How the World Sees America, With Adam Tooze - The Ezra Klein Show Recap

Podcast: The Ezra Klein Show

Published: 2026-01-30

Duration: 1 hr 4 min

Guests: Adam Tooze

Summary

Adam Tooze discusses the shifting global perceptions of America amid the decline of its hegemony. He examines the rise of China and its implications for the world order.

What Happened

Adam Tooze, a historian at Columbia University known for his analysis of global crises, joined Ezra Klein to discuss the changing perception of America on the world stage. Tooze highlighted the significant shift in global power dynamics, noting that the world is experiencing a 'rupture,' as described by Mark Carney at the World Economic Forum in Davos. This rupture marks the decline of American hegemony and the rise of China as a formidable global power.

Tooze explained how China's rise is exerting pressure on American politics and policymakers. He pointed to China's rapid development, such as building 23,000 miles of high-speed rail compared to the U.S.'s struggle to construct 500 miles in California, as an example of China's capabilities. This development is seen as a historical test of global theories due to its scale and rapid transformation.

The episode also delved into the complex relationship between China and Russia, which is largely based on their shared perception of historical events, particularly the collapse of the Soviet Union. Tooze noted that both nations view this collapse as a historical disaster and are wary of Western influence, leading to a pragmatic partnership focusing on energy and geopolitical advantages.

Tooze discussed the challenges faced by the Biden administration in restoring American liberal hegemony. Despite efforts, the administration struggled to deliver on both domestic and international promises, facing resistance from a world increasingly influenced by China's multilateral approach.

China's advancements in green technology, particularly in solar and battery industries, were highlighted as significant contributions to global climate stabilization. However, geopolitical concerns have led the U.S. to hesitate in embracing China's industrial capacity for solar energy, contrasting with Europe's approach of sourcing 90% of their solar panels from China.

The episode concluded with a reflection on the skepticism surrounding the emergence of a new global order. Some argue for a network of stability rather than a unipolar or bipolar system, considering the complexities of current international relations and the various morbid symptoms appearing in this transitional phase.

Key Insights

• The global power dynamic is shifting as China emerges as a formidable force, marked by its construction of 23,000 miles of high-speed rail compared to the U.S.'s struggle to build 500 miles in California.
• China and Russia's pragmatic partnership is largely driven by their shared view of the Soviet Union's collapse as a historical disaster and their mutual wariness of Western influence.
• China's advancements in green technology, particularly in solar and battery industries, are significant for global climate stabilization, with Europe sourcing 90% of its solar panels from China.
• The Biden administration faces challenges in restoring American liberal hegemony, as the world increasingly gravitates towards China's multilateral approach.