Edward Fishman on the New Age of Power Dynamics

In this thought-provoking episode, Edward Fishman unpacks the strategic role of chokepoints in shaping global influence and the hidden mechanics of economic warfare — concepts he explores deeply in his groundbreaking book, Chokepoints: American Power in the Age of Economic Warfare. He explains how nations leverage critical trade routes, financial systems, and technological dominance to assert control without resorting to traditional military tactics. As the world becomes more interconnected, the balance of power is no longer solely determined by military strength — it’s increasingly dictated by economic strategies and the ability to control vital resources and networks.

The conversation dives into the intersection of globalization and AI, revealing how artificial intelligence is reshaping economic conflict and what that means for the future of global power. If you’re ready to expand your understanding of modern-day warfare and discover how these invisible forces are shaping the world around us, this is an episode you can’t afford to miss!

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Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podcast Addict, Pocket Casts, Stitcher, Castbox, Google Podcasts, Listen Notes, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform. You can watch the interview on YouTube below.

The New Era of Economic Warfare: How Chokepoints Shape Global Power

In this eye-opening episode of the Passion Struck Podcast, Edward Fishman unravels the complex and often invisible strategies behind economic warfare. He sheds light on how nations use chokepoints — key economic, financial, and technological pressure points — to project power and influence without firing a single shot. Rather than relying solely on military force, countries now manipulate trade routes, control access to critical technologies, and weaponize financial systems to gain the upper hand on the global stage.

The discussion goes beyond the surface, tackling how globalization has created a delicate balance between economic cooperation and strategic competition. Edward also explores the rising role of AI, examining how artificial intelligence could revolutionize economic statecraft — from automating sanctions to identifying new chokepoints in real time. The episode doesn’t shy away from the tough questions either, touching on the ethical implications of using economic tools as weapons and how effective sanctions and export controls truly are in today’s hyper-connected world.

Edward’s insights offer a gripping look at the future of global power dynamics — arming listeners with the knowledge to better understand how economic forces are quietly shaping political outcomes and international relations.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. The hidden power of chokepoints: How strategic control points influence trade, finance, and global politics.
2. Economic warfare strategies: The modern shift from military confrontation to financial and technological tactics.
3. Globalization’s double-edged sword: How interconnectivity creates both economic opportunities and vulnerabilities.
4. AI’s role in economic warfare: The growing impact of artificial intelligence on national security and economic strategies.
5. Sanctions and export controls: Why targeted financial tools have become the go-to weapon for economic dominance.
6. Future scenarios with China: Potential economic conflicts and how chokepoints could shape U.S.-China relations.

WHY IS THIS EPISODE A MUST-LISTEN?

This episode is essential for anyone who wants to understand the unseen forces driving global power. Edward Fishman’s insights reveal how countries use economic leverage to gain strategic advantages—beyond military might. Whether you’re interested in foreign policy, technology, or global trade, this conversation sheds light on the critical intersections of chokepoints, economic warfare, globalization, and AI—making it a crucial listen for staying informed about the future of international relations.

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Unveiling the Power of Chokepoints: Insights from Edward Fishman

In this riveting and eye-opening interview from The Passion Struck Podcast, author, international relations scholar, and former diplomat — now a Senior Research Scholar at the Center on Global Energy Policy and an Adjunct Professor of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University — Edward Fishman explained some of the most powerful yet often invisible tools that shape global influence: chokepoints.

Drawing from his groundbreaking book, Chokepoints: American Power in the Age of Economic Warfare, Fishman reveals how modern power dynamics have shifted from traditional military confrontations to strategic control of critical economic and technological pathways. He illustrates how nations wield influence by restricting access to vital trade routes, financial systems, and supply chains — turning these chokepoints into levers of global dominance.

Throughout the conversation, Edward delves into the complex role of globalization, highlighting how economic interdependence has amplified the impact of these strategies, making countries both more connected and more vulnerable. He reflects on the pivotal work of Stuart Levy, a trailblazer in economic statecraft, and how his efforts laid the foundation for using sanctions and export controls as tools of influence.

But this new age of economic warfare isn’t without its moral gray areas — Edward doesn’t shy away from discussing the ethical implications of weaponizing the global economy, questioning where the line should be drawn between safeguarding national security and harming innocent populations. The episode also explores the effectiveness of sanctions — when they succeed in pressuring rogue states and when they fall short, exposing the unintended consequences of these economic weapons.

As technology advances, AI has begun reshaping economic conflict, offering new ways to identify vulnerabilities and execute precision strikes on financial systems — a rapidly evolving frontier that will undoubtedly influence future global power struggles. Edward’s insights push listeners to rethink how power is exercised in the modern world — not with armies, but through algorithms, economic levers, and strategic chokepoints. This episode challenges you to look beyond the surface of global events and recognize the hidden forces at play — forces that are already shaping the world around us.

THANKS, EDWARD FISHMAN

If you enjoyed this interview with Edward Fishman, let him know by clicking on the link below and sending him a quick shout on Twitter:

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RESOURCES FROM THE SHOW WITH EDWARD FISHMAN

Please note that some of the links on this page (books, movies, music, etc.) lead to affiliate programs for which The Passion Struck podcast receives compensation. It’s just one of the ways we keep the lights on around here. Thank you so much for being so supportive!

1. Edward’s Columbia Profile Website
2. Edward LinkedIn
3. Edward’s Twitter
4. BUY Mr. Fishman’s Book
5. Passion Struck Core Value System: https://passionstruck.com/the-passion-struck-core-belief-system/
6. Listen to Passion Struck’s interviews with New York Times bestselling authors Gretchen Rubin and Seth Godin.
7. Check out Passion Struck’s Episode Starter Packs on Spotify or Passion Struck starter packs to get started with the podcast.

My solo episode on The Science of Healthy Habits

My episode with Ethan Mollick on the Impact of AI on Life and Work

Can’t miss my episode with Robert Breedlove on the Hidden War on Financial Freedom

Catch my interview with Jeffrey C. Walker On: The Criticality of Collaboration in Systems Change

Listen to my interview with Richard Dolan On the Importance of Financial Health in Life

About Today’s Guest, Edward Fishman

Edward Fishman is an author, international relations scholar, and former diplomat, recognized for his expertise in economic statecraft and global power dynamics. He is the author of Chokepoints: American Power in the Age of Economic Warfare, a groundbreaking book that explores how nations use economic leverage — from trade routes to financial systems — to assert influence and control on the global stage. Edward currently serves as a Senior Research Scholar at the Center on Global Energy Policy and an Adjunct Professor of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University, where he focuses on the intersection of economics, technology, and national security.

Previously, Edward held key roles at the U.S. Department of State, where he was instrumental in shaping U.S. sanctions policy, particularly during the Russia-Ukraine crisis, and worked closely with Stuart Levy and other leaders in economic warfare. His insights into the effectiveness of sanctions, the rise of AI in economic conflict, and the ethical implications of weaponizing the global economy have made him a sought-after voice in international policy circles. Passionate about helping others understand the evolving landscape of global influence, Edward Fishman’s work pushes the boundaries of how we view modern warfare — not through military force, but through the strategic control of chokepoints and economic power.

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