this interview, he explains why Donald Trump’s rise reflects deep-seated discontent rather than a sudden break with the past, why liberal institutions have lost credibility, and why the apparent strength of autocracies such as China may prove deceptive. Despite the turmoil, Robinson remains cautiously optimistic that the United States – and other democracies – can still reinvent themselves. The interview was conducted by NZZ journalists Peter A. Fischer and Albert Steck during Robinson’s visit to the Department of Economics at the University of Zurich in September 2025.
Read the interview on our website or download a copy above.
This feature is part of the Nobel Opinions series, which distills key insights from lectures, conversations, and other formats featuring Nobel laureates hosted by the UBS Center in Zurich. We invite you to explore our Nobel Opinions and find out more about their research, their vision, and their solutions to address some of the most pressing issues of our time.
Nobel laureate James A. Robinson argues that today’s global tensions are less the result of a historic rupture than of unresolved social and economic failures in the United States. In this interview, he explains why Donald Trump’s rise reflects deep-seated discontent rather than a sudden break with the past, why liberal institutions have lost credibility, and why the apparent strength of autocracies such as China may prove deceptive. Despite the turmoil, Robinson remains cautiously optimistic that the United States – and other democracies – can still reinvent themselves. The interview was conducted by NZZ journalists Peter A. Fischer and Albert Steck during Robinson’s visit to the Department of Economics at the University of Zurich in September 2025.
Read the interview on our website or download a copy above.
What economists get wrong about Africa
James A. Robinson, in conversation with development economist Lorenzo Casaburi, took a critical look at how institutions shape the distribution of power. Revisiting Africa’s political heritage, he challenged the narrative of “failed states,” highlighting the continent’s long tradition of participatory governance. “Africans weren’t failing to build states, they were succeeding in building societies that valued autonomy,” he noted. Through systems of local councils and collective land ownership, many African communities intentionally decentralized authority to sustain cooperation and prevent domination. Robinson reminds us that progress, whether technological or institutional, is never automatic. It depends on who holds power and how it is used.
James A. Robinson, in conversation with development economist Lorenzo Casaburi, took a critical look at how institutions shape the distribution of power. Revisiting Africa’s political heritage, he challenged the narrative of “failed states,” highlighting the continent’s long tradition of participatory governance. “Africans weren’t failing to build states, they were succeeding in building societies that valued autonomy,” he noted. Through systems of local councils and collective land ownership, many African communities intentionally decentralized authority to sustain cooperation and prevent domination. Robinson reminds us that progress, whether technological or institutional, is never automatic. It depends on who holds power and how it is used.
Thought Supply
UBS Nobel Perspectives
To help address the big questions that shape our world, UBS has sought out a number of Nobel laureates in Economic Sciences to ask them to share insights, discuss their research, and open their inquiring minds.
Robinson contends that development depends on the historical struggle over political power, the balance between state and society, and the cultural beliefs that shape how institutions are legitimized, resisted, or reformed.
Explore various videos with James A. Robinson.
To help address the big questions that shape our world, UBS has sought out a number of Nobel laureates in Economic Sciences to ask them to share insights, discuss their research, and open their inquiring minds.
Robinson contends that development depends on the historical struggle over political power, the balance between state and society, and the cultural beliefs that shape how institutions are legitimized, resisted, or reformed.
What undermines democracy
How to rewire globalization
The increasing interdependence of world economies is a key aspect of globalization which comes with a multitude of consequences for the world population. Yet there are numerous worrisome effects, commonly referred to as the globalization backlash. Resurgent nationalism and increasing populism, rejection of free trade, opposition to immigration, growing global inequality, and a retreat from multilateralism: These are the defining issues of our time that fuel the globalization backlash. What are the causes of these phenomena and what are effective solutions to address these issues? Answers to these and other important questions are provided by numerous experts in lectures, interviews, and papers made possible by the UBS Center.
The increasing interdependence of world economies is a key aspect of globalization which comes with a multitude of consequences for the world population. Yet there are numerous worrisome effects, commonly referred to as the globalization backlash. Resurgent nationalism and increasing populism, rejection of free trade, opposition to immigration, growing global inequality, and a retreat from multilateralism: These are the defining issues of our time that fuel the globalization backlash. What are the causes of these phenomena and what are effective solutions to address these issues? Answers to these and other important questions are provided by numerous experts in lectures, interviews, and papers made possible by the UBS Center.
Nobel laureate
Nobel Laureate, Professor of Economics at University of Chicago
Prof. James A. Robinson
Nobel laureate Prof. James Robinson is the Institute Director of The Pearson Institute and the Reverend Dr. Richard L. Pearson Professor and University Professor at the University of Chicago. He is an economist and political scientist whose influential research examines the interplay between political power, institutions, and prosperity. Robinson’s work explores the historical and contemporary causes of political and economic divergence, combining the quantitative methods of economics with the qualitative approaches of other social sciences.
Nobel Laureate, Professor of Economics at University of Chicago
Prof. James A. Robinson
Nobel laureate Prof. James Robinson is the Institute Director of The Pearson Institute and the Reverend Dr. Richard L. Pearson Professor and University Professor at the University of Chicago. He is an economist and political scientist whose influential research examines the interplay between political power, institutions, and prosperity. Robinson’s work explores the historical and contemporary causes of political and economic divergence, combining the quantitative methods of economics with the qualitative approaches of other social sciences.