The Jacob Shapiro Podcast

Jacob and Rob delve into the intriguing parallels between today’s political and economic climate and the Roaring Twenties. They discuss the calm in markets despite geopolitical chaos and explore deep challenges like labor shortages and energy infrastructure issues. The conversation highlights the rise of Bitcoin, which Jacob considers a 'miracle,' and debates its role in geopolitics and as a store of value. Additionally, they analyze AI’s adoption trends and the implications for future investments.

Jacob Shapiro sits down with Jacek Bartosiak, founder of Strategy&Future, to discuss Russia’s drone incursions into Polish airspace and their broader implications. From Warsaw’s perspective, deterrence has failed, pushing debate toward a “politics of punishment.” Bartosiak outlines the fracturing of NATO credibility, the rise of an Intermarium bloc from the Baltics to Turkey, and Ukraine’s surprising military innovations. Together, they explore how Poland, Ukraine, and regional allies may reshape Europe’s security landscape amid U.S. retreat.--Timestamps:(00:00) - Introduction and Guest Introduction(00:22) - Current Geopolitical Tensions in Poland(01:07) - Historical Context: The Intermarium Concept(02:04) - Polish Perspective on Western Media(02:58) - Russian Drone Incursion into Poland(05:41) - Poland's Strategic Debate and NATO's Role(10:40) - Ukraine's Military and Strategic Position(14:21 US-European Relations and Trump's Policies(24:55) - Future of NATO and Eastern European Alliances(27:43) - Geopolitical Tensions in Eastern Europe(28:35) - NATO's Role and Perceived Weakness(29:43) - Poland's Strategic Position and Military Capabilities(31:42) - Putin's Miscalculations and Regional Dynamics(33:48) - Historical Context and Turkey's Role(36:48) - China's Influence and Future Scenarios(48:06) - Belarus and the Future of Eastern Europe(51:39) - Concluding Thoughts on Regional Stability--Referenced in the Show:Strategy and Future - https://patronite.pl/p/strategy-and-future/ --Jacob Shapiro Site: jacobshapiro.comJacob Shapiro LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jacob-l-s-a9337416Jacob Twitter: x.com/JacobShapJacob Shapiro Substack: jashap.substack.com/subscribe --The Jacob Shapiro Show is produced and edited by Audiographies LLC. More information at audiographies.com --Jacob Shapiro is a speaker, consultant, author, and researcher covering global politics and affairs, economics, markets, technology, history, and culture. He speaks to audiences of all sizes around the world, helps global multinationals make strategic decisions about political risks and opportunities, and works directly with investors to grow and protect their assets in today’s volatile global environment. His insights help audiences across industries like finance, agriculture, and energy make sense of the world.--

Jacob Shapiro welcomes back Elohim Monard, a keen political commentator and host of Conversando de Politica. They delve into the transactional nature of U.S.-Latin America relations, exploring how leaders like Lula and Claudia Sheinbaum navigate Washington’s shifting policies. The duo discusses Brazil’s geopolitical role, the fragility of Venezuela, and the rise of populism. They also highlight the 'Latin Americanization' of U.S. politics and examine China's growing influence in the region, offering intriguing insights into the future dynamics of American power.

A deep dive into the political turbulence surrounding employment data unfolds as they explore Trump's firing of the Bureau of Labor Statistics head. The duo highlights the fragility of public statistics amidst AI advancements and political interference. They discuss the value and commoditization of data and its implications for public trust in an information-saturated world. Wrapping up, they unravel the baffling shifts in U.S.-India trade policy, questioning the evolving landscape of geopolitical dynamics.

In this engaging discussion, Luke Gromen, founder of The SRSrocco Report and a macroeconomic expert, joins to delve into pressing financial topics. They explore how AI is revolutionizing research while threatening job stability. Luke sheds light on the U.S. fiscal outlook, emphasizing the need for financial repression of bondholders. The duo discusses geopolitical tensions, notably the U.S.-China rivalry and Europe's vulnerabilities, before touching on Bitcoin's potential as a neutral reserve asset and stablecoins' role in fiscal strategy.

Jacob talks with Dr. Van Jackson, an influential international relations scholar focusing on East Asian and Pacific security. They delve into the volatility of U.S. foreign policy, labeling the Trump era as a counter-revolutionary oligarchy. Van critiques both major parties for risking diversionary wars amid legitimacy crises. The dialogue navigates the geopolitical tensions involving Iran, Israel, and China, and explores possibilities for a 'win-win-win' scenario on the Korean Peninsula as U.S. troop withdrawal from South Korea is contemplated.

Mike Konczal, Senior Director of Policy and Research at the Economic Security Project, dives into the shifting dynamics of American capitalism. He discusses how the Biden administration's agenda is reshaping neoliberal norms and highlights the implications of increased public investment. Konczal critiques the 2025 Tax Act, focusing on its cuts to Medicaid and food assistance. They also explore the role of green energy policies in economic competitiveness, immigration policy dynamics, and the overall impact of fiscal strategies on market stability.

Rob Larity, an investment expert, shares his insights on market trends and investment strategies. He discusses the impact of interest rate dynamics, highlighting political interference and the role of Jerome Powell. The conversation delves into the Federal Reserve’s mechanics, historical tensions with presidential influences, and the latest outlook on bonds and equities. Larity also expresses cautious optimism for international markets and niche small-cap opportunities amidst current economic uncertainties.

Fahd Humayun, an assistant professor of political science at Tufts University and visiting research scholar at Stanford, dives into the complex U.S.-Pakistan dynamics. He discusses Pakistan's perspective on the Iran-Israel conflict and the implications of a potential Trump presidency on U.S.-Pakistan relations. Humayun highlights escalating India-Pakistan tensions, the risks of military conflict, and China's increasing influence in South Asia. He advocates for regional diplomacy as a pathway to stability and explores domestic political challenges in Pakistan.

Rob Larity, a market analyst known for his insights, joins Jacob Shapiro to delve into the evolving landscape of global markets. They discuss the recent Israel-Iran conflict and its unexpected effects on oil prices. The conversation highlights Japan's increasing foreign investments and shifting U.S.-Japan relations, revealing underlying tensions. They stress the importance of strategic thinking in uncertain times and navigating the challenges posed by media distractions, advocating for mental clarity amidst rapid changes.