ET Evoke
US vs China is a clash of geoeconomic hegemons, only these two economies can effectively cajole or coerce other nations: Columbia professor
Geoeconomics is the use of economic power for geopolitical aims, where powerful nations like the US and China influence global firms or governments through economic coercion. While insulating against such threats may seem logical, it can undo global trade benefits. The US, China, and to some extent Russia, use strategic trade leverage to compel compliance or reward allies.
The Trump regime is out of sync with the world on sustainability — Europe, India and China are committed to the clean energy transition: Jaideep Prabhu
Despite the uncertainty of US tariffs under Donald Trump, the global commitment to renewable energy persists driven by technological advances, particularly in solar and wind power, and economic factors. Countries remain focused on clean energy for both security and environmental reasons, aligning economic needs with sustainability goals.
As global warming grows, Trump sees Greenland & the Arctic as realms of great power rivalry: Klaus Dodds
Professor Klaus Dodds explains that the US is interested in Greenland for its rare earth minerals, hemispheric security, and Arctic shipping routes. The involvement of Asian and Middle Eastern countries in Arctic projects is growing. He also mentions the need for Europe to support Greenland against possible US annexation. Vulnerabilities from climate change are also highlighted.
The chances of a recession in the US are thrice the normal rate now — Donald Trump’s economics will impact global prosperity: Jeffrey Frankel, Harvard University
Jeffrey Frankel from Harvard discusses the potential global recession due to Trump's tariffs, the effects on the US including possible recession and higher prices, the impact on capital formation, and the uncertainty in the US dollar's value. He highlights the dismantling of post-war global rules and the temporary support from some Trump voters despite negative economic consequences.
‘Earth is warming at its fastest pace in 10,000 years — business leaders must heed the Anthropocene’
The 25th ET Awards for Corporate Excellence featured a special address by Mrs Meera Jain. She highlighted the pressing need to address climate change and environmental sustainability. The speech discussed the negative effects of human activities on Earth. Leaders were urged to invest in projects to mitigate global warming and to develop AI with ethical considerations.
‘Globalisation aided the rise of Russia and China as challengers to the US — a geopolitical race is growing now'
Hal Brands discusses Donald Trump's approach to geopolitics, suggesting a strategic de-escalation with Russia and changes to NATO dynamics. He comments on how China might exploit US-European rifts and sees a return to great power competition. Brands highlights the impact of globalisation and the increasing importance of advanced technologies in shaping global strategy.
Joe Biden prioritised critical minerals for the US — with Ukraine, Donald Trump is weaponising these: Carolyn Kissane
Carolyn Kissane discusses the increasing importance of rare earths and critical minerals in renewable energy technologies and data centers' power demands. She highlights the US's efforts to secure these resources for national security and the persistent reliance on fossil fuels despite renewable energy advancements.
US corporates know Trump 2.0 will last four years — but climate change’s long ark won’t go away: Andrew Hoffman
Andrew Hoffman, a professor at the University of Michigan, explores how business strategies and market demands intersect with environmental issues. He highlights the influence of consumer pressure, political debate, and the role of corporate commitments to sustainability, especially in the context of climate change under Donald Trump's administration.
‘Donald Trump’s 25% steel tariffs don’t acknowledge carbon’s social cost — for that, he’d first need to admit climate change is real’
Gernot Wagner, a climate economist at Columbia Business School, discusses the implications of Donald Trump’s tariffs on the US economy, particularly in relation to China and the clean energy transition. He highlights the potential disruptions, trade wars, and the differing approaches of the US and EU on carbon tariffs.
‘Donald Trump’s tariff threats are causing huge trade uncertainty now — ‘beggar-thy-neighbour’ steps benefit none, including the US’
Maurice Obstfeld explains how Trump's tariffs impact the US economy, including increased costs for imports and potential strength for the dollar. He highlights the uncertainty affecting global supply chains and trade agreements, as well as potential pressures on BRICS and Bretton Woods institutions.
Must Watch
If the US government will be obstructionist on climate agreements, it’s better they step out of global forums — or they could stall these: David G. Victor
David G. Victor, professor at UC San Diego, explains 'global warming gridlock' and highlights solutions including smaller country groups and technological innovation. He critiques the US's climate policy under Trump, discusses electric vehicle charging behavior, and stresses the importance of widely accessible climate change communication.
The rags-to-riches narrative of quick immigrant success in America is a myth — but their children do rise faster than US-born peers: Ran Abramitzky
Stanford professor Ran Abramitzky provides a historical perspective on immigration to the US, debunking myths about instant success. He finds that while initial immigrants may remain in low-paying jobs, their children achieve significant upward mobility. He emphasizes the lack of large economic benefits from restricting immigration and highlights political polarization in immigration attitudes.
From climate change to higher education, the Murdochs created a distinct kind of ‘news’ — they now face a changing technological landscape: Robert Thompson
Robert Thompson, Director of the Bleier Center, discusses the Murdoch media empire's future after Rupert Murdoch's succession plans shifted. While some heirs hold differing political views, particularly regarding Fox News's right-leaning stance and climate change coverage, the channel's profitability may hinder significant changes. The rise of social media further complicates the empire's traditional media model.
The purpose of a banking system is to serve people — we need metrics to understand their financial health: Michael J. Hsu
Michael J. Hsu, Acting Comptroller of the Currency, highlights the importance of financial literacy and inclusion. He discusses the challenges faced by unbanked and underbanked Americans, emphasizing the need for people-centric metrics of financial health. Hsu also addresses the potential benefits and risks of AI in finance, advocating for ethical development and usage.
Aviation now needs a Tesla moment, like cars in the 2000s — decarbonising demands disruptive new tech: Robert Miller
Robert Miller, Director of the Whittle Laboratory, highlights the need for disruptive technologies like cryogenic hydrogen fuel and hybrid electric flight to achieve net-zero aviation by 2050. He emphasizes four Sustainable Aviation Goals: mitigating contrail-induced cloud formation, enhancing system efficiency, scaling up sustainable aviation fuels, and investing in experimental technologies like hydrogen-powered aircraft.
‘Decarbonisation is a marathon — it will continue, despite supportive or obstructive US Presidents’
Professor Sam Fankhauser, a climate change economics expert, highlights the economic benefits of transitioning to renewable energy. He argues that this shift addresses market failures, reduces fossil fuel reliance, and improves public health. Fankhauser emphasises that renewable energy is more effective in providing electricity to impoverished communities compared to fossil fuels.
