GZERO World with Ian Bremmer

Is a second great depression coming? Adam Tooze on international economic crisis

Is a 2nd Great Depression Coming? | Adam Tooze: Intl Economic Crisis | GZERO World with Ian Bremmer

Many of us experienced the major economic impact of the Great Recession from 2008-2010. The definition of a "depression" is harder to articulate, even for economists, because the US hasn't had one since the 1930s. But as unemployment rises and lockdowns to limit the spread of the coronavirus threaten the existence of businesses here in the US and around the world, we ask the question: Is another depression a possibility, and what would that look like today?

On this episode of GZERO World, Ian Bremmer poses this question to Columbia professor, economic historian, and author Adam Tooze. The two discuss the strength of the US and global economies before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, and realistic timeframes for when the financial outlook will improve.

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US President Donald Trump arrives to announce reciprocal tariffs against US trading partners in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, DC, USA, on April 2, 2025.
POOL via CNP/INSTARimages.com

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