Economist and writer Noah Smith and investor Erik Torenberg make sense of what’s happening in the news, technology, business, and beyond, through the lens of economics
This week, Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg explore how nostalgia influences politics and economic policy in the US and China, comparing their consumer cultures, industrial strategies, and the complex effects of tariffs on domestic economies and global relations.
RECOMMENDED PODCAST: Tools and Weapons with Brad Smith
Join Microsoft Vice Chair Brad Smith as he explores tech's impact on society with Bill Gates and Satya Nadella sharing untold stories and insights on Microsoft's AI-fueled future.
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4bYASdhkHwovdSmU4YAjYg
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tools-and-weapons-with-brad-smith/id1632459165
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RECOMMENDED IN THIS EPISODE:
If you think Americans are mad now, just wait a few months: https://www.noahpinion.blog/p/if-you-think-americans-are-mad-now
Noahpinion: https://www.noahpinion.blog/
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TAKEAWAYS:
Nostalgia in Politics: They discussed the role of nostalgia in politics, both in the US and China.
Cultural Evolution: US and China: Noah argues China and America are more culturally similar than America and Germany due to both having replaced ancestral cultures with mass consumerism.
Tariffs and Economic Impact: The conversation analyzes Trump's tariff policies and their economic consequences.
US-China-Europe Relations: Europe may increasingly partner with China economically as US relations deteriorate.
Economic Consequences of Trade Policy: Noah argues tariffs don't reindustrialize a country but actually deindustrialize it.
This week, Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg explore topics ranging from the futuristic themes of Black Mirror and the societal impact of technology to a critical analysis of Trump’s de-industrializing tariff policies versus Biden’s growth-focused subsidies, while also examining libertarianism’s influence on American politics and the cultural shifts it may entail.
RECOMMENDED PODCAST: Tools and Weapons with Brad Smith
Join Microsoft Vice Chair Brad Smith as he explores tech's impact on society with Bill Gates and Satya Nadella sharing untold stories and insights on Microsoft's AI-fueled future.
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4bYASdhkHwovdSmU4YAjYg
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tools-and-weapons-with-brad-smith/id1632459165
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SPONSORS:
NetSuite
More than 41,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, the #1 cloud financial system bringing accounting, financial management, inventory, HR, into ONE proven platform. Download the CFO's Guide to AI and Machine learning: https://netsuite.com/102
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SEND US YOUR Q's FOR NOAH TO ANSWER ON AIR: [email protected]
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RECOMMENDED IN THIS EPISODE:
Worst-case scenarios and endgames for the Trump economy: https://www.noahpinion.blog/p/worst-case-scenarios-and-endgames
In which I review almost every episode of Black Mirror: https://www.noahpinion.blog/p/in-which-i-review-almost-every-episode
Noahpinion: https://www.noahpinion.blog/
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TAKEAWAYS:
This week, Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg discuss the Trump administration’s trade policies, their impact on U.S. manufacturing and investment, discussing strategies to counter China’s influence through multi-country trade blocs and industrial policy, and examining currency dynamics, economic default risks, and the complexities of global trade.
RECOMMENDED PODCAST: Tools and Weapons with Brad Smith
Join Microsoft Vice Chair Brad Smith as he explores tech's impact on society with Bill Gates and Satya Nadella sharing untold stories and insights on Microsoft's AI-fueled future.
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4bYASdhkHwovdSmU4YAjYg
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tools-and-weapons-with-brad-smith/id1632459165
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SPONSORS:
NetSuite
More than 41,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, the #1 cloud financial system bringing accounting, financial management, inventory, HR, into ONE proven platform. Download the CFO's Guide to AI and Machine learning: https://netsuite.com/102
AdQuick
The easiest way to book out-of-home ads (like billboards, vehicle wraps, and airport displays) the same way you would order an Uber. Ready to get your brand the attention it deserves? Visit https://adquick.com/ today to start reaching your customers in the real world.
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SEND US YOUR Q's FOR NOAH TO ANSWER ON AIR: [email protected]
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FOLLOW ON X:
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@eriktorenberg
@turpentinemedia
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RECOMMENDED IN THIS EPISODE:
Noahpinion: https://www.noahpinion.blog/
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TAKEAWAYS:
This week, Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg analyze the global repercussions of Trump’s broad tariff policies, critique misconceptions about trade deficits, and explore the economic fallout and potential policy responses.
