Bonus Episode: Will the Middle East Be Unrecognizable? - with Jared Cohen
May 19, 2024
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Jared Cohen, the Co-Head of the Office of Applied Innovation at Goldman Sachs, shares insights on the Middle East, including interactions with Israeli, Jordanian, and Palestinian officials. Topics cover war perspectives, regional dynamics, and the geopolitical evolution of the Gulf region. The conversation also delves into the legacy of Benjamin Netanyahu and explores voter sentiments towards political leaders.
Geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East post-October 7; complex relationships and shifting alliances discussed by Jared Cohen from Goldman Sachs.
Impact of social media on conflicts; rapid information dissemination, radicalization risks, and algorithmic influences highlighted by Jared Cohen.
Evolving roles of global swing states like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE; economic ambitions and shifts towards economic integration shaping geopolitics according to Jared Cohen.
Deep dives
Jared Kohn's Extensive Travel and Insights in the Middle East
Jared Kohn, from Goldman Sachs, shares his experiences from his recent travels to Israel, Palestine, Jordan, and the Persian Gulf states. He discusses the geopolitical dynamics in the region post-October 7th, highlighting the complex relationships between different countries and the ongoing shifts in power and alliances.
Impacts of Social Media on Global Conflict
Kohn delves into the influence of social media on conflicts, emphasizing the rapid dissemination of information and the potential for radicalization. He explores the risks posed by the algorithmic nature of social media in fueling identity politics and extremism, showing its impact not only in the Middle East but globally.
Geopolitical Swing States and Their Impact
Drawing parallels between swing states in the US and global geopolitical swing states, Kohn discusses the evolving roles of countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE. He highlights their economic ambitions and the shifts towards economic integration, emphasizing their significance in shaping global geopolitics.
Presidential Transition Challenges and Impact
Analyzing the post-presidential lives of former presidents, Kohn sheds light on the challenges of transitioning from power to civilian life. He shares insights from historical figures like Herbert Hoover, revealing their quests for purpose beyond the presidency and the complexities of wielding power versus influencing from outside.
Reflections on Benjamin Netanyahu's Political Journey
Reflecting on Benjamin Netanyahu's extended tenure as Prime Minister of Israel, Kohn considers the challenges and motivations behind his repeated returns to power. He explores the difficulty of relinquishing authority and the potential risks involved in pursuing multiple comebacks, drawing comparisons to historical figures who faced similar dilemmas.
Jared Cohen is Co-Head of the Office of Applied Innovation and President of Global Affairs at Goldman Sachs. He also serves on the Management Committee of the firm. Jared is also the most senior Goldman executive to visit Israel since October 7. But Jared did not just visit Israel – and meet with a range of senior Israeli political leaders and security officials – he also was in Ramallah, in the West Bank to meet Palestinian Authority officials and Jordan – just before Jordan participated in the extraordinary multi-national defense of Israel, despite tense relations between the Israeli and Jordanian governments.
And since then, Jared has traveled extensively throughout the Persian Gulf States, where he has a long history of deep relationships.
It was interesting to get a fresh take from Jared on this region in transition.
Prior to joining Goldman, Jared was an executive at Alphabet, before which he was Google’s first Director of Ideas and Chief Advisor to Google’s then CEO and Executive Chairman Eric Schmidt. From 2006 to 2010, he served as a member of the Secretary of State’s Policy Planning Staff and as a close advisor to both Condoleezza Rice and Hillary Clinton.
Jared is a New York Times bestselling author of six books, including "One Hundred Days of Silence: America and the Rwanda Genocide," "Children of Jihad," "The New Digital Age: Transforming Nations, Business, and our Lives," which he co-authored with Eric Schmidt, and, most recently, "Life After Power: Seven Presidents and their Search for Purpose Beyond the White House," which you can order here: https://tinyurl.com/5xm8v7ft
OR
https://tinyurl.com/2ua6mzjd
Paper discussed in this episode: "The rise of geopolitical swing states" -- https://www.goldmansachs.com/intelligence/pages/the-rise-of-geopolitical-swing-states.html
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