The Simardone Show

Aidan Simardone
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Critical analysis of geopolitics, culture, society, and global affairs

  1. 2d ago

    America Is A Declining Empire | With Richard Wolff

    Is the United States entering a period of economic and geopolitical decline? In this episode of The Simardone Show, Aidan Simardone is joined by economist Richard D. Wolff, Professor of Economics Emeritus at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, co-founder of Democracy at Work and host of Economic Update, to discuss the U.S. economy, rising bond yields, government debt, American power and China’s economic rise. Despite strong stock-market performance, many Americans continue to face high living costs, economic insecurity and declining confidence in political and economic institutions. At the same time, the global economy is confronting major disruptions from war, energy prices and geopolitical tensions. We examine the contradictory signals coming from the U.S. economy. The conversation then turns to the bond market, explaining what bonds and bond yields actually are and why higher yields matter for governments carrying large amounts of debt. From there, we discuss the broader question of American economic and geopolitical power. Is the United States becoming increasingly dependent on extracting resources and economic concessions from its allies? What happens when a dominant power begins to lose its influence over the international system? Finally, we turn to China and its economic development. Why has China experienced such rapid economic growth and improvements in living standards, and why do many people in Western countries remain relatively unfamiliar with these developments? Topics discussed: • The U.S. economy • American economic decline • The U.S. stock market and the real economy • Inflation and unemployment • U.S. dollar and global finance • Bonds and bond yields explained • Rising Treasury yields • U.S. government debt • Interest payments and the U.S. debt burden • Debt traps and government borrowing • American empire and geopolitical decline • U.S. foreign policy • America's relationship with its allies • China’s economic rise • China vs. the United States • Chinese economic growth • Living standards in China • Western perceptions of China • Global economic crisis • Richard Wolff and Economic Update Richard D. Wolff is Professor of Economics Emeritus at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, co-founder of Democracy at Work and host of Economic Update.

  2. 3d ago

    The End Of The US Dollar | With Radhika Desai

    Is the U.S. dollar losing its dominance? The dollar remains the world's leading reserve currency, but growing concerns over U.S. debt, rising Treasury yields, inflation, geopolitical tensions and the expansion of alternative financial systems have intensified the debate over de-dollarization. In this episode of The Simardone Show, Aidan Simardone is joined by Radhika Desai, Professor at the University of Manitoba and Director of the Geopolitical Economy Research Group, to discuss the future of the U.S. dollar and the changing global economy. We examine the economic consequences of the Iran war, the growing pressure on U.S. government finances. The discussion then turns to de-dollarization and the historical relationship between currency power and geopolitical power. What would a significant decline in the dollar's international role actually mean for the United States? We also discuss U.S. national debt, inflation, currency devaluation and the possibility of using inflation to reduce the real burden of government debt, before examining what the 2026 U.S. midterm elections could mean for American economic and foreign policy. Radhika Desai has written extensively on the dollar system, de-dollarization, imperialism, multipolarity and the geopolitical economy of the United States, China and the Global South. Topics discussed: • The future of the U.S. dollar • De-dollarization • U.S. dollar dominance • The dollar as the global reserve currency • U.S. national debt • Rising Treasury yields • The U.S. bond market • Inflation and currency devaluation • The Iran war and the U.S. economy • China and the rise of a multipolar world • Russia and de-dollarization • BRICS and alternative financial systems • The decline of U.S. economic dominance • The British pound and the decline of the British Empire • U.S. foreign policy • The 2026 U.S. midterm elections • Radhika Desai and geopolitical economy

  3. 5d ago

    Iran War Is Collapsing The Economy | With Ana Kasparian

    The Iran war is creating a growing economic and political crisis in the United States, with oil and diesel prices surging, inflation risks returning and U.S. treasury yields reaching levels not seen in decades. As the war enters its eighth month, what does this mean for the American economy, the 2026 midterm elections and the future of U.S. foreign policy? In this episode of The Simardone Show, Aidan Simardone is joined by Ana Kasparian, host and executive producer of The Young Turks, for a wide-ranging discussion about the Iran war, the U.S. economy, American politics and Palestine. We examine the economic consequences of the conflict, including rising energy costs, high government debt and rapidly increasing bond yields. With the cost of borrowing rising alongside fuel prices, could the Iran war create a much deeper economic crisis? The conversation also turns to the 2026 U.S. midterm elections and growing dissatisfaction with the Trump administration. If Democrats regain control of Congress, would that actually produce a significant change in U.S. domestic or foreign policy? We then discuss the possibility of further U.S. escalation against Iran, including the increasingly serious debate over the potential use of nuclear weapons. Finally, we turn to October 7 and the genocide in Gaza. We examine the strategic debate over whether October 7 advanced or set back the Palestinian liberation movement. Topics discussed: • Iran war and the U.S. economy • Economic impact of the Iran conflict • Oil and diesel prices • U.S. Treasury yields • Rising bond yields and government debt • Inflation and the cost of living • The U.S. dollar • Risk of economic crisis • Donald Trump and the Iran war • U.S. foreign policy • 2026 U.S. midterm elections • Democrats and the future of American politics • U.S. escalation against Iran • Nuclear weapons and Iran • October 7 • Gaza and Palestine • Palestinian liberation • Israel-Palestine Ana Kasparian is a host and executive producer of The Young Turks, where she has covered U.S. politics, foreign policy, economics and international affairs. #Iran #IranWar #AnaKasparian #TheYoungTurks #USEconomy #Economy #OilPrices #Diesel #BondYields #TreasuryYields #USDebt #Trump #Midterms #USPolitics #Gaza #Palestine #Israel #October7 #Geopolitics #TheSimardoneShow

