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The old playbook is dead. Iran isn’t collapsing quietly, Europe is finally admitting unanimity is a fantasy, Japan may be waking up politically and financially, and the UN is drifting toward irrelevance. Macro is no longer about central banks and spreadsheets... it’s about power, coercion, and political risk. If you’re still reading FOMC minutes to understand the world, you’re missing the point entirely. -- Timestamps: (00:00) - Introduction (00:47) - Current Events (02:00) - US-India Trade Deal Analysis (04:58) - Iran-US Tensions and Potential Conflict (38:45) - Germany's Push for a Two-Speed Europe (49:04) - The Strategic Importance of Spain (49:42) - Immigration and Economic Growth in Europe (53:05) - Hungary and Serbia's Political Dynamics (55:04) - Debunking Demographic Myths (01:01:14) - The Decline of the United Nations (01:07:29) - Japan's Political and Economic Future (01:26:22) - The Role of the Federal Reserve -- Referenced in the Show: -- Geopolitical Cousins is produced and edited by Audiographies LLC. More information at audiographies.com -- Jacob Shapiro is a speaker, consultant, author, and researcher covering global politics and affairs, economics, markets, technology, history, and culture. He speaks to audiences of all sizes around the world, helps global multinationals make strategic decisions about political risks and opportunities, and works directly with investors to grow and protect their assets in today’s volatile global environment. His insights help audiences across industries like finance, agriculture, and energy make sense of the world. Jacob Shapiro Site: jacobshapiro.com Jacob Shapiro LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jacob-l-s-a9337416 Jacob Twitter: x.com/JacobShap Jacob Shapiro Substack: jashap.substack.com/subscribe -- Marko Papic is a macro and geopolitical expert at BCA Research, a global investment research firm. He provides in-depth analysis that combines geopolitics and markets in a framework called GeoMacro. He is also the author of Geopolitical Alpha: An Investment Framework for Predicting the Future. Marko’s Book & Newsletter: www.geopoliticalalpha.com/marko-papic Marko’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marko-papic-geopolitics/ Marko’s Twitter: https://x.com/Geo_papic Marko’s Macro & Geopolitical Research at BCA: https://www.bcaresearch.com/marketing/geomacro

The lads pick up where they left off in last week's episode with bias, plus a break down a chaotic global moment. Jacob and Marko unpack Mark Carney’s Davos speech and Canada’s sudden geopolitical assertiveness, arguing it marks a clean break from the rules-based order. They connect Canada’s stance to Trump’s tariffs, U.S. domestic unrest, China’s internal turmoil, and mounting Middle East tensions—framing the week as evidence that power politics, not norms, now define the global system -- Timestamps: (00:00) - Introduction and Episode Overview (01:08) - Current Global Events and Updates (01:55) - Mark Carney's Geopolitical Moves (03:09) - Analysis of Carney's Speech at Davos (03:58) - Comparative Historical Speeches (04:57) - Canada's Strategic Position and Response (07:09) - Realpolitik and Global Power Dynamics (08:56) - Implications for Future Geopolitical Strategies (16:22) - The Role of Morality in International Relations (29:10) - Underdogs and National Struggles (34:23) - Pragmatic Foreign Policy Approaches (35:23) - The Dangers of Morality in Foreign Policy (36:17) - Critique of Mark Carney's Speech (38:45) - Canada's Bold Moves Against Trump (49:29) - The Iran Situation and Oil Prices (53:33) - Domestic Issues: Minnesota and ICE (01:07:14) - Grizzly History and Modern Comparisons (01:07:50) - Personal Experiences and Political Commentary (01:09:04) - Republican Backlash and Political Dynamics (01:15:25) - Midwest Musings and Listener Feedback (01:19:32) - China's Internal Dynamics and Geopolitical Risks (01:26:05) - Taiwan Tensions and Future Predictions (01:33:34) - Closing Thoughts and Future Plans -- Referenced in the Show: -- Geopolitical Cousins is produced and edited by Audiographies LLC. More information at audiographies.com -- Jacob Shapiro is a speaker, consultant, author, and researcher covering global politics and affairs, economics, markets, technology, history, and culture. He speaks to audiences of all sizes around the world, helps global multinationals make strategic decisions about political risks and opportunities, and works directly with investors to grow and protect their assets in today’s volatile global environment. His insights help audiences across industries like finance, agriculture, and energy make sense of the world. Jacob Shapiro Site: jacobshapiro.com Jacob Shapiro LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jacob-l-s-a9337416 Jacob Twitter: x.com/JacobShap Jacob Shapiro Substack: jashap.substack.com/subscribe -- Marko Papic is a macro and geopolitical expert at BCA Research, a global investment research firm. He provides in-depth analysis that combines geopolitics and markets in a framework called GeoMacro. He is also the author of Geopolitical Alpha: An Investment Framework for Predicting the Future. Marko’s Book & Newsletter: www.geopoliticalalpha.com/marko-papic Marko’s Linkedin: a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/marko-papic-geopolitics/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

