
Ones and Tooze
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/.
Latest episodes

56 snips
Mar 21, 2025 • 56min
A Conversation About Abundance
Delve into the complexities of the U.S. political landscape during the Trump administration, examining rising tensions and constitutional crises. Discover how 'Abundance' proposes a revitalization of liberalism through innovative approaches to governance. Explore the stark housing cost disparities between states and the underlying ideologies, as well as the impact of legalism on societal trust. Reflect on the early optimism of the Obama era and the potential for a liberal renaissance in today's world.

59 snips
Mar 14, 2025 • 53min
Trump's Economy
This discussion dives into the dramatic impact of Trump's trade wars, which have erased $4 trillion from U.S. stock markets. The hosts analyze the stark realities of tariffs, debunking misconceptions about their benefits. They also explore the complex interplay between political expression on campuses and economic policy shifts. With insights into the challenges facing Canada under Mark Carney's leadership, the conversation highlights protectionism's effects on American jobs and the ongoing tensions between differing political ideologies in the U.S.

48 snips
Mar 7, 2025 • 60min
Will the United States Go Broke One Day?
The U.S. budget deficit has skyrocketed to $1.8 trillion, raising concerns about the sustainability of a staggering $36 trillion debt. Intriguingly, the contrast between individual life spans and society's infinite outlook on debt is explored. The shifting dynamics of U.S. tax policy reveal how proposed tax cuts exacerbate income inequality. Meanwhile, geopolitical tensions with China are causing ripples in U.S. debt markets, hinting at a potential crisis. A looming threat of stagflation complicates the economic landscape, challenging policymakers' responses.

52 snips
Feb 28, 2025 • 1h 5min
Trump’s ‘Gold Card’ Path to Citizenship
The discussion dives into Trump's controversial $5 million gold card initiative, offering affluent individuals a quick path to citizenship, which raises questions about immigration policy and economic implications. It explores the evolving dynamics of U.S. immigration politics and the challenges faced by deportees in Central America. Moreover, the podcast takes a fascinating turn toward brutalism in architecture, delving into its historical roots and community connections, while addressing its aesthetic and ethical relevance today.

101 snips
Feb 21, 2025 • 1h 1min
Ukraine and Germany
The podcast dives into the dramatic shift in U.S. support for Ukraine, now adversely affected by political changes. It examines Germany's upcoming elections and their potential influence on European policies. The discussion highlights the intricate diplomacy surrounding Ukraine's sovereignty and the logistical hurdles Germany faces in military mobilization. Additionally, it explores Europe's defense strategies and Germany's economic challenges amidst recession, emphasizing the need for deeper domestic investments.

69 snips
Feb 14, 2025 • 54min
How Scary Is DOGE?
Elon Musk's team gaining access to a sensitive U.S. Treasury payment system raises alarm in financial circles. Experts discuss potential risks and implications for the economy. In a flavorful shift, record-high coffee prices take center stage, tracing its journey from Ethiopian roots to a global commodity. The podcast delves into coffee's historical role in political discourse, highlighting its influence on events like the American Revolution, and critiques the current challenges faced by coffee producers against corporate giants.

19 snips
Feb 13, 2025 • 40min
Introducing Counterpoint
Emma Ashford, a senior fellow at the Stimson Center, and Rajan Menon, director of the Grand Strategy Program at Defense Priorities, engage in a riveting debate on negotiating peace in Ukraine. They discuss the military and strategic dilemmas facing Ukraine, weighing continued military support against the need for negotiations. The conversation critiques the Biden administration's strategies and explores Ukraine's potential security landscape post-war. This clash of expert perspectives sheds light on the intricate geopolitical dynamics at play.

48 snips
Feb 7, 2025 • 50min
Tariff Man 2.0
A deep dive into the ramifications of tariffs implemented during the Trump administration reveals profound implications for the U.S. economy. The conversation highlights how these measures could backfire and spark economic disruptions. The complexities of shifting supply chains and the historical context of trade policies are examined, alongside the challenges faced by various sectors like the auto industry. Additionally, geopolitical dynamics are explored, showing how U.S. trade strategies influence global interrelations and encourage international collaboration.

48 snips
Jan 31, 2025 • 32min
The Worldview of Elon Musk
Elon Musk's immense wealth puts him in a powerful political position. The discussion dives into his influence on the Trump administration and the complexities of his political affiliations. Musk's unique mindset, rooted in physics, shapes his entrepreneurial and political strategies, especially in the context of U.S.-China relations. The impact of his ownership on Twitter, now X, is scrutinized, revealing changes in user dynamics and platform culture. The contrasting approaches of Musk and Bill Gates to societal influence showcase the paradox of wealth in entrepreneurship.

66 snips
Jan 24, 2025 • 52min
Trump's First Week
Dive into the whirlwind of Trump's inauguration, where billionaire tech titans gathered to influence governance. Discover the overwhelmed impact of 26 executive orders on American life and economy. Unpack the tangled history of corporate power and politics amidst the evolving ideologies of tech leaders. Explore the complex U.S.-China trade relationship shaped by tariffs and the pandemic. Lastly, delve into energy policies balancing fossil fuels and renewable sources as corporate interests adapt to shifting political tides.