Adam Tooze, a renowned economic historian and global intellectual, has emerged as a leading guide through the tumultuous events of the past decade. From the 2008 financial crisis to the rise of China and the breakdown of the liberal world order, Tooze’s analysis has been sought after by policymakers, activists and the public alike.
Tooze’s journey is one of intellectual reinvention and a relentless pursuit of understanding the unprecedented forces shaping the modern world. Once a historian of Europe, he has since expanded his expertise to encompass the intricacies of global finance, the green energy transition and the geopolitical tensions between the US and China.
The publication of his seminal work “Crashed” in 2018 catapulted Tooze into the global spotlight, establishing him as a leading voice on the political economy of crises. His ability to synthesise complex systems and provide a comprehensive narrative has made him a trusted advisor to figures ranging from US Senator Chuck Schumer to German Finance Minister Olaf Scholz.
However, Tooze’s engagement with power has been marked by an uneasy relationship. He remains deeply sceptical of the “narcissism” of political elites, whether in Washington or Beijing, and has faced criticism from Marxist intellectuals for his perceived political inconsistency.
As the world grapples with the rise of China and the erosion of the liberal order, Tooze’s insights have become increasingly vital. He argues that the West must confront the reality of its diminishing global dominance and find ways to collaborate with an economically ascendant China on the existential challenge of climate change.
Tooze’s journey is a testament to the power of interdisciplinary thinking and a refusal to be confined by traditional academic boundaries. In an age of upheaval, his ability to make sense of the radical present has cemented his status as an indispensable guide to navigating an uncertain future.