A chill manifesto against lazy thinking. A low-key diatribe about our preconceptions. Marko and Jacob take a second, amidst all the chaos of January 2026, to tear into the core failure of most geopolitical analysis - Bias. Real analysis means stripping away emotion, nationalism, and ego, then stress-testing your views until they break. From Trump and Canada to Russia, markets, and personal discipline, the point is simple: if you can’t argue the other side convincingly, you’re not an analyst—you’re a fan. -- Timestamps: (00:00) - Today's word is.... (00:39) - Listener Feedback and Basketball Metaphors (03:18) - Trump's Tariff Threats and Greenland (05:25) - Canada's Strategic Partnership with China (19:08) - Geopolitical Analysis and Bias (43:26) - Dealing with Hate Mail and Identity (43:55) - The Problem with Being Right (44:09) - Kobe Bryant's Shot Chart and Analysis Integrity (44:57) - Buddhism and Nihilism in Analysis (45:37) - Finance and Objectivity (47:29) - Bias in Finance and Politics (52:12) - Physical Fitness and Analysis (01:01:03) - Frameworks and Methodologies (01:12:15) - Humor and Passion in Analysis (01:15:02) - Final Thoughts on Being an Analyst -- Referenced in the Show: -- Geopolitical Cousins is produced and edited by Audiographies LLC. More information at audiographies.com -- Jacob Shapiro is a speaker, consultant, author, and researcher covering global politics and affairs, economics, markets, technology, history, and culture. He speaks to audiences of all sizes around the world, helps global multinationals make strategic decisions about political risks and opportunities, and works directly with investors to grow and protect their assets in today’s volatile global environment. His insights help audiences across industries like finance, agriculture, and energy make sense of the world. Jacob Shapiro Site: jacobshapiro.com Jacob Shapiro LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jacob-l-s-a9337416 Jacob Twitter: x.com/JacobShap Jacob Shapiro Substack: jashap.substack.com/subscribe -- Marko Papic is a macro and geopolitical expert at BCA Research, a global investment research firm. He provides in-depth analysis that combines geopolitics and markets in a framework called GeoMacro. He is also the author of Geopolitical Alpha: An Investment Framework for Predicting the Future. Marko’s Book & Newsletter: www.geopoliticalalpha.com/marko-papic Marko’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marko-papic-geopolitics/ Marko’s Twitter: https://x.com/Geo_papic Marko’s Macro & Geopolitical Research at BCA: https://www.bcaresearch.com/marketing/geomacro

Iran isn’t on the brink of some cinematic collaps - it’s rotting in place. Kamran Bokhari joins the boys to address the lazy “regime survives vs. regime falls” binary and looks at the reality of regime change: elite infighting, military power, succession chaos, and the slow erosion of state authority. Kamran lays out why decay, not revolution, is the base case - and why that mess matters far beyond Iran’s borders, reshaping regional power from Israel to Central Asia. -- Timestamps: (00:49) - Introducing Kamran and the Iranian Context (01:43) - Iran's Political Landscape and Regime Stability (05:03) - Historical Context and Regime Evolution (09:06) - Internal Dynamics and Military Influence (12:36) - Potential for Change and Succession (16:40) - Geopolitical Implications and Future Outlook (24:52) - Economic Interests and Sanctions (33:58) - Regional Influence and Strategic Interests (45:10) - US Geostrategy and Burden Sharing (46:08) - National Security Strategy and Spheres of Influence (46:56) - Iran's Regional Influence and Internal Dynamics (49:11) - Potential Civil War in Iran (56:21) - Historical Context and Ethnic Composition of Iran (01:02:19) - Geopolitical Implications of Iran's Situation (01:11:39) - Monetary Policy and Central Bank Independence (01:24:33) - Final Thoughts and Broader Geopolitical Issues -- Referenced in the Show: -- Geopolitical Cousins is produced and edited by Audiographies LLC. More information at audiographies.com -- Jacob Shapiro is a speaker, consultant, author, and researcher covering global politics and affairs, economics, markets, technology, history, and culture. He speaks to audiences of all sizes around the world, helps global multinationals make strategic decisions about political risks and opportunities, and works directly with investors to grow and protect their assets in today’s volatile global environment. His insights help audiences across industries like finance, agriculture, and energy make sense of the world. Jacob Shapiro Site: jacobshapiro.com Jacob Shapiro LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jacob-l-s-a9337416 Jacob Twitter: x.com/JacobShap Jacob Shapiro Substack: jashap.substack.com/subscribe -- Marko Papic is a macro and geopolitical expert at BCA Research, a global investment research firm. He provides in-depth analysis that combines geopolitics and markets in a framework called GeoMacro. He is also the author of Geopolitical Alpha: An Investment Framework for Predicting the Future. Marko’s Book & Newsletter: www.geopoliticalalpha.com/marko-papic Marko’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marko-papic-geopolitics/ Marko’s Twitter: https://x.com/Geo_papic Marko’s Macro & Geopolitical Research at BCA: a href="https://www.bcaresearch.com/marketing/geomacro" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

