The world is turning inward. Globalisation – once seen as the key to prosperity – is now in retreat, undermined by economic shocks, geopolitical tensions, and the pursuit of national self-sufficiency. Governments are moving away from interdependence, prioritizing domestic industries and supply chains over international cooperation. But does this shift create security, or does it fuel instability and division?

Economics journalist Ben Chu, former Economics Editor of The Independent and now at BBC Newsnight, joins Stephanie Flanders, Senior Executive Editor for Economics at Bloomberg and former Economics Editor at the BBC, to argue that this race for self-sufficiency could have unintended consequences. By tracing the flow of commodities—silicon, steel, soybeans, and solar panels—he reveals how deeply connected nations remain and the dangers of severing those ties.

Event Schedule

7:00pm: Pre-event socialising and networking

A cash bar will be available for refreshments.

7:15pm: Event begins

8:30pm: Event ends

Speakers:

Ben Chu is a seasoned journalist, broadcaster, and speaker specializing in economics and current affairs. He is the Policy and Analysis Correspondent at BBC Verify, where he investigates key policy issues and economic trends shaping the world today. Previously, he served as Economics Editor of Newsnight, the BBC’s flagship nightly current affairs program, and Economics Editor and Chief Leader Writer at The Independent. Over his career, he has covered major global events, including the 2008 financial crisis, the eurozone emergency, Brexit, and Donald Trump’s trade wars.

Ben has reported from the US, China, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Germany, France, Switzerland, and Ireland, bringing on-the-ground insights to his analysis. His work has earned multiple award nominations, including Business Journalist of the Year (British Journalism Awards, 2015) and Business Commentator of the Year (Comment Awards, 2018).

Beyond journalism, Ben is a member of the Society of Professional Economists and sits on the Advisory Council of the Bennett Institute for Public Policy at Cambridge University. His first book, Chinese Whispers: Why Everything You’ve Heard About China is Wrong (2013), was nominated for International Affairs Book of the Year at the 2014 Paddy Power Political Book Awards. Born in Manchester to a Chinese father and British mother, Ben now lives in South London with his wife and two children.

Stephanie Flanders is Head of Economics and Government at Bloomberg News and Head of Bloomberg Economics, overseeing the research and journalism of 250 economists and reporters worldwide. Previously, she was Chief Market Strategist for Europe at J.P. Morgan Asset Management (2013–17) and Economics Editor at the BBC (2002–13). She also served as Senior Advisor and Speechwriter to U.S. Treasury Secretary Lawrence H. Summers (1997–2001).

Flanders has been a reporter at The New York Times, Principal Editor of the 2002 Human Development Report, an editorial writer and economics columnist at the Financial Times, and an economist at the Institute for Fiscal Studies and London Business School. In 2016–17, she chaired the Inclusive Growth Commission for the Royal Society of Arts. She is also Chair of the non-profit arts company Artichoke and a trustee of the Kennedy Memorial Trust. Additionally, she is an Honorary Fellow of Balliol College, Oxford, and a Fellow of the Society of Professional Economists.