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.

The same week France arrested Telegram CEO Pavel Durov, the "President of the Rich" Emmanuel Macron stole the 2024 election, refusing to allow the left-wing New Popular Front that won to form a new government, instead appointing a new prime minister from a right-wing party that got 6% of the vote. Ben Norton discusses how Western "democracies" are actually oligarchies. VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbx43-U1h1o Topics 0:00 Western "democracy" is oligarchy 3:39 Emmanuel Macron: the "president of the rich" 6:11 Inequality in France 8:27 French billionaire oligarchs 12:48 France's 2024 election results 14:10 Macron appoints election loser Michel Barnier as PM 15:28 Leftist leader Mélenchon accuses Macron of electoral theft 17:04 52% of French want to impeach Macron 17:28 Western leaders praise undemocratic PM Michel Barnier 19:51 How Macron stole the election he lost 23:07 France is not a democracy 24:20 Arrest of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov 25:57 US government wanted Telegram backdoor for spying 27:09 Russia, West, and Pavel Durov 28:18 Telegram and Belarus color revolution attempt 30:16 Western media's former love affair with Durov 31:19 West turns on Durov 33:45 Outro

Ben Norton, a geopolitical commentator, teams up with economist Michael Hudson to discuss Israel's military actions in Gaza, revealing the crucial role of U.S. support and arms supply. They examine how Israel functions as a U.S. outpost in the Middle East, blending historical colonialism with contemporary geopolitics. Their conversation delves into why the U.S. maintains this alliance, arguing it serves imperial interests while perpetuating violence against Palestinians. Insights reveal a complex interdependence shaped by military and economic factors.

Radhika Desai, a political economist specializing in geopolitical economy, and Michael Hudson, an economist focused on debt and financial systems, delve into the Federal Reserve's role in inflation. They critique the Fed's prioritization of asset price bubbles over the needs of average workers. The discussion also highlights how rising interest rates are making housing less affordable and worsening wealth inequality. Desai and Hudson argue for a reevaluation of the narrative around inflation, emphasizing the real financial struggles many Americans face.

Ben Norton, a journalist focused on the effects of U.S. economic warfare, reveals startling truths about sanctions affecting over one-third of the world's countries. He discusses the deadly consequences these measures have had on nations like Venezuela and Iraq, emphasizing that such sanctions often lead to severe humanitarian crises. Norton critiques the myth of 'targeted' sanctions and highlights how countries like China and Russia are creating alternatives to U.S. financial hegemony. The conversation uncovers the looming risks of a fractured global system as desperation grows.

Ben Norton, an analyst, dives into the stark contrast between European public sentiment and the political stance of EU leaders regarding the Ukraine war. He reveals polling data indicating a strong desire for peace negotiations over military escalation. Norton discusses how many Europeans actually oppose sending more weapons and argues that a compromise settlement is the most likely outcome. He emphasizes that a Ukrainian defeat could signal the end of Western hegemony, raising critical questions about Europe’s future actions.

Ben Norton, an expert on neo-feudalism and tech monopolies, draws eye-opening parallels between today's Big Tech giants and historical feudal lords. He highlights how companies like Amazon and Google manipulate market dynamics, extracting exorbitant fees and controlling digital infrastructure. The conversation dives into the implications of U.S. tech dominance on global relations, especially concerning China. Norton warns of a future where corporate monopolies exacerbate inequality, reminiscent of a digital age marked by feudal-like exploitation.

Muhammad Yunus, cultivated by the U.S. for decades and now interim leader of Bangladesh, discusses the recent regime change alongside geopolitical commentator Ben Norton. They delve into the U.S. support for protests against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the implications of a potential U.S. military base on Saint Martin's Island. The conversation highlights historical U.S. interventions, the international power dynamics involving India, China, and Russia, and the complex relationship between U.S. foreign policy and Bangladeshi politics.

Ben Norton, a commentator on the geopolitics of sports, delves into the hypocrisy surrounding anti-doping rules. He reveals how the U.S. allows its athletes to cheat, gathering intelligence while accusing Russia and China of violations. Norton critiques the double standards in international sports governance, examining the U.S.'s military actions and lack of accountability. He questions the Western-dominated 'rules-based order' and highlights ongoing imperialistic influences, especially in the context of international athletic competitions.

Economist Michael Hudson discusses the recent stock market crash and looming financial crisis. He dives into extreme market volatility, the unraveling Japanese yen carry trade, and the impact of the AI bubble on Big Tech. Hudson unpacks important geopolitical tensions involving Russia, Ukraine, and Iran, highlighting how these factors influence global stability. He critiques the short-sightedness of current economic analysis and challenges listeners to rethink the disconnect between wealth and real economic conditions.