Look, if you’re still scrolling Twitter for shitty takes on why the Arctic is "strategic," do yourself a favor and put down your phone (after you hit play on this episode). It's a choke point for ICBMs and the GIUK gap, not a brand new new real estate discovery. Tada :) The real story isn't about rare earths or buying ice - it’s about the raw power disparity between a superpower and a NATO ally that’s historically had to swallow American sovereignty on its own soil. Meanwhile, in Tehran, the "analytical trap" is to dismiss the protests as just another 2009. But with oil sub-$50, no off-ramps, and a regime showing actual cracks, the question isn’t if things change - it’s whether the IRGC is ready to trade an 87-year-old Supreme Leader for a seat at the table. -- Timestamps: (00:00) - Intro (00:57) - Iran's Economic Crisis and Protests (02:49) - US-Iran Relations and Potential Outcomes (11:57) - Historical Analogies and Regime Change (17:21) - Greenland's Strategic Importance (24:37) - US-Denmark Relations and Sovereignty Issues (34:49) - Denmark's Historical Significance and WWII Heroics (35:36) - The Stupidity of Invading Greenland (35:54) - Republican Senators' Opposition (37:44) - Senator Kennedy's Southern Charm (40:34) - Trump's 19th Century Worldview (41:31) - The Importance of NATO and Denmark's Role (41:58) - Greenland's Resources and American Interests (42:37) - Europe's Response to Trump's Greenland Obsession (49:37) - Geopolitical Realities and American Ignorance (01:01:34) - The Complexity of Geopolitical Analysis -- Referenced in the Show: Greenland Breakdown - https://jashap.substack.com/p/greenland -- Geopolitical Cousins is produced and edited by Audiographies LLC. More information at audiographies.com -- Jacob Shapiro is a speaker, consultant, author, and researcher covering global politics and affairs, economics, markets, technology, history, and culture. He speaks to audiences of all sizes around the world, helps global multinationals make strategic decisions about political risks and opportunities, and works directly with investors to grow and protect their assets in today’s volatile global environment. His insights help audiences across industries like finance, agriculture, and energy make sense of the world. Jacob Shapiro Site: jacobshapiro.com Jacob Shapiro LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jacob-l-s-a9337416 Jacob Twitter: x.com/JacobShap Jacob Shapiro Substack: jashap.substack.com/subscribe -- Marko Papic is a macro and geopolitical expert at BCA Research, a global investment research firm. He provides in-depth analysis that combines geopolitics and markets in a framework called GeoMacro. He is also the author of Geopolitical Alpha: An Investment Framework for Predicting the Future. Marko’s Book & Newsletter: www.geopoliticalalpha.com/marko-papic Marko’s Linkedin: a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/marko-papic-geopolitics/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

The Cousins™ dismantle the lazy myths swirling around Venezuela, U.S. power, and the idea that every successful strike is a reusable template. This is about oil, incentives, and why markets consistently misunderstand force until it’s already been applied. Most importantly, this episode is a warning against one of the most dangerous impulses in geopolitics: assuming yesterday’s clean win guarantees tomorrow’s easy one. When credibility is tested and restraint looks optional, the real risk isn’t chaos - it’s overconfidence. -- Timestamps: (00:00) - Introduction (04:55) - Discussion on Venezuela and US Foreign Policy (06:20) - Saudi Arabia's Economic Strategy and Oil Market Dynamics (15:11) - Potential Geopolitical Moves: Iran, Cuba, and Greenland (33:10) - Trump's Trolling Tactics (33:26) - Venezuela's Impact on Trump's Strategy (34:18) - Trump's Liberal Tendencies (35:07) - Greenland and NATO Implications (36:03) - Legal Constraints and Political Realities (38:00) - Republican Party Dynamics (39:09) - Geopolitical Myths and Realities (50:27) - US Intervention History (01:00:50) - Rare Earths and Global Strategy (01:02:12) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts -- Referenced in the Show: -- Geopolitical Cousins is produced and edited by Audiographies LLC. More information at audiographies.com -- Jacob Shapiro is a speaker, consultant, author, and researcher covering global politics and affairs, economics, markets, technology, history, and culture. He speaks to audiences of all sizes around the world, helps global multinationals make strategic decisions about political risks and opportunities, and works directly with investors to grow and protect their assets in today’s volatile global environment. His insights help audiences across industries like finance, agriculture, and energy make sense of the world. Jacob Shapiro Site: jacobshapiro.com Jacob Shapiro LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jacob-l-s-a9337416 Jacob Twitter: x.com/JacobShap Jacob Shapiro Substack: jashap.substack.com/subscribe -- Marko Papic is a macro and geopolitical expert at BCA Research, a global investment research firm. He provides in-depth analysis that combines geopolitics and markets in a framework called GeoMacro. He is also the author of Geopolitical Alpha: An Investment Framework for Predicting the Future. Marko’s Book & Newsletter: www.geopoliticalalpha.com/marko-papic Marko’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marko-papic-geopolitics/ Marko’s Twitter: https://x.com/Geo_papic Marko’s Macro & Geopolitical Research at BCA: https://www.bcaresearch.com/marketing/geomacro

