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Economic Security Watch
What does economic security mean in today’s rapidly shifting global economy?
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5. Weaponised interdependence: How the US, China and AI are rewriting economic statecraft
22:13||Season 1, Ep. 5Economic security has become one of the defining forces shaping global business, foreign investment and international trade. But where did it really begin?In this episode of Economic Security Watch, host Danielle Myles speaks with Professor Abraham Newman of Georgetown University, one of the world's leading experts on economic statecraft and co-author of Underground Empire: How America Weaponized the World Economy.Newman argues that today's era of tariffs, sanctions, export controls and technology restrictions did not begin with Donald Trump or China's rise. Instead, its roots lie in the aftermath of 9/11, when governments discovered they could use global financial systems, supply chains and digital networks as powerful tools of geopolitical influence.You can order Abraham's latest book on Amazon.Timestamps:00:00 - Why weaponised interdependence has become central to global politics09:12 - How the US pioneered modern economic statecraft and why China is now adopting similar tactics13:04 - Europe's push for digital sovereignty16:26 - The future of AI, semiconductors and export controls
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4. "It's Gloves Off": Tina Fordham on the New Era of Superpower Competition
24:22||Season 1, Ep. 4Geopolitical strategist Tina Fordham joins Economic Security Watch to explain why businesses, investors and governments are entering a fundamentally different world.From the weaponisation of trade and investment to US-China rivalry, the war in Iran, Europe's rearmament and the future of globalisation, Tina, founder of Fordham Global Foresight and the former Chief Global Political Analyst at Citi, argues that we're living through a geopolitical supercycle and there is no return to the old normal.In this episode:• Why business leaders must think differently about risk• The new era of superpower competition• How trade, technology and investment are becoming geopolitical weapons• Why resilience is replacing optimisation• What boards should do nowTimestamps00:00 - Why business leaders must think differently04:44 - Geopolitical Supercycle Framework10:13 - Global Power Dynamics & Emerging Risks16:44 - Bottom-Up Changes & Anxiety19:46 - The Geopolitical Officer RoleThe battle for Europe's digital sovereignty
00:57|In June's edition of the Economic Security Watch newsletter, Danielle Myles guides you through the fight for Europe's digital sovereignty. The bloc is looking to reduce its reliance upon US big tech companies, culminating in the EU presenting its Tech Sovereignty package, following increasing concerns over killswitches, privacy and data ownership. Find out in the newsletter what it all means and where it may lead European companies next.Alongside the analysis of Europe's tech future, plus links to our latest podcast episode and the data spotlight that keeps you on top of the economic security agenda.Sign up for the Economic Security Watch newsletter from fDi Intelligence, a publication from the Financial TimesAnd check back soon for the next episode of this podcast.
3. Europe's competitiveness challenge: Energy, rare earths and industrial sovereignty
19:04||Season 1, Ep. 3Europe's industrial model is under pressure. High energy costs, geopolitical tensions and growing competition from China and the US are forcing policymakers and businesses to rethink economic security.In this episode of Economic Security Watch, Danielle Myles speaks with Philippe Kehren, CEO of Belgian chemicals group Solvay, about what Europe must do to remain competitive. Kehren argues that energy security, industrial sovereignty and resilient supply chains are now inseparable.He discusses the role of rare earths, the need for local production of strategic materials, Europe's energy transition, and why policymakers must work more closely with industry to secure the continent's industrial future.Timestamps00:00 - Welcome to Economic Security Watch01:26 - Solvay's Global Operational Challenges05:17 - Europe's Industrial Competitiveness08:37 - Policy for re-industrialisation & energy16:25 - Europe's decisive economic moment18:33 - How to contact Economic Security WatchHow China’s takeover of Kuka helped transform Europe’s investment rules
01:20|Ten years after China’s Midea acquired German robotics company Kuka, Europe’s approach to economic security has fundamentally changed. Danielle Myles explains how the deal changed European thinking in the latest Economic Security Watch newsletter, available from 26th May 2026. Alongside Midea's acquisition and the effect it had on Europe, this month's newsletter also takes a look at the US's strategy towards biotechnology, which is fast becoming one of the key areas of economic security.Sign up for the Economic Security Watch newsletter from fDi Intelligence, a publication from the Financial TimesAnd check back soon for the next episode of this podcast.
2. Breaking China’s Rare Earth Grip: Can America Build Its Own Supply Chain?
19:31||Season 1, Ep. 2This episode of Economic Security Watch delves into the critical importance of rare earth minerals and the global supply chain landscape. Danielle Myles speaks with American Rare Earths' CEO, Mark Wall, about the challenge of building a non-China rare earth supply chain, how American Rare Earths' project is part of the solution, and how the US and other governments must support the industry.More reading on fDi Intelligence:Non-China rare earth supply chain gains momentum Hope is not a strategy for Europe’s critical minerals supplyHow can businesses navigate the US–China geopolitical tussle?Timestamps:00:00 - Rare earths & China's dominance03:16 - Halleck Creek: A US solution05:47 - US government strategy & support09:54 - Market dynamics & competition11:21 - Building a domestic supply chain15:09 - Economic impact & future securityThe End of ‘Singapore-Washing’?
01:31|In the Economic Security Watch newsletter this month, Danielle Myles breaks down how at the intersection of AI, geopolitics and capital, one deal is testing the limits of China’s tolerance. We break down the acquisition, the crackdown, and the bigger question: how long can companies stay one step ahead of regulators?Sign up for the Economic Security Watch newsletter from fDi Intelligence, a publication from the Financial TimesAnd check back soon for the next episode of this podcast.