Dr Angela Cummine publishes book on Sovereign Wealth Funds and who really owns them

How can it be that more governments are wealthier than ever, and yet fewer citizens enjoy the benefits that such wealth can bring?

Never before have so many governments owned so much wealth in the form of financial assets amassed in state-controlled investment funds. Despite this, the effects of the 2008 crash are still being felt, and countries still scramble to find a way to kick-start growth. Inequality has increased and poverty is on the rise globally. "Citizens' wealth" – creating an additional source of revenue by turning states into wealth-owners - is a long-established idea. And yet we are still to see this powerful tool used to its full potential effect, and in the service of ensuring the interests of its rightful beneficiaries – the people.

This week, Yale University Press is publishing Angela Cummine's new book, Citizens' Wealth: Why (and How) Sovereign Funds Should be Managed by the People for the People, which is based on Angela's research into how Sovereign Wealth Funds work, and how they should work in future to ensure their rightful owners, the citizenry, benefit from their use and management.

In this video, Angela explains more about this research:

There will be an Oxford book launch event in the Rosebery Room at Rhodes House on Saturday, 17 September from 4pm - 5pm, hosted by the Warden Charles Conn and followed by a short drinks reception.

Spaces are limited. Admission only by registration. Please RSVP to Julie Knight to secure your place: julie.knight@rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk

You can also see Angela speak about this topic at the RSA (Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce) in a talk entitled 'Citizens' Wealth'.  Places are available here: https://www.thersa.org/events/2016/09/citizens-wealth