Welcome to another normal week in geopolitics - on your left, you'll see the Trump administration (allegedly) flying into Caracas at 1am and walking Nicolás Maduro out the door. No moral sermons, no democracy talk, just raw power politics, naked and unapologetic. Jacob and Marko unpack what this moment says about American empire, hypocrisy fatigue, regime change fantasies, and why history, from Panama to Iran, keeps repeating itself. -- Timestamps: (00:00) - Introduction and Emergency Podcast Announcement (00:31) - US Attack on Venezuela: Initial Reactions (02:11) - Historical Context of US Foreign Policy (03:12) - Trump's Hypocrisy and US Foreign Policy Consistency (03:49) - Marko's Perspective on the US Operation in Venezuela (05:37) - Conspiracy Theories and Military Operations (07:42 Implications of the US Operation in Venezuela (11:56) - Potential Regime Change in Venezuela (16:54) - Cuba as the Next Geopolitical Target (27:42) - Latin America's Political Landscape and US Influence (41:03) - Global Power Shifts and Resource Relevance (41:45) - China's Influence in South America (43:41) - Challenges of Economic Development in Latin America (46:20) - Geopolitical Tensions and Regime Changes (48:49) - The Chuck Norris Premium and Oil Prices (01:04:28) - Middle Eastern Conflicts and Rivalries (01:14:27) - Geopolitical Movies and Historical Events -- -- Geopolitical Cousins is produced and edited by Audiographies LLC. More information at audiographies.com -- Jacob Shapiro is a speaker, consultant, author, and researcher covering global politics and affairs, economics, markets, technology, history, and culture. He speaks to audiences of all sizes around the world, helps global multinationals make strategic decisions about political risks and opportunities, and works directly with investors to grow and protect their assets in today’s volatile global environment. His insights help audiences across industries like finance, agriculture, and energy make sense of the world. Jacob Shapiro Site: jacobshapiro.com Jacob Shapiro LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jacob-l-s-a9337416 Jacob Twitter: x.com/JacobShap Jacob Shapiro Substack: jashap.substack.com/subscribe -- Marko Papic is a macro and geopolitical expert at BCA Research, a global investment research firm. He provides in-depth analysis that combines geopolitics and markets in a framework called GeoMacro. He is also the author of Geopolitical Alpha: An Investment Framework for Predicting the Future. Marko’s Book & Newsletter: www.geopoliticalalpha.com/marko-papic Marko’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marko-papic-geopolitics/ Marko’s Twitter: https://x.com/Geo_papic Marko’s Macro & Geopolitical Research at BCA: a href="https://www.bcaresearch.com/marketing/geomacro" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

Geopolitics isn’t just policy memos and grim men in bad suits... it’s explosions, bad decisions, and unintended consequences (preferably set to a great score). The movies that we obsess over aren’t accidental; they’re training wheels for understanding power. War films that explain absolutely nothing. Spy thrillers where everyone is in the wrong. Resource dramas where greed wins (reality?). Collapse stories where systems rot from the inside. Cinema is where geopolitics drops the pretense and tells the truth: states are insecure, leaders are flawed, and incentives matter more than intentions. Consider this a syllabus disguised as a watchlist - where empires rise, fall, and usually trip over their own feet along the way. -- Timestamps: (00:00) - Introduction (00:54) - Categories of Geopolitical Movies (04:44) - First Pick (09:15) - Second Pick (14:26) - Third Pick (18:59) - Fourth Pick (22:27) - Fifth Pick (25:10) - Sixth Pick (30:43) - Seventh Pick (32:14) - Eighth Pick (34:50) - Ninth Pick (36:00) - Listen to find out :) -- Referenced in the Show: Jacob's List: Marko's List: -- Geopolitical Cousins is produced and edited by Audiographies LLC. More information at audiographies.com -- Jacob Shapiro is a speaker, consultant, author, and researcher covering global politics and affairs, economics, markets, technology, history, and culture. He speaks to audiences of all sizes around the world, helps global multinationals make strategic decisions about political risks and opportunities, and works directly with investors to grow and protect their assets in today’s volatile global environment. His insights help audiences across industries like finance, agriculture, and energy make sense of the world. Jacob Shapiro Site: jacobshapiro.com Jacob Shapiro LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jacob-l-s-a9337416 Jacob Twitter: x.com/JacobShap Jacob Shapiro Substack: jashap.substack.com/subscribe -- Marko Papic is a macro and geopolitical expert at BCA Research, a global investment research firm. He provides in-depth analysis that combines geopolitics and markets in a framework called GeoMacro. He is also the author of Geopolitical Alpha: An Investment Framework for Predicting the Future. Marko’s Book & Newsletter: www.geopoliticalalpha.com/marko-papic Marko’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marko-papic-geopolitics/ Marko’s Twitter: https://x.com/Geo_papic Marko’s Macro & Geopolitical Research at BCA: https://www.bcaresearch.com/marketing/geomacro

