Global Economy Podcast
The Global Economy Podcast is produced by ECIPE, a Brussels-based think tank focused on international economic policy. It examines global economic policy and politics, with a particular emphasis on Europe. The show aims to expose key debates of the present to critical scrutiny. It reflects ECIPE’s support for globalisation and an open world order, often offering irreverent and contrarian perspectives.
Afleveringen
Episode 121: The Rise of Europe’s Litigation Economy – Will the New Product Liability Directive Make It Worse? with Oscar Guinea
In this episode, ECIPE’s Fredrik Erixon and Oscar Guinea talk about the EU’s revised Product Liability Directive (PLD) and how it risks fuelling many new class action lawsuits. Is it really good for Europe’s economy that it imports more of America’s litigation culture for managing collective redress?
Together, they look into how the PLD expands “product” to incl
Episode 120: Cloud Resilience and Security – Why Exit, Portability and Lifecycle Design Matter with Nicky Stewart
On this episode of ECIPE’s Global Economy Podcast, our Director, Matthias Bauer, welcomes Nicky Stewart, Senior Advisor at the Open Cloud Coalition, for a conversation on cloud markets in Europe, and how policy debates focus too heavily on market concentration and hyperscalers rather than on contractual lock-in, licensing practices, and lifecycle design.
Drawing on ECIPE’s study Cloud
Episode 119: The Trump Tariffs on Trial – What Are the Cases in the Supreme Court About? with Jeffrey Schwab
In this episode, Fredrik Erixon speaks to Jeffrey Schwab of the Liberty Justice Center about the legality of the “Liberation Day tariffs”. A ruling by the Supreme Court is expected soon, and Schwab is the plaintiff lawyer behind the case V.O.S. Selections, Inc. v. Trump. Schwab lays out his case and explains the constitutional limits of presidential tariff powers. They explore the lega
Episode 118: Trade Policy 3.0 – Three Scenarios for Tomorrowland with Lucian Cernat
In this episode of our Global Economy Podcast, our Director, Oscar Guinea, talks with Lucian Cernat* about the latter’s new paper, Trade Policy 3.0: Three Scenarios for Tomorrowland.
Their conversation outlines the evolution from trade policy 1.0 to 3.0 and how geopolitical tensions, resilience, and economic security shape today’s landscape. They cover the WTO’s role, lessons from COVI
Episode 117: The Big Steal – How Weak IP Rights Undermine Innovation and Markets with Jonathan Barnett
ECIPE’s Fredrik Erixon talks to Professor Jonathan Barnett, from the University of Southern California, about his recent book The Big Steal: Ideology, Interest, and the Undoing of Intellectual Property.
Together, they discuss how policymakers have weakened IP protections in the last decades, partly because of shifting technologies and new ideas, and distorted innovation incentives. As a resu
Episode 116: Globalisation in Retreat or Renewal? A Historical Perspective with Harold James
In this episode of the Global Economy Podcast, ECIPE’s Chief Economist, Erik van der Marel, sits down with Harold James, Professor at Princeton University and a leading expert on globalisation. Together, they dive into James’s book Seven Crashes: The Economic Crises That Shaped Globalisation, exploring how major economic shocks — from demand-side crises like the Great Depression and th
Episode 115: Trump’s Tariffs and the WTO’s Future with Stuart Harbinson
In this episode of the Global Economy Podcast, Fredrik Erixon speaks with Stuart Harbinson, former WTO Ambassador and senior fellow at ECIPE, about the state of global trade, the Trump tariffs, and the future of the World Trade Organization (WTO).
They explore the erosion of the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) principle, the rise of bilateralism, and the threat this poses to multilateral trade rules. T
Episode 114: Fence-Sitters and Frustrations – The EU’s Slow Path to Western Balkan Integration with Bernd Christoph Ströhm
This episode of the Global Economy Podcast, hosted by Philipp Lamprecht, features Dr Bernd Christoph Ströhm and focuses on the geopolitical and economic relevance of the Western Balkans for the European Union.
The conversation explores the region’s strategic importance amid increasing competition from China and Russia, challenges in the EU enlargement process, and the growing frustration amo
Episode 113: Inside the Reagan White House – Lessons for Today’s Politics with Frank Lavin
Frank Lavin joins Fredrik Erixon on the ECIPE Global Economy podcast to discuss his book Inside the Reagan White House: A Front Row Seat to Presidential Leadership with Lessons for Today. The conversation centres on Reagan’s leadership and the philosophical pillars of his presidency.
