Episode · Freakonomics Radio · 2026-03-04

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

2 books · With Javier Blas, Jack Farchy · Listen · Watch on YouTube

Just beneath the surface of the global economy, there is a hidden layer of dealmakers for whom war, chaos, and sanctions can be a great business opportunity. In this updated episode from 2025, journalists Javier Blas and Jack Farchy help us shine a light on the shadowy realm of commodity traders.

Stephen Dubner recommended The King of Oil by Daniel Ammann, and discussed The World for Sale by Javier Blas and others.

Books mentioned, in the order they came up

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1. 

   The World for Sale

   Javier Blas; Jack Farchy · at 2:12 · mentioned 3 times

   The World for Sale: Money, Power, and the Traders Who Barter the Earth's Resources by Javier Blas and Jack Farchy is a financial investigation into the secretive commodity traders who control global raw materials.

   Discussed

   “It's called The World for Sale: Money, Power, and the Traders Who Barter the Earth's Resources.”

   Stephen Dubner The Most Powerful People You’ve Never Heard Of (Update) 2026-03-04 Listen at 2:12

   Where to get it

   AmazonListen on Audible
2. 

   The King of Oil

   Daniel Ammann · at 18:29

   The King of Oil by Daniel Ammann is a biographical non-fiction book that chronicles the life and career of the controversial billionaire commodity trader Mark Rich.

   Recommended

   “There's also a very good Mark Rich biography called The King of Oil by Danielle Aman.”

   Stephen Dubner The Most Powerful People You’ve Never Heard Of (Update) 2026-03-04 Listen at 18:29

   Where to get it

   AmazonListen on Audible