Transformative Realism - Marc Saxer | 2025 Episode 31

About this episode

Marc Saxer discusses his theory of Transformative Realism and the systemic crisis affecting global politics.

In this episode, we sit down with political analyst Marc Saxer to explore his theory of Transformative Realism and why he believes we’re living through a profound systemic crisis. From the erosion of international norms to the urgent need for reimagined statecraft, Marc offers a compelling framework for understanding the forces reshaping our world and what political leadership must look like in response. Marc Saxer Marc Saxer is a political analyst, strategist, and writer with two decades of experience in international relations. He heads the Asia Pacific office of the Friedrich-Ebert-Shtiftung and convenes the Asia Strategic Foresight Group. Publications: Transformative Realism: How to overcome the system crisis Geopolitical Conflict in the Wolf World: Great Power Competition and the Illiberal Revolt against the Liberal Order Content 00:00 - Introduction 01:38 - Understanding Transformative Realism 04:50 - Defining Systemic Crisis 07:39 - Marc’s Most Compelling Crisis Case Study 15:08 - The Erosion of International Norms and Rules 18:24 - Recognizing the Signs of Systemic Crisis 20:18 - The Role of Agency in Transformative Realism 28:18 - Reimagining Statecraft and Political…

People in this episode

Host: Martin Zubko

Guest: Marc Saxer

Topics covered

• Transformative Realism
• systemic crisis
• international norms
• statecraft
• political leadership

Keywords

• Transformative Realism
• systemic crisis
• international norms
• statecraft
• political leadership
• Marc Saxer
• Asia Pacific

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Friedrich-Ebert-Shtiftung

Books & works: Transformative Realism: How to overcome the system crisis, Geopolitical Conflict in the Wolf World: Great Power Competition and the Illiberal Revolt against the Liberal Order

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