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.”

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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

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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/

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Jacob Shapiro Site: jacobshapiro.com

Jacob Twitter: x.com/JacobShap

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Geopolitical Cousins is produced and edited by Audiographies LLC. More information at audiographies.com

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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.

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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

The cousins return with chaos, caffeine, and an inaugural Geopolitical Power Draft - but not before Marko rants about Gulf monarchies, Trump’s diplomatic plane deals, and why Saudi Arabia might out-liberal Israel by 2050. He skewers Western pearl-clutching, explains why Qatar owes him a jet, and declares multipolarity the new default. Along the way: why Zelensky outmaneuvered Putin, how Xi is courting Latin America, and why the UAE is quietly winning the AI arms race. Then it’s time to pick global power players for the next 30 years. Marko’s playing 5D chess with industrial policy.

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Introduction and Podcast Overview

(01:00) - Geopolitical Analysts and Air Travel

(02:45) - US Foreign Policy and Gifts

(07:43) - Middle East Developments

(23:13) - Saudi Arabia's Transformation

(41:44) - Geopolitical Draft Introduction

(45:51) - Geopolitical Power Index and Geopolitics as an Art

(47:00) - Quantitative vs Qualitative Analysis in Geopolitics

(47:20) - Defining Power and Influence

(48:37) - Non-Linearity and Future Predictions

(48:53) - Nuclear Power and Population Debates

(49:07) - Critique of Demographic Obsession

(51:09) - American Power and Multipolarity

(54:01) - China's Position and Challenges

(59:09) -European Union and Western Europe

(01:04:05) - Turkey's Strategic Importance

(01:08:16) - India's Potential and Challenges

(01:11:56) - Russia's Geopolitical Influence

(01:13:45) - South Korea's Technological Edge

(01:16:31) - Brazil's Agricultural and Manufacturing Future

(01:17:03) - Canada's Strategic Advantages

(01:18:47) -Iran's Potential Resurgence

(01:19:56) - Argentina's Reform and Innovation

(01:20:48) - Singapore's Strategic Position

(01:21:30) - Saudi Arabia's Regional Influence

(01:22:11) - Japan's Resilience

(01:22:32) - Ukraine's Future as a Garrison State

(01:24:21) - Conclusion and NBA Thoughts

This week, the cousins speed-run chaos: Houthis hitting Israel, Trump cutting side deals, and Jordan taking heat for not hosting enough sick kids from Gaza. Marko argues that the U.S. is done playing global babysitter, and that might actually be stabilizing. They dig into Israel’s delusions of American loyalty, Burkina Faso’s TikTok dictatorship, and Marko's new theory: “geopolitical tightening.” Jacob’s worried about nukes and future AI plagues, but Marko says multipolarity forces adults to act like, well, adults. Oh, and if President Traoré of Burkina Faso is listening: We accept consulting fees in gold or viral video cameos.

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Introduction and Overview

(01:16) - Middle East Tensions: King Abdullah, Houthis, and Trump

(06:39) - Israel's Strategic Challenges

(11:56) - Jordan's Geopolitical Balancing Act

(22:30) - Burkina Faso's Social Media Strategy

(29:13) - The President's Social Media Strategy

(30:38) - Geopolitical Challenges in Burkina Faso

(31:29) - The Role of Gold in Global Politics

(34:10) - Global Perception of US Tariffs

(36:20) - Hegemonic Stability and Global Order

(44:35) - The Impact of Nuclear Weapons on Global Conflict

(54:08) - China's Potential as a Global Hegemon

(56:34) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

After a whirlwind of parenting, flights, and failed schedules, the cousins are back with overreactions and the U.S. dollar’s free fall. They riff on Chinese tech breakthroughs... but Marko's still not buying BYD over a German car. Europe? Left for dead, so maybe it’s time to buy? Jacob freaks out over India-Pakistan tensions, while Marko tries to keep us from launching WWIII. They also touch on Trump’s Nobel dreams, Pope predictions, and why Japan just became the spiciest trade negotiator in the room. Plus: rice diplomacy and NBA despair.

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Introduction and Announcements

(00:51) - Catching Up After a Busy Week

(01:56) - Overreactions Segment Introduction

(03:51) - First Overreaction: US Dollar Decline

(13:19) - Second Overreaction: China's Tech Advancements

(22:55) - Third Overreaction: Europe's Geopolitical Decade

(26:01) - Fourth Overreaction: Trump Administration's Peace Dividend

(31:43) - Discussion on the Vatican and the Pope

(33:15) - Conspiracy Theories and Pope Francis

(34:34) - The Future of the Papacy

(35:52) - Trump as Pope?

(36:55) - The Role of the Vatican

(40:06) - Global Politics and Religion

(41:50) - Canada and Australia Elections

(46:51) - Japan's Trade Stance

(52:29) - India-Pakistan Tensions

(56:04) - Multipolar World Conflicts

(01:03:36) - NBA Playoffs and Predictions

Marko unloads on the myth that austerity worked in Greece, calling out lazy linear thinking, Eurozone nerds with Excel models, and Paul Krugman’s fantasy economics. He explains how Greece’s turnaround was real - but not for the reasons anyone thinks - and why Syriza’s U-turn was political heroism, not betrayal. The conversation pivots to India, where Modi is playing the U.S., China, and Europe against each other with tariff diplomacy. Plus: Ottoman nostalgia, Donbas deadlock, and why even ISIS prefers Toyotas.

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Timestamps:

(00:00) - Introduction

(01:17) - Greece's Economic Turnaround

(03:00) - Debating Austerity and Economic Policies

(07:33) - Greece's Political Landscape and Reforms

(12:17) - Comparing Greece and Brexit

(30:19) - India's Market and Global Trade Dynamics

(37:43) - The Importance of Foreign Competition in Domestic Markets

(40:33) - The Impact of Tariffs on the Auto Industry

(43:53) - India's Strategy Towards Foreign Auto Companies

(45:12) - Russia-Ukraine Conflict Update

(53:15) - Trump's Tariff Policies and Their Implications

(56:23) - The Future of US Trade Deals

(01:03:42) - Concluding Thoughts on Trade and Geopolitics

Trump's tariff chaos isn’t strategy - it’s a policy car crash in slow motion. Jacob Shapiro and Marko Papic walk listeners through how we got here: tariffs based on 6th grade math, no off-ramps, and the U.S. launching a trade war… against everyone. Meanwhile, the rest of the world’s like, cool, we’ll just trade with each other. This isn’t about toaster prices—it’s about the U.S. exporting its own recession. If April 9th isn’t the pivot, buckle up.

Come for the analysis; stay for Marko’s tortured basketball metaphor at the end.

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Introduction

(00:32) - Unexpected Market Concerns

(01:43) - Tariffs and Market Reactions

(03:33) - Global Trade Dynamics

(05:06) - Impact on US Industries

(12:39) - Agricultural and Energy Sectors

(19:30) - Global Economic Shifts

(26:43) - Trump's Acceleration and Structuralism

(27:04) - Insane Policymaking and Tariffs

(28:17) - The Importance of Due Process

(29:13) - Arbitrary Policies and Financial Concerns

(33:20) - Market Timing and Optimism

(36:37) - Geopolitical Constraints and Future Outlook

(44:00 ) - Kevin Durant and Trade Barriers Analogy

(49:19) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts