VoxDev Development Economics S6 Ep10: Simon Johnson on geopolitics, AI, and the future of global development
Mar 12, 2025
Simon Johnson, a renowned MIT professor and Nobel laureate, discusses the transformative impact of AI on global development and the shifting geopolitical landscape. He examines how countries in the global south must adapt to deglobalization and the influence of major players like China and Russia. Johnson reflects on the role of international institutions like the IMF and World Bank amid rising global challenges. He also explores the urgent need for skills development in response to job automation and the unique power dynamics of tech entrepreneurs.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
AI's Impact
- The arrival of AI has shifted the power balance in the private sector, offering both opportunities and risks.
- This, combined with harsh government policies and concentrated technological advancements, creates a significant global moment.
Foxconn in Wisconsin
- Trump's announcement of Foxconn's massive investment in Wisconsin exemplifies his focus on headlines over actual impact.
- The promised flat-screen display factories never materialized, highlighting the gap between rhetoric and reality.
Strategic Trade
- Developing countries should focus on upgrading skills and moving up the value chain through strategic trade partnerships.
- Avoid exploitative partnerships focused on resource extraction, which can lead to environmental damage and limited job creation.