Lavin reflects on Reagan’s views on government, the Cold War, and his moral approach to foreign policy,
Episodio Especial 4: Panamá entre Gigantes – Soberanía, Canal y Poder Global con Carlos Ruiz-Hernández
El episodio 4 del pódcast Sin Arancel de por Medio presenta una conversación con Carlos Ruiz-Hernández, ex vicecanciller de Panamá y actual asesor en CSIS y el Inter-American Dialogue.
El diálogo aborda el papel de Panamá en la geopolítica actual, destacando su ingreso al Consejo de Seguridad de la ONU, su postura frente a la retórica de Donald Trump sobre el canal de Panamá, y la política exterio
Episode 112: Techno-Nationalism – Strategic Competition in the 21st Century with Alex Capri
In this episode of the ECIPE Global Economy Podcast, Fredrik Erixon speaks with Alex Capri about his new book Techno-Nationalism: How It Is Reshaping Trade, Geopolitics, and Society. The conversation explores the growing entanglement of technology, national security, and economic policy, focusing on key elements such as supply chain weaponisation, strategic decoupling, and tech diplomacy.
Capri hi
Episode 111: What Have We Learnt from Trump’s Tariff Mess? with Erik van der Marel
On this episode of the Global Economy Podcast, Fredrik Erixon speaks with ECIPE’s Chief Economist, Erik van der Marel, about the consequences of the Trump administration’s threat to impose tariffs, particularly in relation to global trade and the restructuring of the US economy.
The conversation explores how US production and trade networks have evolved, the implications of high tariff
Episodio Especial 3: La Crisis Migratoria y de Seguridad en América Latina con Érika Rodríguez Pinzón
En este episodio de Sin Arancel de Por Medio, nos centramos en los retos de la migración y la seguridad en América Latina.
Oscar Guinea y Renata Zilli hablan con Érika Rodríguez Pinzón, directora de la Fundación Carolina, que explica la paradoja de que América Latina sea a la vez la región más pacífica en términos de guerra y, sin embargo, la más violenta debido al crimen organizado. La conversaci
Episode 110: How Diffusing New Technologies Defines Great Powers with Jeffrey Ding
In this episode of ECIPE’s Global Economy podcast, Fredrik Erixon speaks with Jeffrey Ding, assistant professor at George Washington University, about his book Technology and the Rise of Great Powers: How Diffusion Shapes Economic Competition.
They discuss how the diffusion of general-purpose technologies, rather than just leading-edge innovation, drives national economic power. Drawing on h
Episode 109: The Rise of Mass Litigation in Europe – Why Should We Be Worried? with Oscar Guinea
This episode of the Global Economy Podcast features Fredrik Erixon and Oscar Guinea discussing our new study on the rise of mass litigation in Europe.
They explore how collective actions, often imported from the US, are increasingly impacting European firms, especially innovative ones, through legal costs, uncertainty, and changes in compliance behaviour.
The conversation highlights differences be
Episode 108: Sin Arancel de por Medio – The New ECIPE Podcast for Spanish-speaking and Latin American Audiences with Oscar Guinea and Renata Zilli
Fredrik Erixon introduces a special episode of ECIPE’s Global Economy Podcast to announce the new ECIPE podcast designed for Spanish-speaking and Latin American audiences: Sin Arancel de por Medio.
The hosts, Renata Zilli and Oscar Guinea, join the discussion, to present this project and its aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of how global politics affects Latin America, along with
Episodio Especial 2: El Rol de América Latina ante Trump 2.0 y el Nuevo Orden Internacional con José Juan Ruiz
En este episodio de Sin Arancel de por Medio, Oscar Guinea y Renata Zilli abordan los desafíos y estrategias de América Latina frente al regreso de Donald Trump a la presidencia de EE.UU, junto a José Juan Ruiz, presidente del Real Instituto Elcano.
José Juan destaca la importancia de entender la política exterior de la administración Trump, caracterizada por una vuelta a la geopolítica de poder d
Episodio Especial 1: México entre Estados Unidos y Europa – Desafíos y Oportunidades Comerciales con César Guerra
El primer episodio de “Sin Arancel de por Medio” trata sobre los desafíos y oportunidades comerciales de México entre Estados Unidos y Europa.
Oscar Guinea y Renata Zilli analizan junto a nuestro primer invitado César Guerra, experto en relaciones comerciales de México y Secretario General de MexChamEU, las políticas de Donald Trump hacia México, y cómo México puede responder a las ame
Episode 107: European Competitiveness – Analysing Key Challenges and Solutions with Oscar Guinea
In this episode of ECIPE's Global Economy Podcast, Fredrik Erixon and Oscar Guinea delve into Europe's competitiveness challenges. They discuss the European Commission's Competitiveness Compass and its heavy reliance on the Draghi report.
