LSE: The Ballpark | The Global Economy in a Changing World Order
The global economy is undergoing profound transformation. Geopolitical realignments, rising economic nationalism, climate disruption, trade fragmentation, and technological upheaval are reshaping the foundations of international economic relations. Recent trends point to a US retreat from global economic leadership and a turn toward economic nationalism and protectionism. US industrial policy has become more assertive, emphasizing domestic manufacturing and technological self-sufficiency, particularly in strategic sectors like semiconductors and clean energy. At the same time, Washington is actively working to realign global economic networks, encouraging allies and partners to "de-risk" from China and adopt parallel economic strategies while asking them to commit to restraints on export restrictions. These shifts have profound implications for multilateral institutions, global supply chains, and strategic economic alliances.
To discuss and consider these issues, in May 2026, the LSE Phelan US Centre held the conference: The Global Economy in a Changing World Order. The conference, also supported by the Christopher H. Browne Center for International Politics at the University of Pennsylvania, brought together leading scholars from the United States and the United Kingdom to explore the implications of US economic nationalism and strategic competition with China for the future of global economic governance.
The conference was convened by Phelan US Centre Affiliate Professor Stephanie Rickard of LSE Department of Government and Professor Edward Mansfield (Director of the Christopher H. Browne Center for International Politics at the University of Pennsylvania).
In this episode of The Ballpark, we spoke to Professor Stephanie Rickard about the main themes and takeaways from the conference. We also talked to four of the conference participants, Edward Mansfield (University of Pennsylvania), Nita Rudra (Georgetown University), Jon Pevehouse (University of Wisconsin-Madison), and Jeffry Frieden (Columbia University), about their thoughts on trends in the global economy and the future of global economic governance
This episode of The Ballpark was produced by Chris Gilson and Avan Fata.
Take the Ballpark Listener survey and enter the prize draw for £250 in vouchers!
The Ballpark is ten years old in 2026, and we want to hear from you to make the podcast even better, so we’re running a listener survey.
- Fill in our listener survey – it only takes a few minutes – here: https://forms.office.com/e/Vcj8V8uGM1
- Voucher prize draw terms and conditions are available here: https://www.lse.ac.uk/united-states/the-ballpark/terms-and-conditions-for-the-ballpark-listener-survey-voucher-prize-draw