Geopolitical Economy Report

In this discussion, Richard Sakwa, a Professor of Russian and European politics, delves into the complexities of the Ukraine conflict and U.S. foreign policy under Trump. He notes Trump's criticism of Putin and highlights the shifting dynamics from neoconservative approaches to a more mercantilist strategy. Sakwa emphasizes the dwindling morale of the Ukrainian military, the stalled EU peace negotiations, and Ukraine's dilemmas as a negotiating partner. The conversation uncovers how geopolitical strategies are shaping the war's trajectory and the future of international relations.

US Vice President JD Vance announced a stark shift in foreign policy, emphasizing hard power and preparation for potential conflict with China. The discussion dives into the abandonment of soft power in favor of imperialistic tactics reminiscent of the 19th century. Key highlights include increasing military budgets, a focus on great power competition, and the U.S.'s strategy for containing China's rise. The implications of this aggressive stance signal a departure from previous approaches, raising concerns about a new era of militarism in American foreign policy.

Tensions escalate as Israel's Prime Minister vows to colonize Gaza and the U.S. backs these actions with military aid. Trump’s controversial strategies, including sanctions on the International Criminal Court, aim to remove Palestinians, raising humanitarian concerns over potential starvation. The podcast critiques the U.S. administration's bipartisan support for Israel, spotlighting how arms sales complicate international law and justice efforts. With Netanyahu praising Trump, the geopolitical implications of their alliance unfold, revealing a troubling narrative.

Explore the roots of U.S. deindustrialization, highlighting how political policies, particularly under Trump, have influenced manufacturing decline. Dive into the economic impact of tariffs and the misconceptions about trade deficits. Discover how financialization prioritizes short-term gains over long-term innovation, contrasting U.S. strategies with those of China. Unravel the essential role of transportation in trade policies and the disconnect between economic theory and reality, urging a reevaluation of approaches to foster true industrial growth.

Donald Trump's strategy to separate Russia and China is backfiring spectacularly. In a recent meeting, Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin declared their alliance stronger than ever. The discussion highlights China and Russia's deepening ties, which defy U.S. attempts at division. As both nations celebrate their historical cooperation, they criticize U.S. policies while affirming their mutual support in the face of perceived fascism. The rise of a multipolar world challenges America’s dominance, showcasing the friendship between these two global powers.

Donald Trump's aggressive trade policies and tariff threats are unintentionally uniting the world against the U.S. China is strengthening its ties with Europe, Japan, and Russia, indicating a significant shift in global alliances. The push for de-dollarization is gaining momentum as partners turn away from American influence. Amidst Trump's promises of military might, the global landscape is transforming, with Southeast Asia increasingly favoring collaboration with China over the United States.

Donald Trump's tariffs are backfiring, accelerating the global shift away from the U.S. dollar. Countries, particularly in BRICS, are selling off U.S. assets, seeking alternatives like gold and European bonds. Tensions are rising in East Asia as alliances between China, South Korea, and Japan strengthen amid U.S. trade threats. The fallout from these trade wars is shaking confidence in U.S. Treasury securities, paving the way for a multipolar currency world. The implications for U.S. economic policy and its financial markets are profound.

Dimitri Lascaris, a journalist and lawyer running the independent outlet Reason2Resist, joins political economist Radhika Desai to dissect Canada's recent elections. They argue that new PM Mark Carney, a center-right banker, represents no real alternative to Trump’s agenda, highlighting how both cater to elite interests. The conversation dives into declining voter turnout, regional polarization, and the diminishing presence of smaller parties while calling for a radical political shift to engage disillusioned citizens. Expect a challenging look at Canada’s nuanced political landscape!

The U.S. military is ramping up preparations for potential conflict with China, deploying missile systems in the Philippines. Historical parallels to the Cuban Missile Crisis are drawn as bipartisan warmongering targets China's growing influence. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's aggressive rhetoric fuels concerns of a military 'crusade,' while Trump's increase in military spending is critiqued amidst domestic austerity. The Pentagon now views China as the primary global threat, with Taiwan positioned as a pivotal factor in U.S. strategy.

Join economist Michael Hudson, known for his sharp insights on the dollar system, and economic geographer Mick Dunford, who analyzes U.S. economic challenges. They explore whether Trump's policies mark the end of dollar dominance. Topics include the dollar's declining reputation, the impact of U.S. debt on its reserve status, and rising gold prices indicating potential asset bubbles. The discussion also delves into military spending's influence on the dollar and the shifting dynamics of U.S. asset ownership in a multipolar world.