Sign up to save your podcasts
Or
Share Is the West Declining? | Samir Puri & Joel Ng | Tank Talks Asia
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Or
Is the West Declining? | Samir Puri & Joel Ng | Tank Talks Asia
In this episode of Tank Talks Asia, Manisha Tank is joined by Dr Samir Puri, author of “Westlessness”, and Joel Ng, editor of “The Dragon’s Emerging Order” to discuss whether the era of western dominance is coming to an end and, if so, what replaces it?
Their conversation covers everything from Mark Carney’s headline-making Davos speech and the global impact of Donald Trump’s presidency, to China’s multilateral rise, the conflict in Ukraine, and the future of the UN.
Featured Voices
Host: Manisha Tank
Guests: Samir Puri, Inaugural Director, Centre for Global Governance and Security, Chatham House, Author and Former UK Diplomat
Joel Ng, Senior Fellow and Head of Centre for Multilateralism Studies, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies
Key takeawaysSamir and Joel assert that the global centre of gravity is shifting away from the west, as states adapt through multi-alignment rather than bloc politics.They suggest China has been preparing for this moment, having built multilateral influence to position it centrally within this emerging order.They say a shift towards regional security responsibilities is underway and that the US may not want to remain the world’s security guarantor.They discuss the possibility that the war in Ukraine may end pragmatically, not ideally.Samir and Joel talk about how the UN, which is set to appoint a new secretary general this year, is facing an existential test as the need for multilateralism grows.They touch on whether climate cooperation may become a focal point for renewed global alignment, especially between Europe and China.Chapter heads02:01
A Defining Speech at Davos
Samir and Joel discuss how Mark Carney’s address at the World Economic Forum signalled a reset in global alignments and even echoed historic moments from the past.
05:50
Hedging as a Viable Strategy
Samir believes that Asian multi-alignment is becoming a model for western powers navigating US-China rivalry.
07:10
China’s Multilateral Architecture
Joel explains how Beijing has been building platforms, partnerships and institutional influence for decades.
08:12
Who Polices the World Now?
Samir and Joel give their views on the limits of American security guarantees and the rise of regional responsibility.
11:50
Ukraine and the Limits of Idealism
Samir says he thinks the war in Ukraine may end in pragmatic compromise rather than total victory.
17:11
Is the UN Still Fit for Purpose?
Samir and Joel debate what role the UN still has to play in a world of great power rivalry.
20:03
Climate in the Shadows
They discuss how the green agenda risks being buried and explore the potential for greater collaboration between China and Europe.
23:25
Looking to the Future
Samir and Joel weigh in on where multilateralism might be headed and why there are reasons to stay optimistic.
Useful links
https://www.samirpuri.com/
https://www.hachette.co.uk/titles/samir-puri/westlessness/9781399722636/
https://www.worldscientific.com/worldscibooks/10.1142/14463?srsltid=AfmBOop57P3ns25wtQ_Y7t2kJiVbpjeAic081TOSrXBC3ZMOj7jzmESf#t=aboutBook
https://www.chathamhouse.org/
https://rsis.edu.sg/research/cms/
https://www.weforum.org/
https://www.un.org/un80-initiative/en
https://asean.org/
Don’t miss out
We’re on a mission to bring the real Asia — its thinkers, builders, dreamers, and disruptors — to global ears. So if you know someone who would be a great guest or want to contact the team, please email:
And don’t forget to follow, subscribe, and share so you don’t miss the next episode of Tank Talks Asia.
Tank Talks Asia is an AsiaWorks production.
View all episodes
By AsiaWorksIn this episode of Tank Talks Asia, Manisha Tank is joined by Dr Samir Puri, author of “Westlessness”, and Joel Ng, editor of “The Dragon’s Emerging Order” to discuss whether the era of western dominance is coming to an end and, if so, what replaces it?
Their conversation covers everything from Mark Carney’s headline-making Davos speech and the global impact of Donald Trump’s presidency, to China’s multilateral rise, the conflict in Ukraine, and the future of the UN.
Featured Voices
Host: Manisha Tank
Guests: Samir Puri, Inaugural Director, Centre for Global Governance and Security, Chatham House, Author and Former UK Diplomat
Joel Ng, Senior Fellow and Head of Centre for Multilateralism Studies, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies
Key takeawaysSamir and Joel assert that the global centre of gravity is shifting away from the west, as states adapt through multi-alignment rather than bloc politics.They suggest China has been preparing for this moment, having built multilateral influence to position it centrally within this emerging order.They say a shift towards regional security responsibilities is underway and that the US may not want to remain the world’s security guarantor.They discuss the possibility that the war in Ukraine may end pragmatically, not ideally.Samir and Joel talk about how the UN, which is set to appoint a new secretary general this year, is facing an existential test as the need for multilateralism grows.They touch on whether climate cooperation may become a focal point for renewed global alignment, especially between Europe and China.Chapter heads02:01
A Defining Speech at Davos
Samir and Joel discuss how Mark Carney’s address at the World Economic Forum signalled a reset in global alignments and even echoed historic moments from the past.
05:50
Hedging as a Viable Strategy
Samir believes that Asian multi-alignment is becoming a model for western powers navigating US-China rivalry.
07:10
China’s Multilateral Architecture
Joel explains how Beijing has been building platforms, partnerships and institutional influence for decades.
08:12
Who Polices the World Now?
Samir and Joel give their views on the limits of American security guarantees and the rise of regional responsibility.
11:50
Ukraine and the Limits of Idealism
Samir says he thinks the war in Ukraine may end in pragmatic compromise rather than total victory.
17:11
Is the UN Still Fit for Purpose?
Samir and Joel debate what role the UN still has to play in a world of great power rivalry.
20:03
Climate in the Shadows
They discuss how the green agenda risks being buried and explore the potential for greater collaboration between China and Europe.
23:25
Looking to the Future
Samir and Joel weigh in on where multilateralism might be headed and why there are reasons to stay optimistic.
Useful links
https://www.samirpuri.com/
https://www.hachette.co.uk/titles/samir-puri/westlessness/9781399722636/
https://www.worldscientific.com/worldscibooks/10.1142/14463?srsltid=AfmBOop57P3ns25wtQ_Y7t2kJiVbpjeAic081TOSrXBC3ZMOj7jzmESf#t=aboutBook
https://www.chathamhouse.org/
https://rsis.edu.sg/research/cms/
https://www.weforum.org/
https://www.un.org/un80-initiative/en
https://asean.org/
Don’t miss out
We’re on a mission to bring the real Asia — its thinkers, builders, dreamers, and disruptors — to global ears. So if you know someone who would be a great guest or want to contact the team, please email:
And don’t forget to follow, subscribe, and share so you don’t miss the next episode of Tank Talks Asia.
Tank Talks Asia is an AsiaWorks production.