RECOMMENDED PODCAST: Tools and Weapons with Brad Smith
Join Microsoft Vice Chair Brad Smith as he explores tech's impact on society with Bill Gates and Satya Nadella sharing untold stories and insights on Microsoft's AI-fueled future.
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4bYASdhkHwovdSmU4YAjYg
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tools-and-weapons-with-brad-smith/id1632459165
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SPONSORS:
NetSuite
More than 41,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, the #1 cloud financial system bringing accounting, financial management, inventory, HR, into ONE proven platform. Download the CFO's Guide to AI and Machine learning: https://netsuite.com/102
AdQuick
The easiest way to book out-of-home ads (like billboards, vehicle wraps, and airport displays) the same way you would order an Uber. Ready to get your brand the attention it deserves? Visit https://adquick.com/ today to start reaching your customers in the real world.
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SEND US YOUR Q's FOR NOAH TO ANSWER ON AIR: [email protected]
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FOLLOW ON X:
@noahpinion
@eriktorenberg
@turpentinemedia
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RECOMMENDED IN THIS EPISODE:
Noahpinion: https://www.noahpinion.blog/
All the arguments for Trumps Tariffs are wrong and bad: https://www.noahpinion.blog/p/all-the-arguments-for-tariffs-are
This is called Capital Flight: https://www.noahpinion.blog/p/this-is-called-capital-flight
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TAKEAWAYS:
This week, Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg explore the rise of the 'abundance' ideology among Democrats, assess Obama's economic legacy, and analyze the New Right's evolving influence, offering a broad perspective on shifting political and economic discourse.
RECOMMENDED PODCAST: Tools and Weapons with Brad Smith
Join Microsoft Vice Chair Brad Smith as he explores tech's impact on society with Bill Gates and Satya Nadella sharing untold stories and insights on Microsoft's AI-fueled future.
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4bYASdhkHwovdSmU4YAjYg
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tools-and-weapons-with-brad-smith/id1632459165
–
SPONSORS:
NetSuite
More than 41,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, the #1 cloud financial system bringing accounting, financial management, inventory, HR, into ONE proven platform. Download the CFO's Guide to AI and Machine learning: https://netsuite.com/102
AdQuick
The easiest way to book out-of-home ads (like billboards, vehicle wraps, and airport displays) the same way you would order an Uber. Ready to get your brand the attention it deserves? Visit https://adquick.com/ today to start reaching your customers in the real world.
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SEND US YOUR Q's FOR NOAH TO ANSWER ON AIR: [email protected]
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FOLLOW ON X:
@noahpinion
@eriktorenberg
@turpentinemedia
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RECOMMENDED IN THIS EPISODE:
Noahpinion: https://www.noahpinion.blog/
Cory McArthur aka Irish Lotus: https://soundcloud.com/cory-mcarthur-879994262/irish-lotus
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TAKEAWAYS:
This week, Noah Smith and Erik Tornberg explore Japan’s economic and societal structure—covering urban zoning, housing policy, and government efficiency—before critiquing Abundance by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson, advocating for balanced market dynamics and governance, and discussing broader socio-political themes like right-wing ideologies, gender in the workforce, and economic populism.
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SPONSORS:
NetSuite
More than 41,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, the #1 cloud financial system bringing accounting, financial management, inventory, HR, into ONE proven platform. Download the CFO's Guide to AI and Machine learning: https://netsuite.com/102
Found
Found provides small business owners tools to track expenses, calculate taxes, manage cashflow, send invoices and more. Open a Found account for free at https://found.com/econ102
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SEND US YOUR Q's FOR NOAH TO ANSWER ON AIR: [email protected]
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FOLLOW ON X:
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@eriktorenberg
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RECOMMENDED IN THIS EPISODE:
Abundance: https://www.amazon.com/Abundance-Progress-Takes-Ezra-Klein/dp/1668023482
I have written a book!: https://www.noahpinion.blog/p/i-have-written-a-book
Noahpinion: https://www.noahpinion.blog/
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TAKEAWAYS:
This week, Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg explore global economic issues, including US-European relations influenced by defense commitments, the impact of Trump’s policies, China’s Belt and Road Initiative and its exclusion of India, the role of AI in economic growth, government spending’s effects on GDP, and briefly discuss Smith’s upcoming book, Weeb Economy, and Noah's trip to Japan.
