"Live Players" with Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg

In this episode, Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss the dysfunction of Big Pharma, its lack of innovation, and potential ramifications despite its economic power. They delve into the incentives behind scientific breakthroughs, truth vs profit, and changing the FDA's approval processes. They also explore healthcare spending, Ozempic, and future innovations in the medical industry.

Discussions include Africa as the potential 'next China,' corrupt governments, and Botswana's leadership. Geopolitical significance of the Indian Ocean, global Islamist movements, and migration trends towards China are also explored. The importance of strong local governance to avoid civil war and kleptocracy is emphasized.

Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss US government spending, regulation, and the importance of strategic restructuring for improved efficiency. They explore the evolution of DARPA and its implications, propose ideas to improve efficiency in government practices, and examine strategies to mitigate regulatory capture and improve government efficiency.

Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss China as America’s mirror, the waning prestige of American universities, the role of gender in political divergence, China’s leadership shifting to academia, the formation of elites in the US and China, and the power and influence of American universities

The podcast discusses the challenges of dynasties and succession, flaws in meritocracy systems, the transfer of success and status between generations, the benefits of using Shopify as a global commerce platform, influential families like the Lee family of Samsung and the Wallenberg family of Sweden, and the unique succession system in South Korea.

This episode of Live Players explores Singapore's rise to power, their transferable strategies, and their diplomatic role in US-China relations. They also discuss Singapore's succession problems and their unique approach to law enforcement.

Japan's multidimensional identity, aging population, and economic challenges. Exploration of Japan's work culture and economic strategies. Declining population and potential solutions. The future of Japan's economy and competition from younger labor. Japan's historical relationship with the US. Japan's role in Asia and potential nuclear arsenal.

The hosts discuss the Bronze Age collapse and question the perception of the early Middle Ages. They explore the use of napalm by the Byzantine Empire and the complexity of historical narratives. They also examine the dynamics of centralization and decentralization, the geopolitical power dynamics among the United States, China, and Russia, and the geopolitical pressure on the United States. Additionally, they delve into Russian military tactics in the Ukraine conflict and the politicization of history.

This podcast explores the concept of long history, challenging traditional views of human civilization. They discuss the excavation of Gobekli Tapet, the cyclical nature of civilizations, patterns of collapse, comparing American and Chinese governance, and the synthesis between feminism and anti-feminism.

Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss Henry Kissinger's legacy and his unique brand of international relations. They explore his approach to world order and realism, and evaluate his influence on modern diplomacy. The podcast also touches on the role of retired statesmen as unofficial messengers, the application of public choice theory in foreign policy, and Kissinger's impact on US foreign policy.