Benjamin Huthwaite, economist at the Competition and Markets Authority and incoming Government Economic Service Fast Stream economist, joins The Exchange for a conversation on economics, Taiwan, diplomacy, public service, and building a career at the intersection of policy and geopolitics. Benjamin studied Economics at Durham University, where he combined his degree with Chinese language studies, a year abroad at National Taiwan University, and leadership as Director-General of the Durham Diplomacy Society. Alongside his studies, he developed a strong interest in Taiwan, cross-Strait relations, and geopolitical risk, culminating in a dissertation examining the relationship between geopolitical tensions and Taiwanese foreign direct investment. He has also served in the Army Reserve through the Northumbrian Universities’ Officers’ Training Corps and recently began his career as an economist at the Competition and Markets Authority before joining the Government Economic Service Fast Stream. In this episode, Benjamin reflects on discovering an interest in China and Taiwan from a young age, studying Mandarin, living in Taipei during a politically significant period, and what Taiwan taught him about democracy, diplomacy, and international relations. We also discuss the Durham Diplomacy Society, public service, the Army Reserve, the Competition and Markets Authority, and how students can build meaningful careers in economics and government. Benjamin discusses: ◽️ Growing up in Nottinghamshire and discovering economics and China ◽️ Learning Mandarin and choosing to study Chinese alongside Economics ◽️ Spending a year abroad in Taipei and experiencing Taiwan firsthand ◽️ Taiwan’s political landscape, cross-Strait relations, and geopolitical risk ◽️ His dissertation on geopolitical risk and Taiwanese foreign direct investment ◽️ Leading the Durham Diplomacy Society and engaging with senior diplomats ◽️ The Army Reserve, public service, and leadership ◽️ Working at the Competition and Markets Authority and joining the Government Economic Service Fast Stream ◽️ Advice for students interested in economics, diplomacy, and the Civil Service Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Benjamin Huthwaite background 01:35 Discovering economics, China, and learning Mandarin 06:49 Choosing Taiwan for a year abroad 09:14 First impressions of Taiwan and everyday life in Taipei 10:44 Taiwan’s political system and cross-Strait relations 17:45 His dissertation on geopolitical risk and Taiwanese foreign direct investment 21:15 Building the Durham Diplomacy Society 25:44 Memorable conversations with diplomats and public figures 28:56 The Army Reserve and public service 34:17 Working at the Competition and Markets Authority 36:01 Joining the Government Economic Service Fast Stream 38:57 Finding your career path and building a personal brand 41:56 Advice to his first-year university self Hosted by Martin Prinsloo. Former Member of Youth Parliament for Epping Forest District. Current student at Durham University. Feel free to get in touch if you have any questions, suggestions, or criticisms.
