Speaking & Press

I have been fortunate to be featured and interviewed in outlets including Bloomberg, BBC, The Financial Times, The Hill, Politico, Forbes, The Times, GNAM, Poets & Quants, Al-Arabiya, TRT World, Real Vision, Vedomosti, PolSat, CNBC, France 24, Le Monde and La Croix. I have also  been recognized by Poets & Quants, by The Case Centre and by HEC Paris for my work.

I have also spoken in a wide range of public and private audience, at conferences or in industry and corporate events, about Covid and the state of globalization, US politics, strategic foresight and leadership.

Here's a recent conversation on the 2024 US Elections with Véronique Rigolet on RFI (in French). And a redacted English translation:

 

Véronique Rigolet: It’s a historic comeback for Donald Trump, who returns as the 47th president of the United States, winning both the popular vote and a majority in the Senate. Four years after leaving office, he’s back with full control, shaking up a deeply divided America and sending shockwaves around the world. Jeremy, were you surprised by this outcome?

Jeremy Ghez: It was certainly a possibility, as the polls highlighted how divided the country was, especially over economic concerns. The election became a collision between two narratives: one focused on the state of American democracy, which the Democrats leaned into. However, after the assassination attempt on Trump, they lost control of that narrative. And, as James Carville once said, "It’s the economy, stupid." Ultimately, the economy was the defining issue here. Yes, I was surprised by the speed and decisiveness of his victory—it was more reminiscent of 2016 than 2020.

VR: So, you believe this broad victory was driven by Americans “voting with their wallets”—by economic concerns?

JG: Absolutely. Inflation was a key factor. There was a time, especially in the 2000s and early 2010s, when it was thought that demographic shifts in America meant Democrats would hold the White House long-term. But inflation has impacted minority communities too, making economic issues central for them. And immigration, another key topic, showed that many Hispanic Americans, for example, are not opposed to stricter immigration policies and lean conservative on these issues.

VR: But under Biden, the economy was doing fairly well. Why didn’t this benefit the Democrats?

JG: It’s a paradox. Biden’s economic record, in terms of growth and job creation, is quite strong. But, if the economy hadn’t been as stable as it was, the race wouldn’t have been close at all. It’s because of that underlying stability that we even saw such a competitive election.

VR: How has Trump managed to capture the support of economically marginalized Americans, those who feel left behind by globalization?

JG: Trump’s brand is unique. As a billionaire, former reality TV star, and business figure, he speaks directly to a part of the American population that feels abandoned by the political system. His bluntness and disregard for traditional political etiquette have become trademarks, positioning him as the voice of the "forgotten" Americans, standing against the establishment.

VR: He also leverages people’s fears, particularly on immigration.

JG: Immigration is indeed a powerful issue. Trump’s message taps into a certain fear of an "invasion" coming from the southern border, which resonates with many Republicans. Figures like Steve Bannon, who share this perspective, reinforce the narrative of a “besieged” America.

VR: To many outside the U.S., his campaign style, with its extreme rhetoric and sometimes vulgar tone, seems almost unimaginable. How do Americans respond to this?

JG: Not all Americans resonate with it, but a segment of his base feels he "speaks like us." Others see him as a serious political figure who will restore prosperity but don’t take his every word literally. For many Republicans, Trump is the leader who represents their values, even if his style is unconventional.

VR: What will this election change in Americans’ daily lives? Trump has promised sweeping changes but lacks a clear economic plan.

JG: There are contradictions in his policies. His stances on tariffs and immigration could lead to inflationary pressures, which would impact the economy. But, whether he will implement these extreme measures or if they were just campaign promises remains to be seen.

VR: Turning to the issue of abortion, can we expect Trump to challenge existing laws? This was a central theme for Kamala Harris.

JG: This is complex, as the Supreme Court’s decision has now placed abortion policies in the hands of individual states. Public opinion on this issue is divided, and it will likely remain a focal point for political mobilization, especially under a Republican-led Congress and presidency.

VR: Trump has also hinted at a more authoritarian approach, even joking about being a “dictator for a day.” Is there a genuine risk here?

JG: It’s a risk, especially considering the January 6th Capitol attack. But the U.S. has strong checks and balances, with a civil society steeped in democratic values. Ultimately, Americans have a history of creating solutions for their own political challenges.

VR: For the three remaining months of his presidency, can Biden do anything to curb Trump’s potential for authoritarianism?

JG: Biden’s influence is limited as he transitions out. There may be behind-the-scenes efforts, especially in his relationships with agencies like the FBI and key Republican figures. But any moves to counterbalance Trump’s policies will likely be discreet.

VR: On the global stage, Trump’s return is unsettling for many leaders, especially in Europe, given his unpredictability. How might this impact transatlantic relations?

JG: It’s undoubtedly concerning for Europe. Trump’s transactional approach means European leaders must be cautious in their engagement. However, this could also be a wake-up call, pushing Europe to strengthen its strategic autonomy and play a more active role on the world stage rather than relying on U.S. leadership.

VR: Europe does seem divided on its approach to the U.S., with leaders like Giorgia Meloni and Viktor Orban leaning towards Trump’s vision, while others, like Macron, advocate for greater European independence.

JG: Indeed. Leaders like Orban have even adopted Trump-like slogans, like “Make Europe Great Again.” This could create an unusual alliance between more conservative figures like Orban and proponents of strategic autonomy like Macron. Europe has an opportunity to find common ground on its role in a shifting global landscape.

VR: In light of Trump’s promise to end the Ukraine conflict, could we see a direct negotiation with Putin, sidelining the Ukrainians?

JG: Trump has suggested he’d cut aid to Ukraine if they refuse to negotiate, but he’d also demand that Putin come to the table. Realistically, this could lead to a partitioning of Ukraine. The question is whether Europe can influence this process to ensure a favorable outcome for Ukraine, perhaps drawing from the example of West Germany during the Cold War.

VR: Finally, as Trump takes office at 78, seemingly more emboldened than ever, should we be concerned about his foreign policy approach?

JG: There is cause for concern, but if Europe steps up as a full partner, it can help balance the influence of a more isolationist America. With globalization fragmenting, Europe must assume its responsibilities to maintain global stability.