Edward Fishman on Economic Warfare: The New Age of Power Dynamics | EP 577

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/

Sponsors:

• Factor Meals: http://factormeals.com/factormeals50off and use code “FACTOR MEALS 50 OFF
• Rosetta Stone: Unlock 25 languages for life at “ROSETTASTONE.com/passionstruck.”
• Prolon: Reset your health with 15% off at “ProlonLife.com/passionstruck.”
• Mint Mobile: Cut your wireless bill to 15 bucks a month at “MINT MOBILE dot com slash PASSION.”
• Hims: Start your journey to regrowing hair with Hims. Visit hims.com/PASSIONSTRUCK for your free online visit.
• Quince: Discover luxury at affordable prices with Quince. Enjoy free shipping and 365-day returns at quince.com/PASSION

Next on Passion Struck:
In the next episode of Passion Struck, John sits down with Katherine Morgan Schaffler, a renowned psychotherapist and author of The Perfectionist Guide to Losing Control, a Path to Peace and Power. Katherine challenges the conventional view of perfectionism, suggesting that it can be harnessed as a personal superpower rather than a flaw. Don't miss this enlightening conversation that could transform your relationship with perfectionism.

For more information on advertisers and promo codes, visit Passion Struck Deals.

Join the Passion Struck Community! Sign up for the Live Intentionally newsletter, where I share exclusive content, actionable advice, and insights to help you ignite your purpose and live your most intentional life. Get access to practical exercises, inspiring stories, and tools designed to help you grow.  Learn more and sign up here.

Speaking Engagements & Workshops Are you looking to inspire your team, organization, or audience to take intentional action in their lives and careers? I’m available for keynote speaking, workshops, and leadership training on topics such as intentional living, resilience, leadership, and personal growth. Let’s work together to create transformational change. Learn more at johnrmiles.com/speaking.

Episode Starter Packs With over 500 episodes, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. We’ve curated Episode Starter Packs based on key themes like leadership, mental health, and personal growth, making it easier for you to dive into the topics you care about. Check them out at passionstruck.com/starterpacks.

Catch More of Passion Struck:

• My solo episode on The Science of Healthy Habits
• My episode with Ethan Mollick on the Impact of AI on Life and Work
• Can't miss my episode with Robert Breedlove on the Hidden War on Financial Freedom
• Catch my interview with Jeffrey C. Walker On: The Criticality of Collaboration in Systems Change
• Listen to my interview with Richard Dolan On the Importance of Financial Health in Life

If you liked the show, please leave us a review—it only takes a moment and helps us reach more people! Don’t forget to include your Twitter or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally.

How to Connect with John:

Connect with John on Twitter at @John_RMiles and on Instagram at @John_R_Miles. Subscribe to our main YouTube Channel here and to our YouTube Clips Channel here. For more insights and resources, visit John’s website.

Want to explore where you stand on the path to becoming Passion Struck? Take our 20-question quiz on Passionstruck.com and find out today!