BFM 89.9

HIGHLIGHTS 
Podcast  >  Bigger Picture  >  Beyond The Ballot Box  >  How Close Are We to Nuclear War?

How Close Are We to Nuclear War?

Professor Jeffrey Sachs, President, UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network

16-Jan-25 15:00

How Close Are We to Nuclear War?

The world today is at a crossroads. We’re seeing an escalation in conflicts and wars – Russia and Ukraine, the genocide in Gaza, are just a couple of prominent examples. We’re seeing the rise of China as a economic powerhouse and with that the rise of tensions between the US and China. But what do these shifts mean, for the world and for Southeast Asia? 

In this episode, we speak to Professor Jeffrey Sachs. He’s an economist from the US and the President of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network. He’s been a key advisor to numerous heads of state and governments, including in Latin America, Africa, and Asia, providing guidance on economic reforms and development strategies. He’s also a passionate critic of US foreign policy. 

In this episode, we discuss:
• The Doomsday Clock (by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists) and how it’s inching closer to midnight.
• Some history and context for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
• The slow decline of the American empire and a shift to a multipolar world, driven by the rise of China and Asia as a whole. 
• What is the key divide between China and the US? When we look at post WWII and during the Cold War, the divide was between a free flowing capitalist system governed by Western financial institutions versus Marxist-Leninism that focused on strong central planning and closing off the economy to Western FDI. But today, even countries that carry red flags are part of the global capitalist system. What’s the differentiating factor in terms of development theory and practice?
• While ASEAN is friendly with China and recognizes its significance and the importance of South-South solidarity, there is also genuine concern about sovereignty, the South China Sea, etc. How should ASEAN manage China?

Image credit: Shutterstock (background)

Produced by: Dashran Yohan

Presented by: Dashran Yohan


This and more than 60,000 other podcasts in your hand. Download the all new BFM mobile app.

Categories:  internationalpoliticsgovernment

Tags:  the bigger picturebeyond the ballot boxchinausus-china relationsimperialismnuclear warWorld War 3aseanrussiaukraine





Play / Pause

Listen now : The 6AM Stretch: Thought-provoking discussions on ideas, people and events shaping our...

Today’s Shows



6:00 AM

The 6AM Stretch

Thought-provoking discussions on ideas, people and events shaping our lives.

7:00 AM

World Market Watch

Tony Nash of Complete Intelligence tells us where international markets are heading.

7:15 AM

Morning Brief

We recap global and local headlines from today's papers and portals.

7:30 AM

Morning Brief

Dr. Aries Arugay, University of the Philippines Diliman discusses the arrest of ex-Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and his accused crimes.

7:45 AM

Morning Brief

Naphat Chan of CLSA shares the best investment strategy for navigating Thailand's volatile equities market.

8:00 AM

The Breakfast Grille

Alan Ni, CEO of TNG Digital, discusses the eWallet operator’s road to profitability.

8:30 AM

Morning Brief

Dr Pieter Stek of ASB, shares insights on the broader implications of the Carbon, Capture, Utilisation and Storage Bill.

8:45 AM

Morning Brief

Brendan Sobie, Independent Analyst at Sobie Aviation weighs in on Subang Airport’s future as it expands to handle 8 million passengers by 2030 amid AirAsia’s exit.

9:00 AM

Opening Bell

(REPEAT) Tony Nash of Complete Intelligence tells us where international markets are heading.

9:15 AM

Opening Bell

(REPEAT) We take a look at the FBM KLCI as well as regional capital markets.

9:35 AM

Ringgit & Sense

Wei Zhi, a financial coach, social media influencer and mother of a 7-year old lays out the expenses and financial aspects of childbirth and raising a toddler.

10:05 AM

Open For Business

How $10M Will Drive iMotorbike's Regional Expansion & the Future of Used Motorcycles

11:00 AM

Tech Talk

12:00 PM

Enterprise Explores

1:00 PM

The Breakfast Grille Repeat

Our flagship show, we feature both game-changers and groundbreakers in the hot seat.

2:05 PM

Discovery Hour

3:05 PM

Beyond the Ballot Box

Parliament has approved mandatory EPF contributions for migrant workers. We ask activists if this is a win for labour rights in Malaysia.

4:05 PM

Health & Living

One in three school-aged children in Malaysia is overweight or obese. We tackle the complexities of treating childhood obesity and explore public health strategies for prevention.

5:00 PM

Top 5 at 5

6:00 PM

Talkback Thursday

8:00 PM

BBC World Service