Q&A with Billionaire Backlash author Pepper Culpepper

 

Pepper Culpepper joins the DAUK Political Book Club on June 23 to discuss his book Billionaire Backlash: The Age of Corporate Scandal and How It Could Save Democracy. What happens when public outrage finally boils over? In Billionaire Backlash, Prof Culpepper and Taeku Lee reveal how corporate scandals do more than just fill news feeds—they can actually force governments to rein in out-of-control corporations.  Drawing on a decade of research, they've discovered something surprising: buried beneath our frustration with the ultra-wealthy is what they call "good populism"—a powerful force that could revive American democracy. Culpepper is the Blavatnik Professor of Government and Public Policy at the Oxford University and Vice-Dean of the School of Government.

A tightly written book that ends on an optimistic note about democracy and "good populism", when corporate-backed "bad populist" autocracies seem to be in the ascendant.

--Financial Times

The book is available in various formats at discounts at the publishers Bloomsburys.

At 7:30pm UK time we'll have Q&A with the author for 45 minutes, then discuss current events for 30 minutes, finishing by 8:45pm. 

RSVP to get the Zoom details, book discussion questions and current events newsletter.  Questions? Contact [email protected]. 

All are welcome, even if you haven't read the book.  Here are reviews and interviews to help you access the book in a way that fits your schedule:

20260202 A smart set of case studies in support of greater corporate responsibility - Kirkus

20260127 Business books: What to read this month - Financial Times

20260512 Sinking Yachts: Can a Billionaire Backlash Save Democracy? - Harvard Ash Center (55m video)

20260129 Science of the Times Ep 39. Badly behaving billionaires (42m video)

20260212 Can Billionaire Backlash Save Democracy? Keen on America (42m video)

 

 

WHEN

Tuesday, June 23, 2026 at 07:30 PM London Time

WHERE

This is a virtual event. See the event description above or RSVP for virtual participation options.

CONTACT

Isabel Liu

5 RSVPs