Freakonomics Radio

The Most Powerful People You’ve Never Heard Of (Update)

March 4, 2026·1h 6m·6-min readnarrativedocumentary
Podzilla Summary (6 min)
TLDR
This episode of Freakonomics Radio explores the hidden world of physical commodity traders—firms like Glencore, Vitol, and Trafigura—who operate in the shadows of global markets, shaping geopolitics, fueling wars, and profiting from chaos. Updated in light of recent global tensions, the

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Guest

J

Javier Blas

narrative on Freakonomics Radio

Mentions

Books, people, and resources mentioned in this episode.

People

Javier BlasJack FarchyMark Rich

Books

The World for Saleby Javier Blas, Jack FarchyThe King of Oilby Daniel Ammann

Companies

GlencoreVitolTrafigura

Topics

Business NewsCorporate StrategyEconomicsGeopoliticsGlobal NewsInvestigative JournalismLong Form Journalism

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