In this episode of Passion Struck, host John R. Miles welcomes Edward Fishman, a former top State Department sanctions official and author of the groundbreaking book Choke Points: American Power in the Age of Economic Warfare). The conversation delves into the evolving landscape of global power dynamics, where economic tools such as sanctions, export controls, and financial dominance have become the primary instruments of statecraft in the 21st century.
Fishman explains the concept of "choke points," which refers to critical areas in the global economy where one country holds significant leverage, allowing it to exert influence without military intervention. He discusses how the U.S. has pioneered the use of economic warfare, particularly in response to the rise of authoritarian regimes in Russia and China, and the implications of this shift for international relations.
The episode explores the historical context of economic warfare, the ethical dilemmas faced by policymakers, and the potential consequences of overusing economic power. Fishman emphasizes the importance of understanding these dynamics as nations navigate a fractured global economy, where the competition for resources and influence is increasingly defined by economic rather than military means.
**Full shownotes here: **https://passionstruck.com/edward-fishman-on-the-new-age-of-power-dynamics/)
Key takeaways:
Factors contributing to the rise of economic warfare include:
The hyper-globalization of the 1990s leading to economic interdependence.
Political shifts post-9/11 that made military action less appealing.
The resurgence of great power competition, particularly with Russia and China.
The implications of sanctions and economic tools, emphasizing their dual nature as both offensive and defensive strategies.
The ethical dilemmas associated with economic warfare, particularly the humanitarian impact on civilian populations.
The potential for a fractured global economy, with nations becoming isolated economic deserts due to competing economic blocks.
The importance of maintaining economic security and the risks of over-reliance on economic sanctions are emphasized.
The dangers of a chaotic global economy where only great powers set the terms, potentially leading to military conflicts.
Connect with Edward Fishman: https://www.energypolicy.columbia.edu/edward-fishman/)
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