The Great Simplification with Nate Hagens

U.S. Full Spectrum Dominance: Nuclear Risks and The End of Empire with Jeffrey Sachs

Sep 11, 2024

Jeffrey Sachs, Director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University, dives into geopolitical tensions and nuclear risks amid U.S. foreign policy. He critiques America’s imperial-like approach to security, emphasizing the need for cooperative governance. Sachs argues for a shift from dominance to interconnectedness among nations, while advocating for localized solutions to pressing global issues. The conversation also touches on the potential for restoring international goodwill by embracing foundational American values and fostering meaningful dialogue.

50:55

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Episode guests

Jeffrey D. Sachs

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Quick takeaways

The discourse highlights the need for a hierarchical governance structure that allows for local issues to be managed effectively while addressing complex global challenges through international cooperation.

The urgency for global diplomatic negotiations in resolving conflicts like the Ukraine war is emphasized, contrasting with the recklessness attributed to U.S. foreign policy focused on dominance over peace.

Deep dives

The Concept of Subsidiarity in Governance

The discussion emphasizes the political philosophy of subsidiarity, which advocates for solving problems at the lowest possible level of government effective in addressing them. This concept suggests that while local governments should manage local issues, more complex challenges, such as climate change and nuclear conflict, require global institutions for resolution. Individuals must recognize that challenges should be addressed by the appropriate level of governance to ensure effective solutions, rather than forcing local levels to tackle issues beyond their scope. The importance of establishing the right hierarchical structure in governance is paramount for the efficient and effective management of societal challenges.

Special Interests Shape Policy Beyond Public Reach

01:54

Strive for Complete Control

00:37

Intro

6min

Navigating Geopolitical Tensions: A Call for Critical Discourse

23min

Navigating Governance: Subsidiarity, Climate Change, and Nuclear Risks

4min

Influence and Transparency in U.S. Politics

6min

Navigating a Multipolar World

8min

Restoring American Values in Global Perception

4min

(Conversation recorded on September 3rd, 2024)

As the United States continues to play a major role in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the risk of a direct engagement, possibly leading to a nuclear exchange, may now be higher than ever.

In this episode, Nate is joined by Professor Jeffrey Sachs to discuss the escalating tensions between the United States and other world powers - and whether there are possible avenues towards a more peaceful world order.

Has the U.S. taken on the characteristics of an imperial state - under the pretenses of security at all costs? As the world continues to become more globalized, how should we change the way we govern within and across borders? Is it possible to transition from foreign policies focused on dominance and control to those emphasizing interconnectedness and the sovereignty of all nations?

About Jeffrey Sachs:

Jeffrey Sachs is widely recognized for promoting bold and effective strategies to address complex challenges including the escape from extreme poverty, climate change, international debt and financial crises, national economic reforms, and the control of pandemic and epidemic diseases.

Sachs serves as the Director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University, and was also Director of the Earth Institute there from 2002 to 2016. He is President of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network and Co-Chair of the Council of Engineers for the Energy Transition, Commissioner of the UN Broadband Commission for Development.

Based on his success in advising Poland’s anti-communist Solidarity movement away from central planning, he was invited first by Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev and then by Russian President Boris Yeltsin to advise on the transition to a market economy.

He spent over twenty years as a professor at Harvard University, where he received his B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. degrees.

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