Just as in hostage situations, George Kohlrieser says politicians need to build bonds and understand what the other side truly wants to overcome their partisan divides.

In his book, George Kohlrieser explains how overcoming a hostage mindset is essential for successful leadership.

Leif Pagrotsky and the lure of a Scandinavian welfare state.

Canceling tariffs on goods entering the EU from the global South was one of Leif Pagrotsky’s major accomplishments.

Broad-based social support greatly reduces fear and uncertainty in the Swedish economy, Leif Pagrotsky says.

Paying retirement benefits forward is a fatal flaw in the auto industry and the American economy as a whole Leif Pagrotsky believes.

Leif Pagrotsky notes the Swedish economy has adjusted much better to globalization than the American economy.

Leif Pagrotsky hopes for an improved America after the “disaster” of the Bush administration.

Leif Pagrotsky explains that in Europe socialism is a misnomer for social democracy .

Leif Pagrotsky speaks to the importance of building and maintaining skills in a labor force.

Leif Pagrotsky on the Swedish banking crisis of the early 1990s.

Sharply decreasing inflation led to the biggest interest rate cut in the Swedish central bank’s history, explains Leif Pagrotsky.

Leif Pagrotsky cites public-private options, high life expectancy and competitions between hospitals to tout Sweden’s socialized model.

Leif Pagrotsky describes the conditions for a fertile creative class.

Leif Pagrotsky says high alcohol consumption rates lead to tight controls on drugs in Sweden.

Sweden is not just a country of depressed suicidals, says Leif Pagrotsky.

Rewarding the financial industry for missteps and passing the buck is inherently wrong, says Leif Pagrotsky.

Leif Pagrotsky weighs in on two economic titans.

Irvine Welsh is going to take us back to 18 months before Trainspotting.

Irvine Welsh loves the hills.

Irvine Welsh loves a “nasty volume of sludge,” but in Miami he’s drinking rum.

Irvine Welsh says a critical reading of Lolita was his point of departure.

Irvine Welsh talks about addiction, recovery and drug policy.

Irvine Welsh tells his students writing comes down to working hard.

Irvine Welsh has noted success and failure in abundance.

Irvine Welsh talks about compassion fatigue.

Irvine Welsh saw Thatcher and the ruling class win the class war.

Irvine Welsh tells of how Ireland went multi-ethnic overnight.

Irvine Welsh remembers social welfare perks that made being young easy.

Irvine Welsh explains the interplay between novel and screen writing.