Business Diplomacy Today Podcast

Business Diplomacy Today addresses contemporary international relations and geopolitics, looking at the issues from a business perspective. It helps business leaders anticipate changing political and societal trends, build and leverage political networks and take a proactive stake in societal and political matters that influence their business environment.

Episode #022: How Crises Shape Globalisation

In Episode 22 of Business Diplomacy Today, host Matthias Catón is joined by Prof. Harold James, Professor of History and International Affairs at Princeton University. Drawing inspiration from Harold’s recent publication Seven Crashes: The Economic Crises That Shaped Globalisation (2023), Matthias and Harold discuss seven major turning points in the history of globalisation.

Their conversation explores the requirement for preparation and flexibility in responding to global crises, such as geopolitical tensions and the COVID-19 pandemic. Also discussed is the impact of political systems on crisis response and how this differs in autocratic and democratic systems.

With globalisation being synonymous to interconnectedness, Harold and Matthias examine the influence of communication and technological advances during times of rapid change. Harold contextualises these theories through historical events and the importance of having a historical understanding to prepare for the interaction between a globalised world that experiences conflict and uncertainty.

Discussing topics of historical events, innovation and global trade, this episode is a must listen for policymakers and business leaders to gain insights on how to be resilient and prepared for changes on a global level.