Welcome to the future. In 2026, we're pretty convinced that the global map will get some major rewrites. Our '26 bingo card has the potential collapse of the Venezuelan and Cuban regimes, the end of the war in Ukraine, and the subsequent battle for Russia’s very soul crossed out. While others fear peaking deglobalization, Marko and Jacob see a path to lowered tariffs and an incoming LNG glut that finally breaks the back of Europe’s energy crisis. It’s time to stop looking for patterns and start preparing for the non-linear :) chaoschaoschaoschaos -- Timestamps: (00:00) - Introduction (01:16) - Forecasting 2026: Tariffs and Trade (04:40) - US-China Relations and Latin America Focus (11:03) - Predictions for Venezuela and Cuba (13:55) - Ukraine War and Russian Politics (23:57) - European Energy Market Outlook (28:36) - Middle East: A Callous Perspective (29:50) - Saudi Arabia and UAE: Progress and Predictions (30:25) - Iran's Uncertain Future (32:11) - Turkey's Role in Geopolitics (33:08) - Oil Prices and Middle East Stability (35:59) - Israel's Resilience and Market Impact (39:42) - Forecasting Global Trade Agreements (44:57) - The Rise of Robotics in 2026 (51:34) - Blind Spots and Unmentioned Regions (54:41) - Final Thoughts and Potential Oversights -- Referenced in the Show: -- Geopolitical Cousins is produced and edited by Audiographies LLC. More information at audiographies.com -- Jacob Shapiro is a speaker, consultant, author, and researcher covering global politics and affairs, economics, markets, technology, history, and culture. He speaks to audiences of all sizes around the world, helps global multinationals make strategic decisions about political risks and opportunities, and works directly with investors to grow and protect their assets in today’s volatile global environment. His insights help audiences across industries like finance, agriculture, and energy make sense of the world. Jacob Shapiro Site: jacobshapiro.com Jacob Shapiro LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jacob-l-s-a9337416 Jacob Twitter: x.com/JacobShap Jacob Shapiro Substack: jashap.substack.com/subscribe -- Marko Papic is a macro and geopolitical expert at BCA Research, a global investment research firm. He provides in-depth analysis that combines geopolitics and markets in a framework called GeoMacro. He is also the author of Geopolitical Alpha: An Investment Framework for Predicting the Future. Marko’s Book & Newsletter: www.geopoliticalalpha.com/marko-papic Marko’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marko-papic-geopolitics/ Marko’s Twitter: https://x.com/Geo_papic Marko’s Macro & Geopolitical Research at BCA: https://www.bcaresearch.com/marketing/geomacro

Look, the world is decoupling, and everyone is making their bet. Mexico just threw their chips on the table with 50% tariffs, effectively divorcing China to marry the U.S. in a desperate play for North American relevance. Meanwhile, the Andes are swinging hard right, betting that nationalism and market-pro policies are the only way to survive a multipolar free-for-all.... But here's the truth: tariffs are just a consumption tax in a MAGA hat, and if the Supreme Court kills them, the bond market is going to riot. Forget the politics; follow the robots and the revenue. -- Timestamps: (00:00) - Welcome :) (01:41) - Mexico's Tariff Decision (07:44) - The Impact of Robotics on Manufacturing (23:42) - Chile's Shift to the Right (24:56) - Right-Wing Movements in Latin America (31:22) - Crime and Immigration in Latin America (38:13) - Montreal and Miami: Cities Built on Illicit Trafficking (38:55) - The Godfather: An American Story of Crime and Legitimization (40:14) - Fentanyl: Declared a Weapon of Mass Destruction (42:38) - US Foreign Policy: Lessons from the 1980s (46:05) - The Trump Administration's Controversial Policies (56:44) - Supreme Court and Tariffs: A Critical Decision (01:10:54) - Concluding Thoughts on US Policy and Economics -- Referenced in the Show: Fent is a WMD: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/12/designating-fentanyl-as-a-weapon-of-mass-destruction/ -- Geopolitical Cousins is produced and edited by Audiographies LLC. More information at audiographies.com -- Jacob Shapiro is a speaker, consultant, author, and researcher covering global politics and affairs, economics, markets, technology, history, and culture. He speaks to audiences of all sizes around the world, helps global multinationals make strategic decisions about political risks and opportunities, and works directly with investors to grow and protect their assets in today’s volatile global environment. His insights help audiences across industries like finance, agriculture, and energy make sense of the world. Jacob Shapiro Site: jacobshapiro.com Jacob Shapiro LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jacob-l-s-a9337416 Jacob Twitter: x.com/JacobShap Jacob Shapiro Substack: jashap.substack.com/subscribe -- Marko Papic is a macro and geopolitical expert at BCA Research, a global investment research firm. He provides in-depth analysis that combines geopolitics and markets in a framework called GeoMacro. He is also the author of Geopolitical Alpha: An Investment Framework for Predicting the Future. Marko’s Book & Newsletter: www.geopoliticalalpha.com/marko-papic Marko’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marko-papic-geopolitics/ Marko’s Twitter: a href="https://x.com/Geo_papic" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

