Tracy Alloway and Jordan Ritter Conn: The Global Economic Shock from a Stupid War

In this episode of The Bulwark Podcast, host Tim Miller engages in two deep dives on pressing cultural and economic issues. First, he speaks with Tracy Alloway, co-host of Bloomberg's Odd Lots, about the global economic shock caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz due to geopolitical tensions. Alloway explains how markets are reacting with unprecedented speed and volatility, driven by Trump's political jawboning and prediction markets, while underlying structural issues like supply chain disruptions, rising inflation, and global stockpiling of energy reserves threaten long-term economic stability. She warns that even if the strait reopens, the world may never return to pre-crisis energy normalcy, creating a new era of inflationary pressure. Later, Miller interviews Jordan Ritter-Kahn, author of the new book American Men, which explores the crisis of modern masculinity through the intimate stories of four diverse men. Ritter-Kahn examines how economic shifts, the decline of traditional community structures like the workplace and religion, and digital isolation have left many men adrift, struggling with identity, loneliness, and inadequacy. He argues that while the culture often blames men for their struggles, the real issue is a lack of supportive structures and meaningful connection, and he offers hope through small, intentional acts of vulnerability and community-building. The episode closes with a reflection on how crisis can paradoxically foster deep human connection, as seen in Minneapolis during civil unrest. Key takeaways include: 1) The global economy is entering a new stagflationary era due to persistent supply shocks and strategic stockpiling, not just temporary disruptions; 2) Men’s struggles are not a moral failing but a systemic crisis of community and purpose exacerbated by technology and economic change; 3) Vulnerability and intentional social connection—like joining a book club or reaching out to old friends—are powerful antidotes to loneliness; 4) The modern economy rewards performance and appearance over authenticity, fueling trends like 'looks maxing' as a desperate bid for self-worth; 5) Crises, while devastating, can reveal the deep human desire for solidarity and mutual care, offering a blueprint for healthier social structures.