The article from Technocracy News, authored by Patrick Wood,
highlights a statement from UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer claiming that "globalisation is over" and that the world has entered a "new era." This assertion is tied to the economic fallout from U.S. President Donald Trump's imposition of sweeping tariffs on imports, which Starmer argues reflects a shift away from the principles of free trade that underpinned globalisation. The piece also references the Trilateral Commission's historical push for a "New International Economic Order" rooted in Technocracy, an economic system designed by engineers and scientists in the 1930s. Alongside this, Starmer's government plans supply-side reforms to boost growth, while figures like Elon Musk advocate for tariff-free trade and greater freedom of movement, seemingly countering the narrative of globalisation's demise. I'll argue why the era of globalisation is far from over, despite such claims.
Starmer's declaration comes in the wake of Trump's aggressive tariff policies, which impose significant levies on imports from countries like Japan (24%), Israel (17%), and others, with the stated aim of protecting American industries and appealing to voters disillusioned by free trade. Starmer interprets this as evidence of globalisation's end, suggesting that economic nationalism is gaining traction because many feel left behind by global trade and immigration. His response includes domestic reforms—such as deregulation for electric car manufacturers and an industrial strategy—alongside efforts to secure trade deals with India and Australia. Meanwhile, Elon Musk, a prominent figure in Trump's orbit, contradicts this narrative by advocating for zero-tariff trade between the U.S. and Europe and freer movement of people, aligning more closely with globalisation's core tenets than with Trump's protectionism. The article frames these developments against the Trilateral Commission's vision of Technocracy, implying a deliberate shift to a new economic paradigm.
While Starmer and others may proclaim the death of globalisation, the evidence suggests it remains deeply entrenched and resilient. Here's why:
Interconnected Economies Persist Despite Tariffs
Trump's tariffs, though disruptive, do not dismantle the global supply chains that define modern economies. Companies and nations adapt rather than retreat into isolation. For instance, Starmer's government is actively pursuing trade deals with India and Australia, demonstrating that cross-border economic ties remain a priority even amid protectionist rhetoric. Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, despite facing a 24% tariff, opts against retaliation, signalling a preference for maintaining global trade stability over escalating into a tariff war. These actions reflect a pragmatic continuation of globalization, not its end.
Global Challenges Demand Cooperation
Issues liketechnological innovation, and pandemics transcend national borders, necessitating global collaboration. The UK's deregulation of electric car manufacturing, for example, ties into a worldwide shift toward supposed "sustainable energy," a sector reliant on international supply chains for batteries, rare earth minerals, and expertise. Musk's push for tariff-free trade and mobility between the U.S. and Europe further underscores the need for interconnectedness to drive innovation and economic growth. These dynamics show that globalisation evolves rather than expires.
Cultural and Digital Globalisation Accelerates
Beyond economics, globalisation thrives in the digital and cultural realms. The internet, social media, and platforms like X facilitate instantaneous global exchange of ideas, goods, and services. Musk's own companies—Tesla, SpaceX, and X—exemplify this, operating across borders and relying on global talent and markets. Starmer's claim ignores how technology continues to shrink distances and integrate societies, a trend unlikely to reverse.
Protectionism as a Reaction, Not a Replacement
Trump's tariffs and economic nationalism are better understood as a backlash to globalisation's uneven benefits, not a viable alternative to it. Starmer acknowledges this, noting the appeal to voters who feel excluded by free trade. Yet, as Musk's stance suggests, even within Trump's administration, there's no unified rejection of globalisation's principles. The U.S. remains a hub of global finance, tech, and culture, and its policies shape—rather than sever—international flows.
Technocracy as an Evolution, Not a Break
The article's reference to the Trilateral Commission and Technocracy doesn't signal globalisation's end but its transformation. Technocracy, with its focus on efficiency and scientific management, aligns with globalisation's emphasis on optimising resources across borders. Starmer's "reformist" approach—active government intervention paired with global trade deals—mirrors this adaptive mindset, suggesting a reconfigured globalisation rather than its demise.
