About this episode
<p>Just beneath the surface of the global economy, there is a hidden layer of dealmakers for whom war, chaos, and sanctions can be a great business opportunity. In this updated episode from 2025, journalists Javier Blas and Jack Farchy help us shine a light on the shadowy realm of commodity traders.</p> <p> </p> <ul> <li><strong>SOURCES:</strong> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/authors/ASIsQsgx0V8/javier-blas?sref=6DPKmIax" rel="noopener noreferrer">Javier Blas</a>, opinion columnist at Bloomberg News.</li> <li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-farchy-5a3a6723/?originalSubdomain=uk" rel="noopener noreferrer">Jack Farchy</a>, energy and commodities senior reporter at Bloomberg News.</li> </ul></li> <li><strong>RESOURCES:</strong> <ul> <li><a href="https://amzn.to/438t0fN" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>The World For Sale: Money, Power, and the Traders Who Barter the Earth's Resources</i></a><i>, </i>by Javier Blas and Jack Farchy (2021)</li> <li><a href="https://amzn.to/3Fjj7To" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>The King of Oil: The Secret Lives of Marc Rich</i></a><i>, </i>by Daniel Ammann (2010).</li> </ul></li> <li><strong>EXTRAS:</strong> <ul> <li>"<a href="https://freakonomics.com/podcast/how-the-supermarket-helped-america-win-the-cold-war-update/" rel="noopener noreferrer">How the Supermarket Helped America Win the Cold War (Update)</a>" by <i>Freakonomics Radio </i>(2024).</li> <li>"<a href="https://freakonomics.com/podcast/the-first-great-american-industry/" rel="noopener noreferrer">The First Great American Industry</a>," by <i>Freakonomics Radio </i>(2023).</li> </ul></li> </ul><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>