Geopolitics of Commodities Podcast - Lecture Notes

Introduction

• Host: Scott Smithson
• Guest Speaker: Dr. Isaiah Wilson III (Ike Wilson)
• Background of Dr. Wilson:
  • PhD in government from Cornell University
  • Professor at Arizona State University
  • President of Wilson Wise Consulting LLC
  • Extensive civil-military career and publications

Dr. Wilson's Current Work

• Focus on transformational change in military education and strategy
• Involvement with Silicon Valley startups to integrate technology in defense
• Advising on defense and security sector innovations

Geopolitical Landscape

• Importance of understanding geopolitics:
  • Geopolitics = Geography + Politics (allocation of scarce resources)
  • Focus on areas where interests converge, leading to complex security dilemmas

Concept of Compound Security

• Compound Security Dilemma:
  • Intersectionality of threats and their convergence in specific geographical locations
  • Challenges traditional separation of domestic and international policy
  • Necessitates integrated, multilateral approaches to security

Key Discussion Points

• Global Geopolitical Competition:

  • Era marked by rapid change outpacing organizational capabilities
  • Need for integrated deterrence and multilateral cooperation

• Significant Geostrategic Locations:

  • Ukraine, Red Sea, Bab al-Mandeb, Taiwan, etc.
  • Impact on global security, trade, and economics

• Economic Implications:

  • Changing dynamics post-COVID and Russia-Ukraine conflict
  • Shift from just-in-time efficiency to resilience in supply chains

Focus on the Middle East

• Israel-Hamas Conflict:

  • Demonstrates compound security challenges
  • Impact on global shipping routes and energy security

• Houthi Influence in the Red Sea:

  • Strategic choke points like the Bab al-Mandeb and their global impact

Defense Industrial Base and Economic Strategy

• Challenges in Defense Production:

  • Need for diversification and resilience in defense manufacturing
  • Historical context of post-Cold War streamlining

• Role of Private Sector:

  • Importance of economic strength in national power
  • Need for investment in critical sectors and innovation

Conclusion

• Key Takeaways:

  • Emphasis on multilateralism and economic statecraft
  • Necessity to rethink organizational structures and international cooperation
  • Potential for a new era of geopolitical and economic competition

• Final Thoughts:

  • Importance of resilience and strategic partnerships
  • Dynamics of global power shifting towards economic competition and technological integration

• Contact Information:

  • Dr. Wilson is active on LinkedIn and at WilsonWise.com