A New U.S. Grand Strategy: A World in Permanent Crisis, With Robert Kaplan
Feb 11, 2025
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Robert Kaplan, an acclaimed journalist and the author of *Waste Land: A World in Permanent Crisis*, discusses the complexities of our interconnected world with James M. Lindsay. He argues that growing global interdependency heightens the risk of crises spanning multiple regions. Kaplan draws parallels to the Weimar Republic to illustrate the obsolescence of isolationism. The conversation delves into the relationship between order and freedom, the emotional fabric of politics, and the geopolitical decline of major powers, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of leadership decisions.
Global interconnectedness amplifies conflicts across regions, making isolationism ineffective in an ever-chaotic international landscape.
The decline of major powers signals a complex global transformation that could exacerbate turmoil and instability in international relations.
Deep dives
A World of Permanent Crisis
The concept of a world in permanent crisis highlights the pervasive nature of global anxieties driven by technological interconnectedness. As geographic distances have shrunk through advancements in communication and transportation, crises in one region increasingly impact others across the globe. Therefore, the idea of isolationism is portrayed as outdated; instead, a comprehensive immersion in the chaotic international landscape is deemed unavoidable. This interconnectedness means that no region can remain unaffected by the turmoil occurring elsewhere, making it essential for nations to navigate a shared, tumultuous existence.
The Order-Freedom Relationship
The necessity of order as a prerequisite for freedom underscores the importance of functional governance structures. Without a basic level of order, individuals cannot thrive, as chaos erodes essential institutions and processes. Historical perspectives, like those of philosopher Thomas Hobbes, promote the idea that before societies can achieve true freedom, they must establish a coherent and operational system of governance. This viewpoint suggests that while order may not need to be perfect or democratic, its absence can lead to a detrimental state where individuals struggle to secure their daily lives.
The Decline of Great Powers
The gradual decline of major powers—such as the United States, China, and Russia—signals a complex transformation in global dynamics. This decline isn't sudden but rather extends over lengthy periods, affecting international relationships and stability. Factors contributing to this decline include internal political fragmentation in democracies, hidden economic challenges in authoritarian regimes, and the repercussions of ongoing conflicts like the war in Ukraine. As these powers face descent, the global landscape is likely to experience increased turmoil, as historically, the collapse of empires tends to engender chaos rather than a smooth transition to new forms of governance.
Robert Kaplan, acclaimed journalist and author of Waste Land: A World in Permanent Crisis, sits down with James M. Lindsay to discuss how the world’s growing interconnectedness is likely to produce greater conflict and chaos. This episode is the sixth in a continuing TPI series on U.S. grand strategy.