In this episode originally recorded for ‪@upstream‬‪@UpstreamwithErikTorenberg‬ , Balaji Srinivasan discusses 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. Erik and Balaji recorded this conversation in June of 2023.

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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: Squad
(30:02) Cancellation is a weak form of warfare
(32:05) Interplay of realism and idealism in the U.S
(35:25) Red vs Blue vs Grey America
(42:11) Concept of American partition
(44:17) Rise of India's national Identity
(45:45) Evolution of China and Russia
(47:57) Role of the USA in China's growth
(51:39) Microsoft and Facebook and Google
(54:00) JapanUSSR rivalry and its impact
(59:10) Conspiracy theories and historical narratives
(01:07:04) Balaji’s predictions for 2024 & the Fed
(01:14:50) Future of the US dollar and global currencies
(01:18:31) Wrap