Cold War II: Shifting Geopolitical Dynamics

This chapter examines the potential for a new Cold War between the U.S. and China, drawing historical parallels while analyzing current global tensions and conflicts. It highlights the changing significance of the Middle East in U.S. foreign policy and advocates for a strategic realignment towards Asia amidst evolving geopolitical challenges.

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Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg discuss the new geopolitical dynamics in Asia and the Middle East, why demographics may mean waning conflict, and take a dive into Ireland’s wealth. Daffy is offering Econ 102 listeners a free $25 for the charity of their choice when they join: https://www.daffy.org/econ102

We're hiring across the board at Turpentine and for Erik's personal team on other projects he's incubating. He's hiring a Chief of Staff, EA, Head of Special Projects, Investment Associate, and more. For a list of JDs, check out: eriktorenberg.com.

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Econ 102 is a part of the Turpentine podcast network. To learn more: www.turpentine.co

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RECOMMENDED PODCAST:

Odd Lots is a Bloomberg podcast hosted by Joe Weisenthal and Tracy Alloway. Each week they speak with the perfect guest to explore the most interesting topics in finance, markets and economics.

https://www.bloomberg.com/oddlots

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RECOMMENDED PODCAST:

Every week investor and writer of the popular newsletter The Diff, Byrne Hobart, and co-host Erik Torenberg discuss today’s major inflection points in technology, business, and markets – and help listeners build a diversified portfolio of trends and ideas for the future. Subscribe to “The Riff” with Byrne Hobart and Erik Torenberg: https://link.chtbl.com/theriff

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LINKS:

- Noah Smith, How Ireland Got So Rich https://www.noahpinion.blog/p/how-ireland-got-so-rich

- Noah Smith, The Middle East is Getting Older: https://www.noahpinion.blog/p/the-middle-east-is-getting-older

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X / TWITTER:

@noahpinion (Noah)

@eriktorenberg (Erik)

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TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Episode Preview

(01:47) Noah’s reflections from the Kilkenomics Festival