Aditya Chakrabortty Q&A: Ask Guardian Economics Columnist 2026

Aditya Chakrabortty, the Guardian's award-winning senior economics correspondent, is hosting a live Q&A session where readers can ask him anything about economics, democracy, and the future of British and global politics. The event takes place online on Friday at 2pm GMT (9am EDT), and questions can be submitted in advance by emailing conversations@theguardian.com or by joining the discussion on the day from 8am GMT.

Chakrabortty is known for his incisive opinion columns that explore how economic policies shape society and affect everyday people. Earlier this year, he was awarded an MBE for services to public understanding of the economy and wider social issues—a recognition of his ability to make complex economic ideas accessible to a broad audience.

Who Is Aditya Chakrabortty?

As the Guardian's senior economics correspondent, Chakrabortty has built a reputation for tackling tough topics with clarity and depth. His regular column delves into the impact of economic decisions on communities, workers, and families across the UK and beyond.

His work often challenges conventional wisdom, questioning the narratives that dominate mainstream economic discourse. This approach has earned him a loyal readership and respect from peers, culminating in the MBE award earlier this year.

Radical Thinking: A New Podcast

Last month, Chakrabortty launched Radical Thinking, a Saturday podcast where he interviews major thinkers about the ideas that have shaped our times. The show aims to explore bold concepts and alternative visions for society.

In recent episodes, he has conversed with prominent figures such as Yanis Varoufakis on democracy and the Eurozone crisis, and Naomi Klein and Astra Taylor on Gaza, fascism, and climate chaos. These conversations highlight Chakrabortty's commitment to dissecting the pressing issues of our era.

In the latest episode, he discusses doomscrolling and democracy with playwright James Graham, who suggests that our algorithms have led us into 'a massive crisis of the new' and are preventing us from imagining a different future. This theme of technological impact on political imagination is likely to be a key topic in the upcoming Q&A.

Why This Q&A Matters

In a time of economic uncertainty and political upheaval, having access to expert analysis is more valuable than ever. Chakrabortty's Q&A offers a rare opportunity for the public to engage directly with a leading economic commentator.

Readers can ask about the cost of living crisis, the future of work, the role of democracy in economic policy, or any other topic that concerns them. The session promises to provide thoughtful answers and stimulate further discussion.

• Submit questions early to increase the chance they are addressed.
• Join the live discussion on Friday from 8am GMT to participate in real-time.
• Topics covered include economics, democracy, British and global politics.
• Use the hashtag #AdityaChakraborttyQ&A on social media to spread the word.
• Stay informed by following Chakrabortty's column and podcast for ongoing insights.

How to Participate

To submit a question, simply email conversations@theguardian.com before the session. Alternatively, sign up or sign in to the Guardian's website to join the live discussion on Friday from 8am GMT. The Q&A will officially start at 2pm GMT (9am EDT).

Questions can cover a wide range of topics, but given Chakrabortty's expertise, they are likely to focus on economic policy, social justice, and the intersection of democracy and economics. Prepare your questions thoughtfully to make the most of this opportunity.

Key Themes to Watch

Based on Chakrabortty's recent work, several themes are expected to dominate the conversation. The impact of algorithms and social media on democracy, as discussed in his podcast with James Graham, is one such theme. The background to this story is set out in Tory Economics: Why Britain's Future Needs a New Path. A related thread runs through CBS News Hires Opinion Columnist for 60 Minutes: A Bold Move.

Another is the ongoing fallout from the Eurozone crisis and its lessons for contemporary economic governance, which he explored with Yanis Varoufakis. Climate chaos and its economic implications, as raised by Naomi Klein and Astra Taylor, may also feature. Earlier coverage in UK Inflation Hits Three-Year High as Nobel Economics Prize Awarded shows how the argument developed. A closer look at the same subject appears in CBS News Hires Opinion Columnist: No TV Experience Needed.

Of course, readers will likely steer the discussion toward current events, such as inflation, inequality, and the state of British politics. Chakrabortty's responses will be informed by his years of experience and his commitment to public understanding. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Rod Liddle Obituary: Provocative Columnist Dies at 66. The same theme surfaces in Economist Isabella Weber: Ditching Ideology for Economic Reality, which takes a different angle.

FAQ

For those interested in the intersection of celebrity and economics, Grand Goldman offers related content. You might enjoy reading about how Aditya Chakrabortty and Yanis Varoufakis dissect democracy in a previous discussion. Additionally, our coverage of Radical Thinking's launch provides background on the podcast. These pieces offer context for the themes likely to arise in the Q&A.

As the event approaches, stay tuned to Grand Goldman for further updates and analysis. Whether you're a longtime follower of Chakrabortty's work or new to his insights, this Q&A promises to be a valuable exchange of ideas.

Don't miss the chance to have your voice heard on pressing economic and political issues. Submit your questions today and join the conversation on Friday.