Radical with Amol Rajan Trump v China: How Oil Is Defining Great Power Politics (Professor Helen Thompson)
Jan 15, 2026
Professor Helen Thompson, a Political Economy expert at the University of Cambridge, delves into geopolitics and the pivotal role of oil in US-China relations. They discuss the implications of Trump’s Venezuela strategy, the historical context of US expansionism, and Europe’s precarious position in the new global order. Helen argues for the potential rethinking of central bank independence to address rising debt and fiscal challenges. With insights on energy transitions and the Asian-centric future, the conversation is a captivating look at evolving power dynamics.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Western Hemisphere As A Geopolitical Zone
- The Western Hemisphere functions as a geopolitical zone defined against Eurasia, not just geography.
- Helen Thompson says US moves in Venezuela assert resource control and deter Chinese influence.
Oil Imports As Strategic Vulnerability
- China treats diversified oil imports as strategic insurance because it lacks domestic resources.
- The US responds by targeting resource pressure points like Venezuela and Iran to weaken China's supply options.
Rare Earths Shift The Power Balance
- China used rare earth export controls as leverage against global manufacturers and shocked Washington.
- That embargo convinced US strategists to seek reciprocal pressure points in energy markets.
