Geopolitical Cousins Cocaine Cowboys
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Dec 17, 2025 Mexico is making bold moves with 50% tariffs, shifting from China to align more closely with the U.S. Meanwhile, Latin America is experiencing a rightward political swing, exemplified by Chile's recent elections. The hosts delve into the influence of illicit trafficking on city development, particularly how drug money has historically shaped urban landscapes. They also tackle the serious designation of fentanyl as a WMD and how U.S. foreign policy could mirror past interventions. The implications of tariffs and robotics on manufacturing futures are discussed too.
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Mexico's Tariff Pivot To The U.S.
- Mexico's 50% tariffs represent a sharp reversal from decades of neoliberalism toward protectionism.
- Jacob Shapiro argues Mexico is aligning with the U.S. to capture reshoring and North American supply chains.
Robots Trump Nearshoring
- Robotics and automation may blunt Mexico's tariff strategy by keeping manufacturing in high-robot factories in the U.S. or China.
- Marko Papic warns that onshoring will be driven by machines, not low-wage labor.
Andean Shift Toward The Right
- A pronounced rightward shift is occurring across the Andes, with Chile's election a leading example.
- Marko Papic and Jacob Shapiro see crime and immigration driving voters toward center-right, pro-market leaders.