This episode features Erik and Samo's 2nd-ever interview for the Venture Stories podcast, an in-depth discussion of geopolitics, statecraft, and the study of society. It was recorded in 2019. They cover: how might cryptocurrencies increase centralized state power? What do our economic analyses miss when they do not look inside the inner workings of companies? How do media companies drive news narratives?

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Also discussed: Democracy, capitalism, and the Hong Kong protests. ​​Silicon Valley’s startup culture as it contrasts with corporate culture as descended from IBM. ​​Free trade, domestic protectionism, and subsidy of foreign exports as trade strategies for developing nations: lessons from Japan, South Korea, and pre-1980s Iran. Kissinger’s approach to geopolitics. Gorbachev and Deng Xiaoping, and Marxism’s legacy. ​​​The political future of the European Union and the economic future of the Indian Ocean. Systems of immigration in France, Canada, the U.S., and Japan. ​Predictions for meaning-making in the modern era.

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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

Apple

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LINKS:

Samo’s Bismarck Brief: https://brief.bismarckanalysis.com/

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FOLLOW US ON X:

@eriktorenberg (Erik)

@samoburja (Samo)

@turpentinemedia (Turpentine)

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TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(00:50) Exploring Alternatives to Democracy and the Rise of CEO-Driven Countries

(02:03) The Complexities of Government Transparency and Military Interventions

(02:57) Analyzing Authoritarian Elements in Societies and the Hong Kong Protests

(07:25) Sponsor: Beehiiv | Harmonic

(09:35) The Influence of Economic Growth and Technology on Global Politics

(13:37) Silicon Valley vs. Corporate America: A Battle of Cultures

(15:01) The Future of Media: Silicon Valley's Integration with East Coast Media

(28:04) Navigating the Complexities of Progress and Environmental Sustainability

(35:21) Lessons from Historical Civilizations to Avoid Modern Decline

(39:06) The Evolution of Whistleblowers and Heterodoxy

(39:57) Reforming Societies: Historical Insights

(40:51) Marx's Legacy and Predictions for the Future

(43:28) China's Rising Influence and Global Shifts

(45:43) Europe's Political Stability and Economic Challenges

(48:44) The Future of Globalization and Regional Blocks

(51:59) Decentralization, Blockchain, and State Power

(55:09) Sovereign Individuals and Legal Jurisdictions

(58:26) Immigration Policies and Cultural Integration

(1:02:27) Globalization vs. Localization: Future Scenarios

(1:06:11) Addressing Global Challenges: Climate Change and AI

(1:09:54) Religion's Role in the Future

(1:14:45) Wrap