Overview

The Berggruen Institute’s mission is to develop foundational ideas and, through them, shape political, economic and social institutions for the 21st century. In the age of technology and globalization—as our traditions are challenged, new social orders are emerging and political institutions falter—critical analysis of our most fundamental beliefs and the systems founded on them is required. Great Transformations are reshaping human life, social organization, and the world. These are epochal changes, not incremental, and are taking place now, in our lives and our children’s. The Berggruen Institute seeks to deepen understanding of these great transformations, the ethical responses they demand, the social decisions they make possible, and how they are seen from different civilizational perspectives: Beyond Human: Science and technology, including especially artificial intelligence and bioengineering that can potentially redesign life itself. Innovating Culture: Cultural change, including the influence of both globalization and creativity in science, art, and social life – and attempts to resist each. Resilient Governance: The pursuit of more effective governance, including politics and social institutions. Geo-Politics and the New Economy: The global intersection of geopolitics and economics, including possible transition beyond capitalism.