States of Play with Sam Olsen

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit samolsen.substack.comIn this episode of the States of Play podcast, Sam Olsen talks to the economist Stewart Paterson to unpack The Great Split—the accelerating bifurcation of the global economy into competing US-led and China-led spheres. They explore how the collapse of the era of globalisation is reshaping trade, investment, finance, and corporate strategy; how China’s Belt and Road and dual-circulation policies have built an alternative system; and how future sanctions, counter-sanctions, and rising jurisdictional risk could force companies and countries to choose sides. They also examine Europe’s acute vulnerabilities, the City of London’s exposure, and whether any path remains to avoid a full geopolitical and economic rupture.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit samolsen.substack.comIn this episode of States of Play Sam Olsen interviews analyst Alexander Lord on Europe’s mounting political and social fractures, from Germany’s extremist violence to France’s paralysis. We look at how Russian grey-zone pressure, cybercrime and influence ops are exploiting them. We also assess EU/UK cohesion if Moscow tests Estonia, the role of China in this, and where resilience and leadership may still emerge today.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit samolsen.substack.comShow SummaryIn this conversation, Sam talks to the demographer Paul Morland, discussing the critical role of demography in understanding global power dynamics, economic trends, and cultural shifts. Paul emphasises that while demography is not the sole determinant of historical events, it is essential for grasping the complexities of the present and future. They explores the interplay between population growth, economic development, and cultural attitudes towards family and reproduction, highlighting the challenges faced by countries with declining birth rates and the implications of migration in the context of aging populations. Here is a link to Paul's website and an overview of his books: https://www.paulmorland.co.uk

Show SummaryIn this new episode of States of Play, a repeat of What China Wants, Sam Olsen is joined by Michelin-starred chef and cultural observer Andrew Wong, head chef of London’s acclaimed restaurant A. Wong. Together, they explore how Chinese food is far more than flavour—it is a reflection of history, community, and identity.Andrew shares his journey from growing up in London and Hong Kong to travelling across China, learning from local chefs and traditions that continue to inspire his cooking today. The discussion touches on how Chinese cuisine in the UK and Europe has evolved into its own style, why authenticity is always fluid, and how the act of sharing food is at the heart of Chinese dining culture.From his reimagined Shanghai dumplings to his thoughts on what his last meal on earth would be, Andrew reveals the depth, creativity, and philosophy behind Chinese cuisine.This conversation is about more than food—it’s about culture, memory, and the ties that connect East and West around the dinner table.Andrew's restaurant: https://www.awong.co.uk This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit samolsen.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit samolsen.substack.comShow SummaryIn this conversation, Sam Dunning from UK-China Transparency discusses their new report on the influence of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) on academic freedom in the UK. He shares insights from a survey conducted among China studies academics, revealing concerns about CCP interference and the financial dependencies of UK universities on Chinese funding. The discussion also touches on issues of deception in academic collaborations, military research, and the need for greater transparency and due diligence in research partnerships. Ultimately, the conversation emphasises the importance of fostering open dialogue and understanding in UK-China academic relations.Here is the report: https://ukctransparency.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Cold-Crisis-Academic-freedom-and-interference-in-China-studies-in-the-UK.pdf

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit samolsen.substack.comShow SummaryIn this episode of States of Play, Sam Olsen is joined by Guy Ward-Jackson of the Tony Blair Institute to explore the critical challenge of scaling tech startups into global champions. As the world enters a new era of techno-nationalism—where national power is increasingly tied to technological prowess—the UK’s ability to grow and retain homegrown firms like DeepMind and Arm becomes central to its geopolitical and economic future. Guy shares insights from the TBI’s report From Startup to Scale Up, identifying systemic weaknesses in capital mobilisation, university spinouts, and policy coordination. Together, they unpack why scaling matters for national prosperity, strategic autonomy, and global influence.Here is the TBI paper: https://institute.global/insights/tech-and-digitalisation/from-startup-to-scaleup-turning-uk-innovation-into-prosperity-and-power

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit samolsen.substack.comShow SummaryIn this episode, Sam Olsen discusses the urgent question of whether the US tech is prepared for a war with China, focusing on the rapid advancements in military technology and the implications of artificial intelligence on warfare.Joined by Lieutenant General Mike Groen, they explore the current state of the US military, the role of human capital, the transformative impact of AI, and the ethical considerations surrounding autonomous warfare. The conversation emphasizes the need for agile military innovation and the importance of global cooperation in establishing ethical standards for AI in warfare.Lt Gen Groen's profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-s-groen/

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit samolsen.substack.comSummaryIn this episode of States of Play, Sam Olsen discusses the complexities of the UK-China economic relationship with Charlie Parton, a former British diplomat and one of the UK's leading China experts. They explore the misconceptions surrounding China's importance to the UK economy, the ideological and geopolitical implications of China's rise, and the potential threats posed by China's technological advancements. The conversation emphasises the need for the UK and Europe to reassess their strategies in dealing with China, balancing economic interests with national security concerns.Read more of Charlie's work here https://www.geostrategy.org.uk/author/charles-parton/

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit samolsen.substack.comSummaryIn this episode of States of Play, Sam Olsen discusses the dominance of the US dollar as the world's reserve currency with macroeconomist Meyrick Chapman. They explore the historical context of the dollar's rise, its benefits and drawbacks for the US, and the implications for global trade and politics. The conversation also delves into the motivations behind de-dollarization efforts by countries like China and Russia, and the challenges of establishing an alternative global currency system.Chapters00:00 The Power of the US Dollar02:55 The Dollar's Dominance and Its Historical Context05:59 Understanding Dollar Hegemony12:03 The Benefits and Drawbacks of Dollar Dominance18:08 The Impact on American Innovation23:54 The Role of the Dollar in Global Politics30:08 De-Dollarization: Trends and Motivations35:49 The Future of Global Currency Systems