Key issues explored include high energy prices, digital regulation, and market dynamism. The conversation highlights the impact of energy costs on European fi
Episode 106: Europe’s Competitiveness Compass – Lost or Just Misdirected? with Pieter Garicano
Our Senior Economist, Oscar Guinea, talks with Pieter Garicano, author of Silicon Continent, about Europe's competitiveness and the recently released Competitiveness Compass proposal by the European Commission.
Garicano highlights three key issues:
Lack of funding and member state buy-in for initiatives like the 28th legal regime for startups,
Denial of trade-offs, particularly regarding
Episode 105: Kaput – What is Wrong with the German Economy? with Wolfgang Münchau
This episode of the Global Economy Podcast is a recording of a recent webinar where Fredrik Erixon spoke with Wolfgang Münchau on the state of the German economy.
The German economy is in a bad shape. Its Gross Domestic Product has fallen for two consecutive years and once-mighty German industrial companies struggle to keep up with technological change and global competition. What has gone wron
Episode 104: Trade as a Game Changer – Securing Europe’s Economic Future in a Changing World with MEP Jörgen Warborn
Director Fredrik Erixon talks with MEP Jörgen Warborn in the latest episode of the Global Economy Podcast.
They discuss how the EU must prioritise trade to combat its growth crisis. The conversation delves into the ratification of the EU-Mercosur deal as an enabler of a massive free trade zone, reforms to the World Trade Organization for stronger global trade rules, a focus on sectoral agreemen
Episode 103: The Health of the Economy with John H. Cochrane
Fredrik Erixon hosts an insightful conversation with renowned economist John Cochrane as they delve into the pressing issues of inflation, deficits, and potential economic policies under a second Trump administration. As the US faces persistent high deficits and European countries grapple with sluggish economic growth, they discuss what the future holds and the necessary steps for recove
Episode 102: Donald Trump vs. the World Part II with Frank Lavin
In this episode of the Global Economy Podcast, Fredrik Erixon and Frank Lavin discuss the potential impact of the incoming second Trump administration on foreign policy.
They analyse the likelihood of a continuing transactional and domestic-centric approach, considering campaign rhetoric, Trump’s volatile attitude, and his new team.
They also examine his foreseeable approach to relations in
Episode 101: Moldova and Georgia – A Crossroads Between the EU and Russia with Tengiz Pkhaladze
Director Fredrik Erixon interviews Tengiz Pkhaladze, a Senior Fellow at ECIPE, about the recent developments in Moldova and Georgia, two countries on the path to EU membership, where important elections have recently been held.
The conversation looks at the outcomes of the recent elections in both countries, including the challenges faced by Moldova’s President Maia Sandu and the contested v
Episode 100: What Lies Ahead in a Second Trump Administration? with Inu Manak
To celebrate the 100th episode of the ECIPE Global Economy Podcast, host Fredrik Erixon welcomes Inu Manak, a distinguished trade policy expert and follow at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) in Washington, DC.
In this timely discussion recorded just days after the U.S. election, they explore pressing questions about the future of U.S. trade policy. Will America maintain its manufacturing-fir
Episode 99: Calling on the EU-US Trade and Technology Council – How to Deliver for the Planet and the Economy with Oscar Guinea
Director Fredrik Erixon talks with Senior Economist Oscar Guinea ahead of the 6th EU-US TTC on why this meeting taking place in Leuven between the 4th and 6th of April, 2024, is of particular importance due to the sociopolitical context.
During their conversation Mr Guinea presents and justifies the need for the EU and the US to pursue an agreement on conformity assessment covering machinery and e
Episode 98: Liberalism versus Populism – How can Liberalism Fight Back? with Nils Karlson
This podcast is a partial recording of the seminar held at the ECIPE office in Brussels “Liberalism versus Populism – How can Liberalism Fight Back?” with the participation of political science Professor and Founder of the Ratio Institute Nils Karlson on the 7th of March 2024.
The event was hosted by ECIPE Founder and Director Fredrik Erixon and examined the complexities of
Episode 97: EU Strategic Interdependence and How to Revitalise the WTO with José Ignacio Torreblanca
This podcast is a recording of the conversation that ECIPE Director Matthias Bauer hosted with José Ignacio Torreblanca, Senior Policy Fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) and Head of ECFR’s Madrid office, during the January 17th webinar EU Strategic Interdependence and How to Revitalise the WTO.
