The Blue Age explores the role of the US Navy in maintaining peace and facilitating global trade over the past century. However, this era of prosperity is threatened by climate change, rising nationalism, and the growing naval power of countries like China. The book argues for the importance of continued US naval dominance and international cooperation to preserve global economic stability.
In 'It's Better Than It Looks,' Gregg Easterbrook presents a hopeful analysis of global trends, arguing that despite widespread pessimism, the world is improving in many areas such as food supply, disease, and governance. He counters common fears with evidence of historical progress and suggests policy reforms to address ongoing challenges like climate change and inequality.
In 'The Progress Paradox', Gregg Easterbrook argues that despite vast improvements in Western life over the past century, people today feel less happy than in previous generations. He explores this paradox through the lens of positive psychology, suggesting that practices like gratitude and forgiveness can enhance well-being. Easterbrook also discusses societal factors contributing to unhappiness, such as choice anxiety and abundance denial.
In 'A Moment on the Earth', Gregg Easterbrook presents a hopeful perspective on environmental issues, arguing that the Western world is on the verge of significant ecological renewal. The book reviews various environmental threats and suggests that environmentalism can lead to societal transformation. Easterbrook also envisions a future with reduced violence and increased harmony between species.
The Sonic Boom delves into the profound impact of sound on our lives, from shaping emotions to driving consumer behavior. It offers insights into how companies and individuals can harness sound strategically to create memorable experiences and gain a competitive edge. The book highlights real-world examples, such as Disney's use of sound in theme parks and Chili's strategic use of sizzling sounds to enhance customer experience.
In Episode 222 of Hidden Forces, Demetri Kofinas speaks with Gregg Easterbrook. Gregg was a staff writer, national correspondent, and contributing editor at The Atlantic and has authored thirteen books about a variety of subjects including climate change, globalization, philosophy, and American football.
Demetri and Gregg explore the subject of Easterbrook’s latest book, “The Blue Age.” They discuss the extraordinary transformation of the international trading order that we’ve been living through over the last seventy years and the unique role that the US Navy and advancements in naval architecture and marine engineering have played in making all of that possible.
It’s difficult to appreciate just how unprecedented this long period of peace on the oceans has been and how extraordinary the deflationary pressures are that this peace has unleashed. It has also had huge implications for the expansion of credit, the reduction of volatility, and the growth in asset values in Western markets—topics that we’ve explored from a variety of different angles on the Hidden Forces podcast. What it might mean for our economies and for our lives if the Blue Age comes to an end is a question that is addressed directly during the first hour of today’s episode.
In the second half of today’s episode, which is available to premium subscribers only, Gregg and Demetri focus on the economic and geopolitical aspects of the Blue Age, the likelihood of conflict on the high seas, the incentives for and against it, and its consequences for the global economy. They also discuss some of the factors driving the current bottlenecks in global supply chains, the shipping industry’s contribution to this, and why Gregg feels that those bottlenecks will be largely resolved before the end of next year.
You can access the second part of this episode, as well as the transcript and rundown to this week’s conversation through the Hidden Forces Patreon Page. All subscribers gain access to our premium feed, which can be easily added to your favorite podcast application.
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Producer & Host: Demetri Kofinas
Editor & Engineer: Stylianos Nicolaou
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Episode Recorded on 11/30/2021
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