Geopolitical Economy Report

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.

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.