They discussed the EU’s strategic autonomy, underscoring its flaws and internal
Episode 96: Mexico and the European Union – How to Strengthen Opportunities in the Era of Strategic Autonomy? with H.E. Rogelio Granguillhome
Renata Zilli hosts a discussion with H.E. Rogelio Granguillhome, Ambassador of Mexico to the Kingdom of Belgium and Permanent Representative to the European Union, on the limits, opportunities, and promising future of EU-Mexico relations.
This podcast episode explores the pivotal moments of 2023, a transformative year for EU-Mexico relations, including insights into the EU-CELAC
Episode 95: EU vs. US States – Comparing Economic Growth with Oscar Guinea
In this episode, Fredrik Erixon and Oscar Guinea speak about relative economic decline - more specifically the decline of the European economy in comparison to the American economy.
This conversation is based on a recent ECIPE paper on Europe's poor economic growth and its consequences for prosperity. The Policy Brief emphasizes the importance o
Episode 94: The Enduring Legacy of Adam Smith with Matt Ridley and Russ Roberts
In a wide-ranging conversation with Matt Ridley and Russ Roberts, Fredrik Erixon delves into the enduring legacy of Adam Smith, the Scottish philosopher whose ideas have profoundly shaped our understanding of society and the economy. Celebrating the 300th anniversary of Smith, they explore his seminal work, "The Wealth of Nations," which revolutionised economic thinking wi
Episode 93: The US Trade Policy and America’s Role in the World Economic Order with Keith Rockwell and Stuart Harbinson
In this episode, Fredrik Erixon talks to Keith Rockwell and Stuart Harbinson about the US trade policy and America’s role in the world economic order, specifically, how does the Biden administration think about trade?
Keith M. Rockwell is a Senior Research Fellow at the Hinrich Foundation. Before his retirement in June 2022, Keith served as a Director at th
Episode 92: The EU’s Digital Regulations and Freedom of Political Speech with Joan Barata
In this episode, Fredrik Erixon talks to Dr Joan Barata about emerging European regulations affecting speech and political discourse. They discuss recent legislation such as the Digital Services Act, the Media Act and their impact on digital platforms and freedom of political speech.
Dr Joan Barata is Senior Legal Fellow at the Future of Free Speech project at Justitia and
Episode 91: The European Cybersecurity Certification Scheme for Cloud Services (EUCS) with Nigel Cory
In this episode Matthias Bauer talks to Nigel Cory about the EUCS. In particular, they touch upon topics such as the controversies surrounding it, why it follows a French template, the impacts in EU member states and possible measures to deal with countries like China without undermining economic and political cooperation with like-minded partners.
Nigel Cory is an associate d
Episode 90: Opportunities for the D9+ Group in Raising their Profile and how to Overcome Challenges on the Way with Raquel Jorge Ricart
In this online conversation, Philipp Lamprecht speaks to Raquel Jorge Ricart who is a Technology, Digital and Cyber Policy Analyst at the Elcano Royal Institute in Spain. They talk about how the D9+ initiative can expand the scale and scope of technological change in the European economy with a particular focus on the role of Spain. Moreover, they explore the main challenges an
Episode 89: Leadership in European Digital Policy and the Future Role and Direction of the D9+ Group with Miguel Otero
In this online conversation, Philipp Lamprecht talks to Miguel Otero who is a senior analyst at the Elcano Royal Institute. They discuss the ECIPE study that argues that the common traits of the D9+ countries, in terms of digital and general economic characteristics, should prompt the D9+ Group to be far more ambitious in promoting Europe’s digital competitiveness.&nb
Episode 88: The Current State of Globalisation with Erik van der Marel
Fredrik Erixon talks to Erik van der Marel about what kind of changes are arising in the global economy and in globalisation itself. They touch upon the notion of whether globalisation is dying as well as the role of globalisation in trading goods and services.
Erik van der Marel is Chief Economist at ECIPE, an Associate Professor at the ULB and Consultant Economis
Episode 87: The Future of China with Xi Jinping with Frank Lavin
Fredrik Erixon talks to Frank Lavin about the overall direction of Chinese security and economic policies after the 20th National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party that was held between 16-22 October 2022. They focus on the political relations with Taiwan and Russia and economic influence on the neighbouring countries in Asia. The discussion also brings up critical dependency
Episode 86: IP in the EU FTA’s Series: The Role of IP in Fostering Innovation and Global Competitiveness of European Industries with Jörgen Warborn
In this online conversation Jacki Davis talks to Jörgen Warborn, a Member of the European Parliament and its Committee on International Trade. They discuss the importance of Intellectual Property for innovation and global competitiveness of European industries and how to realize the full benefits of Intellectual Property provisions in the EU Free Trade Agreements.
