

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

18 snips
Oct 17, 2025 • 33min
The Frankfurt Book Fair
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.

33 snips
Oct 14, 2025 • 53min
A Conversation with Michael Sandel
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!

69 snips
Oct 10, 2025 • 33min
The U.S. Government Shutdown
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.

8 snips
Oct 7, 2025 • 25min
Introducing The Catch
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.

61 snips
Oct 3, 2025 • 49min
The Trump Plan for Gaza
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.

55 snips
Sep 26, 2025 • 58min
Trump and Latin America
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.

60 snips
Sep 24, 2025 • 49min
Bonus: Adam Tooze on Foreign Policy Live
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.

143 snips
Sep 19, 2025 • 48min
What AI Means for the Economy and for Politics
Join Adam Tooze, economics columnist and professor at Columbia University, as he explores the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence. He discusses AI as a general-purpose technology, weighing its unprecedented potential against industry skepticism. Delve into the unseen labor behind AI's outputs and the cultural ramifications of this technology. Tooze also highlights how AI is reshaping markets and white-collar work, likening it to the bureaucratic shifts of the past. Prepare for a thought-provoking look at AI's profound impact on both our economy and political landscape.

75 snips
Sep 12, 2025 • 57min
The State of Europe
The podcast dives into Europe's shifting political landscape, highlighting France's spiraling public debt and the fallout from a governmental collapse. It examines Germany's economic struggles amid reform debates and an aging population. Meanwhile, Britain's Labour Party grapples with declining approval and identity crises post-Brexit. The discussion reveals how demographic changes are reshaping social democracy across the continent, underscoring challenges that resonate well beyond national borders.

50 snips
Sep 5, 2025 • 1h 1min
India and Tennis
The podcast dives into the recent 50% tariffs on Indian imports imposed by the Trump administration, revealing the complexities of U.S.-India relations and the surprising economic implications. It also explores the evolution of tennis economics, highlighting the soaring prize money at the US Open and its impact on players' financial realities. The discussion touches on the sport's aristocratic roots and the call for reform as tennis adapts to modern challenges, showcasing its intricate connections to broader diplomatic dynamics.