

Helen Thompson
Professor of political economy at Cambridge University and author of Disorder: Hard Times in the 21st Century. Expert on globalization and the political economy of energy.
Top 10 podcasts with Helen Thompson
Ranked by the Snipd community

81 snips
Sep 17, 2025 • 45min
Energy & Trade Wars Are Rewriting the World Order | Helen Thompson
Helen Thompson, a Political Economy Professor at Cambridge, dives into the reshaping of global power dynamics. She analyzes how Trump’s trade policies and China’s dominance in rare earths impact the geopolitical landscape. The conversation also explores the U.S. shale boom and the significance of Western Hemisphere energy resources. Thompson highlights NATO’s fiscal challenges and discusses the dollar's resilience against the backdrop of rising public debt and evolving global trade relationships.

52 snips
Dec 29, 2025 • 1h 1min
The instability of a multipolar era
Helen Thompson, Professor of Political Economy at the University of Cambridge, dives into the dynamic landscape of global geopolitics. She explores the US–China rivalry and the rising significance of the Western Hemisphere. Thompson highlights how energy shifts since 2005 have led to instability in a multipolar world. She discusses US strategies in Latin America, the economic interdependence that fuels tensions, and the implications of climate change as a national security crisis. Lastly, she emphasizes the need for strong leadership and systemic thinking in navigating these challenges.

37 snips
Jan 7, 2026 • 44min
Why Trump will get Greenland
Join Henrik Dahl, a Danish MEP, Helen Thompson, a Cambridge political economist, and economist Pippa Malmgren as they dive deep into the geopolitical drama surrounding Greenland. They unravel the historical ties and legal basis for Danish sovereignty while examining the modern implications of U.S. ambitions. Discussions include Arctic militarization, the strategic importance of rare earth resources, and the U.S. distrust towards European allies. Discover how Greenland's future may shape global power dynamics in the new space race.

36 snips
Mar 25, 2022 • 45min
168. Oil: Conflict, Chaos and Climate Change
In this engaging discussion, Helen Thompson, a Professor of Political Economy at the University of Cambridge with a focus on energy's geopolitical effects, joins Tom and Dominic. They delve into the critical role of oil in U.S. politics and its impact on modern conflicts like the situation in Ukraine. The conversation traverses the future of energy, including China's rise in green technology and the implications of Putin's actions on his geopolitical power. They also humorously link oil's cultural representation in shows like 'Dallas' to real-world energy dilemmas.

35 snips
May 18, 2025 • 37min
Tariff Special: The Intelligence Squared Economic Outlook with Helen Thompson (Part Two)
Helen Thompson, a globalisation expert and author of 'Disorder: Hard Times in the 21st Century', joins BBC broadcaster Jonny Dymond to delve into the turmoil of today's global economy. They discuss Trump's controversial tariffs and the chaos in U.S.-China trade relations. Thompson highlights the historical nuances of trade policies and their implications for the UK, while addressing energy transitions and the challenges of achieving net zero emissions. They also explore the generational shift in political leadership amid economic crises.

30 snips
May 19, 2025 • 1h 13min
Helen Thompson on Disorder and the Analysis of Contemporary Geopolitics
Helen Thompson, a Professor of Political Economy at Cambridge University, shares her insights on contemporary geopolitics and energy dynamics. She discusses her book, *Disorder*, exploring military conflicts, particularly in Ukraine and the Middle East. The conversation highlights the significance of energy geopolitics in the Net Zero transition and critiques the disconnection between political promises and actionable climate policies. Thompson's unique approach unpacks how historical tensions and current events shape our understanding of global relations.

30 snips
May 17, 2025 • 39min
Tariff Special: The Intelligence Squared Economic Outlook with Helen Thompson (Part One)
Helen Thompson, a political economy professor at Cambridge University and author of 'Disorder: Hard Times in the 21st Century', shares her insights on the turbulent global economy. She discusses the chaotic nature of Trump's tariffs and their historical context, emphasizing the challenges faced by the U.S. amid rising competition from China. The conversation also dives into the implications for the UK, particularly regarding energy security, and reflects on the historical patterns of trade and protectionism shaping current economic landscapes.

27 snips
Mar 24, 2022 • 43min
167. Oil: The Making of the Modern World
Helen Thompson, a Professor of Political Economy at the University of Cambridge and expert on energy geopolitics, joins the hosts to discuss the monumental influence of oil throughout history. She traces the journey from the first oil well to Hitler's fixation on oil. The conversation highlights the geopolitical shifts post-Suez Crisis and the formation of OPEC. Key moments include the role of oil in shaping modern warfare and its impact on the Soviet Union's collapse, revealing the intricate power dynamics that continue to shape our world.

17 snips
Jun 11, 2023 • 35min
Can We Live Well Without Economic Growth? - Part 1
Join Kate Raworth, creator of the doughnut model, Helen Thompson, a political economy expert, and Bim Afolami, a Conservative MP focused on renewable energy, as they explore whether we can thrive without economic growth. They discuss the necessity of revising our understanding of prosperity, emphasizing sustainability and social equity over GDP. The trio critiques the relentless pursuit of growth and advocates for innovative economic models that prioritize well-being, pushing for an inclusive dialogue that challenges traditional economic narratives.

15 snips
Dec 8, 2025 • 1h 8min
How The UK Became Ungovernable
Helen Thompson, a political economy professor at Cambridge and author, teams up with David Runciman, an honorary politics professor and seasoned podcaster, to unravel the chaos within British politics. They discuss the stagnating UK economy, regional inequalities, and the fracturing party system post-Brexit. The pair critiques Keir Starmer's unpopularity and the political ramifications of the recent budget. They explore the rise of the populist Right and the complexities of UK–US relations, blending economic insights with biting political analysis.


