Hidden Forces

Who Profits in a Post-American World? | Adam Posen

41 snips
Sep 25, 2025
Adam Posen, president of the Peterson Institute for International Economics, discusses the shifting role of the U.S. in the global economy. He argues that America's transition from a security provider to a protection racket is reshaping international relations. Posen delves into the implications for U.S. Treasuries and the potential revival of industrial ecosystems. He also critiques the Biden administration's industrial policy execution, explores the impact of globalization on the U.S. middle class, and connects declining social trust to political polarization.
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INSIGHT

U.S. Role As Global Insurance Provider

  • Adam Posen frames U.S. postwar role as an insurer underwriting global security and rules that enabled trade and investment.
  • He argues this insurance reduced risk and produced outsized economic gains for the United States.
INSIGHT

America Profited From Underwriting The Order

  • Posen says the U.S. benefited materially from underwriting the order via low interest rates, foreign investment, and influence over standards.
  • He calls the arrangement a profitable business for America, not pure altruism.
INSIGHT

From Insurance To Extraction

  • Posen describes a shift where U.S. policy moved toward extracting higher premiums and threatening to withdraw coverage.
  • He likens the new posture to a protection racket rather than affordable insurance.
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