

Geopolitical Economy Report
Ben Norton
Geopolitical Economy Report is an independent news outlet that provides original journalism and analysis to understand the changing world.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 23, 2025 • 38min
How China & Russia help Global South countries defend against US interventionism: Nicaragua explains
Daniel Ortega, President of Nicaragua and a key figure in the Sandinista revolution, discusses the ongoing struggle against U.S. interventionism in the Global South. He highlights how China and Russia partner with formerly colonized nations to uphold their sovereignty. From the harsh impacts of U.S. imperialism in Nicaragua to the historic alliances shaped by revolutionary movements, Ortega reflects on the importance of these partnerships. He emphasizes that the fight against colonialism and modern militarization continues to inspire anti-imperialist sentiments across Latin America.

Jul 19, 2025 • 43min
Rule by the rich: Western governments are oligarchies, not democracies
The discussion reveals how Western governments, often touted as democracies, are largely influenced by wealthy elites and corporations. It examines the role of billionaires in shaping political landscapes, with Donald Trump highlighted as a prime example. The podcast addresses the impact of money on electoral processes, showing public opinion on healthcare and the significant influence of Super PACs. Additionally, it critiques the neoliberal austerity measures that favor the rich, leading to increased inequality while undermining democratic principles.

Jul 16, 2025 • 28min
Media finally admits: Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, as US corporations profit
Mainstream media is finally acknowledging the genocide occurring in Gaza, notably through a revealing article by an Israeli scholar. However, this admission highlights deep-rooted propaganda that has historically justified these actions. U.S. corporations are profiting from the conflict, with a disturbing link between military aid to Israel and corporate gains. The podcast also discusses the U.S. government's sanctions against truth-tellers and draws chilling parallels between contemporary abuses and historical atrocities.

Jul 13, 2025 • 29min
US gov't is very afraid of BRICS and dedollarization, Trump insiders reveal
Close Donald Trump allies like Steve Bannon say "the president is pissed every time he looks at the BRICS de-dollarization effort". The US government fears the Global South's challenge to the exorbitant privilege of the dollar. Trump is trying to make an example out of Brazil, threatening high tariffs to punish Lula da Silva, who promotes a multipolar world and a new global reserve currency. Ben Norton explains.
VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MguxV2HZWVk
As Trump threatens BRICS, it grows stronger, resisting US dollar and Western imperialism: https://geopoliticaleconomy.com/2025/07/10/trump-threat-brics-us-dollar-western-imperialism/
Topics
0:00 (CLIP) Trump: "The dollar is king"
0:17 Western imperialists fear BRICS
1:20 Trump threatens tariffs on BRICS
1:37 Dedollarization enrages Trump
3:21 (CLIP) Trump's angry rant against BRICS
4:43 Schrödinger's BRICS
5:24 US officials demonize BRICS
6:00 Non-Aligned Movement
7:18 US divide-and-conquer strategy
7:58 (CLIP) Trump: divide Russia and China
8:16 US empire is failing
9:00 Trump attacks Brazil
10:07 Brazilian President Lula da Silva
10:52 Jair Bolsonaro, Trump ally
11:26 Bolsonaro's failed coup attempt
12:07 Elon Musk meddles in Brazil
13:00 US-sponsored coups in Latin America
14:29 Elon Musk: "We will coup whoever we want"
15:27 US-backed coups in Brazil
18:01 Brazil pushes back against US meddling
19:52 Multipolarity
20:35 Dedollarization
21:08 Gold
22:30 US empire's main weapon: the dollar
24:06 Sanctions: economic warfare
24:53 BRICS develops alternatives
25:30 End of US dollar's exorbitant privilege
27:29 Why Trump is afraid
28:46 Outro

Jul 10, 2025 • 46min
As Trump threatens BRICS, it grows stronger, resisting US dollar and Western imperialism
Tensions rise as a former U.S. president claims BRICS is 'dead,' yet the coalition continues to expand, now representing 44% of global GDP and 56% of the world's population. Key discussions at the recent summit focused on dedollarization and strengthening trade ties among members using local currencies. With new leadership from countries like Vietnam and Cuba, BRICS is poised to challenge U.S. dollar dominance and promote a multipolar world. The growing resilience of this alliance highlights its significance in shaping the future of global economics.

Jul 4, 2025 • 23min
BRICS expands to majority of world population: Vietnam joins, USA fails to divide China & Vietnam
Vietnam's entry into BRICS marks a significant expansion, now representing nearly 44% of global GDP and over 55% of the world’s population. The U.S. attempts to create division between China and Vietnam have faltered, as Vietnam maintains its non-aligned stance. The podcast delves into the complex history and evolving relationships between these nations, emphasizing Vietnam's strategic positioning in a shifting geopolitical landscape. It also highlights the successes of socialist governance in improving life expectancy and overall public support, contrasting with Western democratic ideals.

Jul 1, 2025 • 24min
Dedollarization: How Iran challenges US dollar dominance and the petrodollar system
In a bold move, Iran pushes for dedollarization, leveraging its oil and gas exports to forge trade deals in local currencies with BRICS nations. The podcast dives into the U.S. dollar's 'exorbitant privilege' and the strategic economic warfare the U.S. employs against Iran. Historical insights reveal the origins of the petrodollar system and OPEC's influence on global oil prices. Additionally, the discussion touches on the ongoing geopolitical tension, including the U.S. efforts to maintain dominance through regime change in Iran.

Jun 27, 2025 • 52min
War on Iran is part of US plan for global domination: Economist Michael Hudson explains
Economist Michael Hudson, a specialist in global political economy, delves into the U.S. strategy against Iran as part of a broader plan for maintaining dollar hegemony and countering rival powers like Russia and China. He highlights historical U.S. meddling in Iran, the role of Israel as a strategic ally, and the implications of U.S. sanctions on global trade. Hudson passionately articulates the challenges posed by the BRICS nations to U.S. dominance, while critiquing the military-industrial complex's profit-driven motives that conflict with national security.

Jun 24, 2025 • 17min
Palantir CEO predicted US war on Iran, Russia, and China
Palantir CEO Alex Karp makes a bold prediction of a potential three-way war involving the U.S., Iran, Russia, and China. The discussion also highlights the historical context of U.S. intervention in Iran, echoing the fears of a formidable anti-hegemonic coalition that could reshape global dynamics. The podcast dives into the controversial roles of key figures advocating for military action against Iran. It questions the legitimacy of U.S. ceasefire claims and underscores the emerging multipolar world that challenges American dominance.

Jun 21, 2025 • 22min
To sell US war on Iran, Trump recycles old Iraq War propaganda
The podcast delves into the Trump administration's push for war against Iran, echoing the misleading narratives from the Iraq War era. It questions the reliability of intelligence claims about Iran's nuclear capabilities, exposing a lack of evidence. Tulsi Gabbard's controversial role shifts from critic to supporter of the war rhetoric, raising eyebrows. The discussion critiques how the media shapes public perception, highlighting imperial motives behind U.S.-Israeli actions. The parallels with past conflicts create a thought-provoking insight into contemporary geopolitics.