The EI Podcast The end of Pax Britannica
Dec 11, 2025
Discover the intriguing analysis of the decline of a liberal world order. Explore how geopolitical tensions shifted Britain from free trade to protectionism. Listen as rising powers like Germany and the US challenge British dominance, leading to an era of imperial overstretch. Delve into the historical parallels with today's shifting global dynamics and how contemporary protectionism mirrors past trends. The conversation poses thought-provoking questions about the future of global order and security-driven economies.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Free Trade's Fragile Hegemony
- British free-trade orthodoxy faced rising critique as rivals embraced protectionism and grew powerful.
- That shift undercut Britain's liberal global order well before 1914 and presaged geopolitical decline.
Liberal Order Built On Force And Finance
- From the 1840s Britain built a liberal international order that promoted trade, investment and technological integration.
- This system relied on naval power, capital exports and near-zero tariffs to knit global markets together.
Globalisation Fueled Protectionist Backlash
- Global integration lowered costs but also triggered protectionist backlashes from producers hurt by competition.
- The US and Germany led the protectionist revival that reshaped late-19th-century trade politics.
