Jeffrey Sachs on U.S. Arrogance, Global Power & Why We Can’t Trust Our Leaders

Jeffrey Sachs is a renowned economist, professor, and policy advisor with decades of experience in international development and economic strategy. He has served as a special adviser to three UN Secretaries-General and has played a key role in shaping global initiatives such as the Millennium Development Goals and Agenda 2030. As the director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University, Sachs has been an advocate for sustainable economic policies, multilateral cooperation, and efforts to reduce poverty worldwide. His work has earned him recognition as one of Time Magazine’s most influential world leaders. In October 2024 he published his book *Diplomacy or Desaster* in the German Westend Verlag which reiterates why negotiations are vital to shut down the war in Ukraine to prevent further escalation.

In this interview, we discuss a wide range of topics, including Germany’s role in global affairs, the challenges of multilateralism, the effectiveness of international institutions like the UN, and the future of U.S. foreign policy. Sachs also shares insights from his experiences advising governments and organizations such as the IMF and World Bank. Whether you’re interested in global economics, diplomacy, or international development, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on the challenges facing today’s world.

Kapitel 

• 00:00 Introduction and what brings you to Germany? 
• 03:25 Is an independent German foreign policy possible? 
• 05:50 US leaders are arrogant 
• 19:30 Dr. Sachs in Latin America and Russia 
• 24:25 Dr. Sachs and Boris Jelzin 
• 29:20 How trustworthy are global Institutions like the UN? 
• 40:23 Understanding centers of power 
• 45:48 What does global enforcement look like? 
• 50:20 Can we trust global policy makers? 
• 54:00 Where is the US going?