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Globalization Fuels State Coercion, Says Political Scientist

2/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

Abraham Newman, Georgetown University political scientist, explains 'weaponised interdependence' as globalization creating a centralized international economy, especially during U.S. President Donald Trump's second term.
He argues this centralization enables state coercion rather than market efficiency.
Newman cites the iPhone’s reliance on major companies and banks for production and transactions.
His insights appear in Underground Empire, co-authored with Henry Farrell.

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Story summary

Abraham Newman, Georgetown University political scientist, explains 'weaponised interdependence' as globalization creating a centralized international economy, especially during U.S. President Donald Trump's second term.
He argues this centralization enables state coercion rather than market efficiency.
Newman cites the iPhone’s reliance on major companies and banks for production and transactions.
His insights appear in Underground Empire, co-authored with Henry Farrell.