The Wolf-Krugman Exchange: FT Launches New Podcast on Global Economic Upheaval

In a time when the world economy teeters on the edge of transformation, The Financial Times (FT) has taken a bold step by launching a new podcast series titled “The Wolf-Krugman Exchange”. This six-part audio experience brings together two of the most influential voices in economic thought: Martin Wolf, the FT’s chief economics commentator, and Paul Krugman, Nobel laureate and distinguished professor.

Cover image for The Wolf-Krugman Exchange podcast by Financial Times,
Pic Courtesy : FT

This series is more than just another economic commentary—it’s a deep dive into the unraveling of the global economic order, exploring the forces shaking its foundations and those poised to shape its future.

🔍 Why This Podcast Matters Now

We are living in an era of seismic shifts:

The FT’s new podcast series arrives at a critical juncture, attempting to answer the big questions facing policymakers, economists, and global citizens alike.

“We are living in a moment of global upheaval,” says Martin Wolf. “In these conversations, Paul and I aim to explore where this revolution came from and what the future might look like.”

🎧 About The Podcast: The Wolf-Krugman Exchange

🔸 Format & Structure

Each episode is designed to be an accessible yet intellectually robust conversation between two minds that have spent decades analyzing the mechanics of capitalism, policy, and global trade.

🌍 Themes Covered in the Series

1. Declining Trust in the U.S. and the Fraying of the Global Order

In the opening episode, Wolf and Krugman delve into:

  • The weakened credibility of U.S. financial and political institutions
  • A growing vacuum in global economic leadership
  • Erosion of long-standing trade agreements
  • Increasing investor and political uncertainty

Key Insight: The weakening of the U.S. as a global economic anchor could mark the end of the Bretton Woods legacy and post-WWII economic architecture.

2. Trump’s Return: Economic Implications of a Second Term

This episode explores the economic aftermath of Trump’s political resurgence:

  • What does “America First” 2.0 mean for global trade?
  • The fate of the WTO and multilateral diplomacy
  • Isolationism vs. global interdependence

Hot Take: Krugman argues that the return of Trumpism may trigger another wave of protectionism and financial nationalism, potentially destabilizing markets.

3. China’s Economic Ascent and Its Global Ramifications

As the U.S. questions its leadership role, China continues its strategic economic expansion.

Topics include:

  • Belt and Road 2.0: What’s next?
  • China’s AI and semiconductor ambitions
  • U.S.-China trade tensions and tariffs
  • The de-dollarization movement and BRICS+ alternatives

Wolf’s Perspective: “The China challenge is not just economic—it’s ideological.”

4. AI, Automation, and the Labor Market Revolution

The rise of AI could redefine global labor economics.

Discussion points:

  • Will AI increase productivity or displace jobs?
  • How will it affect income inequality?
  • Which countries and sectors are best positioned to win or lose?

Krugman’s Prediction: “We’re heading toward a bifurcated labor market, where the gap between the skilled and unskilled could widen dramatically.”

5. Europe at a Crossroads: Economic Identity and Survival

Europe’s role in a polarized world comes into focus:

  • The EU’s struggle for economic sovereignty
  • Dependence on U.S. tech and Chinese manufacturing
  • Regulatory innovation vs. competitiveness
  • The Eurozone’s long-term viability

Key Question: Can Europe lead with regulation and ethics in a world chasing efficiency?

6. What Comes Next? Reimagining the Global Economic Order

In the final episode, the hosts look ahead.

Topics include:

  • What a post-Bretton Woods system might look like
  • The potential rise of regional economic blocs
  • Climate economics: is green growth real?
  • Can international cooperation be saved?

Final Takeaway: The global economy is moving from a unipolar to a multipolar world. Understanding this shift is essential for businesses, investors, and policymakers.

📈 Highlights & Takeaways

🔹 Why You Should Tune In:

  • Expert economic insights without academic jargon
  • Deep analysis of today’s most urgent global issues
  • Fresh perspectives from two of the most respected minds in economics
  • Ideal for business leaders, policymakers, students, and curious minds alike

🔹 Who Is This Podcast For?

  • Economists and academics
  • Policy influencers and think tanks
  • Entrepreneurs and investors
  • Journalists and media professionals
  • University students and educators

📺 How to Listen

The Wolf-Krugman Exchange is available on:

New episodes drop every Tuesday, and you won’t want to miss a single one.

📚 About the Hosts

🎙️ Martin Wolf

  • Chief Economics Commentator, Financial Times
  • Author of multiple books on capitalism and globalization
  • One of the world’s most trusted economic journalists

🎙️ Paul Krugman

  • Nobel Prize-winning economist (2008)
  • Distinguished Professor at the City University of New York
  • Author, columnist, and frequent media commentator

📌 Final Thoughts: Why “The Wolf-Krugman Exchange” is Essential Listening in 2025

In an age of economic misinformation, ideological battles, and technological disruption, understanding the deeper narratives shaping the world is more important than ever. The Wolf-Krugman Exchange doesn’t just explain what’s happening—it decodes why it matters and what comes next.

For anyone who wants to navigate the complexities of the modern global economy, this podcast isn’t optional—it’s essential.

🧠 Thought-Provoking Quotes

“The economic world we once knew is being rewritten. Our job is to read between the lines.” – Martin Wolf

“We’ve moved from managing prosperity to managing crisis—and the tools are wearing thin.” – Paul Krugman

📲 Don’t Miss a Beat

➡️ Subscribe Now to “The Wolf-Krugman Exchange” on your favorite podcast app and join the conversation shaping the economic future of the world.

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