{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Ep 1: Kwasi Kwarteng: Sovereignty, Tax, and the UK\u2019s Place in a Multipolar World","description":"Andrew Henderson sits down with former UK Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng to explore how tax policy, rule of law, and geopolitics are reshaping Britain\u2019s role in the world. Kwasi lays out why the UK\u2019s rising tax burden \u2013 from the new mansion tax to tighter non\u2011dom rules and higher employer contributions \u2013 is changing the country\u2019s appeal to entrepreneurs and investors, even as its legal system, universities, and property rights remain world\u2011class.   They discuss why London looks cheap but unloved as an equity market, the decline in London IPOs, and the shift of ambitious founders either to New York or to staying private. Kwasi explains the politics behind buy\u2011to\u2011let crackdowns, regional disparities between London and the rest of the UK, and how Britain is trying to keep London relevant as a listings venue, including courting Chinese companies. Along the way, they dig into the UK\u2019s complex relationship with China, the rise of rival hubs like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the growing importance of African and diaspora capital, and why Britain\u2019s brand \u2013 from education to common law \u2013 still carries weight in an increasingly multipolar world. In this episode, Andrew and Kwasi discuss: \u25cf Why rising UK tax levels \u2013 including the mansion tax and changes to non\u2011dom rules \u2013 are reshaping Britain\u2019s appeal to entrepreneurs and investors. \u25cf How the UK\u2019s rule of law and deep property rights tradition still underpin its global brand, even as other centers compete for capital. \u25cf Regional disparities between London and the rest of the UK, and where real estate and buy\u2011to\u2011let still make economic sense. \u25cf Why UK equities are historically cheap, what\u2019s gone wrong with London IPOs, and why many founders now look to New York or stay private. \u25cf How London is trying to remain a global listings hub, from alternative exchanges to efforts to attract Chinese companies. \u25cf The UK\u2019s complicated relationship with China, balancing human rights concerns with educational, financial, and strategic ties. \u25cf The rise of rival financial centers like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and what that means for African, Gulf, and frontier\u2011market capital. \u25cf How Britain can stay \u201copen for business\u201d while managing domestic politics around welfare, migration, and national identity. Follow Kwasi: LinkedIn About Borders Borders is a long-form audio series hosted by Andrew Henderson, exploring how capital, power, and opportunity are reorganizing beyond the Western mainstream. Each episode features an unscripted conversation with founders, policymakers, investors, and thinkers operating at the edges of conventional narratives. The focus is structural clarity \u2014 not headlines. Produced by Vesper. Hosted by Mr. Andrew J. Henderson: Website ","author_name":"Borders: Conversations on Global South Capital and Geopolitics","author_url":"https:\/\/vesper.vc\/borders\/","html":"