The global discourse has hit a new low: political commentators are creating content out of a YouTube moron’s mean-spirited quest for clicks. Nick Fuentes, please, for the love of god, do better. Marko and Jacob drill past the outrage to ask why "mean" has become the default setting for public life. Then, Marko takes on the herculean task of defending the US' new National Security Strategy - which correctly identifies the need for a vital Europe, even if its authors got their core immigration data from clickbait white-woke channels. Finally, the real game: the US-Mexico-China trade triangle, where the path to American greatness may involve Chinese-built factories in Ohio. It’s nihilism, baby. -- Timestamps: (00:00) - Introduction and Setting the Scene (00:43) - Late Night Recording and Personal Updates (01:40) - Controversial Discussion on Hitler and Nick Fuentes (05:44) - Media's Role and Public Perception (26:39) - National Security Strategy Debate (34:28) - European Support for the Euro (35:15) - American Perception of the EU (38:27) - France and the Euro (42:14) - Misdiagnosing Europe's Problems (48:51) - US Seizes Venezuelan Oil Tanker (56:54) - Mexico's Tariffs on Chinese Imports (58:57) - US-China Relations and Manufacturing (01:05:32) - Podcast Wrap-Up and Final Thoughts -- Referenced in the Show: National Security Strategy 2025 - https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2025-National-Security-Strategy.pdf -- Geopolitical Cousins is produced and edited by Audiographies LLC. More information at audiographies.com -- Jacob Shapiro is a speaker, consultant, author, and researcher covering global politics and affairs, economics, markets, technology, history, and culture. He speaks to audiences of all sizes around the world, helps global multinationals make strategic decisions about political risks and opportunities, and works directly with investors to grow and protect their assets in today’s volatile global environment. His insights help audiences across industries like finance, agriculture, and energy make sense of the world. Jacob Shapiro Site: jacobshapiro.com Jacob Shapiro LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jacob-l-s-a9337416 Jacob Twitter: x.com/JacobShap Jacob Shapiro Substack: jashap.substack.com/subscribe -- Marko Papic is a macro and geopolitical expert at BCA Research, a global investment research firm. He provides in-depth analysis that combines geopolitics and markets in a framework called GeoMacro. He is also the author of Geopolitical Alpha: An Investment Framework for Predicting the Future. Marko’s Book & Newsletter: www.geopoliticalalpha.com/marko-papic Marko’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marko-papic-geopolitics/ Marko’s Twitter: a href="https://x.com/Geo_papic" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

Let's talk about the National Security Strategy! American policy is entering its “choose-your-own-adventure” era, where fiscal dreams meet bond-market reality, and every global problem looks oddly like a mortgage-rate issue. What happens when primacy of nations collides with actual nations... some of which are run by people you wouldn’t trust with your lawnmower? Marko and Jacob step up to trade pitches on Trump’s “peace,” Venezuela’s theatrics, Honduras’ magical disappearing red lines, and whether geopolitics is now basically just offshore balancing with better PR. Enjoy! -- Timestamps: (00:00) - Geopolitical Cousins (01:14) - Raccoon Story and Algorithm Talk (02:40) - Basketball and Leadership Analogies (05:54) - Geopolitics Starts lol (06:10) - Trump Accounts and Economic Policies (21:17) - National Security Strategy Discussion (47:04) - Critique of US Foreign Policy Rigidity (47:18) - Pragmatism in US Foreign Policy (47:35) - US Stance on Iran and Social Issues (48:33) - Historical Context and Containment Policy (49:24) - Flexible Foreign Policy and Realism (50:37) - US Actions in Venezuela and Honduras (56:38) - Venezuela's Oil and US Interests (58:44) - Honduras' Strategic Importance (01:01:55) - US Hypocrisy in Foreign Policy (01:03:19) - National Security Strategy and Global Military Presence (01:08:11) - Debate on Multipolar World and US Strategy (01:23:14) - AI, Crypto, and National Security (01:29:32) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts -- Referenced in the Show: National Security Strategy Document - https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2025-National-Security-Strategy.pdf -- Geopolitical Cousins is produced and edited by Audiographies LLC. More information at audiographies.com -- Jacob Shapiro is a speaker, consultant, author, and researcher covering global politics and affairs, economics, markets, technology, history, and culture. He speaks to audiences of all sizes around the world, helps global multinationals make strategic decisions about political risks and opportunities, and works directly with investors to grow and protect their assets in today’s volatile global environment. His insights help audiences across industries like finance, agriculture, and energy make sense of the world. Jacob Shapiro Site: jacobshapiro.com Jacob Shapiro LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jacob-l-s-a9337416 Jacob Twitter: x.com/JacobShap Jacob Shapiro Substack: jashap.substack.com/subscribe -- Marko Papic is a macro and geopolitical expert at BCA Research, a global investment research firm. He provides in-depth analysis that combines geopolitics and markets in a framework called GeoMacro. He is also the author of Geopolitical Alpha: An Investment Framework for Predicting the Future. Marko’s Book & Newsletter: www.geopoliticalalpha.com/marko-papic Marko’s Linkedin: a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/marko-papic-geopolitics/"...

