Saumitra Jha on why he changed his mind about climate change, and unexpected tricks that work to reduce polarization

In a political climate dominated by echo chambers, media polarisation, and democratic backsliding, how do we actually get people to change their minds?

In this episode of Changed My Mind, we’re joined by Saumitra Jha, professor of political economy at the Stanford Graduate School of Business. Citing financial experiments in Israel, Palestine, and post-referendum Britain, Professor Jha shares both historical insights and behavioural evidence on how to bridge deep societal divides.

Plus, he opens up about his own profound shift in perspective: why he completely changed his mind on the relationship between global poverty and climate action.

What you’ll learn:

• The Power of “Skin in the Game”: Why giving people small financial stakes to trade in conflicted markets appears to bypass cognitive bias
• Swords into Bank Shares: How historical societies used finance to successfully pacify deep caste and political conflicts
• The Double-Edged Sword of Hero Worship: How the immense trust earned by a World War I General led his loyal network of soldiers straight into Nazi collaboration
• Climate Change is Not a Luxury: Why the traditional economic theory that environmental protection is a luxury reserved for wealthy nations no longer holds up

Buy Alison, Laura and Alexandra’s new book, Poles Apart: Why People Turn Against Each Other, and How to Bring Them Together  https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8711/9781847942975