Geopolitical Economy Report

Ben Norton
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Dec 18, 2025 • 21min

Trump admits he wants to take Venezuela's oil — and give it to US corporations

The conversation dives into Donald Trump's bold claim about seizing Venezuela's oil for U.S. corporations, revealing underlying colonial motives. Discussions cover the historical context of Venezuela's oil nationalization and the impact of U.S. sanctions, portrayed as illegal by UN experts. Insights into Trump's coup attempts and the naval blockade highlight the aggressive tactics employed. The episode critiques media narratives and questions the legitimacy of U.S. interests while framing it as a modern imperialist strategy.
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Dec 15, 2025 • 38min

US influence in Latin America grows: Nazi-tied, pro-Israel, anti-China candidate wins Chile election

The podcast dives into the election of Chile's far-right president, José Antonio Kast, whose father had Nazi ties. It examines U.S. interventions in Latin America, particularly the resurgence of pro-U.S. regimes promoting neoliberal policies. Kast's admiration for Donald Trump and former dictator Pinochet raises alarm over regional stability. The discussion also highlights Chile's strategic resources, like lithium and copper, and the implications of rising far-right influence across Latin America.
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Dec 11, 2025 • 1h 10min

What is Socialism with Chinese Characteristics? This is how China's economic model works

Ben Norton, a political journalist focusing on geopolitics and global economy, dives deep into China's unique model of 'socialism with Chinese characteristics.' He discusses how China evolved into the world's largest economy and revolutionized poverty reduction. Norton illuminates Deng Xiaoping's reforms, state ownership dynamics, and the strategy of 'grasp the big, let go of the small.' He also explores the implications of China's industrial policy for global value chains, its green energy advancements, and contrasting governance perceptions. It's a captivating analysis of a complex economic landscape.
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8 snips
Dec 7, 2025 • 1h 9min

This is the US empire's new strategy for global dominance

Explore the U.S. National Security Strategy's ambitious push for global dominance! Delve into plans for nearshoring manufacturing to Latin America and reviving the Monroe Doctrine. Discover how the U.S. aims to decouple from China and foster military strength in the face of a new Cold War. Hear about Marco Rubio's role in shaping these policies and the implications for U.S.-Russia relations. Uncover the geopolitics of resource control and the strategy behind dollar dominance as America recalibrates its global influence.
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Dec 3, 2025 • 25min

Trump frees one of world's worst drug traffickers - while meddling in foreign elections

The discussion reveals Donald Trump's controversial pardon of notorious drug trafficker Juan Orlando Hernández, highlighting his extensive cocaine operations and ties to U.S. administrations. The episode delves into the U.S.'s historical meddling in Honduran elections, including the support for a military coup and allegations of election fraud in 2013 and 2017. Future meddling is also predicted as Trump influences the 2025 Honduran election. The resistance of Honduras against U.S. imperialism forms a critical part of this compelling narrative.
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Nov 29, 2025 • 23min

Palantir executives sell their shares as the stock crashes - but they smear critics as 'crazy'

Palantir's stock is under scrutiny as executives dump shares while CEO Alex Karp defends the company against short-sellers, labeling them as 'crazy.' Discussions delve into the AI bubble, mass surveillance ties, and government contracts fueling its rise. The CEO's emotional rants raise eyebrows, especially when juxtaposed with insider sales worth millions. With an absurd price-to-earnings ratio and the looming threat of a market crash, the tension between Palantir and its critics intensifies, questioning the sustainability of its valuation.
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Nov 22, 2025 • 28min

AI bubble madness: Why Nvidia's market cap fell $600,000,000,000 in ONE DAY

Explore the wild world of AI-driven stock market bubbles, where Nvidia's shocking $600 billion drop raises critical questions. Delve into the Magnificent Seven tech stocks and their role in US GDP growth. Discover the circular financing trap that big tech, including the money-losing OpenAI, is caught in. With Nvidia's market volatility, customer concentration, and surging inventories, concerns about a financial house of cards grow. Finally, ponder the real risks of recession looming over this irrational market.
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Nov 17, 2025 • 28min

Exposed: The US-Israeli plan to colonize Gaza

The podcast reveals a troubling US-Israeli plan to colonize Gaza, featuring Trump's bold claim to 'own' the territory. It discusses a proposed division of Gaza into a 'green zone' for Western allies and a neglected 'red zone' for locals. European troops may oversee this new order, while major investments target the region's resources, including offshore gas fields. The discussion highlights historical parallels to colonialism, the controversial role of Jared Kushner, and outlines ambitious mega-projects designed to exploit Gaza's labor and land.
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Nov 12, 2025 • 44min

This is Trump's plan to steal Venezuela's oil

Donald Trump expresses a desire to seize Venezuela's vast oil reserves while Marco Rubio orchestrates plans for regime change. They discuss María Corina Machado's push to privatize Venezuela's resources, hinting at $1.7 trillion up for grabs for U.S. corporations. The conversation touches on the U.S. military buildup in the Caribbean and controversial CIA operations. Public opinion shows resistance to military intervention, raising questions about who truly benefits from these geopolitical maneuvers. Ultimately, it’s a tale of power, resources, and the interests of elites.
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13 snips
Nov 8, 2025 • 37min

China is winning AI race, Nvidia says, as OpenAI begs US gov't for bailout

Nvidia's CEO warns that China may win the AI race, spotlighting the unsustainable AI bubble. OpenAI is seeking government guarantees amid financial woes, asking for federal support as pressure mounts. The discussion includes concerns over monopolistic practices among Silicon Valley giants and the risks of relying on government bailouts. Meanwhile, China's advancements in electricity generation give it a competitive edge, posing a significant challenge to U.S. companies reliant on AI technology.

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