In this episode that originally aired on Upstream, Erik sits down with Balaji Srinivasan to discuss the Fiat Crisis, geopolitics, conspiracies, and the signs of decline for a hyperpower. It was recorded in June of 2023. Balaji is an angel investor, tech founder, philosopher, and author of The Network State. He was formerly the CTO of Coinbase.

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TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Episode Preview

(00:51) Intro

(01:23) Understanding the flat crisis

(08:34) Balaji’s equivalent premises

(14:54) Sponsor: NetSuite and Beehiiv

(17:55) Aftermath of Iraq and Afghanistan wars

(20:35) Multipolar world

(25:17) Blue America is at war with the world

(28:35) Sponsor: Babbel | Squad

(31:02) Cancellation is a weak form of warfare

(33:05) Interplay of realism and idealism in the U.S

(37:00) Red vs Blue vs Grey America

(44:11) Concept of American partition

(46:00) Rise of India's national Identity

(47:00) Evolution of China and Russia

(53:00) Microsoft, Facebook, and Google

(54:00) Japan-USSR rivalry and its impact

(01:01:10) Conspiracy theories and historical narratives

(01:09:00) Balaji’s predictions for 2024 & the Fed

(01:18:31) Wrap