Geopolitical Economy Report

In a heated discussion, the podcast delves into the U.S. and Israel's military aggression across the Middle East, particularly against Iran and Lebanon. It highlights the contradictions in U.S. narratives and the role of media distortion. Listeners gain insight into Israel's strategic alliance with the U.S. and its implications for conflicts in the region. Historical context reveals past invasions and current troop deployments. The shifting allegiances among Gulf monarchies also hint at a changing landscape influenced by rising powers like China.

Radhika Desai, a political economist, Michael Hudson, an expert on international economic relations, and geopolitics scholar Glenn Diesen dive into NATO's escalating misconceptions about Russia and China. They discuss the fallout from NATO's approach in Ukraine and the lessons learned from the West's failures. The trio examines Europe's challenges in realigning strategies amidst nuclear risks, the failure of military-centric policies, and advocates for a diplomatic resolution over aggression, highlighting the urgent need for a reassessment of alliances and foreign objectives.

Hassan Nasrallah, the late Hezbollah leader known for defending Lebanon's sovereignty and battling ISIS, shares his significant role in regional politics. Ben Norton discusses the impact of Nasrallah's death, emphasizing Hezbollah's alliances with Christian leaders and its portrayal as a protector against Israeli colonialism. They delve into the historical context of terrorism, U.S. support for extremist groups, and the distinction between Zionism and Judaism, painting a complex picture of resistance in Lebanon.

Ben Norton, an insightful analyst on colonial conflicts, discusses Israel's recent military actions against Lebanon. He explores the origins of Hezbollah, framing it as a local resistance movement birthed from Israeli oppression. Norton sheds light on Israeli ambitions for territorial expansion, linking them to historical colonial practices. He critiques U.S. complicity and deconstructs common narratives labeling Hezbollah as a terrorist group, highlighting its role in protecting minority communities in the face of extremist threats.

Ben Norton, a geopolitical analyst, discusses the recent Israeli bombing in Lebanon involving explosives in pagers. This act has stirred international condemnation and raised critical questions about the trustworthiness of Western technology. Norton argues that such incidents amplify skepticism towards U.S. tech firms, prompting Global South countries to increasingly turn to Chinese alternatives. The conversation also touches on the broader implications of technology weaponization and the shifting dynamics in global supply chains amid rising geopolitical tensions.

In a deep dive, journalist Ben Norton analyzes the recent legislative onslaught against China, spotlighting how the US Congress passed 25 anti-China laws, including a hefty $1.6 billion for anti-China propaganda. His insights reveal a bipartisan frenzy aiming to escalate tensions reminiscent of the Cold War era. Norton critiques the focus on foreign conflict over domestic issues, illustrating a concerning pivot in US foreign policy and the implications for global stability. The discussion highlights the urgency for independent media in the face of escalating misinformation.

Ben Norton, an analyst specializing in geopolitics and international law, dives into the recent UN resolution demanding an end to Israel's occupation of Palestinian territory. With 124 countries endorsing the resolution, Norton dissects the geopolitical ramifications and highlights the stark contrast between the Global South's support and the Western nations' positions. He also critiques the U.S. influence, exploring its role in obstructing Palestine's recognition and examining the historical context behind America's unwavering support for Israel.

US Senator Lindsey Graham discusses Ukraine's staggering mineral wealth, valued at trillions, and its potential benefits for the U.S. economy. Journalist Ben Norton analyzes the rampant exploitation of these resources by Western powers, aiming to weaken China's grip on critical supply chains. President Zelensky is drawn into the fray, promoting Ukraine as a lucrative investment for U.S. corporations. The conversation deeply critiques how geopolitics and resource greed intertwine amidst the conflict, raising alarms about the future of Ukraine's sovereignty.

Ben Norton, a journalist specializing in geopolitics, dives into Trump’s threat to impose tariffs on countries that abandon the US dollar. He discusses how such actions could fast-track global de-dollarization, prompting nations to align with alternatives like BRICS. The conversation also covers China's growing influence, the rise of local currencies, and the implications of these shifts for US imperialism and trade dynamics. With the dollar’s role as a 'public good' questioned, the landscape of international finance faces a transformative overhaul.

Radhika Desai, a political economist, teams up with Robert C. Hockett, a legal scholar, to dive into the world of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) and their implications. They discuss how CBDCs could democratize finance, while also examining Wall Street's strong opposition. The duo explores the controversial benefits of Sweden's e-krona, the vital need for privacy in digital finance, and the historical purpose of the Federal Reserve. They question the U.S. banking system's current focus and advocate for reforms that prioritize public interests.