As Head of Israel’s National Economic Council between 2009 and 2015 Professor Eugene Kandel possessed a unique insider’s view into the fundamental structure of the Israeli economy and the most powerful trends shaping its society and politics. By 2023 Kandel was so alarmed by what he observed happening to those fundamentals that he warned of the collapse of the Israeli economy (and with it the state) if Israel did not fundamentally rethink its social contract and governance structure.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Professor Eugene Kandel is the founder and chairman of RISE Israel Institute, the Emil Spyer Professor of Economics and Finance at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and the chairman of the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange. From 2009 to 2015 he served as Head of the National Economic Council and Economic Adviser to the Prime Minister of Israel, advancing significant economic policies and reforms.

Virtual Event Only.

In an era of rising autocracy, Bill Browder, the bestselling author of Red Notice and Freezing Order, brings his unparalleled expertise to the forefront. Join the Program on Capitalism and Democracy for a discussion on how business leaders can safeguard democratic principles while navigating increasingly challenging political landscapes. 

Browder's firsthand experiences combating corruption in Russia and beyond offer valuable lessons for today's global business environment. His story exemplifies how business leaders can leverage their influence to shape policy, champion justice, and uphold democratic ideals—even when confronted with grave personal and professional risks.

This event is co-sponsored by the Corporations and Society Initiative (CASI) at the Graduate School of Business and the Program on Capitalism and Democracy at the Center on Democracy, Development and the Rule of Law (CDDRL).

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Sir William (Bill) Browder KCMG was once the largest foreign portfolio investor in Russia until being declared “a threat to national security” in 2005 for exposing corruption in Russian state-owned companies.

In 2008, Bill’s lawyer, Sergei Magnitsky, uncovered a massive fraud committed by Russian government officials stealing US $230 million of state taxes and was subsequently arrested, imprisoned without trial, and systematically tortured.

Sergei Magnitsky died in prison on November 16, 2009. Ever since, Sir William has led the Global Magnitsky Campaign for governments around the world to impose targeted visa bans and asset freezes on human rights abusers and highly corrupt officials, introducing the passage of the Sergei Magnitsky Accountability Act in 2012, & the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act 2016. Which has since been adopted by 11 countries, including the U.S., UK, Canada, and New Zealand.

For his exceptional service to the UK abroad and internationally, in recognition of his significant and sustained contribution to human rights and anti-corruption, he was appointed by King Charles in the 2024 Birthday Honours List a Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (KCMG).