Archive for June, 2009
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The Coming Political Collapse
Current administration policies are leading to a potential break in the economic and political contract between the American people and its government. The outcome could be the equivalent of a revolution.
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The Factors Behind the Iranian Protests
The protests in Iran are as much about government incompetence as about elections and democracy. This situation is not unique to Iran. In fact the gap between elites and people is a growing global issue.
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Is Russia a Potential Partner for the US
The overthrow of communism by the Russian people was a historical achievement, but Russia has little experience handling freedom. With respect to the new Russia the US has a choice between a hard line and cooperation. The second option is by far the most promising.
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China’s New Threat to the Dollar
The Chinese government has unveiled a commercial strategy which could in time undermine the dollar’s global role.
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Are the Wars on Terror Winnable
Success in the conflicts under the war on terror umbrella is only partly dependent on military force. The real key is the US policy towards the subject populations.
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The Green Shoots Illusion
According to the “green shoots” analogy, massive government intervention has prevented an economoic depression and restarted the economy. In reality, the intervention has been large enough to block market mechanisms, but too haphazard to define and implement a cohererent economic strategy. We might well end up with an economy in suspended animation.
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New Factors in the Climate Change Debate
The climate change debate to-date has been driven almost exclusively by the greenhouse gas issue. There are, however, other major influences on atmospheric tenperature. These must be further clarified before measures with significant economic impact are taken.
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The Coming Confrontation over the Dollar
US and Chinese policies relative to the dollar are on a collision course. China is attempting to draw US attention to the issue, with little success so far. Unless some understanding is reached, a dangerous confrontation looms.
