07 A West Coast Wake-up Call as the US Scrambles the World Order? With John Zysman
In the face of chaotic US economic policy, how can the West Coast insulate itself and cultivate cooperation across borders and build global leadership?
In this episode of Pacific Time, UC Berkeley political scientist and global economic expert John Zysman joins Greg Amrofell to unpack how U.S. trade and technology policy are unraveling—and what that means for the West Coast. From the decline of American dominance to the rise of China, the shift in European alliances, and the fragility of global supply chains, John paints a sobering picture. But he also sees opportunity. Could the West Coast lead in AI, Electric Vehicles, and biotech by building cross-state coalitions and pursuing its own international path?
In this episode of Pacific Time, UC Berkeley political scientist and global economic expert John Zysman joins Greg Amrofell to unpack how U.S. trade and technology policy are unraveling—and what that means for the West Coast. From the decline of American dominance to the rise of China, the shift in European alliances, and the fragility of global supply chains, John paints a sobering picture. But he also sees opportunity. Could the West Coast lead in AI, Electric Vehicles, and biotech by building cross-state coalitions and pursuing its own international path?
What We Talk About:
✔️ The collapse of the post-WWII international order
✔️ Why tariffs might backfire—and how they could hurt West Coast tech and agriculture
✔️ The dangers of alienating allies and driving innovation away
✔️ Semiconductor sovereignty and the tech talent brain drain
✔️ Why West Coast autonomy is more realistic than full-on independence
✔️ What California, Oregon, and Washington could build together
Guest Bio:
John Zysman is a political science professor at UC Berkeley, co-founder of the Berkeley Roundtable on the International Economy (BRIE), and a leading thinker on global competition, innovation, and industrial transformation. His work explores how digital platforms, AI, and geopolitics intersect in shaping economic futures.
Professor Zysman received his B.A at Harvard and his Ph.D. at MIT. He has written extensively on European and Japanese policy and corporate strategy; his interests also include comparative politics, Western European politics, political economy and energy policy.
Resources & References:
Pathways For A Green Transition To A Bio-Economy John Zysman; Dan Breznitz; David Zilberman – Working Paper, 2024
Generative AI and the Future of Work: Augmentation or Automation? John Zysman; Mark J. Nitzberg – Working Paper, 2024
The New Logic of Globalization: Uncertainty, Volatility, and the Digital Economy Laura Tyson; John Zysman; Brian Judge – Working Paper, 2023
Will National Sovereignty Splinter the Internet? Angela Garcia Calvo; Martin Kenney; John Zysman – Working Paper, 2023
The Mirage of Decentralized Finance Brian Judge; Barry Eichengreen; John Zysman – Working Paper, 2023
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Related Podcast Episodes:
- Ep 01 Making the Case for West Coast Independence (Greg Amrofell)
- Ep 04 Is California Ready for Independence? With Marcus Ruiz Evans