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SPONSORS:
NetSuite
More than 41,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, the #1 cloud financial system bringing accounting, financial management, inventory, HR, into ONE proven platform. Download the CFO's Guide to AI and Machine learning: https://netsuite.com/102
Found
Found provides small business owners tools to track expenses, calculate taxes, manage cashflow, send invoices and more. Open a Found account for free at https://found.com/econ102
AdQuick
The easiest way to book out-of-home ads (like billboards, vehicle wraps, and airport displays) the same way you would order an Uber. Ready to get your brand the attention it deserves? Visit https://adquick.com/ today to start reaching your customers in the real world.
Incogni
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SEND US YOUR Q's FOR NOAH TO ANSWER ON AIR: [email protected]
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FOLLOW ON X:
@noahpinion
@eriktorenberg
@turpentinemedia
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RECOMMENDED IN THIS EPISODE:
Weeb Economy: https://bookplus.nikkei.com/atcl/catalog/25/03/02/01880/
I have written a book!: https://www.noahpinion.blog/p/i-have-written-a-book
Noahpinion: https://www.noahpinion.blog/
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TAKEAWAYS:
This week, Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg discuss the chaos caused by Trump's trade policies, tariffs' effects on the U.S. economy, potential recession risks, economic isolationism, policy uncertainty, investment impacts, and the broader cultural and societal shifts in America, including the decline of Christianity, the rise of wokeness, and community disintegration.
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SPONSORS:
NetSuite
More than 41,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, the #1 cloud financial system bringing accounting, financial management, inventory, HR, into ONE proven platform. Download the CFO's Guide to AI and Machine learning: https://netsuite.com/102
Found
Found provides small business owners tools to track expenses, calculate taxes, manage cashflow, send invoices and more. Open a Found account for free at https://found.com/econ102
AdQuick
The easiest way to book out-of-home ads (like billboards, vehicle wraps, and airport displays) the same way you would order an Uber. Ready to get your brand the attention it deserves? Visit https://adquick.com/ today to start reaching your customers in the real world.
Incogni
Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code ECON102 at the link below and get 60% off an annual plan: https://incogni.com/econ102
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SEND US YOUR Q's FOR NOAH TO ANSWER ON AIR: [email protected]
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FOLLOW ON X:
@noahpinion
@eriktorenberg
@turpentinemedia
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RECOMMENDED IN THIS EPISODE:
Noahpinion: https://www.noahpinion.blog/
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TAKEAWAYS:
In this episode, Noah Smith recently went on the Break the Rules podcast, hosted by Lev Polyakov, for a debate with Auron MacIntyre. They discuss the societal implications of AI development, focusing on Trump's relationships with tech leaders, AI systems like Stargate, surveillance, economic productivity, regulatory measures, geopolitical competition, and immigrant labor's role in technological advancements.
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RECOMMENDED PODCAST:
🎙️Break The Rules - Hosted by Lev Polyakov, Break The Rules brings different online & offline circles together at a time of social atomization in order to break echo-chambers.
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/break-the-rules/id1543233584
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0yovF9Vo8n1fF1DGlMuWBh
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@breakth3rules/
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SPONSORS:
NetSuite
More than 41,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, the #1 cloud financial system bringing accounting, financial management, inventory, HR, into ONE proven platform. Download the CFO's Guide to AI and Machine learning: https://netsuite.com/102
Found
Found provides small business owners tools to track expenses, calculate taxes, manage cashflow, send invoices and more. Open a Found account for free at https://found.com/econ102
AdQuick
The easiest way to book out-of-home ads (like billboards, vehicle wraps, and airport displays) the same way you would order an Uber. Ready to get your brand the attention it deserves? Visit https://adquick.com/ today to start reaching your customers in the real world.
