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JOHAN NORBERG

Internationally acclaimed author, historian, and futurist specializing in globalization, innovation, and economic progress

Bestselling author of 'The Capitalist Manifesto', 'Progress', and 'Open'
Expert on globalization, innovation, and human progress
TED and documentary presenter reaching millions worldwide
Inspires audiences with data-driven optimism and bold insights
Consulted by governments, Fortune 500 companies, and global organizations

The Intellectual Superstar. An influential economist, speaker, and author of more than 20 books, Johan Norberg specializes in global economics, technological progress, and innovation. His talent for distilling complex ideas into actionable insights are celebrated worldwide.

Johan Norberg is an internationally acclaimed author, historian, and futurist known for his groundbreaking work on globalization, innovation, and economic development. He is the bestselling author of 'Progress: Ten Reasons to Look Forward to the Future' and 'Open: The Story of Human Progress', translated into over 25 languages. Norberg's work focuses on how free markets, technological innovation, and global collaboration drive prosperity and opportunity worldwide. He has presented award-winning documentaries, including those for PBS and Netflix, reaching millions of viewers around the globe. Through his compelling storytelling and deep research, Norberg inspires audiences to rethink the challenges of today and embrace the opportunities of tomorrow.

Johan’s book The Capitalist Manifesto Why the Global Free Market Will Save the World (2023) was awarded the Hayek Book prize in 2025 by the Manhattan Institute (MI). The Capitalist Manifesto has been praised by both Elon Musk and Bill Gates and along with his previous books such as In Defense of Global Capitalism (2003), Progress: Ten Reasons to Look Forward to the Future (2016) and Open – the Story of Human Progress (2020), Johan has established himself as one of the world’s foremost experts in liberalism, free markets and globalisation. Throughout his career he has published some twenty books, earning not only awards but also glowing reviews from world-renowned intellectuals including Steven Pinker and Matt Ridley. His latest book Peak Human – What Could We Learn from the Rise and Fall of Golden Ages will be released in 2025.

He has been honoured with prestigious awards such as the Distinguished Sir Antony Fisher Memorial Award and a gold medal from Germany’s Hayek Stiftung, which he shared that year with former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher.

Johan tailors each presentation to the needs of his audience and is not limited to the topics listed below. Please ask us about any subject that interests you:

The Future of Globalization
Innovation and Technological Disruption
Human Progress and Prosperity
Economics of Freedom and Open Societies

The Capitalist Manifesto: Why the Global Free Market Will Save the World

In this thought-provoking keynote, renowned author and economic analyst Johan Norberg presents the central ideas of his groundbreaking book, The Capitalist Manifesto (2023), which was awarded the prestigious Hayek Book Prize 2025 by the Manhattan Institute. Praised by leaders such as Elon Musk and Bill Gates, Norberg explains how global free markets drive innovation, reduce poverty, and foster prosperity worldwide.

Drawing connections with his acclaimed earlier work, In Defense of Global Capitalism (2003), Norberg delivers a compelling and data-driven argument for why open-market capitalism remains humanity’s most powerful tool to tackle the challenges of the 21st century — from climate change and technological disruption to inequality and global cooperation.

Open: The Story of Human Progress

In this inspiring keynote, Norberg explores how openness to innovation, ideas, and global exchange has driven humanity’s greatest achievements. He reveals why embracing open economies and collaboration is essential to tackling today’s challenges and unlocking future prosperity.

Progress: Ten Reasons to Look Forward to the Future

Drawing from his bestselling book, Norberg shares powerful stories and data showing how humanity is healthier, wealthier, and more innovative than ever before. This talk challenges common pessimism and empowers audiences with evidence-based optimism about our shared future.

Peak Human: Lessons From History’s Greatest Civilizations

In this fascinating and thought-provoking keynote, acclaimed historian and futurist Johan Norberg explores the themes of his upcoming book, Peak Human. By examining seven of humanity’s most remarkable golden ages — from ancient Athens and the Roman Republic to Abbasid Baghdad, Song Dynasty China, Renaissance Italy, the Dutch Republic, and the modern Anglosphere — Norberg uncovers the cultural, scientific, technological, and economic forces that propelled these civilizations to unprecedented heights.

Through powerful storytelling and deep historical analysis, Norberg identifies the common patterns behind prosperity and decline, distilling lessons from history’s triumphs and failures. At its heart, Peak Human is both a celebration of human achievement and a cautionary reminder that progress cannot be taken for granted. Norberg challenges audiences to ask: How can we ensure that today’s golden age doesn’t suffer the same fate?