The President’s Inbox
A New U.S. Grand Strategy: A World in Permanent Crisis, With Robert Kaplan
Feb 11, 2025
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.
29:24
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- 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 Therefore, the idea of isolationism is portrayed as outdated; instead, a comprehensive immersion in the chaotic international landscape is deemed unavoidable.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.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
