The Great Simplification with Nate Hagens

The Mad Scramble for Power: Global Superpowers’ Strategies for Energy, Economics, and War | Reality Roundtable #16

Mar 23, 2025

Art Berman, a veteran petroleum geologist; Michael Every, a geopolitical strategist; and Izabella Kaminska, a finance editor, discuss the ever-shifting landscape of energy and global power. They dive into the complexities of deindustrialization and military spending, exposing the fragile relationship between trust and disinformation. The conversation also touches on the implications of AI and quantum technology in warfare, and how today's geopolitical tensions reflect historical patterns. Expect insights on how citizens can navigate the turbulent waters of global leadership.

01:29:51

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Episode guests

Izabella Kaminska

Michael Every

Art Berman

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

The current stagnation in energy growth, termed the peak plateau, signals potential economic decline and requires innovative policies for adaptation.

Energy independence is becoming a central theme in global geopolitics, compelling nations to reconsider their strategies for energy security and international relations.

Authentic leadership is vital for rebuilding public trust, as political transparency regarding energy policies can lead to more effective governance and cooperation.

Deep dives

The Peak Plateau and Energy Economics

The current state of energy supply and demand is at a critical juncture, known as the peak plateau, where neither consumption nor production is set to grow. This stagnation in energy growth suggests that the economic expansion seen over the past several decades may no longer be achievable. The implications of this transition present a stark reality for global economies, highlighting the urgent need for innovative energy policies to adapt to changing market conditions. If left unaddressed, this plateau could lead to significant geopolitical fragmentation as nations compete for dwindling resources.

Intro

3min

Shifting Energies: Geopolitical Dynamics and Policy Implications

15min

Economic Statecraft: Bridging Finance and National Strategy

2min

Economic Triage in a Militarized Europe

11min

Economic Mobilization and Technological Implications in Modern Warfare

14min

The Collapse of Trust and Power Dynamics

12min

Navigating Future Governance: Lessons from History and Society's Choices

4min

Geopolitical Energy Dynamics

18min

Innovative Alliances and Leadership Accountability

12min

The rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape of recent years can be hard to follow. With economic conflicts between global superpowers and violent clashes across multiple continents, today’s events can seem starkly different from the trajectory of past decades. So, how can a deeper understanding of energy and resource security help us make sense of these chaotic trends?

In this discussion, Nate is joined by Art Berman, Michael Every, and Izabella Kaminska for a broad exploration of the complex relationship between energy, geopolitics, and economic strategy. Together, they provide valuable insights into the consequences of deindustrialization, the impact of military spending, and the urgent need to reassess strategies as resources dwindle and geopolitical tensions rise.

How is the use of fear as a political tool intertwined with the challenges of trust and disinformation in navigating turbulent international conflicts? What role is the race for Artificial General Intelligence and Quantum Computing playing in these rapidly changing situations? And ultimately, what should we, as citizens, be expecting from our leaders at the global stage as the struggle for power in the 21st century continues to intensify?

(Conversation recorded on March 10th, 2025)

About the Guests:

Arthur E. Berman is a petroleum geologist with over 40 years of oil and gas industry experience. He is an expert on U.S. shale plays and is currently consulting for several E&P companies and capital groups in the energy sector.

Michael Every is Global Strategist at Rabobank Singapore analyzing major developments and key thematic trends, especially on the intersection of geopolitics, economics, and markets. He is frequently published and quoted in financial media, is a regular conference keynote speaker, and was invited to present to the 2022 G-20 on the current global crisis.

Izabella Kaminska is the founding editor of The Blind Spot, a finance and business news website. She is also senior finance editor at POLITICO. Izabella was previously editor of the Financial Times' Alphaville blog, and an associate producer at CNBC.

Show Notes and More

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