The Washington Consensus Could Not Hold

Why It Matters

#International Relations #News #Politics #Council On Foreign Relations

38:05

In late 1972, U.S. Marine Captain Ron Forrester disappeared on a bombing run into North Vietnam. Back home in Texas, his family could only wait and hope. Audio subscribers to Texas Monthly can get early access to episodes of the series, plus exclusive interviews and audio. Visit texasmonthly.com/audio to join. Go to HelloFresh.com/FLIGHT10FM to get 10 Free Meals with a Free Item For Life.…

about a year ago 30:27

MP3•Episode home

This season, Why It Matters is taking you through the ins and outs of trade. In this episode, we’re examining how trade policy is sizing up to be anything but consensus.

Featured Guests

Shannon K. O’Neil, Senior Vice President, Director of Studies, and Maurice R. Greenberg Chair, CFR

Edward Alden, Senior Fellow specializing in U.S. economic competitiveness, trade, and immigration policy

For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/wim/washington-consensus-could-not-hold

112 episodes

Why It Matters

The Washington Consensus Could Not Hold

Why It Matters

206 subscribers

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

This season, Why It Matters is taking you through the ins and outs of trade. In this episode, we’re examining how trade policy is sizing up to be anything but consensus.

Featured Guests

Shannon K. O’Neil, Senior Vice President, Director of Studies, and Maurice R. Greenberg Chair, CFR

Edward Alden, Senior Fellow specializing in U.S. economic competitiveness, trade, and immigration policy

For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/wim/washington-consensus-could-not-hold

112 episodes

#International Relations #News #Politics #Council On Foreign Relations

All episodes

Why It Matters

1
Tariff Turmoil, Part 2: Steel and Dog Gelato 32:48

9 days ago32:48

32:48

Tariffs have sparked intense debate in Washington, but their consequences land far from Capitol Hill. Tariffs can shape paychecks, shift prices for consumers, and affect markets. At best, tariffs offer short-term protection for certain industries. At worst, they can uproot the lives of American workers. In this episode, Why It Matters looks at what tariffs mean for a U.S. steel manufacturer and small business owner trying to stay afloat. Featured Guests Matthew P. Goodman , Distinguished Fellow and Director of the Greenberg Center for Geoeconomic Studies, CFR Jamie Sychak, President of United Auto Workers Local 3303 Debbie Hendrickx , Founder and CEO of Swell Gelato For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/tariff-turmoil-part-2-steel-and-dog-gelato…

Why It Matters

1
Tariff Turmoil, Part 1: How Tariffs Are Affecting Farmers 29:18

23 days ago29:18

29:18

Tariffs are often discussed in big, abstract terms—trade wars, economic strategy, global power struggles. But for ginseng farmers in Wisconsin, their effects are painfully personal. In this episode, Why It Matters dives into how tariffs work and how they’re hitting one of America's most niche yet lucrative exports: Wisconsin-grown ginseng. Featured Guests Matthew P. Goodman , Distinguished Fellow and Director of the Greenberg Center for Geoeconomic Studies, CFR Will Hsu , President of Hsu's Ginseng Enterprises Inc. For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/wim/tariff-turmoil-part-1-how-tariffs-are-affecting-farmers…

Why It Matters

1
The Washington Consensus Could Not Hold 30:27

5 weeks ago30:27

30:27

When it comes to trade, there is no consensus in Washington. The issue has become deeply polarizing, with lawmakers split over whether free trade agreements benefit or harm the U.S. economy. While some argue that open markets are essential for global leadership and economic growth, others believe that such policies disproportionately harm American workers and industries, fueling the rise of protectionist sentiment. This season, Why It Matters is taking you through the ins and outs of trade. In this episode, we’re examining how trade policy is sizing up to be anything but consensus. Featured Guests Shannon K. O’Neil , Senior Vice President, Director of Studies, and Maurice R. Greenberg Chair, CFR Edward Alden , Senior Fellow specializing in U.S. economic competitiveness, trade, and immigration policy For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/wim/washington-consensus-could-not-hold…

Why It Matters

1
We’ve Been Looking At Trade All Wrong 32:52

7 weeks ago32:52

32:52

There was once a broad consensus in Washington that trade was a force for good—a way to connect, grow, and prosper. But today, trade has evolved into something much bigger than just the exchange of goods. It’s become a powerful tool to rewrite the rules of foreign policy, reshape how the United States is viewed by the rest of the world, and steer us toward an increasingly uncertain future. When did this change begin, and where did we go off course? This season, Why It Matters is taking you through the ins and outs of trade. In this episode, we’re diving into the history books to learn what can the past tell us about the future of U.S. trade policy. Featured Guest Edward Alden , senior fellow specializing in U.S. economic competitiveness, trade, and immigration policy For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/weve-been-looking-trade-all-wrong…

Why It Matters

1
Why Trade Matters 2:02

7 weeks ago2:02

2:02

Why It Matters is back and this time we are dedicating an entire season to talking about trade. Alongside CFR’s leading experts, we are bringing you stories from Americans around the country and trying to figure out where Washington went wrong when it comes to U.S. trade policy.