Rising political extremes, shifting alliances, and competing visions of global order collide as leaders improvise their way through economic anxiety and geopolitical recalibration. Matt Gertken hops into the fray to help the cousins probe the uncomfortable overlap between left-wing populism and right-wing nationalism, the strategic ambiguity surrounding Taiwan, and the high-stakes bargaining shaping the future of Ukraine. What happens when power politics, domestic fragility, and global insecurity all peak at the same time? -- Timestamps: (00:00) - Introduction and Episode Setup (00:40) - Trump and Momani's Unlikely Friendship (02:17) - Analyzing Trump's Political Moves (13:05) - Japan-China Tensions Escalate (17:54) - Geopolitical Implications for Taiwan (30:20) - Russia-Ukraine Peace Plan Discussion (37:19) - Europe's Commitment to Ukraine (38:34) - Ukraine's Strategic Calculations (39:21) - Ukrainian Public Sentiment (40:43) - Debating Russia's Military Competence (43:10) - The 28-Point Plan and Zelensky's Political Future (43:34) - Economic Interests and Rebuilding Ukraine (44:38) - Security Guarantees and Diplomatic Challenges (56:50) - Trump's Role and Strategic Ambitions (01:01:39) - Conspiracy Theories and Speculations (01:02:40) - Debating China's Role in the Russia-Ukraine Conflict (01:03:50) - Speculating on Ukraine's Future and European Dynamics (01:05:36) - Potential Outcomes of a Russia-Ukraine Peace Deal (01:11:16) - Historical Analogies and Russia's Political Future (01:21:06) - Geopolitical Shifts and the Role of China (01:26:49) - Thanksgiving Anecdotes and Closing Remarks -- Referenced in the Show: -- Geopolitical Cousins is produced and edited by Audiographies LLC. More information at audiographies.com -- Jacob Shapiro is a speaker, consultant, author, and researcher covering global politics and affairs, economics, markets, technology, history, and culture. He speaks to audiences of all sizes around the world, helps global multinationals make strategic decisions about political risks and opportunities, and works directly with investors to grow and protect their assets in today’s volatile global environment. His insights help audiences across industries like finance, agriculture, and energy make sense of the world. Jacob Shapiro Site: jacobshapiro.com Jacob Shapiro LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jacob-l-s-a9337416 Jacob Twitter: x.com/JacobShap Jacob Shapiro Substack: jashap.substack.com/subscribe -- Marko Papic is a macro and geopolitical expert at BCA Research, a global investment research firm. He provides in-depth analysis that combines geopolitics and markets in a framework called GeoMacro. He is also the author of Geopolitical Alpha: An Investment Framework for Predicting the Future. Marko’s Book & Newsletter: www.geopoliticalalpha.com/marko-papic Marko’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marko-papic-geopolitics/ Marko’s...

