Brazil: A Country of the Future?

In this episode, Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg talk about why Brazil hasn't lived up to its expectations as a global powerhouse. Despite having immense natural resources, a large population, and a favorable geographic position, Brazil's industrialization has been stymied by high crime rates, severe corruption, and political dysfunction. They dig into Brazil's missed opportunities for industrialization and modernization, comparing its circumstances with other countries like China, Japan, and those in Africa and Latin America.   --- This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at [email protected]. --- RECOMMENDED PODCASTS: 🎙️1 to 100 | Hypergrowth Companies Worth Joining Every week we sit down with the founder of a hyper-growth company you should consider joining. Our goal is to give you the inside story behind breakout, early stage companies potentially worth betting your career on. This season, discover how the founders of Modal Labs, Clay, Mercor, and more built their products, cultures, and companies. Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/70NOWtWDY995C8qDqojxGw Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1762756034 - 📣 COMPLEX SYSTEMS Patrick McKenzie (@patio11) talks to experts who understand the complicated but not unknowable systems we rely on. You might be surprised at how quickly Patrick and his guests can put you in the top 1% of understanding for stock trading, tech hiring, and more. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Mos4VE3figVXleHDqfXOH Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/complex-systems-with-patrick-mckenzie-patio11/id1753399812 --- SPONSORS: 🌐 Ready to achieve your 2024 goals? Start learning a new language with Babbel in just three weeks. Enjoy app lessons, live classes, and podcasts designed for real-world conversations. Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/torenberg  Head to Beehiiv, the newsletter platform built for growth, to power your own. Connect with premium brands, scale your audience, and deliver a beautiful UX that stands out in an inbox. 🐝 https://Beehiiv.com and use code "MOZ" for 20% off your first three months Get first-party targeting with Brave's private ad platform: cookieless and future proof ad formats for all your business needs. Performance meets privacy. Head to https://brave.com/brave-ads/ and mention “MoZ” when signing up for a 25% discount on your first campaign. --- LINKS: The Roots of Brazil’s Long Stagnation - https://brief.bismarckanalysis.com/p/the-roots-of-brazils-long-stagnation Popular social media network in Brazil - Orkut FOLLOW US ON X: @eriktorenberg (Erik) @samoburja (Samo) @turpentinemedia (Turpentine) --- TIMESTAMPS: (00:00) Intro (00:28) Brazil: A Country of Untapped Potential (00:51) Historical Context and Geopolitical Fundamentals (03:36) The Need for Industrialization (04:29) Corruption and Political Dysfunction (09:48) The Impact of Aging Demographics (13:30) Imagining Alternative Histories for Brazil (17:12) SPONSORS: Babbel | beehiiv (26:16) The BRICS Illusion (27:35) The Future of Brazil's Government (28:17) Technocratic Possibilities and Challenges (29:40) Imitating Western Governments without Understanding Functionality (30:30) Comparing Brazil to Other Nations (31:50) SPONSOR: Brave (37:35) Lessons for Other Countries (37:47) Imitating Western Governments (49:28) Brazil's Potential as a Superpower (51:49) Comparing Brazil to Other LatAm Countries (54:12) The Bull and Bear Case for Brazil (56:44) Wrap