Marko tears into the political class’s inability to talk about industrial policy without veering into Cold War nostalgia. He and Jacob unpack why tariffs are back—not as economic tools, but as cultural signals. Marko argues that globalization was always a political project, and it’s unraveling just as planned. From American washing machines to European defense contracts, the cousins trace how manufacturing, war, and narrative-building collide. Jacob tries to keep things historical; Marko’s too busy declaring the return of geoeconomics. Also: French nukes, German industry, and why the U.S. needs a better plan than “make things somewhere else.”

--

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction and Episode Overview

(00:11) Welcoming New Listeners

(00:18) Debate on Globalization and Tariffs

(00:57) Listener Feedback and Engagement

(01:54) Marco's Haircut Story

(02:41) Purpose of the Podcast

(10:31) Debate on Tariffs and Globalization

(41:21) The Decline of American Car Manufacturing

(42:29) The Washing Machine Revolution

(43:07) The Impact of Tariffs on Innovation

(43:38) Debating Historical Trade Policies

(46:14) The Role of Industrial Capacity in War

(49:06) Globalization and Redistribution of Wealth

(54:05) The 2008 Financial Crisis and Corporate Bailouts

(56:13) The Future of Manufacturing and War

(59:27) The Reality of War Footing and Defense Spending

(01:08:22) The Ideological Debate on Globalization

(01:14:05) Reflecting on Historical Conflicts with China

(01:14:28) Proxy Wars and America's Capabilities

(01:15:05) US-China Relations and Economic Strategies

(01:17:41) Technological Advancements and National Security

(01:30:30) The Future of Warfare and Global Power Dynamics

(01:30:53) Operation Spiderweb: Ukraine's Drone Attack on Russia

(01:33:35) Implications of Drone Warfare on Global Security

(01:39:12) The Evolution of Warfare and the Role of Technology

(01:45:58) The Future of Nation States in a Technologically Advanced World

--

Referenced in the Show:

Why Ukraine War's Deadly Drones Are Now Flying By 12-Mile-Long ‘Wires' - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLA_qgl2YYs&t=822s

Why This Russian Drone Developer Isn’t Impressed by U.S. Tech - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmfNUM2CbbM&t=865s

Geopolitics of Dune – https://geopoliticalfutures.com/the-geopolitics-of-dune/

--

Jacob Shapiro Site: jacobshapiro.com

Jacob Twitter: x.com/JacobShap

--

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.

--

Marko Papic is a macro and geopolitical expert at...

Marko kicks off this week’s episode with a takedown of Middle East punditry, arguing that Biden’s calm, calculated response to Iran’s attack on Israel is exactly what stability looks like in a multipolar world. While Jacob frets over deterrence and mixed signals, Marko doubles down: ambiguity is the new clarity. They unpack India’s chaotic yet predictable election, game out what a third Modi term could mean for trade and alliances, and roll their eyes at the latest BRICS buzz. Also: Taylor Swift’s soft power, Saudi predictability, and why global order now runs on vibes, oil, and opportunism.

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Introduction

(00:48) - Early Morning Dedication and Strategist Life

(01:38) - Father Moses and the Rise of Manliness

(04:12) - Orthodox Christianity Explained

(06:14) - Russian Orthodox Church and Geopolitical Influence

(11:04) - Cultural Shifts and Masculinity Crisis

(15:23) - Debating Modern Masculinity and Education

(17:42) - Political and Social Commentary

(22:44) - Climate Change and Policy Critique

(27:30) - The Role of Media and Public Figures

(42:14) - Personal Stories and Reflections

(46:44) - Toxic Masculinity and the Cornell Glee Club

(47:08) - Russia's Offensive Immigration Policy

(48:08) - The West's Immigration Strategy

(50:57) - Impact of Immigration Policies on Education

(56:20) - US Deficit and Fiscal Policies

(01:28:59) - NBA Finals and Geopolitical Implications

Marko and Jacob wrap up their Geopolitical Power Draft, spar over Canada’s place in the top 10, and debate whether demographics or tech will shape the next world order. Marko defends Canada with maple syrup, AI, and ag exports, while Jacob sides with rivers, realpolitik, and skepticism. They explore honorable mentions like the UAE, Rwanda, and a hypothetical Nordic Union, and ask whether non-state actors or city-states will dominate geopolitics. The episode is equal parts spirited bickering, big-picture theorizing, and long-shot speculation. Also: beavers, bunkers, and why Israel might be past its geopolitical prime.

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Introduction and Episode Overview

(01:25) - Geopolitical Power Draft Recap

(04:40) - Debating the Draft Picks

(06:32) - Analyzing Geopolitical Power

(17:00) - Honorable Mentions and Speculative Picks

(34:09) - Final Thoughts and Adjustments

(36:48) - Switching Japan and Iran

(37:07) - Argentina and Indonesia Reordering

(37:53) - Brazil's Regional Power

(39:03) - Canada's Geopolitical Position

(39:17) - Mexico's Potential Power Projection

(39:46) - Canada's Strengths and Weaknesses

(41:37) - Comparing Canada to Other Nations

(45:42) - Technological Innovation in Canada

(55:36) - Geopolitical Analysis and Predictions

(01:06:32) - US Debt and Fiscal Policy

(01:14:30) - Trump's Fiscal Policies and Tax Cuts

(01:16:00) - Medicaid and Welfare Cuts

(01:17:10) - Senate's Role in Budget Approval

(01:18:29) - Trump's Stance on Medicaid

(01:20:54) - Bond Market and Budget Cuts

(01:24:10) - Israel and Anti-Zionism Debate

(01:38:58) - South Africa's Racial Tensions