The Master Investor Podcast with Wilfred Frost BONUS: Sir Niall Ferguson on Trump vs Nixon
7 snips
Oct 8, 2025 
Sir Niall Ferguson, a distinguished historian specializing in geopolitical history, draws fascinating parallels between Richard Nixon and Donald Trump. He explores intriguing themes like executive power and economic shocks, revealing how both leaders displayed anti-globalist instincts. Ferguson highlights Nixon's bold economic moves in the '70s and argues that Trump's foreign policy echoes similar sentiments. He also forecasts that Trump might seek a summit with Xi Jinping, drawing new lines in the global power landscape.
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The Shifted Power Triangle
- China is now the senior partner and Russia the junior partner in the authoritarian axis, changing Cold War-style triangular diplomacy.
- Nixon could exploit Sino-Soviet rivalry in 1969; that option is unavailable today because China and Russia are closer than ever.
Limits Of Executive Immunity
- Nixon's comment that 'when the president does it, that means that it is not illegal' epitomizes a dangerous claim about executive power.
- Ferguson stresses Nixon's downfall showed a US president is not above the law in a constitutional republic.
Nixon Shock Mirrors Trump Tactics
- Nixon's 1971 'Nixon shock' combined opening to China, ending the dollar-gold link, and a 10% import tariff.
- Ferguson argues understanding Nixon 1971 helps interpret Trump's 2025 economic and geopolitical moves.
