The Great Simplification with Nate Hagens

Why the West Can't Defend Itself: How Material Scarcity Is Reshaping Global Power with Craig Tindale

Published: January 14, 2026

Duration: 1:41:36

For decades, the West has outsourced its own material production to other countries, in favor of lower costs and short-term returns over more expensive, long-duration investments like mining and manufacturing. But while this has seemed like a success on the surface, it has left us with a society based on consumption, unable to produce what we need on our own. What are the deeper costs of this long-term offshoring – including for our geopolitical, climate, and technological ambitions?

In this conversation, Nate is joined by materials expert and investor Craig Tindale, who explores the profound vulnerabilities facing Western ec...

Why the West Can't Defend Itself: How Material Scarcity Is Reshaping Global Power with Craig Tindale - The Great Simplification with Nate Hagens