"I am altering the deal. Pray I don't alter it any further." — The Empire Strikes Back Since Vladimir Putin brought up Bill Browder’s name in Helsinki events have escalated to a fever pitch. Russia is under extreme attack the U.S./European financial and political establishment. And part of that push is coming from Browder himself. … Continue reading Bill Browder Strikes Back in Europe
Europe
The Real Contagion Threat is Political
The real danger to the current institutional order was just demonstrated in Sweden. While I've talked at length about the potential financial contagion stemming from the implosion of multiple emerging market currencies it is the growing political crisis in Europe that will shape our future. Sweden is The Land where Socialism Works, or so I … Continue reading The Real Contagion Threat is Political
A League of Leagues of Their Own in Europe
"There's no crying in baseball!" — A League of Their Own The Great Realignment is coming to Europe next year. All the writing is on the wall. This summer saw German Chancellor Angela Merkel survive a leadership challenge by her coalition partner Horst Seehofer over her immigration policy. She needs political wins to maintain her … Continue reading A League of Leagues of Their Own in Europe
Trump Doesn’t Want Peace with the EU
Donald Trump is on a mission. His goal? Destroy the post-WWII institutional order that has outlived its usefulness. And there have been a number of major moves that fundamentally tear at the fabric of that order. In a span of a day we've had the following things occur in quick succession. French President Emmanuel Macron … Continue reading Trump Doesn’t Want Peace with the EU
Black Flags Rise Over May’s Brexit Betrayal
Theresa May was put in power by the Tories to betray Brexit. She finally showed her true colors last week agreeing in principle to a Brexit deal with the European Union that was the antithesis of what the British people voted for in 2016. That May chose the weekend of England qualifying for its first … Continue reading Black Flags Rise Over May’s Brexit Betrayal
Of Carrots, Sticks and How the Empire Fails
It's important for bullies to always win. Because once their weakness is exposed they can no longer be bullies. Empires don't start out as bullies. They start out as the reaction to the last Empire which became a bully after embracing hubris over humility. Empires have to resort to bullying near the end because they … Continue reading Of Carrots, Sticks and How the Empire Fails
Gold Goats ‘n Guns Live – Italy Closes the Border
We covered a lot of ground last night as President Trump and Kim Jong-un began their historic meeting in Singapore. This was an unqualified good thing to behold. Trump needed to talk to Kim and vice versa. The Korean War needs to officially end. Yesterday's meeting didn't solve that issue, but this is the most … Continue reading Gold Goats ‘n Guns Live – Italy Closes the Border
Next Stage of Pressure on Iran – Lower Oil Prices
President Trump is stepping up his attack on Iran. He's now planning the long-game for maximum pressure. The news that Trump quietly asked Saudi Arabia to ramp up output by 1 million barrels a day is the key. From the analysis at Oilprice.com: Saudi Arabia and some of its close Arab allies in the Gulf, … Continue reading Next Stage of Pressure on Iran – Lower Oil Prices