Hidden Forces

In a deep dive into Middle Eastern geopolitics, Kamran Bokhari, a senior director at the New Lines Institute for Strategy and former U.S. State Department official, discusses the aftermath of the October 7th attacks. He outlines how Trump's 20-point Gaza peace plan may reshape regional dynamics, emphasizing the decline of Iranian power and the emergence of a new security order led by regional stakeholders. Bokhari also explores the implications of recent military actions, Israel's handling of Hezbollah, and the broader influence on U.S.-Middle East relations.

In a profound discussion, Roger Mitchell addresses the 'boomer blues' and the cultural malaise gripping the West. He highlights feelings of loneliness and fear stemming from a fraying social contract. The conversation delves into the risks of politicizing religion amidst existential crises, as well as Europe's identity struggles marked by immigration and declining birth rates. With younger generations facing economic hardships, the need for genuine human connections has never been more urgent.

Dan Wang, a writer and analyst focused on technology and US–China relations, delves into his book, Breakneck, discussing the stark contrasts between China's engineering-driven governance and America's litigation-focused culture. He explains how this shift has stifled innovation in the US while China's mega-projects flourish. Wang also highlights the unintended human costs of China's one-child and zero-COVID policies and explores the complex dynamics between these superpowers, emphasizing a need for the US to reclaim its 'can-do' spirit.

Viktor Shvets, a former investment banker and global strategist, discusses his insights on societal shifts from his books, including The Great Rupture. He critiques neoliberalism, attributing today's crises to its failures and drawing parallels to the 1930s' unrest. Viktor examines how technology, finance, and climate intertwine, fueling discontent and instability. He explores concepts like income redistribution and the role of government in addressing economic woes, ultimately stressing the need for a redefined understanding of freedom in modern policy.

Join Kurt Campbell, former U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, and Rush Doshi, foreign policy scholar and author, as they dissect America's strategic challenges with China's rise. They explore the critical importance of forming alliances, arguing that 'allied scale' is key to countering China's vast economic and military capabilities. Their discussion spans historical analogies, the implications of China's industrial dominance, and the unique nature of U.S. alliances, offering vital insights into how America can navigate a complex geopolitical landscape.

Adam Posen, president of the Peterson Institute for International Economics, discusses the shifting role of the U.S. in the global economy. He argues that America's transition from a security provider to a protection racket is reshaping international relations. Posen delves into the implications for U.S. Treasuries and the potential revival of industrial ecosystems. He also critiques the Biden administration's industrial policy execution, explores the impact of globalization on the U.S. middle class, and connects declining social trust to political polarization.

In this engaging conversation, Paul Kingsnorth, a novelist and former environmental activist, discusses his spiritual journey from activism to Orthodox Christianity. He critiques our mechanized worldview and the rise of AI as a false God that may lead us to cultural decline. Kingsnorth reflects on the apocalyptic nature of our times, highlighting how traditional pillars of culture have been replaced. He offers practical responses for rebuilding local culture and setting tech boundaries to help reclaim our humanity.

Douglas Rushkoff, a media theorist and writer, delves into how the internet transformed from a countercultural utopia into a platform for technofeudalism. He reflects on his journey from a communal upbringing in Queens to becoming a leading critic of digital culture. The conversation highlights the dangers of digital disembodiment, the loss of authentic connections, and the implications of corporate influence on society. Rushkoff urges listeners to reclaim agency and foster genuine relationships in an increasingly mediated world.

Charles Calomiris, former Chief Economist at the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, dives into the transformative potential of stablecoins in banking. He discusses how stablecoins could revolutionize real-time payments and reshape monetary policy while highlighting the implications of the 'Genius Act.' Calomiris addresses antitrust concerns, the future of U.S. government debt, and how these digital currencies might challenge the dollar's dominance. He envisions a more competitive banking landscape where loans and deposits are separated for enhanced economic stability.

Marvin Barth, founder of Thematic Markets and former Chief Economist at the U.S. Treasury, dives deep into thematic investing. He discusses the concepts of localization and global entropy, exploring their influence on economic growth and inflation. Barth critiques the pillars of Western power, arguing we've peaked in mythology, economic dominance, and military superiority. He paints a future where the global order may splinter, with emerging economic models challenging Western capitalism. Their conversation highlights shifting geopolitical dynamics and the evolving landscape of finance.