In this week’s episode, Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg tackle more listeners' questions focused on conflicts and war. They cover various defense strategies, emphasizing the urgency of revitalizing the U.S. defense industrial base to prepare for potential conflicts. They discuss the differences between authoritarian and democratic powers, highlighting the significant risk of World War III and the importance of alliance building, particularly with countries like Japan, India, and European nations to counterbalance China's growing influence and the new ‘Axis’. Happy birthday Noah!

This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at erik@turpentine.co.

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SPONSOR: HARMONIC

🧲 Learn why Craft, Bedrock, NEA and 100s more trust Harmonic’s data to source deals. Harmonic is the most complete startup database, finding new companies as soon as they incorporate and tracking them through IPO. Head to https://bit.ly/harmonicturpentine and make sure to mention Turpentine VC during your demo.

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SEND US YOUR Q's FOR NOAH TO ANSWER ON AIR: Econ102@Turpentine.co

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Recommended Podcast: Company Breakdowns

Each episode of Company Breakdowns dives into S-1s and series B-and-beyond companies, interviewing founders and investors to break down the companies. First episode is on Rubrik - which just IPO'd. Coming up this season: Databricks, Reddit + more,

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0epyYBAxLeF0PsNagdDJAJ

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/company-breakdowns/id1743119197

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LINKS:

Noahpinion: https://www.noahpinion.blog/

WW3? : https://www.noahpinion.blog/p/americans-are-still-not-worried-enough

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X / TWITTER:

@noahpinion (Noah)

@eriktorenberg (Erik)

@TurpentineMedia (Turpentine)

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TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Episode Preview

(01:57) The defense industrial base

(08:17) Precedents of wars leading to World War II and the Cold War

(14:57) Contrast of Xi Jinping and Putin

(21:46) Sponsor: Turpentine

(22:33) China's production advantage

(27:54) Evaluating the new axis of power

(33:51) Complexities of manufacturing and warfare

(41:02) Impact of war on economies

(44:13) Exploring the Israel-Palestine conflict

(49:41) Potential for peace in the Middle East

(55:28) Wrap