Uploaded March 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 day ago
March 9th, 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of Adam Smith’s The Wealth of Nations.
In this interview, Dr Eamonn Butler, Director and co-founder of the Adam Smith Institute, talks to Mitchell Palmer, Economist at the Adam Smith Institute, about why Adam Smith remains one of the most influential thinkers in economic history.
From the foundations of classical economics to the dangers of crony capitalism, Eamonn explores why Smith’s ideas about free trade, competition, and human prosperity remain profoundly relevant today.
The conversation also explores how Smith might have viewed modern government, technological disruption, and even artificial intelligence.
To commemorate the anniversary, the Adam Smith Institute is releasing a graphic novel adaptation of The Wealth of Nations and hosting a special lecture by Rory Sutherland on March 9th.
March 9th, 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of Adam Smith’s The Wealth of Nations.
In this interview, Dr Eamonn Butler, Director and co-founder of the Adam Smith Institute, talks to Mitchell Palmer, Economist at the Adam Smith Institute, about why Adam Smith remains one of the most influential thinkers in economic history.
From the foundations of classical economics to the dangers of crony capitalism, Eamonn explores why Smith’s ideas about free trade, competition, and human prosperity remain profoundly relevant today.
The conversation also explores how Smith might have viewed modern government, technological disruption, and even artificial intelligence.
To commemorate the anniversary, the Adam Smith Institute is releasing a graphic novel adaptation of The Wealth of Nations and hosting a special lecture by Rory Sutherland on March 9th.
