This Is Not A Drill with Gavin Esler cover image

This Is Not A Drill with Gavin Esler

The West in retreat?

Jul 31, 2024
Gavin Esler chats with Samir Puri, a former UK diplomat and author of 'Westlessness,' and Dan Drezner, a Tufts University professor specializing in international politics. They dive into the fading dominance of the West, exploring how powers like China, India, and Brazil are reshaping global dynamics. The discussion covers the complexities of East-West relations, the rise of authoritarianism, and the implications for democracy. They also analyze the shifting trade dynamics between major players, including the growing role of emerging economies.
45:47

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The concept of 'Westlessness' emphasizes the declining influence of the West as rising powers like China, India, and Brazil gain prominence.
  • The podcast critiques America's foreign policy, highlighting growing skepticism about its interventions and the inward turn of U.S. electoral considerations.

Deep dives

Diminishing Western Influence

The concept of 'Westlessness' highlights the gradual decline in the influence of Western countries, particularly in global perspectives. The author emphasizes that while the West is not collapsing, its relevance is diminishing as non-Western countries begin to shift their focus. This shift is illustrated by changing demographics, as projections show that the proportion of people living in Western countries will decrease significantly over the next few decades. As nations like India and China rise in prominence, their historical associations with the West are increasingly questioned.

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts

Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
App store bannerPlay store banner