ET Evoke
‘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.
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.
Must Watch
‘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.
‘Donald Trump’s victory as US President can delay America’s green transition — but it can’t block this’
Thomas Hale, Professor of Global Public Policy at Oxford University, discusses long-term solutions for climate change, highlighting the challenges posed by powerful fossil fuel interests and the importance of institutions like central banks and climate assemblies in driving decarbonization.
With higher unionisation, Donald Trump would not have become US President — there’s a political shift among white, working-class men without a college degree: Robert Bruno
Robert Bruno, a professor at the University of Illinois, explains why US labor politics might lean right. He highlights the changing political affiliations of American workers, factors leading to this shift, and the growing concerns around AI impacting jobs. The discussion includes how labor unions influence voting patterns and the role of politics in workers' lives.
America’s fiscal house is burning down — yet, Harris & Trump are arguing over the furniture: Kent Smetters
Kent Smetters of Wharton School highlights that neither 2024 US Presidential candidate, Trump nor Harris, addresses America's escalating federal debt. Both candidates propose measures that could worsen the situation. Smetters suggests long-term economic planning, including tax reforms and spending cuts, as potential solutions for reducing debt while growing the economy.
Even wealthy America has extremely high inequality — that shows in a rural-urban divide which can manifest in votes for Donald Trump: Stephan Weiler
Stephan Weiler, an Economics Professor, explains rural America's economic struggles and the resulting support for Donald Trump. He highlights the disparity between rural and urban areas, the decline of family farms, and higher implicit costs in rural living. This dissatisfaction drives rural voters to protest by supporting Trump, feeling ignored by traditional elites.
‘Polls show a dead heat US election with Kamala Harris enjoying a slim lead — 37% Americans are dissatisfied with democracy’
A political behaviourist discusses the role of technology in shaping public opinions and political actions. Recent FAU national poll results show a close race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump for the 2024 US election. The study also highlights differences in voter satisfaction, economic concerns, and the impact of internet on political polarization.
