Adam Tooze, a noted historian from Columbia University and a renowned global thinker, examines Asia's pivotal role in world affairs following the recent U.S. election. The discussion covers the complexities of contemporary geopolitics, the evolving identity struggles in Europe, and the emergence of Asia as a modern powerhouse. Tooze contrasts poverty transformations across Asia and critiques India's electronic governance, highlighting technology's dual role in innovation and inequality. The episode reflects on pressing challenges, particularly climate change, facing the region.
Asia's complex dynamics necessitate a nuanced understanding of its role in global crises, beyond superficial national perspectives.
Divergent interpretations of U.S. political shifts highlight the contrasting outlooks and strategic opportunities perceived by Asian nations compared to Europe.
Deep dives
Asia's Agency in a Polycrisis World
Asia currently plays a dual role as both a significant source of global change and a generator of potential solutions amid various crises. This complex nature is amplified by the region's considerable stressors, which necessitate its active engagement in addressing pressing concerns. The need for a nuanced understanding of Asia's agency is emphasized, as superficial perspectives based on isolated events in select countries may lead to misleading conclusions about the broader region's dynamics. Acknowledging Asia's diverse contexts and the interconnection of its many facets is essential for comprehending the implications of global trends.
Differential Perspectives on Global Events
The viewpoints of European and Asian nations diverge significantly when interpreting events such as the recent U.S. elections, underscoring regional differences in political landscapes. In contrast to the anxious posturing seen in Europe, particularly regarding security dependencies on the U.S., many Asian nations maintain a relatively relaxed outlook on political shifts in the U.S. This disparity stems from differences in historical interactions with the U.S. and perceptions of their geopolitical landscapes. For instance, countries like India and Vietnam view their relationships with the U.S. as opportunities rather than threats, allowing them to engage strategically without succumbing to the same level of anxiety found in Europe.
Evolving Global Trade Dynamics
The evolving landscape of global trade is increasingly centered around intra-Asian exchanges, which have become a key driver of economic globalization. As the U.S. adopts more protectionist stances, countries in Asia are positioned to capitalize on these shifts by enhancing their interconnections and trade networks. This trend highlights a crucial transition, where Asian nations may find themselves rising amid American isolationism, reshaping the future of global commerce. In this context, the significance of American policy decisions diminishes as Asia's internal dynamics take precedence in driving global growth and economic integration.
The Complexity of Poverty and Development in Asia
While significant advancements have been made in reducing absolute poverty in regions like East Asia, challenges remain in Southeast and South Asia, where many populations still live at the brink of survival. Countries such as India and Bangladesh showcase contrasting stories of progress and disparity, reflecting the uneven nature of development across the continent. The narrative surrounding technological advancement in governance presents a double-edged sword, as it can either propel the country forward or stabilize its existing inequities, depending on the implementation and societal context. This complexity reveals that the promise of growth and modernity in Asia is accompanied by persistent inequalities and systemic challenges that must be addressed to ensure sustainable progress.
On November 6, 2024, leading global thinker Adam Tooze delivered Asia Society Switzerland's third annual State of Asia Address in front of a full house in the prestigious aula of the University of Zurich, our partner for this event.
Adamholds the Shelby Cullom Davis chair of History at Columbia University in New York City. In 2019, Foreign Policy Magazine named him one of the top Global Thinkers of the decade.
Chartbook, his newsletter on economics, geopolitics and history, has over 120,000 subscribers. He is a columnist for Foreign Policy, where he also hosts a weekly economics podcast, Ones & Tooze.
The full text of Adam's 2024 State of Asia Address 'Asia in the Age of Polycrisis' is available on our website. A video of the address is here.
STATE OF ASIA brings you engaging conversations with leading minds on the issues that shape Asia and affect us all.
- STATE OF ASIA is a podcast from Asia Society Switzerland. Season 7, episode 6 - Published: November 12, 2024 Host/Editor: Remko Tanis, Programs and Editorial Manager, Asia Society Switzerland
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