Why It Matters

1
Why Climate Matters: Nuclear Energy 37:48

11 weeks ago37:48

37:48

As the climate crisis intensifies, so do discussions about the utilization of nuclear energy. In the aftermath of nuclear meltdowns such as Chernobyl and Fukushima, climate skeptics say the environmental benefits do not outweigh the associated costs and risks. But others think that nuclear energy might be the best option for a greener future. Weighed against the world’s continued reliance on fossil fuels, how could nuclear be a safeguard for our energy supply? This episode was originally released on October 29, 2021. Featured Guests Leslie Dewan , CEO, RadiantNano Shirley Ann Jackson , President, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/the-climate-for-nuclear-energy…

Why It Matters

1
New Podcast Spotlight: The Interconnect 29:39

12 weeks ago29:39

29:39

Emerging technologies are transforming international relations and our country’s economy. So how do we connect science and engineering labs with Washington and the world of business? The Interconnect, a new podcast series from the Council on Foreign Relations and the Stanford Emerging Technology Review, brings together leading minds in cutting-edge technology and foreign policy to explore recent ground-breaking developments, what's coming over the horizon, and the implications for U.S. innovation leadership. In this featured episode, Stanford Emerging Technology Review Faculty Council Member Mark Horowitz and CFR’s technologist-in-residence Sebastian Elbaum discuss where chip manufacturing is heading, how hardware advances are powering the new artificial intelligence (AI) era, and what the United States should prioritize in order to sustain its leadership in this crucial domain. Host Martin Giles , Managing Editor of the Stanford Emerging Technology Review Guests Mark Horowitz , chair of the Electrical Engineering Department at Stanford University Sebastian Elbaum , the Technologist in Residence at the Council on Foreign Relations…

Why It Matters

1
Why Climate Matters: Water Scarcity 35:47

12 weeks ago35:47

35:47

Fresh water sustains all life, but in many regions, especially arid ones, it is becoming increasingly scarce due to climate change. Aging infrastructure and ineffective policies are only making the situation worse, affecting communities, economies, and even the political stability of some countries. As water shortages intensify, it’s crucial to rethink how we manage this vital resource and develop more adaptable systems that can better withstand the effects of climate change. This episode was originally released on July 8, 2021. Featured Guests Sandra Postel , Founder and Director, Global Water Policy Project Mark Giordano , Professor of Geography and Cinco Hermanos Chair in Environment and International Affairs, Georgetown University For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/water-scarcity…

Why It Matters

1
Why Climate Matters: The Arctic 27:50

13 weeks ago27:50

27:50

Under international law, the North Pole and the Arctic waters surrounding it are not owned by any country. But this January, President Donald Trump announced his plans to buy the Arctic territory of Greenland, testing the claims of rivals and opening up a greater conversation around who governs the Arctic Circle. On top of these icy tensions, the North Pole is warming. Melting ice caps are opening up new shipping routes and making the region increasingly mineable, generating even more interest from leaders around the world. This episode was originally released on March 29, 2023. Featured Guests Esther Brimmer , James H. Binger Senior Fellow in Global Governance Jeff Randall , Military Fellow, U.S. Coast Guard For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/whats-cracking-arctic…

Why It Matters

1
Why Climate Matters: Pricing Climate 35:37

14 weeks ago35:37

35:37

What does it mean to price our climate? The goal of fees like the “carbon tax” is to put a price on pollutants such as carbon dioxide that contribute to climate change, and incentivize businesses to reduce their emissions and make cleaner choices. But many companies are continuing to value profit over protecting the planet, backing out of their clean energy goals and sinking more money into fossil fuels and other short-term investments that harm the Earth. This has been happening for years, but has ramped up in anticipation of a new Trump administration which has pulled away from climate initiatives like the Paris Accord and Inflation Reduction Act since taking office. This episode was originally released on July 29, 2020. Featured Guests Kate Mackenzie , Green Columnist, Bloomberg Michael Greenstone , Professor of Economics, University of Chicago For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/pricing-our-climate…

Why It Matters

1
Why Climate Matters: Home Insurance 39:21

15 weeks ago39:21

39:21

For decades, U.S. homeowners have counted on property insurance to protect them from catastrophic loss if their homes are destroyed. But last year, private companies pulled their coverage in multiple climate-sensitive states, only months before the fires in Los Angeles and the hurricanes in the Southeast region wreaked havoc. As climate disasters become more frequent, can home insurance hold up? This episode was originally released on September 27, 2023. Featured Guests David Marlett , Managing Director of the Brantley Risk & Insurance Center, Appalachian State University Nancy Watkins , Principal and Consulting Actuary, Milliman For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/could-climate-change-break-home-insurance…

Why It Matters

1
Why Climate Matters 0:52

15 weeks ago0:52

0:52

Our editors top picks of Why It Matters episodes on climate.

Why It Matters

1
The Dirty Energy Powering AI 35:56

22 weeks ago35:56

35:56

What powers artificial intelligence (AI)? As global electricity use is surging, with unprecedented demand coming from an increase in data centers, AI’s dependence on fossil fuels presents a serious issue for the planet. In the United States, data center power usage is on track to double by 2030, largely due to the proliferation of AI technology. But while the application of AI shows potential to mitigate climate problems, will its power grab stall the clean energy transition? Featured Guests: Varun Sivaram , Senior Fellow for Climate and Energy, CFR For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/wim/dirty-energy-powering-ai…

Why It Matters

1
Why the World Next Week Matters 37:12

25 weeks ago37:12

37:12

Tumultuous events have rocked the last four years: the COVID-19 pandemic, Europe’s largest land war in eighty years, and an escalating Middle Eastern conflict between Israel and Iran-backed forces. On top of that, the United States faces an intensifying geopolitical struggle with China and Russia. Now, U.S. President Joe Biden is running out of time to secure his legacy while the transition to a second Donald Trump administration comes sharply into focus. The U.S. president-elect has been quickly nominating leaders to his cabinet and receiving calls from foreign leaders. Why It Matters sits down with the hosts of The World Next Week to talk about what the United States–and a closely watching world–should expect in the weeks and months to come as incoming President Trump takes office. Featured Guests: Robert McMahon (Managing Editor, CFR) Carla Anne Robbins (Senior Fellow, CFR) For an episode transcript and show notes, visit us at https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/why-world-next-week-matters…

Why It Matters

1
The New Tech World Order 35:49

25 weeks ago35:49