In this episode of “This Podcast Is Not Real,” economist Nouriel Roubini—once dubbed Dr. Doom—reveals why he’s now cautiously optimistic about the future of the global economy. Roubini identifies four crucial “guard rails” preventing the U.S. from sliding into economic chaos: market discipline, Federal Reserve independence, competent economic advisors, and a divided Congress that keeps extreme policies in check.

He breaks down President Trump’s trade tactics, calling them a risky gamble meant to restore American leverage while testing global alliances. Europe, he says, has blinked, but China remains an unyielding rival, driven by entirely different political and economic incentives.

From reshoring and tariffs to America’s technological edge and its fight to maintain global dominance, this episode explores how economic strategy and geopolitical power are colliding in real time — and what that means for the world’s future balance of power.