In this episode, Erik sits down with Balaji Srinivasan to discuss the Fiat Crisis, geopolitics, conspiracies, and the signs of decline for a hyperpower. Balaji is an angel investor, tech founder, philosopher, and author of The Network State. He was formerly the CTO of Coinbase. This riveting conversation is, in many aspects, a follow-up to his appearance on Moment of Zen (see links below). 

Upstream is part of the Turpentine podcast network. To learn about sponsorships, email Erik@turpentine.co or head to www.turpentine.co

RECOMMENDED SHOWS:
Subscribe to In The Arena and check out E1 w/ Emil Michael of Uber: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6NuHkuqbaoercy9qm6zV7Q?si=AkUARxGnSuqiDm3_TtJWWQ
ICYMI: Moment of Zen w/ Balaji Srinivasan: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6tk6DbkVhBlDp1hh8wzIEM?si=NA-oZU6NT7iNTKhX1ixoCQ

TIMESTAMPS:
(00:00) Episode Preview
(01:40) What is happening with the Fiat Crisis?
(08:52) Balaji’s equivalent premises
(11:07) God, State, Network
(12:45) Irrational adherence to principles
(15:12) Sponsors: Secureframe
(16:16) Hyperpower wars 1991-2021
(20:05) Economic conclusions
(23:12) Blue America is at war with the world
(28:30) Cancellation is a weak form of warfare
(32:35) Red vs Blue vs Grey America 
(38:00) Make America states again
(39:47) America and India parallels in reverse
(43:10) Can America turn around after the next election?
(44:25) America and China and Russia | Microsoft and Facebook and Google
(46:55) How people react to Balaji’s China stance
(52:00) History between Russia and Japan
(57:25) Conspiracies
(01:04:35) Balaji’s predictions for 2024 & the Fed
(01:11:41) Replacing the Dollar network

TWITTER:
Balaji’s Twitter: @balajis
Erik’s Twitter: @eriktorenberg
Upstream : @upstream__pod

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