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, theeffectiveness 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?