Maggie Lake Talking Markets Episode 60: Geopolitical Threats & Opportunities. With Jacob Shapiro and Dee Smith.
Jun 8, 2025
Join Jacob Shapiro, Head of Geopolitical and Macro at The Bespoke Group, and Dee Smith, CEO of Strategic Insight Group, as they dissect the far-reaching implications of Operation Spider's Web. They explore Ukraine's drone strikes and their potential impact on warfare rules and commerce. The conversation delves into economic nationalism as a precursor to conflict, U.S. diplomatic efforts, and the evolving landscape of defense procurement. Tune in for insights into geopolitical chess moves that investors should watch closely!
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Drone Attack Redefines Warfare
- Ukraine's drone attack on Russia revealed how small, inexpensive drones can inflict significant military damage.
- This challenges assumptions about military power centralized in large nations and opens new warfare possibilities for smaller or non-state actors.
War Meets Commerce Vulnerability
- The Ukrainian strike may have rewritten the rules of both war and commerce.
- Thousands of shipping containers worldwide could potentially hide weapons, making global trade vulnerable.
Update Military Procurement Systems
- Defense procurement systems must adapt to address low-cost drone threats efficiently.
- Investing in affordable directed-energy weapons like lasers is crucial to counter expensive missile costs.