Middle East Dynamics: Alliances and Demographics

This chapter explores the intricate geopolitical relationships in the Middle East, focusing on the strategic interests of nations like Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey. It examines the impact of demographic changes, such as declining fertility rates, on governance and societal dynamics, while contrasting current trends with historical political movements. The discussion also critiques Israeli policies related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, highlighting the need for improved economic frameworks to address emerging demographic 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