Not Boring Radio Forsaking Industrialism with Conrad Bastable (Hyperlegible 006)
36 snips
Apr 13, 2025 
Conrad Bastable, a writer focused on economics and societal trends, discusses his essay 'Forsaking Industrialism.' He examines the West's decline in manufacturing versus China’s rise as an industrial powerhouse. The conversation reveals how EU regulations have inadvertently boosted Chinese industry and why tariffs can't fix America's industrial failures. Topics navigate platform economies, the challenges of labor market transitions, and the balance between innovation and investment. The dialogue also touches on the implications of governance models on economic strategies.
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E-Bike Inspiration
- Conrad was inspired to write "Forsaking Industrialism" after researching electric dirt bikes.
- He was struck by how easily American companies could outsource production to Chinese factories.
EU Regulations
- EU regulations impose high fixed costs on businesses, hindering domestic production.
- This makes scaling difficult and favors established players.
Unintended Consequences
- EU regulations unintentionally benefit China by pushing demand outwards.
- Stringent regulations make it difficult for European companies to compete.
