"The Riff" with Byrne Hobart and Erik Torenberg

E32: Populism, Elites, and Preparing for AGI

Jun 13, 2024

56:43

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The podcast discusses populist cycles, billionaires buying media companies, investing for AGI, elite influence post-financial crisis, navigating elite status, power dynamics in media conflicts, rise of AI, and venture capital role in tech firms.

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Quick takeaways

Populist cycles alternate between elite and populist leaders, influencing governance and preventing prolonged elite rule.

Populist economic policies can lead to short-term growth but long-term issues like over-indebtedness and corruption.

Populist governments increase economic transparency, reshaping governance by allowing informed decisions based on citizen data.

Transition between elite rule and technocratic leadership balances governance dynamics, emphasizing the need for turnover in ruling classes.

Influential figures like Musk and Bezos shape media narratives and policy realms, impacting information flow and societal perceptions.

Deep dives

Populism and Elites Cycles

The cycle of populism and elites is discussed, highlighting how shifts occur between elite rulers and populist leaders. The pattern involves electing leaders from contrasting backgrounds, affecting GDP growth and economic stability. The cyclical nature of this phenomenon stabilizes governance and prevents prolonged elite rule.

The Cycle of Populism and Technocracy

01:08

Power vs Money in Media Ownership

00:54

Impending Artificial Intelligence Superiority

03:00

Capital Allocation and Market Efficiency

02:31

Intro

2min

Populism, Technocracy, and Elite Influence Post-Financial Crisis

12min

Navigating Elite Status and Swagger

4min

Power Dynamics and Influence in Media and Conflicts

21min

The Rise of Artificial Intelligence: Opportunities and Risks

8min

Venture Capital Role and Capital Allocation in Technology Firms

8min

On this week's episode of The Riff, Erik and Byrne discuss populist cycles, why billionaires buy media companies, how to invest if you think AGI is coming soon, and more. beehiiv: Head to https://beehiiv.com and use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three months.

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This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at erik@turpentine.co.

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SPONSORS:

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TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(00:21) Populists vs technocrats

(07:37) Role of media and influence

(14:02) View on counter elites

(15:41) Sponsor: Babbel | Beehiiv

(18:51) Israel on PR war

(22:59) On Big Tech Has No Power At All by Curtis Yarvin

(26:42) Elon Musk’s Twitter takeover

(30:14) Comparing media ownership: Bezos vs. Musk

(38:42) Leopold Aschenbrenner’s situational awareness paper

(44:26) Investing strategies in the age of AGI

(46:38) Role of Venture Capital

(50:05) High frequency trading explained

(53:42) Prediction markets and information transmission

(54:26) Wrap

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LINKS:

Byrne’s writing: https://thediff.co

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X / TWITTER:

https://twitter.com/eriktorenberg (Erik)

https://twitter.com/ByrneHobart (Byrne)

https://twitter.com/TurpentineMedia (Turpentine)

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For guest or sponsorship inquiries please contact Sam@turpentine.co

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