Four Horsemen (film)

Four Horsemen is a 2012 British independent documentary film directed by Ross Ashcroft. The film critiques the modern global financial system and proposes alternative solutions for a more sustainable and equitable future.

The documentary features interviews with twenty academics, economists, and writers, including Noam Chomsky, Herman Daly, Joseph Stiglitz, and Gabor Steingart. These experts discuss the interconnectedness of societal problems such as environmental degradation, poverty, inequality, and financial instability, arguing that these issues are symptoms of a deeper systemic flaw.

The film's central thesis is that the current system, driven by debt-based economics, unsustainable growth, and the pursuit of profit at any cost, is inherently flawed and unsustainable. It explores the historical context of these problems, tracing them back to the rise of neoliberalism and the deregulation of financial markets.

Four Horsemen argues that a fundamental shift in values and priorities is necessary to create a more just and sustainable world. The proposed solutions involve a move away from debt-based economies, a focus on sustainable resource management, and the redistribution of wealth and power. The film suggests that alternative economic models, such as those based on ecological principles and social responsibility, offer a viable path forward.

The film was released online and received a significant amount of attention and discussion, particularly within alternative media circles. It has been praised for its critical analysis of the global financial system but has also faced criticism for its sometimes broad generalizations and perceived lack of concrete policy recommendations.