The global financial crisis of 2008 was a stark reminder of the instability of the banking system. The collapse of Lehman Brothers, the bailout of major banks, and the subsequent recession that followed, all highlighted the fragility of the financial sector. While many have blamed the crisis on the free market and the greed of bankers, the truth is that politics, not markets, makes banking unstable. One of the main reasons for this is the role of government in the banking system. Governments around the world have created a complex web of regulations and laws that govern the banking industry. These regulations are often designed to protect consumers and ensure the stability of the financial system. However, they can also have unintended consequences that make the system more unstable. For example, regulations that require banks to hold a certain amount of capital can actually make the system more unstable. This is because banks are forced to hold onto more capital, which reduces their ability to lend money. This can lead to a credit crunch, which can have a ripple effect throughout the economy. Another way that politics makes banking unstable is through government intervention in the market. Governments often use their power to bail out failing banks, which can create a moral hazard. Banks know that they can take risks and make bad decisions, safe in the knowledge that the government will bail them out if things go wrong. This can lead to reckless behavior and a lack of accountability. Furthermore, politics can also create instability through the manipulation of interest rates. Central banks around the world have the power to set interest rates, which can have a huge impact on the banking system. If interest rates are too low, it can encourage banks to take on more risk and lend money to people who may not be able to pay it back. This can lead to a bubble in the housing market, as we saw in the run-up to the 2008 crisis. In conclusion, while many people blame the free market and the greed of bankers for the instability of the banking system, the truth is that politics plays a much bigger role. Government regulations, bailouts, and interest rate manipulation can all create unintended consequences that make the system more unstable. If we want to create a more stable banking system, we need to focus on reducing government intervention and allowing the market to function more freely.