Adam Tooze, a historian at Columbia University and esteemed global thinker, delves into the 2024 political landscape. He analyzes the return of Donald Trump, emphasizing its dual impact on Europe and Asia, particularly through the lens of 'polycrisis.' The discussion also highlights Asia's remarkable transformation since the 1970s, critiques India's electronic governance, and examines political unrest and climate challenges across South Asia. Tooze asserts the necessity of understanding these complex dynamics to engage with Asia effectively post-COVID-19.
Asia is increasingly central to global dynamics, highlighted by its diverse role in navigating the complexities of geopolitical crises.
The return of Donald Trump as U.S. President presents contrasting implications for Europe and Asia, reflecting significant differences in geopolitical sensitivities.
Deep dives
Understanding Asia's Agency in the Global Context
Asia is identified as both a catalyst for change and a provider of solutions in today's geopolitical landscape. The speaker emphasizes that Asia's significance cannot be overlooked, especially in light of the ongoing poly crisis that influences global affairs. A crucial point made is the necessity to recognize the region's vast diversity, which complicates any simplistic narratives that might arise from focusing on isolated nations. A comprehensive understanding of Asia’s agency is essential for accurately assessing the dynamics of the modern world.
The Impact of Political Developments on Europe and Asia
The recent U.S. presidential election and its ramifications are discussed, especially the varied perceptions of Donald Trump's return to power between Europe and Asia. While Trump symbolizes a poly crisis for Europe, particularly regarding security and identity, Asia exhibits a more relaxed stance regarding American electoral outcomes. The differences are underscored by the lack of an Asian equivalent to NATO, which leaves Asian geopolitics less dependent on U.S. political shifts. The speaker suggests that Asia's global position allows it to navigate these electoral upheavals with relative ease compared to the heightened sensitivities in Europe.
Trade Dynamics and Global Economic Shifts
The conversation delves into the complexities of trade dynamics and industrial policies that shape Asia's economic landscape amid U.S. protectionism. While America's trade policies impact global markets, the primary growth driver has increasingly shifted to intra-Asian trade, which has gained momentum over the past decade. As U.S. engagement with Asia evolves, countries like India and Vietnam become central players while mitigating their reliance on Western economies. In this context, the global manufacturing ecosystem illustrates China's unassailable dominance, signaling a shift in competitive dynamics that underscores Asia's critical role in the future of global trade.
The Challenge of Climate Change in Asia
The narrative examines the pressing challenge of climate change and its disproportionate effects on various regions in Asia. It highlights that while East Asia demonstrates resilience due to its resources and technological capabilities, South Asia faces severe vulnerabilities that must be addressed. The complexities of climate policy underscore how these issues are deeply interconnected with economic and social dynamics across the continent. The speaker stresses that actions taken in Beijing significantly influence global climate change responses, emphasizing the need for a nuanced understanding of Asia's role in shaping environmental futures.
On November 6, 2024, leading global thinker Adam Tooze delivered Asia Society Switzerland's third annual State of Asia Address in front of a full house in the prestigious aula of the University of Zurich. Listen to the address in this episode of the podcast.
Tooze talked about the different impact the return of Donald Trump as U.S. President has for Europe and Asia, about Asia in a time of polycrisis, and about the importance of keeping track of what’s happening in Asia.
Tooze holds the Shelby Cullom Davis chair of History at Columbia University in New York City. In 2019, Foreign Policy Magazine named him one of the top Global Thinkers of the decade.
Chartbook, his newsletter on economics, geopolitics and history, has over 120,000 subscribers. He is a columnist for Foreign Policy, where he also hosts a weekly economics podcast, Ones & Tooze.
This episode is from Asia Society Switzerland's STATE OF ASIA podcast, bringing you exclusive, engaging conversations with leading minds on issues that shape Asia and affect us all. More info and other episodes: https://asiasociety.org/switzerland/podcast-state-asia.
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