Comparing Gilded Age Monopoly to Today's Tech Elites

Jacob Shapiro is joined by Matt Pines, Executive Director of the Bitcoin Policy Institute, to discuss the accelerating convergence of Bitcoin, AI, geopolitics, and energy. Pines argues that technological change is happening faster than existing frameworks can manage, pushing once-fringe ideas into mainstream policy debates. They explore how AI and Bitcoin are straining U.S. infrastructure, particularly the electrical grid, and what this means for national security and economic stability. The discussion also considers the rise of “techno-feudal” elites, political backlash risks, and whether America can maintain an edge against China’s state-driven infrastructure build-out. Pines closes with reflections on Bitcoin’s rapid rise as both a strategic asset and a test of U.S. policy adaptability.

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Timestamps:

(00:00) - Introduction

(01:33) - The Acceleration of Change

(07:16) - Energy Consumption and Infrastructure Challenges

(15:24) - Political and Economic Implications

(21:35) - US vs China: Technological Race

(27:26) - Future of Sovereignty and Power

(33:11) - The Future of AI and Techno-Surveillance Capitalism

(35:01) - Economic Implications of Universal Basic Income

(35:35) - Sci-Fi Futures and Technological Transformations

(36:27) - Bitcoin's Role in a Techno-Feudal World

(41:25) - Political and Social Reactions to Technological Change

(42:58) - The Rapid Evolution of AI and Its Impacts

(53:14) - Bitcoin Policy and National Interest

(58:38) - Geopolitical and Monetary Challenges Ahead

(01:02:45) - Concluding Thoughts and Future Outlook

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Referenced in the Show:

Bitcoin Policy Institute - https://www.btcpolicy.org

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Jacob Shapiro Site: jacobshapiro.com

Jacob Shapiro LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jacob-l-s-a9337416

Jacob Twitter: x.com/JacobShap

Jacob Shapiro Substack: jashap.substack.com/subscribe

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The Jacob Shapiro Show is produced and edited by Audiographies LLC. More information at audiographies.com

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Jacob Shapiro is a speaker, consultant, author, and researcher covering global politics and affairs, economics, markets, technology, history, and culture. He speaks to audiences of all sizes around the world, helps global multinationals make strategic decisions about political risks and opportunities, and works directly with investors to grow and protect their assets in today’s volatile global environment. His insights help audiences across industries like finance, agriculture, and energy make sense of the world.

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This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp