Ones and Tooze

The discussion kicks off with the U.S. contemplating military action against Venezuela, prompting a deep dive into the country's collapsing oil production and living standards. The hosts dissect the complex relationship between U.S. sanctions and internal mismanagement. They also evaluate President Maduro's governance in comparison to Chávez and question the validity of drug trafficking claims as a justification for U.S. intervention. The potential consequences of regime-change efforts hint at a looming civil war, revealing a tangled web of loyalties within Venezuela.

The discussion kicks off with a recap of Trump's meeting with Xi Jinping, focusing on the latest trade truce. Delve into the world of rare earths, exploring China's dominance and its potential use as a weapon in the trade war. The hosts analyze contrasting deal-making styles of Trump and Xi, alongside the significant role of soybeans in agricultural politics. Shifting gears, they unravel the complex history of the Louvre's crown jewels, delve into museum thefts, and illuminate the shadowy realms of the illicit art market.

This discussion dives into the Nobel Prize in Economics, celebrating the groundbreaking work of Mokyr, Aghion, and Howitt. The focus is on innovation and creative destruction as key drivers of economic growth. Topics include Mokyr's view on Britain's role during the Industrial Revolution and how Aghion's modern take on Schumpeterian models influences competition and innovation. There's also a critical look at Europe's innovation gap and thoughts on climate policy, highlighting the interplay between technology and economic strategies.

Join Adam as he explores the rich history of the Frankfurt Book Fair, from its origins with Gutenberg to its revival post-World War II. Discover how the fair has shaped publishing economics and political discourse. Delve into the scale of the global publishing industry and the dynamics of rights and translation markets. Adam also reflects on the influence of traditional gatekeepers versus the rise of self-publishing and audiobooks. Finally, ponder the cultural relevance of books in an era of shifting reading habits.

Michael Sandel, a renowned political philosopher and Harvard professor, discusses his critiques of liberalism in today's political climate. He explores how moral arguments should be part of public debate, contrasting consumer freedom with civic engagement. Sandel highlights the legitimate grievances fueling populism, like economic disparities, and advocates for a pluralistic patriotism. He stresses the need for progressive politics to reconnect with moral purpose to address inequality and restore dignity to work. A thought-provoking dive into democracy and ethics!

Government shutdowns reveal the complexities of the American budgetary system. Key discussions highlight which services and workers are affected, such as furloughed staff and the economic damage linked to GDP and market uncertainty. The hosts delve into how the shutdown complicates Federal Reserve decisions due to halted data. They also explore the implications for national debt, fiscal politics influenced by U.S. dollar privilege, and the challenges states face in covering federal funding cuts. The potential for a constitutional crisis and the risks of executive power expansion are also examined.

Explore the Pacific as the team digs into the cultural significance of tuna in the Solomon Islands. Discover how climate change is reshaping fishing grounds and learn about the economic impact on local livelihoods. Women's empowerment shines through their tuna sales at the Honiara market. Traditional fishing practices meet modern challenges as ancestral knowledge guides fishers. The influence of colonialism and World War II adds depth to the region's fishing narrative, while tuna plays a pivotal role in recovery and resilience.

Dive into the complexities of rebuilding Gaza under Trump's peace plan. Explore the stark economic devastation and the challenges of reconstruction versus remaking the region. The conversation touches on legitimacy issues and the role of a proposed international transition agency. Transitioning to tech, the hosts delve into the layers of AI business, sovereignty, and the potential risks of AI escalation. They also examine how corporate strategies align with state policies, raising vital questions about the future of governance and technology.

The discussion delves into how Donald Trump's policies are reshaping U.S. interactions with Latin America, specifically the economic turmoil in Argentina and Venezuela. The hosts analyze Argentina's crisis under President Milei and the implications of U.S. intervention. They also explore the complex U.S.-Mexico relationship regarding drug wars and military action, contrasting it with Brazil's independence. Additionally, a fascinating segment on AI investment highlights potential bubbles, profitability paths, and the lasting impact of tech hype.

In a lively discussion, Adam Tooze, an economic historian and professor at Columbia University, explores the implications of his article, 'The End of Development.' He critiques the U.S. rejection of Sustainable Development Goals and highlights China's role in reshaping global development narratives. Tooze dives into population trends in Africa and South Asia, the shortcomings of financing models, and the stark differences between climate and development funding. He also discusses China's ambitious clean energy initiatives and advises young professionals to adapt to these shifting geopolitical landscapes.