"Brexit" and the Age of Politics Without Facts (Planet Money)

Photo Credit: Getty Images

There's been no shortage of ink spilled over the United Kingdom's vote to leave the European Union. While many seek to ascribe blame to one particular issue or another (i.e. xenophobia or neoliberal economics), few in the United States even started paying attention until a week before the vote. This week's Planet Money episode interviews London-based economist Tim Harford, who is well-known for his long-running Financial Times column, "The Undercover Economist."

Harford provides nice insight into many of the historical and political issues leading up to the referendum vote. He also remarks on the increasingly damaging political phenomenon wherein demonstrable facts no longer significantly influence debate and analysis. While there are many takes on #Brexit, this one is a bit more sweeping in its consideration.

Episode Link: http://www.npr.org/sections/money/2016/06/22/483142244/episode-707-brexit
Episode Length: 14 min 43 sec
Date: June 24, 2016