The End of the Neoliberal Era?

In this interview with ICC Netherlands, Paul Verhagen argues that the neoliberal, globalised order of the past three decades is breaking apart as technology shifts from a commercial commodity into a source of geopolitical power.

He describes the end of a “digital Pangea” in which technology connected markets and societies, and the emergence instead of three competing blocs: the United States, Europe and China. Europe, he argues, is particularly exposed because its political and economic model was built for a world of free trade and relative security, while it now faces simultaneous military pressure from Russia, economic pressure from China and growing technological dependence on the United States.

Verhagen argues that Europe should respond by prioritising strategic autonomy, particularly in security, energy and critical technology. He proposes a “garden with high walls” model: protecting Europe’s standard of living and strategic interests, building European alternatives where dependence is most dangerous, while remaining open to trade, talent and pragmatic partnerships.

The interview also explores ASML’s increasingly geopolitical role, Europe’s dependence on American infrastructure, and the difficult trade-offs involved in balancing relations with the US and China.

Original article available here