  4. Aug 31

    Economic Collapse Is Coming | With Radhika Desai

    Economic Collapse Is Coming | Radhika Desai | The Simardone Show Are we heading toward an economic collapse? In this episode of The Simardone Show, I am joined by Radhika Desai, professor at the University of Manitoba and director of the Geopolitical Economy Research Group, to discuss the global economy, the U.S. debt crisis, bond yields, the future of the U.S. dollar, China, and the economic consequences of the Iran War. Despite widespread predictions of an economic crisis, the picture remains complicated. Inflation is rising, but the stock market remains strong. Unemployment has not surged, and the U.S. dollar has remained relatively stable. So how healthy are the American and Western economies really? We begin by examining the state of the global economy and whether the current economic data points toward a recession, financial crisis, or something more serious. We then turn to government debt and bond markets. Bond yields in several Western countries have reached levels not seen in decades, raising questions about the sustainability of government debt and the rising cost of interest payments. What exactly are bonds and bond yields, and why are borrowing costs increasing? The conversation then moves to West Asia and the future of the U.S. dollar. The Iran War has raised new questions about American power in the region, the petrodollar system, oil markets, the Strait of Hormuz, and whether the United States can continue to provide the security that has underpinned its influence in the Gulf. Could the Iran War accelerate the decline of the U.S. dollar? Is the petrodollar really coming to an end? And what would the consequences be for the American economy if countries increasingly moved away from the dollar? Finally, we examine the Japanese yen, U.S. Treasury markets, and the broader relationship between Japan and the American financial system. What is happening to the yen, why is the United States intervening in the currency market, and what does this tell us about the global financial system? Topics discussed: The risk of economic collapse The U.S. economy and global economy Inflation and unemployment U.S. government debt Rising bond yields The U.S. dollar and dollar dominance The petrodollar system The Iran War and the global economy Iran and the Strait of Hormuz Oil markets and energy security China and the Iran War China's strategic petroleum reserves China and the transition to green energy The Japanese yen and global currencies U.S. Treasury markets The future of American economic power Geopolitical economy Is the global economy heading toward a major financial crisis? Could the Iran War accelerate the decline of the U.S. dollar and American economic power? And what happens to the global economy if the war continues?

  5. Aug 22

    Iran and The End of Imperialism | With Laith Marouf

    The war in West Asia continues to reshape the region, with Iran, Israel, the United States, Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza all caught in an increasingly interconnected conflict. In this episode of The Simardone Show, I am joined by Laith Marouf, founder of Free Palestine TV, for a wide-ranging discussion about the Iran war, Israel's regional expansion, Hezbollah, Syria, Gaza, the Strait of Hormuz, and the future of U.S. power in the Middle East. We begin by examining the aftermath of the Iran-U.S. conflict. With the memorandum of understanding expired and the Strait of Hormuz remaining a critical point of contention, what comes next? We discuss Iran's military strategy, U.S. military bases in the region, American military stockpiles, and whether Tehran should take a more aggressive posture. The conversation then turns to Lebanon, where Israel continues to occupy territory in the south and Hezbollah remains an important force in the conflict. We discuss the balance of power in Lebanon and the future of the confrontation between Israel and Hezbollah. We also examine Syria and the growing tensions between Israel and Turkey. With Turkey expanding its influence in Syria and Israeli officials increasingly viewing Ankara as a potential strategic threat, could the region be heading toward a direct confrontation between Turkey and Israel? We also discuss Donald Trump's calls for Syria to confront Hezbollah and the possibility of a wider Syrian-Israeli or Syrian-Lebanese conflict. We also turn to Gaza and the legacy of October 7, 2023.  Also featured is a controversial discussion about Jewish anti-Zionism, political solidarity with Palestinians, and Laith's argument about the responsibilities of Jews who oppose Zionism and Israeli policies. Topics discussed: The Iran war and U.S.-Iran relations Iran's military strategy and the Strait of Hormuz U.S. military bases in the Middle East Israel and Iran Israel's occupation of southern Lebanon Hezbollah and the war in Lebanon Israel and Turkey Syria and the future of the Middle East Donald Trump and Syria Gaza and the Palestinian resistance October 7 and Operation Al-Aqsa Flood The future of Gaza Israel, Palestine, and Zionism Jewish anti-Zionism and political solidarity U.S. imperialism and the Middle East The future of American power in West Asia Where is the war in West Asia heading? Will Iran and the United States return to direct confrontation? Could Israel and Turkey end up in conflict? And can the Palestinian resistance continue to operate in Gaza? If you enjoyed the episode, like, subscribe, and leave a comment with your thoughts.

