Tag: Russia

Navigating Global Tensions: An Insightful Journey across Ukraine, Russia, the Middle East, and Africa with Semaj McDowell (Ep. 58)

Navigating Global Tensions: An Insightful Journey across Ukraine, Russia, the Middle East, and Africa with Semaj McDowell (Ep. 58)

How do developments between Africa and Russia influence global politics? 

What unseen forces drive these geopolitical tensions?

 How can cautious realism guide us through these intricate global politics and uncertainties?

Find out in this week’s episode of SMART MONEY. SIMPLIFIED as Brent Mekosh interviews geopolitical risk practitioner, podcast host, and published author Semaj McDowell. 

Semaj explains the potential for a continental-based currency and recent developments in Niger. Brent and Semaj’s conversation covers various geopolitical issues, from the Russia-Ukraine tensions to the Israel-Hamas conflict and the geopolitical situation in North Africa.

Main talking points include: 

  • How did Semaj enter the geopolitical space
  • The potential development of a continental-based currency in Africa
  • Russia’s interests in Africa and the involvement of private military contractors
  • Some of the implications of the strategic partnership between China and Russia
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Semaj McDowell:

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

About Our Guest:

Geopolitical Enthusiast – National Security, Defense, Foreign Policy, and International Politics. 

Born and raised in Philadelphia, Semaj McDowell has been interested in politics since a young age. While growing up, he witnessed events both in his community and around the world that informed his views on equity and justice.

Semaj firmly believes leadership is crafted through service and empowering others to succeed.

A Conversation on Civilizations and Civilizational Cycles with Daniel Hood (Ep. 50)

A Conversation on Civilizations and Civilizational Cycles with Daniel Hood (Ep. 50)

What do ancient Rome, the 2008 financial crisis, and geopolitics all have in common?

Want to know?

In this episode, Brent Mekosh sits down with Daniel Hood, a multifaceted thought leader on civilizational cycles and geopolitics, to explore the cyclic nature of societies and their implications on today’s global landscape. 

This riveting interview brings together elements of history, psychology, and real-world geopolitics to dissect the state of Western civilization and its far-reaching impact on finance, business, and policy-making.

Brent and Daniel discuss:

  • The rise and fall of civilizations, with a particular focus on the parallels between ancient Rome and today’s Western society
  • A look at the Western powers, notably the U.S. and the UK, in dealing with Russia and how it could lead to broader geopolitical consequences
  • The implications of outsourcing vital industries, especially how it strategically weakens the West’s position against rising powers like China
  • The role of behavior and temperament when it comes to different civilizations and societies
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Daniel Hood:

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

About Our Guest:

Daniel Hood is a scholar in history and finance with a unique perspective on the mechanics of civilization. His first introduction to geopolitics began with military service in the renowned Parachute Regiment, formed by Winston Churchill himself. After serving during a pivotal era, Daniel transitioned into the world of finance, where he worked as an investment advisor right around the turbulence of the 2008 global financial crisis. He has also lived and worked in Israel, adding a third dimension to his understanding of civilizational cycles. 

With experiences spanning from 9/11 to the Middle East conflicts, Daniel brings a multi-disciplinary approach to his studies that explores the cyclical nature of civilizations. He is currently writing books that aim to decode the intricate mechanics of societal rise and fall.