Understanding the pendulum swing of global power with Ian Bremmer
Mar 19, 2024
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Political scientist Ian Bremmer discusses the cyclical nature of geopolitics and the complexity of global affairs in 2024. They explore the challenges of democracy, managing geopolitical risks, and the personal impact of global instability. The conversation also touches on American politics, infrastructure investments, algorithmic misinformation, and the importance of diverse perspectives in understanding global power dynamics.
Geopolitical landscape is evolving with a 'geopolitical recession,' urging individual engagement.
Democracies face challenges from erosion of institutions, emphasizing the need for accountability and reform.
Deep dives
Geopolitical Risk Assessment with Ian Bremmer
Ian Bremmer, a political scientist and geopolitical expert, delves into the complexities of geopolitics and the state of the world with Adam Grant. They explore the evolving landscape of global power dynamics, emphasizing the shifting roles of individuals and social movements in influencing geopolitical outcomes.
The Notion of Geopolitical Recession
Bremmer introduces the concept of a 'geopolitical recession,' highlighting how traditional institutional frameworks established post-World War II no longer align with current global power dynamics. He emphasizes the need for individuals to engage with and understand the evolving geopolitical landscape, suggesting a time of significant change and individual impact.
Democracy and Crisis in the United States
The discussion moves to the challenges faced by democracies, particularly focusing on the US. Bremmer expresses concerns about the erosion of democratic institutions, emphasizing the importance of accountability, reform, and civic investments to strengthen democracy amidst increasing political tribalism and institutional breakdowns.
Responsibility and Accountability in Technology and Democracy
Examining the role of technology in shaping democracy, Bremmer underscores the need for accountability in tech companies and their influence on societal well-being. He advocates for holding these companies responsible for negative externalities, such as misinformation and polarization, and stresses the importance of regulatory measures to address these issues and protect democratic values.
As a political scientist and founder of Eurasia Group, Ian Bremmer helps business leaders, policymakers and the general public make sense of the world. He gives a stirring analysis of the current state of global affairs and explains what makes 2024 so complex. Ian and Adam discuss the cyclical nature of geopolitics, what’s different about today’s crisis of democracy, and what we can do as individuals to cope with it.
Transcripts for ReThinking are available at go.ted.com/RWAGscripts