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Episode 85: Industrial Data Sharing Models and the Proposed EU Data Act with Sicco Lehmann-Brauns
In this online conversation, Matthias Bauer talks to Sicco Lehmann-Brauns, the Senior Director of Research and Innovation Policy at Siemens about the EU's proposed Data Act regulation. They discuss how data is currently being shared among businesses and individuals, how data could be used in the future, and how policymakers in the EU think data should be used. In particular, they to
Episode 84: The Current State of EU-China Relations with Daniel Kaddik
Matthias Bauer talks to Daniel Kaddik, the Executive Director of the European Liberal Forum. They discuss EU-China political relations considering systemic political challenges, the escalations with Russia, and issues related to China’s trade distortive policies.
Episode 83: The Long-term Effects of Technology on Economic Growth with Björn Brey
Erik van der Marel talks to Björn Brey, a post-doc researcher at the ULB Solvay Business School (ECARES) in Brussels. They discuss Björn’s recent work on "The Long-run Gains from the Early Adoption of Electricity" and they reflect on how his historical work relates to today’s trends in digital technologies and data.
Episode 82: Ukrainian Economy During the War with Maria Repko
Fredrik Erixon talks to Maria Repko, a colleague in the world of think tanks and the Deputy Executive Director at the Centre for Economic Strategy, a Kyiv-based research organization. Ms Repko has been working to achieve institutional reforms and improved economic performance in Ukraine since 2015. They discussed the state of the Ukrainian economy during the Russian invasion and how the EU candida
Episode 81: IP in the EU FTA’s Series: IP to Tackle Counterfeit Goods Trade with Neil Narriman
In this online conversation, Jacki Davis talks to Neil Narriman, the President of FESI, the European Federation of the European Sporting Goods Industry, which supported the work on a recent ECIPE study entitled "The Benefits of Intellectual Property Rights in EU Free Trade Agreements".
As the Sporting Goods industry is a key sector targeted by counterfeiters, they discuss how big a proble
Episode 80: IP in the EU FTA’s Series: Intellectual Property in Services Sectors with Pascal Kerneis
In this online conversation, Jacki Davis talks to Pascal Kerneis, a Managing director of the European Services Forum - ESF, who wrote an insert for the recent ECIPE study: "The Benefits of Intellectual Property Rights in EU Free Trade Agreements".
They discuss how vital intellectual property rights are for services sectors and to protect innovation, and what are the difficulties when talking a
Episode 79: IP in the EU FTA’s Series: The Importance of Strong IP Provisions in EU Trade Agreements with Koen Berden
In this online conversation, Jacki Davis talks to Koen Berden, Executive Director for International Affairs at EFPIA – the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations, which supported the work on a recent ECIPE study entitled “The Benefits of Intellectual Property Rights in EU Free Trade Agreements”.
They discuss global competitiveness, strategic resilience and the c
Episode 78: IP in the EU FTA’s Series: Relevance of IP for the Innovative Pharmaceutical Industry with Nathalie Moll
In this online conversation, Jacki Davis talks to Nathalie Moll, Director-General of EFPIA – the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations, which supported the work on a recent ECIPE study entitled “The Benefits of Intellectual Property Rights in EU Free Trade Agreements”.
They discuss the importance of strong IP provisions in EU trade agreements, the Euro
Episode 77: IP in the EU FTA’s Series: IP and the Sustainable Agri-food Sector with Olivier de Matos
In this online conversation, Jacki Davis talks to Olivier de Matos, the Director-General of CropLife Europe, which represents providers of innovative farm solutions. One of the sectors examined in the recent ECIPE study: "The Benefits of Intellectual Property Rights in EU Free Trade Agreements".
They discuss the key drivers for innovation in a sector vital for the
Episode 76: IP in the EU FTA’s Series: How to support IP-intensive sectors via the EU FTAs with Filip Geerts
In this online conversation, Jacki Davis talks to Filip Geerts, the Director-General of CECIMO, the European Association of the Machine Tool Industries and related Manufacturing Technologies. This IP-intensive sector was among those examined in the recent ECIPE study: “The Benefits of Intellectual Property Rights in EU Free Trade Agreements”.
They discuss how vital intellectual prop
