Fareed Zakaria Explains Why Today Is Just Like the 1920s
Aug 6, 2024
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Fareed Zakaria, a prominent cable news host and author, shares his insights alongside journalist Adrian Wooldridge. They discuss how today's political climate mirrors the tumultuous 1920s, especially with potential changes in U.S. foreign policy under Trump. Zakaria warns of a global backlash against globalization and the rise of protectionism, which he argues is transforming the Republican Party into a more insular and trade-skeptic entity. Their conversation highlights the changing dynamics of world power and the challenges faced by liberal democracies.
Fareed Zakaria argues that a potential Trump presidency may shift U.S. policy towards protectionism, affecting global alliances and dynamics.
The podcast highlights parallels between today's backlash against globalization and historical patterns, emphasizing how technological advancements can lead to cultural resistance.
Deep dives
AI Performance Breakthroughs
Advanced artificial intelligence is demonstrating its capability to significantly enhance business performance. For instance, Netflix experienced a staggering improvement in streaming performance by up to three and a half times through better AI integration with Intel's technology. This leap is attributed to Intel AI accelerators, which provide a remarkable 30% performance advantage over competing technologies. As organizations seek to boost efficiency, they are encouraged to leverage existing architectures combined with cutting-edge AI solutions.
The Role of Strategic Partnerships
Successful businesses often thrive by forming strategic partnerships that complement their strengths with external expertise. Lenovo's free membership program, Lenovo Pro, is designed specifically for small businesses by providing access to technical knowledge and support that they may lack in-house. This partnership allows non-technical entrepreneurs to lean on Lenovo's expertise for various tech-related inquiries and challenges. By doing so, small businesses can enhance their operations and make informed technology decisions without the burden of hiring full-time experts.
The Historical Backlash Against Progress
The discussion of the book "Age of Revolutions" highlights a recurring theme in history where periods of significant technological and social advancement have often led to a cultural backlash. Fareed Zakaria investigates how grassroots movements like the Tea Party signify this backlash against an evolving political landscape influenced by globalization and technology. He draws parallels to historical changes from the Dutch Republic's emergence to the turbulent French Revolution, emphasizing how identity revolutions can emerge from rapid societal transformations. Understanding these dynamics sheds light on contemporary challenges faced by liberal societies navigating complex cultural identities.
America's Evolving Global Influence
The conversation also addresses the shifting dynamics of American global influence amidst rising powers like China and India. While America's hard power remains relatively constant, its political and cultural influence appears to be waning, leading to what is described as a 'post-American' world. The changing nature of international relations reflects a broader trend where countries no longer feel the need to align with U.S. directives, as seen in nations like Turkey and India pursuing their own interests independently. This shift underscores the importance of re-evaluating the role of liberal values in global governance, as America faces the challenge of maintaining its leadership in a more multipolar world.
Democratic powers in Europe, as well as Japan and Australia could be left out on a limb should Donald Trump win the US presidential election in November, cable news host and author Fareed Zakaria tells Adrian Wooldridge in this episode of Voternomics. He says the former president and convicted felon may opt for a policy of protectionism instead of America’s long-standing practice of internationalism—all as US political influence continues to wane.
Zakaria, host of the CNN program GPS, contends the world is experiencing a backlash to globalization similar to one in the 1920s—as set out in his new book, Age of Revolutions, which makes Wooldridge’s summer reading list. This dynamic is made all the more stark by Trump’s transformation of the Republican Party into an anti-immigrant, trade-skeptic entity, he says.