Episode Description
In this episode of Tank Talks Asia, Manisha Tank talks to Ireland’s former Prime Minister Leo Varadkar to discuss leadership, geopolitics and the shifting global order.
Leo talks truthfully about the loneliness of executive decision-making and gives his views on the rise of Asia, US politics under Donald Trump, and how small nations like Ireland and Singapore can navigate great-power competition.
Featured Voices
Host: Manisha Tank
Guest: Leo Varadkar, Former Taoiseach of Ireland, Global Advisor at Penta Group, Senior Fellow at Harvard Kennedy School, Author of Speaking My Mind
Key takeaways
- Leo reflects on how taking leadership decisions at the highest level can be lonely, despite being surrounded by people.
- He says the global order is shifting eastward, but that big-power rivalry will still shape how much countries will actually work together.
- Leo suggests that small nations, like Ireland and Singapore, have benefited from globalization but he expects the coming decades to be less favorable for them.
- He believes the US president sets the global standard for what other leaders view as acceptable behavior.
- Leo emphasizes the need to get AI regulations and interventions right, sooner rather than later.
Chapter heads
01:18 Life After Power
Leo begins by reflecting on his move away from frontline politics and how he’s now enjoying the freedom of a portfolio career.
04:36 Politics in the DNA
Leo says a visit to his father’s hometown in India revealed a family history of political activism that he hadn’t previously fully understood.
07:05 Seize the Moment
He advises new leaders to take difficult and unpopular decisions early, while their political mandate is strongest.
09:10 The Loneliness of Leadership
He points out that leaders may be surrounded by lots of people but, when it comes down to it, responsibility rests on their shoulders alone.
11:10 A Changing World Order?
Leo talks about global fractures but argues it’s too early to declare the end of Western democratic leadership.
12:40 Asia’s Long-Term Rise
He believes economic gravity is shifting east and that Asia and Africa have the power to reshape global growth and influence.
14:19 Understanding Donald Trump
Leo offers his personal take on Donald Trump, noting both his intelligence and charisma, as well as his gaps in knowledge.
16:10 Democratic Norms Under Pressure
He points out that the US president’s behavior can set the tone for how other world leaders behave and act.
18:15 The Spying Game
Leo talks about how some countries use intelligence and espionage to gain strategic leverage over others.
20:38 Small States, Big Similarities
He draws parallels between Ireland and Singapore and discusses how they navigate their place among competing global powers.
24:15 Regulating the Unknown
Leo gives his views on the difficulties of AI and why he thinks it’s important to get the rules and regulations right.
25:40 A Shelf Memento
He finishes the interview by giving Tank Talks Asia a book that explores Irish influence on Singapore’s history.
Useful links
https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/470040/speaking-my-mind-by-varadkar-leo/9781844886937
https://www.jaipurliteraturefestival.org/
Sources
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3nmYG_y9Zo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNmm5OLBx8c
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fsVCOkRgnZ0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AsPqFU3n_vM
Sinead Harper
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xy9so3k9z-E
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwjXNIDVI90
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Tank Talks Asia is an AsiaWorks production.