Acemoglu and Sandel on Meritocracy, Markets, AI and the Future of Democracy
Mar 6th 2026
Nobel economist Daron Acemoglu and political philosopher Michael Sandel say meritocracy, market expansion, finance, and AI are concentrating power, eroding the dignity of work, and straining democratic life, and they call for democratic deliberation and institutional reform to respond.
- They argue meritocratic ideals have widened the gap between winners and losers and fostered contempt toward those who struggle.