In this week’s episode, Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg tackle more listeners' questions focused on conflicts and war. They cover various defense strategies, emphasizing the urgency of revitalizing the U.S. defense industrial base to prepare for potential conflicts. They discuss the differences between authoritarian and democratic powers, highlighting the significant risk of World War III and the importance of alliance building, particularly with countries like Japan, India, and European nations to counterbalance China's growing influence and the new ‘Axis’. Happy birthday Noah!

This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at erik@turpentine.co.
_
SEND US YOUR Q's FOR NOAH TO ANSWER ON AIR: Econ102@Turpentine.co
_
RECOMMENDED PODCASTS: Turpentine Finance
Host Sasha Orloff (3x Founder & CEO) is joined by top founders and finance leaders at high growth tech companies who share how they navigated huge make-or-break decisions, rode inflection points, and architected success. If you want to learn the mental models and tactics top business leaders and CFOs, subscribe below. Debut episode features Casey Woo unpacking his wild ride managing billions in budgets at WeWork – arguably one of the craziest capital stories ever.
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5BflNhFxxLjqT2RA47352G
Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1704418764
_
LINKS:
Noahpinion: https://www.noahpinion.blog/
WW3? : https://www.noahpinion.blog/p/americans-are-still-not-worried-enough
_
X / TWITTER:
@noahpinion (Noah)
@eriktorenberg (Erik)
@TurpentineMedia (Turpentine)
_
TIMESTAMPS:
(00:00) Episode Preview
(01:57) The defense industrial base
(08:17) Precedents of wars leading to World War II and the Cold War
(14:57) Contrast of Xi Jinping and Putin
(21:46) Sponsor: Turpentine
(22:33) China's production advantage
(27:54) Evaluating the new axis of power
(33:51) Complexities of manufacturing and warfare
(41:02) Impact of war on economies
(44:13) Exploring the Israel-Palestine conflict
(49:41) Potential for peace in the Middle East
(55:28) Wrap