The Consequences of Contested Sea Waves and the Potential War over Taiwan

4min Snip

00:00

Play full episode

Summary

Transcript

Episode notes

This chapter explores the potential outcomes of a war over Taiwan, including the disruption to commerce, increased travel times and costs, impact on supply chains and inflation, and the possibility of a naval war spreading beyond the Western Pacific. It also highlights strategies to avoid troubled waters, such as investment in technology, diplomacy, monitoring maritime infrastructure, and revitalizing American shipbuilding.

Squabbles over the seas and their tributary waterways are becoming more tense as rivalries deepen and the climate changes. How should the West prepare? An opinion poll with a twist suggests that Xi Jinping is not as popular as he thinks he is (11:29). And, a tribute to the queen of world rallying (17:42).

Get a world of insights for 50% off—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+

Sign up for a free trial of Economist Podcasts+. If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist, you’ll have full access to all our shows as part of your subscription. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.