The ‘doom loop’ of global disorder

Not so long ago, it appeared to many observers that economic globalization, political liberalization and geopolitical stability were an unstoppable trio. They supported each other and created an economic and political environment that countries around the world couldn’t help but want to be a part of. Some called it “the great moderation,” some, “the end of history.” Whatever name you want to give it, it seemed like it was here to stay. Which, of course, it wasn't. Today, according to this episode’s guest, instability in all three of these realms — economics, domestic politics and geopolitics — is creating just the opposite: a vicious cycle of economic and political disorder, which we seem ill-equipped to get ourselves out of. Eswar Prasad, is a professor of Trade Policy and Economics at Cornell University, and author of the new book “The Doom Loop: Why the World Economic Order Is Spiraling into Disorder.” In this episode, he speaks with Mark Blyth and Brown University Assistant Professor of Political Science Aditi Sahasrabuddhe about the “doom loop” — what caused it, why it’s so hard to stop, and what it means for the future of our global order. Learn more about and purchase “The Doom Loop: Why the World Economic Order Is Spiraling into Disorder. ”

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The ‘doom loop’ of global disorder is an episode from The Rhodes Center Podcast by Rhodes Center.

This episode is 33:48 long.

This episode was published on Mar 20, 2026.

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