Ones and Tooze

The turmoil of the Russian and Ukrainian economies amidst the ongoing conflict is the centerpiece of the discussion. Key insights include the impact of U.S. oil sanctions and how China and India influence Russia's export dynamics. There's an intriguing examination of Russia's wartime economic mobilization and the internal rivalries within its defense industry. Ukraine faces significant financial challenges, relying heavily on external support while navigating political hurdles in Europe. Finally, the podcast delves into corruption in Ukraine and how patronage networks are adapting to wartime needs.

Diving into the booming $17.59 billion podcast industry, the hosts discuss its origins and rapid growth since 2003. They explore who listens to podcasts, breaking down demographics and listening habits. The conversation highlights the costs and time involved in production, alongside advertising mechanics and CPM pricing. The duo examines how podcasts are discovered through algorithms and platforms like TikTok. Finally, they ponder the shift towards video formats and the emergence of a secondary oral culture, emphasizing community building and monetization strategies.

The discussion kicks off with the U.S. contemplating military action against Venezuela, prompting a deep dive into the country's collapsing oil production and living standards. The hosts dissect the complex relationship between U.S. sanctions and internal mismanagement. They also evaluate President Maduro's governance in comparison to Chávez and question the validity of drug trafficking claims as a justification for U.S. intervention. The potential consequences of regime-change efforts hint at a looming civil war, revealing a tangled web of loyalties within Venezuela.

The discussion kicks off with a recap of Trump's meeting with Xi Jinping, focusing on the latest trade truce. Delve into the world of rare earths, exploring China's dominance and its potential use as a weapon in the trade war. The hosts analyze contrasting deal-making styles of Trump and Xi, alongside the significant role of soybeans in agricultural politics. Shifting gears, they unravel the complex history of the Louvre's crown jewels, delve into museum thefts, and illuminate the shadowy realms of the illicit art market.

This discussion dives into the Nobel Prize in Economics, celebrating the groundbreaking work of Mokyr, Aghion, and Howitt. The focus is on innovation and creative destruction as key drivers of economic growth. Topics include Mokyr's view on Britain's role during the Industrial Revolution and how Aghion's modern take on Schumpeterian models influences competition and innovation. There's also a critical look at Europe's innovation gap and thoughts on climate policy, highlighting the interplay between technology and economic strategies.

Join Adam as he explores the rich history of the Frankfurt Book Fair, from its origins with Gutenberg to its revival post-World War II. Discover how the fair has shaped publishing economics and political discourse. Delve into the scale of the global publishing industry and the dynamics of rights and translation markets. Adam also reflects on the influence of traditional gatekeepers versus the rise of self-publishing and audiobooks. Finally, ponder the cultural relevance of books in an era of shifting reading habits.

Michael Sandel, a renowned political philosopher and Harvard professor, discusses his critiques of liberalism in today's political climate. He explores how moral arguments should be part of public debate, contrasting consumer freedom with civic engagement. Sandel highlights the legitimate grievances fueling populism, like economic disparities, and advocates for a pluralistic patriotism. He stresses the need for progressive politics to reconnect with moral purpose to address inequality and restore dignity to work. A thought-provoking dive into democracy and ethics!

Government shutdowns reveal the complexities of the American budgetary system. Key discussions highlight which services and workers are affected, such as furloughed staff and the economic damage linked to GDP and market uncertainty. The hosts delve into how the shutdown complicates Federal Reserve decisions due to halted data. They also explore the implications for national debt, fiscal politics influenced by U.S. dollar privilege, and the challenges states face in covering federal funding cuts. The potential for a constitutional crisis and the risks of executive power expansion are also examined.

Explore the Pacific as the team digs into the cultural significance of tuna in the Solomon Islands. Discover how climate change is reshaping fishing grounds and learn about the economic impact on local livelihoods. Women's empowerment shines through their tuna sales at the Honiara market. Traditional fishing practices meet modern challenges as ancestral knowledge guides fishers. The influence of colonialism and World War II adds depth to the region's fishing narrative, while tuna plays a pivotal role in recovery and resilience.

Dive into the complexities of rebuilding Gaza under Trump's peace plan. Explore the stark economic devastation and the challenges of reconstruction versus remaking the region. The conversation touches on legitimacy issues and the role of a proposed international transition agency. Transitioning to tech, the hosts delve into the layers of AI business, sovereignty, and the potential risks of AI escalation. They also examine how corporate strategies align with state policies, raising vital questions about the future of governance and technology.