In this episode, Erik sits down with Balaji Srinivasan to discuss the Fiat Crisis, geopolitics, conspiracies, and the signs of decline for a hyperpower. Balaji is an angel investor, tech founder, philosopher, and author of The Network State. He was formerly the CTO of Coinbase. This riveting conversation is, in many aspects, a follow-up to his appearance on Moment of Zen (see links below). If you’re looking for an ERP platform, check out our sponsor, NetSuite: http://netsuite.com/UPSTREAM

Upstream is part of the Turpentine podcast network. To learn about sponsorships, email Erik@turpentine.co or head to www.turpentine.co

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.

ICYMI: Moment of Zen w/ Balaji Srinivasan: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6tk6DbkVhBlDp1hh8wzIEM?si=NA-oZU6NT7iNTKhX1ixoCQ

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Episode Preview

(01:40) What is happening with the Fiat Crisis?

(08:52) Balaji’s equivalent premises

(11:07) God, State, Network

(12:45) Irrational adherence to principles

(15:12) Sponsors: Secureframe

(16:16) Hyperpower wars 1991-2021

(20:05) Economic conclusions

(23:12) Blue America is at war with the world

(28:30) Cancellation is a weak form of warfare

(32:35) Red vs Blue vs Grey America

(38:00) Make America states again

(39:47) America and India parallels in reverse

(43:10) Can America turn around after the next election?

(44:25) America and China and Russia | Microsoft and Facebook and Google

(46:55) How people react to Balaji’s China stance

(52:00) History between Russia and Japan

(57:25) Conspiracies

(01:04:35) Balaji’s predictions for 2024 & the Fed

(01:11:41) Replacing the Dollar network

TWITTER:

Balaji’s Twitter: @balajis

Erik’s Twitter: @eriktorenberg

Upstream : @upstream__pod

SPONSOR:

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