

Ones and Tooze
Foreign Policy
Foreign Policy economics columnist Adam Tooze, a history professor and a popular author, is encyclopedic about basically everything: from the COVID shutdown, to climate change, to pasta sauce. On our new podcast, Tooze and FP deputy editor Cameron Abadi will look at two data points each week that explain the world: one drawn from the week’s headlines and the other from just about anywhere else Tooze takes us. Check out Adam Tooze’s column at https://foreignpolicy.com/author/adam-tooze/.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 22, 2025 • 56min
The Scale of China
Dive into the vastness of China through intriguing personal insights and regional contrasts gathered from a transformative 30-day journey. Discover how China's immense size shapes its economy and politics, while the historical complexities of its culture unfold. The discussion turns to the impact of the iconic movie 'Jaws,' celebrating its 50th anniversary by reflecting on its economic themes and cultural significance. Tying these conversations together are philosophical reflections on economic choices and public safety, revealing deeper societal anxieties.

Aug 19, 2025 • 39min
Introducing Radio Davos
Adam Tooze, a historian at Columbia University and foreign policy economics columnist, shares his insights on the pivotal changes shaping our world. He discusses the U.S.-China trade war and the complexities of global perceptions in a time of geopolitical upheaval. The impact of artificial intelligence as a transformative force in international relations is also explored. Tooze highlights the historical lessons of the Trump administration's policies and the challenges faced by the Biden administration amid escalating tensions and evolving education landscapes.

24 snips
Aug 15, 2025 • 52min
The Doomsday Seed Vault
Discover the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, a crucial safeguard against potential global food crises, housing 1.3 million seeds. Explore the role of seed banks in preserving genetic diversity and protecting food security. Transitioning to Alaska, delve into its economic landscape shaped by oil and resource extraction, and examine the complexities of wealth distribution through the state's sovereign wealth fund. The conversation also touches on the legacy of indigenous influences in resource ownership and the societal challenges faced by its diverse populations.

38 snips
Aug 8, 2025 • 50min
Tariffs and Gaza
The discussion navigates the economic fallout from Trump's tariffs, highlighting inflation and import impacts. It also dives deep into the hunger crisis in Gaza, addressing alarming food shortages and their humanitarian implications. The conversation critically examines the intertwining complexities of tariffs and global trade relations. Lastly, it confronts more serious allegations of genocide linked to starvation in Gaza, drawing parallels to historical events and stressing the urgent need for effective humanitarian aid.

32 snips
Aug 4, 2025 • 45min
Whither Global Development?
The podcast dives into the shortfall of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, with 80% failing to meet their targets. It discusses the implications of the U.S. retreat from international aid and the rising influence of China’s development strategies, particularly its One Belt, One Road initiative. The dual role of artificial intelligence in addressing poverty and infrastructure is also examined, highlighting the need for new frameworks in a rapidly changing technological landscape. The resulting challenges paint a complex picture for global development.

13 snips
Jul 25, 2025 • 32min
Heterodox Economists: Karl Polanyi
Dive into the revolutionary ideas of Karl Polanyi, a key figure in critiquing self-regulating markets. Discover how his Jewish heritage and struggles shaped his views, and explore his belief that economic systems are deeply influenced by cultural and political contexts. The discussion challenges mainstream economic assumptions, advocating for a re-evaluation of how we conceptualize the economy. Join the conversation on the societal impacts of commodification and the urgent need to restore values within market dynamics.

12 snips
Jul 18, 2025 • 37min
Heterodox Economists: Thorstein Veblen
Explore the life and groundbreaking ideas of Thorstein Veblen, the heterodox economist who reshaped economic thought. Discover his thoughts on 'conspicuous consumption' and how social status influences consumer behavior. Delve into Veblen's vision of technocrats driving societal progress and his critique of the commercialization of education in American universities. The discussion juxtaposes Veblen's insights with traditional economic models, revealing their enduring relevance today.

28 snips
Jul 11, 2025 • 34min
Heterodox Economists: John Kenneth Galbraith
This discussion delves into John Kenneth Galbraith's impact on economics, showcasing his progressive ideas and critiques of consumerism and corporate power. The conversation highlights the rivalry between Galbraith and Paul Krugman, shedding light on shifting trends in economic thought. Listeners will discover Galbraith's realist approach, challenging conventional wisdom and advocating for a deeper understanding of economic complexities. Furthermore, his critique of consumer sovereignty remains relevant, offering a fresh perspective on modern economic debates.

39 snips
Jul 4, 2025 • 34min
The Global Art Market
Dive into the sprawling $57.5 billion global art market, a landscape shrouded in opacity. Discover how primary and secondary markets, galleries, and auction houses interact and influence art's value. Explore the legal complexities of storing high-value artworks in freeports, and weigh the risks and benefits involved. Unpack the tension between traditional connoisseurship and financial speculation, while also examining the roles of museums as both caretakers and market influencers, amidst the rise of NFTs and modern ownership trends.

49 snips
Jun 27, 2025 • 42min
New York and NATO
A young democratic socialist politician has shaken up New York City's political landscape by winning the primary against a major establishment figure. This victory could reshape the city's economic future amidst affordability challenges for its middle class. The discussion then shifts to NATO, highlighting Germany's military spending increase and the issues faced by Spain and Italy. Insights into military recruitment complexities and the need for a cohesive approach to enhance efficiency in Europe are also explored.