Starmer's assertion that "globalisation is over" reflects a political response to current pressures, Trump's tariffs, voter discontent, and economic uncertainty, rather than a factual endpoint. The era of globalisation persists because its foundations, interdependent economies, technological integration, and shared challenges, remain intact and adaptive. Musk's vision of tariff-free trade and mobility, alongside the UK's pursuit of international partnerships, reveals that global engagement is evolving, not collapsing. Far from being "over," globalisation is simply entering a new phase, shaped by both resistance and reinvention.
Is this a good thing? I think not, but it is best to be aware of the strength of the enemy and their position, rather than feed on the roses of illusion.
https://www.technocracy.news/great-reset-trilateral-commissioner-says-old-globalization-is-over/
"Two years ago, another Trilateral declared that 2023 was "year one" of the Commission's New International Economic Order. Now, Trilateral Kier Starmer says that "globalisation is over and we are now in a new era." Technocracy is the only alternative economic system in the history of the world created by engineers and scientists at Columbia University in 1932. When the TC said "new" in 1973, it was speaking of Technocracy. ⁃ Patrick Wood, Editor.
The prime minister will declare an end to globalisation and admit that it has failed millions of voters as the fallout from President Trump's tariffs reverberates around the world.
In his first significant intervention since the United States imposed sweeping charges on imports, Sir Keir Starmer will say tomorrow that the seismic global economic effects prove the government must "move further and faster" to boost growth with supply-side reforms.
Later this week he and Rachel Reeves, the chancellor, will make pro-growth announcements, including easing regulations on electric car manufacturers and bringing forward parts of the government's industrial strategy.
Reeves is due to hold an "economic and financial dialogue" with India on Wednesday to try to hasten a trade deal. Efforts are also being made to secure a new agreement with Australia.
The prime minister will argue that tariffs are the wrong response, but will also say he understands Trump's economic nationalism and why it is popular with voters who believe they have seen no benefits from free trade and mass immigration.
A Downing Street official said: "Trump has done something that we don't agree with but there's a reason why people are behind him on this. The world has changed, globalisation is over and we are now in a new era. We've got to demonstrate that our approach, a more active Labour government, a more reformist government, can provide the answers for people in every part of this country."
While Starmer is not due to speak to Trump, other world leaders are beating a path to the president's door. Japan's prime minister, Shigeru Ishiba, said he planned to have a call with him after the White House announced a 24 per cent tariff on Japanese imports. Speaking on Yomiuri TV, Ishiba suggested that Japan would not hit back with retaliatory measures.
Binyamin Netanyahu will meet Trump at the White House tomorrow. Israel is one of about 60 countries to face steeper tariffs than Britain — with a 17 per cent levy on Israeli imports to the US due to come into effect on Wednesday. The meeting will mark the Israeli prime minister's second visit to the White House since Trump took office.
As the global fallout from Trump's tariffs continued, Elon Musk announced his support for tariff-free trade between the US, effectively breaking with the president. Musk, the face of the White House's efforts to eliminate what supporters say is wasteful spending in government, addressed an event held by Italy's right-wing deputy prime minister on Saturday.
"At the end of the day, I hope it's agreed that both Europe and the United States should move, ideally, in my view, to a zero-tariff situation, effectively creating a free-trade zone between Europe and North America," Musk said in a video-link interview with Matteo Salvini.
The billionaire Tesla CEO had remained largely quiet on the president's tariffs policies and the comments mark a rare break with Trump. Musk also said he was in favour of greater freedom of movement between the US and Europe, a position that would appear to put him at odds with Trump's hardline stance on immigration.
"That's what I hope occurs, and also more freedom of people to move between Europe and North America if they wish. If they wish to work in Europe or wish to work in America, they should be allowed to do so, in my view. So that has certainly been my advice to the president," Musk said.
Musk's friendly comments towards Europe differ markedly with many in the Trump administration, including the vice-president, JD Vance, who has made disdainful remarks about European countries. Trump himself has said the European Union was created to "screw" the US.