Sounds Strategic

Episode 35 - COVID-19 and the global economy: shutdown but not out?

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Episode notes

In this week’s episode, Antonio and Meia are joined by David Gordon, IISS Senior Adviser for Geo-Economics and Strategy, to discuss how the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is affecting the global economy, why this crisis is so unique and the prospects for an eventual recovery. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused an unprecedented and, crucially, near-universal closing of the world’s economy. As David explains, the synchronicity of this shutdown and the simmering rivalry between the US and China are key factors that will likely worsen the economic impact of the crisis and complicate the recovery. David predicts that we will see major changes to global supply-chain dynamics as a result of this crisis, as well as challenges ahead for the international institutions tasked with restoring the global economy in the post-crisis period. During the episode, Antonio, Meia and David also explore how COVID-19 has affected emerging markets, countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative and domestic politics in China. We hope you enjoy listening and don’t forget to follow, rate and subscribe to Sounds Strategic on wherever you listen to podcasts. Date of recording: 17 April 2020 Sounds Strategic is recorded and produced at the IISS in London. Theme music: ‘Safety in Numbers’ by We Were Promised Jetpacks.