Ideas worth spreading

The rise of the new global super-rich

2,347,229 views | Chrystia Freeland • TEDGlobal 2013

Technology is advancing in leaps and bounds -- and so is economic inequality, says writer Chrystia Freeland. In an impassioned talk, she charts the rise of a new class of plutocrats (those who are extremely powerful because they are extremely wealthy), and suggests that globalization and new technology are actually fueling, rather than closing, the global income gap. Freeland lays out three problems with plutocracy … and one glimmer of hope.

Technology is advancing in leaps and bounds -- and so is economic inequality, says writer Chrystia Freeland. In an impassioned talk, she charts the rise of a new class of plutocrats (those who are extremely powerful because they are extremely wealthy), and suggests that globalization and new technology are actually fueling, rather than closing, the global income gap. Freeland lays out three problems with plutocracy … and one glimmer of hope.

This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

About the speaker

Chrystia Freeland

Chrystia Freeland

Plutocracy chronicler

See speaker profile

In "Plutocrats," Chrystia Freeland explores the growing gap between the working poor and the increasingly disconnected mega-rich.

This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.