Today, we review Atossa Araxia Abrahamian's "The Hidden Globe," which explores the shadowy world of offshore financial centers and special economic zones. The book examines how these geographically dispersed, legally ambiguous spaces facilitate wealth accumulation and evasion, often at the expense of national sovereignty and social justice. Abrahamian uses case studies, including Geneva, Singapore, and Luxembourg, to illustrate how these "places apart" operate and their impact on global economics and politics. The narrative further investigates the ethical and humanitarian implications of these zones, particularly concerning refugee resettlement and labor exploitation. Finally, the author considers the broader implications for global governance and the future of international cooperation. Our podcast leverages AI to enhance every episode, from generating voices to crafting initial scripts. Through thoughtful prompting and careful editing, we ensure each episode provides accurate and insightful commentary inspired by books we've read or ones recommended by our listeners. By using AI, we deliver consistent, high-quality content more efficiently, allowing us to focus on bringing valuable discussions to you. We understand that books, authors, and topics spark diverse opinions. That’s why our goal is to present a variety of perspectives that encourage thoughtful analysis and critical engagement with the issues we explore. Have a book you’d like us to review in our signature style? Share your recommendation—we’d love to dive in!