Mark Leonard's World in 30 Minutes Hidden empire: How America wields economic power
Jul 4, 2025
Henry Farrell, ECFR council member and professor at Johns Hopkins University, explores the concept of 'weaponized interdependence' in his discussion. He explains how America leverages its global economic power for strategic advantage, reshaping international relations. The conversation highlights the challenges posed by the rise of China and BRICS, and examines the implications of digital currencies on global finance. Farrell also delves into how AI and social media influence political discourse, impacting perceptions of authority and power dynamics.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Weaponized Interdependence Explained
- Global interdependence is central to modern geopolitical power, not just cooperation.
- The US exploits global network chokepoints and surveillance for strategic advantage, a concept called weaponized interdependence.
Rising Alternatives to US Financial Dominance
- The US's aggressive use of economic power pushes other countries to seek alternatives to its financial systems.
- Europe is actively exploring digital currency strategies to reduce reliance on the US dollar system.
Currency Trust Shapes Power Shifts
- China faces trust issues internationally, limiting the renminbi's global role.
- The EU's rule-based monetary governance offers a unique opportunity to challenge US dollar dominance.
