The Fractured Age: What US–China Rivalry Means for the Planet

In this powerful live episode filmed at Bain & Company London, Earth Set co-founder Fiona Howarth sits down with Neil Shearing, Group Chief Economist at Capital Economics and author of The Fractured Age, to unpack one of the biggest economic shifts of our time: the end of globalisation as we’ve known it.From the rise of China to the role of semiconductors, rare earths, green tech, and the geopolitical tug-of-war reshaping supply chains, Neil offers a clear-eyed look at how the world is dividing into competing blocs — and what that means for business, climate, and global security.Together, they explore:Why the last 30 years of global cooperation are over — and what replaces themChina’s economic model, Belt & Road strategy, and dominance in green techHow the US is reshaping alliances, tariffs, and industrial policy📉 Why Taiwan is the global economy’s most vulnerable chokepointThe critical minerals race: cobalt, rare earths, aluminium, and EV supply chainsHow fracturing could reshape the energy transition — for better or worseWhat Western governments must do now to stay competitiveWho the winners and losers could be in a world split in twoNeil brings nuance, data, and clarity to a topic often dominated by headlines. If you want to understand the forces reshaping the global economy — and the future of climate action — this is essential listening.🎧 Listen if you’re curious about:Economics, geopolitics, supply chains, China, the US, semiconductors, industrial strategy, climate tech, the energy transition, and how global politics will shape the next decade.🎟 Join our live eventsEarth Set hosts monthly conversations in London with the people accelerating a net-positive future. Be part of the room where ideas collide and solutions emerge. Visit earthset.co for information and tickets