Analyzing Economies Round 3: Middle East, Africa, South America, and North America

"Econ 102" with Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg

This episode is a continuation of analyzing the economies around the world, with Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg focusing on the Middle East, Africa, South America, and North America. They discuss the economic challenges and solutions in Egypt and Saudi Arabia, as well as Latin America’s drug problem and Canada’s economic stagnation.

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 [email protected].

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SPONSOR: HARMONIC

🧲 Learn why Craft, Bedrock, NEA and 100s more trust Harmonic’s data to source deals. Harmonic is the most complete startup database, finding new companies as soon as they incorporate and tracking them through IPO. Head to https://bit.ly/harmonicturpentine and make sure to mention Turpentine VC during your demo.

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SEND US YOUR Q's FOR NOAH TO ANSWER ON AIR: [email protected]

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Recommended Podcast: Company Breakdowns

Each episode of Company Breakdowns dives into S-1s and series B-and-beyond companies, interviewing founders and investors to break down the companies. First episode is on Rubrik - which just IPO'd. Coming up this season: Databricks, Reddit + more,

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Links:

Noah Smith's Noahpinion https://www.noahpinion.blog

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X / TWITTER:

@noahpinion (Noah)

@eriktorenberg (Erik)

@TurpentineMedia (Turpentine)

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TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(00:32) Egypt's economic challenges

(05:25) How rich is Saudi Arabia

(13:57) Sponsor: Turpentine

(15:13) Africa’s population growth and demographic dynamics

(32:49) Africa’s economic potential

(38:58) Mexico's manufacturing and security woes

(43:48) Brazil's potential in South American manufacturing

(48:01) Latin America's fight against inequality

(55:12) Dominican Republic's economic success

(01:00:51) Canada's economic stagnation

(01:05:33) Wrap