What a Deglobalized Economy Will Look Like

Money & Macro2 minutes read

The global economy is shifting towards fragmentation with countries implementing tariffs and trade restrictions, impacting future economic trends. Winners and losers are emerging in this fragmented economy, with potential challenges such as slower growth and inflation spikes.

Insights

  • The global economy is undergoing a significant shift from globalization to fragmentation, with countries forming blocs and imposing trade barriers, potentially leading to economic challenges like recession or inflation spikes.
  • Winners and losers are emerging in this fragmented global economy, with countries like Germany facing setbacks due to loss of resources, while more self-sufficient nations like France remain resilient. Opportunities exist for companies providing services to governments, sectors experiencing volatility, and connector economies facilitating trade rerouting amidst this changing economic landscape.

Get key ideas from YouTube videos. It’s free

Recent questions

  • What are the potential impacts of the global economy fragmenting?

    Economic fragmentation can lead to recession or inflation spikes, impacting trade and industry subsidies.

  • How did historical events influence global trade patterns?

    Historical events like World Wars and the Great Depression shaped global trade patterns, leading to the Bretton Woods era.

  • What are the advantages of investing in strategic sectors?

    Investing in strategic sectors can offer advantages in a fragmented global economy, potentially leading to resilience.

  • How do recent events like Brexit and Trump's trade war affect the global economy?

    Recent events like Brexit and Trump's trade war provide insights into the current fragmented global economy, impacting trade dynamics.

  • Who are the winners and losers in the fragmented global economy?

    Winners include companies providing services to governments, while losers face adverse impacts from increased volatility and competition.

Related videos

Summary

00:00

Global economy shifts towards fragmentation and impacts.

  • The global economy is fragmenting into blocs of countries, imposing tariffs, trade restrictions, and industry subsidies.
  • This shift contrasts with the previous trend of globalization, raising questions about future economic impacts.
  • The possibility of recession or inflation spikes due to fragmentation is considered.
  • Investing in strategic sectors or becoming a connector economy may offer advantages.
  • Historical patterns of globalization and fragmentation are discussed, dating back to the 1870-1914 era.
  • The impact of World Wars, the Great Depression, and the Bretton Woods era on global trade is highlighted.
  • The third wave of globalization from 1980 onwards saw increased trade but also led to challenges.
  • Recent events like Brexit, Trump's trade war, and Russia's actions provide insights into the current fragmented global economy.
  • IMF economists identify five major channels through which fragmentation affects the global economy.
  • Winners and losers in the fragmented global economy are analyzed, with specific groups facing adverse impacts.

16:10

Global Economic Shift: Winners and Losers

  • Germany's economy suffered after losing access to cheap Russian energy, leading to competition from state-sponsored Chinese companies, while more self-sufficient countries like France remained resilient.
  • Fragmentation is likely to persist as countries are incentivized to be more self-reliant, potentially harming global economic growth and increasing inflation.
  • Winners from fragmentation include companies providing services to governments adapting to economic changes, sectors experiencing increased volatility, and connector economies facilitating trade rerouting.
  • The shift from globalization to fragmentation may result in slower economic growth, increased inflation, and changing global dynamics, but opportunities exist for those positioned to benefit from increased government spending, scarce goods, or as connector economies.
Channel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatar

Try it yourself — It’s free.