
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

35 snips
May 18, 2025 • 41min
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 16min
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 • 43min
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.

20 snips
Mar 24, 2022 • 45min
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.

17 snips
Mar 25, 2022 • 47min
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.

Jun 9, 2025 • 43min
Why Europe needs to realise the truth about America - with Helen Thompson
Professor Helen Thompson, a distinguished Political Economy expert from the University of Cambridge, dives deep into Europe's place in today's global landscape. She highlights the implications of America's mounting debt and how it affects global security. The conversation shifts to NATO's future and the intensifying competition with China, especially in technology and energy. Thompson emphasizes the need for Europe to shed Cold War perceptions, urging a clearer understanding of America's unique role on the world stage.

May 20, 2025 • 1h 16min
Helen Thompson on Disorder and the Analysis of Contemporary Geopolitics
Helen Thompson, a Professor of Political Economy at Cambridge and co-host of the podcast These Times, dives deep into the heart of geopolitical analysis. She discusses her book, Disorder, highlighting the role of energy in shaping international relations. The conversation spans military conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, energy geopolitics related to Net Zero, and the intricate ties between finance and geopolitical dynamics post-2008. Thompson’s unique methodology emphasizes the influence of national interests and historical narratives on global politics.

May 19, 2025 • 1h 16min
Helen Thompson on Disorder and the Analysis of Contemporary Geopolitics
Helen Thompson, a Professor of Political Economy at Cambridge University and co-host of These Times, offers a deep dive into contemporary geopolitical analysis. She discusses her book 'Disorder' and how energy geopolitics shapes global conflicts, particularly in Ukraine and the Middle East. The conversation navigates the ties between energy resources and events like Brexit and the U.S. election, while also emphasizing the role of democratic politics in energy transitions. Thompson critiques traditional theories, calling for a new perspective on global stability.

Mar 21, 2022 • 55min
Disorder: Ukraine, Politics and Conflict in the 21st Century, with Helen Thompson
Helen Thompson, a Professor of Political Economy at the University of Cambridge and columnist for The New Statesman, dives into the geopolitical turbulence of the 21st century. She explores how events like Brexit and Trump’s election mark pivotal shifts in global politics. The discussion highlights the frictions between national identity and supranational democracy, and the struggles democracies face in transitioning to cleaner energy. Thompson emphasizes the need for optimism and sacrifice as we navigate intertwined crises of climate, identity, and geopolitical conflict.