In this episode, Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg discuss how Ukraine has proven surprisingly resilient throughout the war by maintaining its economy and developing significant domestic drone manufacturing capabilities. He argues that "Europe is not toothless" despite America's shifting role, detailing how Europe collectively has greater manufacturing capacity than America and identifying three key reforms Europe needs: deregulating software, building energy infrastructure, and removing internal trade barriers.

–

SPONSORS:

NetSuite

More than 41,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, the #1 cloud financial system bringing accounting, financial management, inventory, HR, into ONE proven platform. Download the CFO's Guide to AI and Machine learning: https://netsuite.com/102

AdQuick

The easiest way to book out-of-home ads (like billboards, vehicle wraps, and airport displays) the same way you would order an Uber. Ready to get your brand the attention it deserves? Visit https://adquick.com/ today to start reaching your customers in the real world.

Found

 Found provides small business owners tools to track expenses, calculate taxes, manage cashflow, send invoices and more. Open a Found account for free at https://found.com/econ102

Incogni

Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code ECON102 at the link below and get 60% off an annual plan: https://incogni.com/econ102

–

SEND US YOUR Q's FOR NOAH TO ANSWER ON AIR: Econ102@Turpentine.co

–

FOLLOW ON X:

@noahpinion

@eriktorenberg

@turpentinemedia

–

RECOMMENDED IN THIS EPISODE:

Noahpinion: It’s time for Europe to stand up https://www.noahpinion.blog/p/its-time-for-europe-to-stand-up

Book: Old Man’s War by John Scalzi https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36510196-old-man-s-war

–

RECOMMENDED PODCAST:

🎙️Check out Modern Relationships, where Erik Torenberg interviews tech power couples and leading thinkers to explore how ambitious people actually make partnerships work. This season's guests include: Delian Asparouhov & Nadia Asparouhova, Kristen Berman & Phil Levin, Rob Henderson, and Liv Boeree & Igor Kurganov.

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1786227593 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5hJzs0gDg6lRT6r10mdpVg 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ModernRelationshipsPod 

–

TAKEAWAYS

• Ukraine has shown resilience in sustaining its war efforts.
• US aid to Ukraine is becoming less crucial over time.
• Turkey's support for Ukraine is significant.
• Europe has substantial manufacturing capacity for military needs.
• Historical patterns of expansionism are relevant to current geopolitics. Putin's expansionist ambitions can be compared to Louis XIV's.
• Europe's aging population poses challenges for military readiness.
• Russia's reliance on China complicates its geopolitical stance.
• Economic reforms are crucial for Europe's resilience, including deregulation of the software industry.
• Internal trade barriers hinder European economic integration.
• America's role as a protector of Europe is diminishing.