Stablecoins and the Geopolitics of Trust

Jacob and Rob respond to listener feedback about negativity by focusing on positive trends, including declining violent crime and drug overdose rates in the U.S. They then dive into a high-level exploration of stablecoins—what they are, why they matter, and the potential risks and geopolitical implications of their rise. They compare the U.S. approach to stablecoins with the digital currency strategies of China and the EU, unpack the difference between innovation and systemic risk, and ask whether the erosion of trust in financial systems is worth the trade-off. A thoughtful, wide-ranging conversation on money, power, and volatility.

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Timestamps:

(00:00) - Intro

(01:44) - Positive Trends in Crime and Health

(09:58) - The Volatility Spiral and Technological Change

(16:06) - Introduction to Stable Coins

(22:36) - Regulation and Risks of Stable Coins

(27:11) - Global Perspectives on Stable Coins

(35:15) - Innovation in Payment Systems

(35:28) - Central Bank Digital Currencies vs. Stablecoins

(36:10) - Ideological Differences in Digital Currencies

(36:24) - Stablecoins: Private Money and Regulation

(37:17) - European Digital Euro Approach

(39:28) - US Legislation on Stablecoins

(41:36) - Risks and Regulations of Stablecoins

(56:25) - International Perspectives on Digital Currencies

(01:00:40) - Geopolitical Implications of Digital Currencies

(01:12:42) - Conclusion and Future Discussions

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Referenced in the Show:

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Jacob Shapiro Site: jacobshapiro.com

Jacob Twitter: x.com/JacobShap

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The Jacob Shapiro Show is produced and edited by Audiographies LLC. More information at audiographies.com

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Jacob Shapiro is a speaker, consultant, author, and researcher covering global politics and affairs, economics, markets, technology, history, and culture. He speaks to audiences of all sizes around the world, helps global multinationals make strategic decisions about political risks and opportunities, and works directly with investors to grow and protect their assets in today’s volatile global environment. His insights help audiences across industries like finance, agriculture, and energy make sense of the world.

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