Incogni
Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code ECON102 at the link below and get 60% off an annual plan: https://incogni.com/econ102
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SEND US YOUR Q's FOR NOAH TO ANSWER ON AIR: [email protected]
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FOLLOW ON X:
@LevPo
@AuronMacintyre
@noahpinion
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@turpentinemedia
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RECOMMENDED IN THIS EPISODE:
Trump Liberty or Technocracy? Auron Macintyre & Noah Smith: https://www.youtube.com/live/pH_nuk94FQk?si=D-5qvd74cpBSjwfm
The Total State: How Liberal Democracies Become Tyrannies: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1684515580ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_5Q231Q8CQ65W8Z0PTQ3H
Noahpinion: https://www.noahpinion.blog/
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TAKEAWAYS:
This week, we're sharing Richard Hanania and Noah Smith’s live conversation from Feb 6th, recorded for their Substack audiences. This is the first time the two writers have met, and in this conversation they covered fundamental differences between the American right and left movements. They also discuss Elon Musk's positioning as the future Republican kingmaker and Noah's theory that Musk envisions coordinating a global "anti-woke alliance" with Putin and Xi.
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SPONSORS:
NetSuite
More than 41,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, the #1 cloud financial system bringing accounting, financial management, inventory, HR, into ONE proven platform. Download the CFO's Guide to AI and Machine learning: https://netsuite.com/102
Found
Found provides small business owners tools to track expenses, calculate taxes, manage cashflow, send invoices and more. Open a Found account for free at https://found.com/econ102
AdQuick
The easiest way to book out-of-home ads (like billboards, vehicle wraps, and airport displays) the same way you would order an Uber. Ready to get your brand the attention it deserves? Visit https://adquick.com/ today to start reaching your customers in the real world.
Incogni
Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code ECON102 at the link below and get 60% off an annual plan: https://incogni.com/econ102
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SEND US YOUR Q's FOR NOAH TO ANSWER ON AIR: [email protected]
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FOLLOW ON X:
@RichardHanania
@noahpinion
@eriktorenberg
@turpentinemedia
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RECOMMENDED IN THIS EPISODE:
Richard Hanania’s Newsletter: https://www.richardhanania.com/
Noahpinion: https://www.noahpinion.blog/
Too many Americans still fear the future: https://www.noahpinion.blog/p/too-many-americans-still-fear-the
The chaos has arrived: https://www.noahpinion.blog/p/the-chaos-has-arrived
Trump's Executive Branch Revolution: https://www.richardhanania.com/p/trumps-executive-branch-revolution
Trump impose large tariffs in first year?: https://manifold.markets/RichardHanania/trump-impose-large-tariffs-in-first?play=false
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TAKEAWAYS:
This week Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg discuss three key areas where Democrats need to rethink their strategy: embracing anti-inflation policies similar to the Clinton era, focusing on genuine threats to democracy rather than partisan hobby horses, and abandoning progressive language policing that alienates voters. Noah also talks about how Elon Musk has transformed Republican effectiveness by bringing entrepreneurial talent to politics, arguing that Democrats need to stop alienating tech entrepreneurs and instead recruit similar talent to their side.
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SPONSORS:
NetSuite
More than 41,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, the #1 cloud financial system bringing accounting, financial management, inventory, HR, into ONE proven platform. Download the CFO's Guide to AI and Machine learning: https://netsuite.com/102
AdQuick
The easiest way to book out-of-home ads (like billboards, vehicle wraps, and airport displays) the same way you would order an Uber. Ready to get your brand the attention it deserves? Visit https://adquick.com/ today to start reaching your customers in the real world.
Found
Found provides small business owners tools to track expenses, calculate taxes, manage cashflow, send invoices and more. Open a Found account for free at https://found.com/econ102
Incogni
Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code ECON102 at the link below and get 60% off an annual plan: https://incogni.com/econ102
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SEND US YOUR Q's FOR NOAH TO ANSWER ON AIR: [email protected]
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FOLLOW ON X:
@noahpinion
@eriktorenberg
@turpentinemedia
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RECOMMENDED PODCAST:
🎙️ Second Opinion
Join Christina Farr, Ash Zenooz and Luba Greenwood as they bring influential entrepreneurs, experts and investors into the ring for candid conversations at the frontlines of healthcare and digital health every week.
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A8NwQE976s32zdBbZw6bv
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SecondOpinionwithChristinaFarr
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TAKEAWAYS: