The Decade the Rich Won is a documentary series that delves into the transformation of the global economic system that took place during the 2010s. Produced by the BBC, the show examines the political and economic factors that allowed the world's wealthiest individuals and corporations to accumulate unprecedented wealth and power.
The first episode of the series sets the scene by examining the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis. As governments around the world injected trillions of dollars into the financial system to prevent a collapse, the world's richest individuals were already seizing opportunities to consolidate their positions. The episode looks at the rise of private equity firms, the explosion of wealth in emerging markets like China, and the increasing influence of multinational corporations on global politics.
Subsequent episodes explore other major themes of the decade, such as the impact of technology on the economy, the decline of social mobility, and the rise of populism around the world. The series features interviews with economists, politicians, and business leaders, as well as with ordinary people whose lives were affected by the changes wrought by the decade.
One of the key strengths of The Decade the Rich Won is its ability to connect the dots between seemingly disparate events and trends. For example, the series shows how the gig economy, which was hailed by some as a revolution in flexible work, is in fact part of a broader trend of eroding workers' rights and job security. Another episode examines the rise of right-wing populism in the United States, Europe, and elsewhere, tracing its roots to the same economic conditions that allowed the rich to get richer.
Throughout the series, the producers use a range of techniques to keep the viewer engaged. Visually, the show is slick and fast-paced, with animated infographics and drone footage of cities around the world. The writing is clear and accessible, with explanations of economic concepts that are easy to follow even for viewers with no background in the subject. And the stories are human and relatable, with interviews with people from a variety of backgrounds whose lives have been shaped by the economic forces at work.
One of the most compelling aspects of the series is its willingness to ask tough questions and challenge prevailing assumptions. For example, in one episode, the show examines the philanthropic efforts of billionaires like Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg, wondering whether their charitable giving is really improving the world, or simply allowing them to wield even more power and influence. In another episode, the series looks at the role of central banks in the global economy, questioning whether their policies are really helping regular people, or just propping up financial markets.
Overall, The Decade the Rich Won is a thought-provoking and insightful series that will be of interest to anyone who wants to understand the current state of the global economy. While the show is unafraid to point out the flaws and inequalities of the current system, it ultimately offers a hopeful message, suggesting that by understanding the forces that have brought us to this point, we can begin to build a fairer and more humane economic future.