Jacob and Marko finally caved to the mob on X and did what everyone (one guy who asked nicely) keeps yelling at them to do - rank the top five geopolitical U.S. presidents and the bottom five disasters. Not the best presidents. Not the most “inspirational.” The most geopolitically competent… and the ones who should never have been allowed within 500 feet of foreign policy. It gets spicy. Lincoln shows up with ruthless brilliance, Polk rolls in like the ultimate expansionist psychopath, Teddy swings a big stick (and probably breaks a few ribs), and then we get to the bottom five - where the real chaos lives. Why do some leaders bend history while others trip over it? And what happens when the world’s biggest superpower forgets the stakes? -- Timestamps: (00:00) - Best Intro Ever (00:42) - Listener Reactions and Content Expectations (01:43) - Current Events and Personal Opinions (02:37) - Coffee Rant and Personal Preferences (05:07) - Geopolitical Anecdotes and Personal Stories (09:58) - Top Five Geopolitical US Presidents (14:10) - Debating Presidential Competence (46:05) - Reagan's Foreign Policy and the Gulf War (46:56) - George HW Bush's Strategic Decisions (48:29) - Bush's Approach to China and Tiananmen Square (49:54) - Theodore Roosevelt's Foreign Policy Legacy (50:58) - Comparing Presidential Foreign Policies (54:50) - Honorable Mentions and Controversial Picks (01:10:17) - Worst Foreign Policy Presidents (01:20:14) - LBJ's Economic and War Policies((01:21:14 George W. Bush's Foreign Policy Failures (01:22:12) - The Impact of Al-Qaeda and the War on Terror (01:26:07) - Truman's Geopolitical Blunders (01:32:26) - Bill Clinton's Missed Opportunities (01:39:36) - Eisenhower's Domino Theory and CIA Operations (01:48:39) - Biden's Foreign Policy Critique (01:59:18) - Final Thoughts and Reflections -- Geopolitical Cousins is produced and edited by Audiographies LLC. More information at audiographies.com -- Jacob Shapiro is a speaker, consultant, author, and researcher covering global politics and affairs, economics, markets, technology, history, and culture. He speaks to audiences of all sizes around the world, helps global multinationals make strategic decisions about political risks and opportunities, and works directly with investors to grow and protect their assets in today’s volatile global environment. His insights help audiences across industries like finance, agriculture, and energy make sense of the world. Jacob Shapiro Site: jacobshapiro.com Jacob Shapiro LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jacob-l-s-a9337416 Jacob Twitter: x.com/JacobShap Jacob Shapiro Substack: jashap.substack.com/subscribe -- Marko Papic is a macro and geopolitical expert at BCA Research, a global investment research firm. He provides in-depth analysis that combines geopolitics and markets in a framework called GeoMacro. He is also the author of Geopolitical Alpha: An Investment Framework for Predicting the Future. Marko’s Book & Newsletter: www.geopoliticalalpha.com/marko-papic Marko’s Linkedin: a...

Power tilts, voter moods, and economic pressures collide as shifting swing-state margins, rising price levels, and clashing visions of populism redefine the boundaries of U.S. politics. Marko Papic and Jacob Shapiro traces how competing narratives on inflation, governance, and national identity shape the struggles within both major parties, while global tensions - from tariff battles to uneasy U.S.-China rapprochement - raise the stakes. At its core lies a question: can the political center hold when every lever of power is pulled toward extremes? -- Timestamps: (00:00) - Introduction (00:58) - Personal Anecdotes and Flu Game Discussion (02:43) - Client Call Story and Michael Jordan Stats (04:32) - Health Updates and Podcast Menu (05:14) - Democratic Election Victories Analysis (06:20) - Republican Challenges and Latino Vote Shift (08:19) - Potential Democratic Presidential Nominees (17:27) - Inflation and Economic Policies Debate (27:12) - Populism and Fiscal Policies (42:24) - Supreme Court and Tariff Discussions (45:56) - Uncertainty in Trade Policies (46:42) - US-China Trade Deal Breakdown (47:56) - Global Reactions and Comparisons (49:06) - Public Opinion on Trade (50:47) - Trump's Trade War and Its Implications (52:03) - US-China Relations and Future Prospects (01:11:58) - Venezuela and US Foreign Policy (01:22:57) - The Future of Global Geopolitics (01:34:06) - Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes -- Referenced in the Show: Communist Reagan - https://x.com/aidannonx/status/1982662832521875962?s=20 -- Geopolitical Cousins is produced and edited by Audiographies LLC. More information at audiographies.com -- Jacob Shapiro is a speaker, consultant, author, and researcher covering global politics and affairs, economics, markets, technology, history, and culture. He speaks to audiences of all sizes around the world, helps global multinationals make strategic decisions about political risks and opportunities, and works directly with investors to grow and protect their assets in today’s volatile global environment. His insights help audiences across industries like finance, agriculture, and energy make sense of the world. Jacob Shapiro Site: jacobshapiro.com Jacob Shapiro LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jacob-l-s-a9337416 Jacob Twitter: x.com/JacobShap Jacob Shapiro Substack: jashap.substack.com/subscribe -- Marko Papic is a macro and geopolitical expert at BCA Research, a global investment research firm. He provides in-depth analysis that combines geopolitics and markets in a framework called GeoMacro. He is also the author of Geopolitical Alpha: An Investment Framework for Predicting the Future. Marko’s Book & Newsletter: www.geopoliticalalpha.com/marko-papic Marko’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marko-papic-geopolitics/ Marko’s...