  6. Aug 13

    The Problem With Liberal Zionism | Willz From WillzTalks

    As Israel's genocide in Gaza approaches its third year, growing criticism of Israel is creating new challenges for the American political establishment. But can liberal Zionism adapt to changing public opinion and preserve U.S. support for Israel? In this episode of The Simardone Show, I am joined by political commentator Will from WillzTalks to discuss liberal Zionism, U.S. support for Israel, the Democratic Party, Gaza, and the future of American foreign policy. We begin by examining liberal Zionism: what it means, how it differs from other forms of Zionism, and why critics argue that liberal Zionism can be particularly effective at maintaining political support for Israel in the United States. We also discuss the differences between liberal Zionism and the more openly far-right politics associated with figures such as Benjamin Netanyahu and Itamar Ben-Gvir. We then turn to the debate within the Democratic Party over U.S. military aid to Israel. Some Democrats have called for an end to offensive weapons transfers while arguing that the United States should continue providing defensive systems such as Iron Dome. What would this policy actually mean, and would it represent a meaningful change in American support for Israel? Finally, we look ahead to the 2026 U.S. midterm elections and ask whether a Democratic victory would actually produce a significant change in American foreign policy. If the war involving Iran is still underway by the midterms, would Democratic politicians be willing to end or limit U.S. involvement?

  7. Jul 22

    Iran War Spreads: Will the Economy Collapse? | w/ Esteban Carrillo

    The conflict between the United States and Iran has entered a dangerous new phase, raising fears of a wider regional war and major disruptions to the global economy. In this episode of The Simardone Show, I am joined by Esteban Carrillo of The Cradle to discuss the latest developments in West Asia, the strategic calculations of the major powers, and where the conflict may be heading. We begin by examining the collapse of the recent U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding and the rapid escalation that followed. We discuss attacks on critical infrastructure, the expanding regional dimensions of the conflict, and whether there remains a realistic path to de-escalation. The conversation then turns to the Gulf States and their role in the conflict, exploring the strategic importance of U.S. military bases in the region and the potential consequences if the war continues to expand. We also examine Yemen's recently announced naval blockade against Saudi Arabia and its implications for Red Sea shipping, global trade, and energy markets. With one of the world's most important maritime corridors facing renewed disruption, we discuss what this could mean for supply chains, oil prices, and the wider global economy. Finally, we consider the broader geopolitical picture and ask who stands to gain—or lose the most—from a prolonged regional war. Topics include: The latest U.S.-Iran conflict Why the Iran memorandum of understanding collapsed Prospects for escalation or a ceasefire U.S. military bases in the Gulf Saudi Arabia and the wider regional conflict Yemen, Ansar Allah, and Red Sea shipping The Red Sea crisis and global trade Oil markets and the world economy Middle East geopolitics Who benefits from the expanding regional war? If you enjoyed this conversation, please like, subscribe, and leave a comment. Do you think the Middle East is heading toward a wider regional war, or is there still a path toward diplomacy?

  8. Jul 2

    Is DEI White Supremacist? | With Dr. Sabreena Ghaffar-Siddiqui

    In this episode , I sit down with Dr. Sabreena Ghaffar-Siddiqui for a wide-ranging conversation about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), Palestine advocacy, decolonization, and the future of anti-racist movements. We begin by discussing what DEI originally meant, how it evolved, and why many critics argue it has been co-opted by governments, corporations, and institutions. Dr. Ghaffar-Siddiqui shares her own experience of working in a university DEI office and the controversy surrounding her resignation after advocating for Palestinian rights. The conversation explores whether DEI can still serve as a meaningful tool for social justice or whether it has become primarily a reformist framework that reinforces existing power structures. We also compare DEI with more radical traditions of political organizing, including decolonization, abolitionist politics, and Black nationalist movements that sought to build independent institutions rather than reform existing ones. Finally, we discuss the distinction between equity and equality, as well as the meaning of the term "Jewish supremacy" as Dr. Ghaffar-Siddiqui uses it, addressing one of the most debated aspects of her work. Topics include: What is DEI? How Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion became institutionalized Palestine activism and academic freedom Free speech on university campuses Equity vs. equality Decolonization and abolition Black nationalism and parallel institutions Corporate DEI and institutional reform Anti-racism and social justice The debate over "Jewish supremacy" Israel-Palestine and contemporary political discourse If you enjoyed this conversation, please like, subscribe, and leave a comment. What role, if any, should DEI play in advancing social justice today? Can institutions be reformed, or are more transformative approaches necessary?

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About

Critical analysis of geopolitics, culture, society, and global affairs

Information

  • Creator
    Aidan Simardone
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Simardone Show
  • Show Website
    The Simardone Show

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