Erik Bethel is a financier and diplomat with extensive experience in international finance, investment, and economic policy. As a former Director of the World Bank, he promoted sustainable development, transparency, and private-sector engagement in emerging economies. He emphasized data-driven solutions and strategic partnerships in infrastructure, healthcare, and education. With over two decades in private equity and investment banking, Bethel has specialized in cross-border transactions and infrastructure in Latin America and Asia. He has advised corporations and governments on investment strategy and economic policy, and continues to engage with issues at the intersection of finance, technology, and policy. Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkoujZQZatbqy4KGcgjpVxQ/join Shawn Ryan Show Links SUBSCRIBE: http://www.youtube.com/@ShawnRyanShow Sign up: https://shawnryanshow.com/pages/newsletter Support the Show: https://www.patreon.com/VigilanceElite Download Free Content: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1lF-8_5jwRc5eAhzDkqqCOp-6yvd05vAw?usp=sharing Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shawn-ryan-show/id1492492083 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5eodRZd3qR9VT1ip1wI7xQ?si=59f9d106e56a4509 Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shawnryanshow Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawnryanshow/ Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shawnryanshow/ Follow on X: https://twitter.com/ShawnRyanShow SRS Podcast Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4pqo9Uoh0WuUKxw0BmaK1yrg9Kd7E4lk #vigilanceelite #shawnryanshow Erik Bethel Links: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/erik-bethel Wiki - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erik_Bethel Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: https://helixsleep.com/srs https://shopify.com/srs https://meetfabric.com/shawn https://ShawnLikesGold.com | 855-936-GOLD @goldcopartner 00:00 Introduction 02:15 Concerns About Data Privacy 09:18 The World Bank Explained 29:32 Growing Up in Miami 46:13 First Steps in Finance 57:49 Life in China 01:07:20 Challenges in China 01:22:51 Return to the US 01:28:39 National Security Concerns with Energy Infrastructure 01:30:18 Challenges in Transitioning to Renewable Energy 01:39:57 The Power Demands of AI and Industry 01:59:20 Blockchain for Transparency in Global Aid 02:12:37 The Invisible War with China 02:21:59 Technological Advancements and Threats 02:27:09 BRICS and the U.S. Dollar 02:32:02 U.S. Fiscal Deficits and Debt 02:55:58 Maritime Technology and National Security 03:01:10 Wrapping Up