Geopolitical Economy Report

Economist Michael Hudson, author of 'Killing the Host', dives into the troubling rise of corporate landlords like Blackstone, accentuating how Wall Street's grip on the housing market is driving up rents and pushing many into homelessness. He critiques the shift towards financialized capitalism and the rentier class, explaining its detrimental impact on communities and highlighting economic education's failures. Hudson contrasts U.S. and Chinese economic models, revealing insights on the evolution from productive economies to exploitative practices.

Economist Michael Hudson, author of Super Imperialism, dives deep into the mechanisms of US-centered financial colonialism and its detrimental effects on the Global South. He critiques the exploitative nature of institutions like the IMF and World Bank, emphasizing the urgent need for reform and increased representation for these nations. Hudson also discusses emerging alternatives, like BRICS, that seek to challenge traditional financial hegemony. With insights on unmanageable dollar debt and strategies for economic independence, he offers a roadmap for resisting neocolonialism.

The White House imposed 50% tariffs on Brazil and declared it a threat to US "national security". Donald Trump is blatantly meddling in internal Brazilian affairs, trying to undermine left-wing President Lula da Silva and help far-right former leader Jair Bolsonaro. The USA's attacks also aim to divide BRICS and discourage more countries from joining. Political economist Ben Norton explains how the US empire is attacking the Global South's multipolar project. VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=niPNwB-0nQI Topics 0:00 (CLIP) Lula condemns US meddling 1:06 Trump sanctions & tariffs Brazil 2:04 BRICS & Brazil 3:20 Lula resists US hegemony 4:39 (CLIP) Lula on US interference 8:41 Trump fears BRICS & dedollarization 9:56 (CLIP) Trump threatens tariffs on BRICS 10:24 Poll: Brazilians prefer BRICS over USA 11:42 Lula is leading 2026 election polls 12:33 Jair Bolsonaro, close US ally 13:25 Bolsonaro's failed coup attempt 14:35 Role of China 16:19 Bolsonaro fled to USA 18:02 Latin American right: US proxies 19:35 Trump declares Brazil a "threat" 20:50 Elon Musk & US Big Tech corporations 22:41 Trump imposes 50% tariff on Brazil 23:08 Lula defends Brazil's sovereignty 24:29 US coups in Latin America 26:33 Coups against Brazil's Lula & Dilma 29:06 USA has trade surplus with Brazil 29:55 Lula: Trade in other currencies, not dollar 31:00 China: Brazil's top trading partner 32:04 China: Latin America's top trading partner 33:07 China builds infrastructure in Latin America 33:50 China & Brazil plan transcontinental railroad 34:50 Brazil embraces multipolarity 36:46 Brazil boosts ties with Russia 37:14 Brazil & China peace proposal in Ukraine 37:50 Multipolarity & Latin America 39:40 Outro

Donald Trump, the former U.S. President, discusses how his administration's policies have transformed Europe into a compliant ally. He highlights one-sided trade deals that favor U.S. corporations while leaving Europe with little benefit. Trump emphasizes the U.S. military and energy dominance over Europe, with increased spending requirements imposed on NATO allies. The dialogue reveals the struggles of the EU to maintain autonomy amidst U.S. interests and critiques the imperialistic nature of these relationships, suggesting a significant power shift in global dynamics.

The discussion centers on how Trump's policies, intended for economic growth, have disproportionately benefited the wealthy while hurting his own supporters. As contradictions grow within the MAGA base, questions arise about the sustainability of democracy. The podcast evaluates the unmet economic and foreign policy promises, revealing increased strains like inflation and stagnant wages for the average American. It further critiques the recent tax breaks for the elite, which have exacerbated disparities in access to social programs and economic stability.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.