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Chartbook by Adam Tooze delves into economic analyses, global historical events, and their interconnections. It examines challenges in China's economy, the Eurozone's crisis, geopolitical conflicts, and environmental issues, offering diverse interpretations on authoritarian economies, financial systems, and the dynamics within conflicts and policy decisions globally.

Economic Analysis Global History Geopolitical Conflicts Environmental Issues Financial Systems Policy Analysis

The hottest Substack posts of Chartbook

And their main takeaways

Top Links 654 Ukraine's trillions in critical minerals. The economics of crime. Chinese science at war.

300 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics International relations Geopolitics Conflict Studies Resource Management Global Economics
  1. Ukraine has a lot of valuable minerals underground that could have big economic impacts.
  2. There are complex relationships between crime and economics that are worth exploring.
  3. China is currently facing challenges in its scientific community, impacting its global standing.

Chartbook 353 How Munich got Maga-ed, or Vance, bull**** & the European furore.

4306 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Nationalism Populism Security Immigration Political parties
  1. MAGA politics often come off as confusing and illogical, but they do pose a real threat. Leaders like J.D. Vance play on nationalistic ideas, creating divisions rather than solving actual problems.
  2. Europe's relationship with the U.S. is strained, especially after Vance's speech at the Munich Conference. Many Europeans feel they might have to treat the U.S. as a foreign country due to these differences in political style and values.
  3. For Europe to dismiss radical right-wing ideas effectively, it needs to develop its own security strategies. Relying solely on American support could backfire and bring MAGA-style politics into European conversations.

Top Links 653 How US asset managers are muscling into Europe. Japan restarts its reactors. Who buys guns? Mexico's energy revolution.

429 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
💰 Finance Investment Economics Global Markets Regulation Energy
  1. US asset managers are starting to play a bigger role in Europe, which could change the market dynamics there.
  2. Japan is bringing its nuclear reactors back online, impacting energy policies and production.
  3. There's a growing discussion about who is buying guns, which raises questions about safety and regulations.

Top Links 652 China's manufacturing dominance. The rouble running riot. How PM2.5 kills & the politics of the Rebecca riots.

400 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations Economic Policy Public Health Environmental Policy Labor relations
  1. China has a huge impact on global manufacturing, producing about one-third of the world's goods. This shows how essential China is in many important production areas.
  2. The rouble is experiencing significant fluctuations, which could affect the economy and trade. These changes can create challenges for Russia and its partners.
  3. PM2.5 pollution is harmful to health and has led to serious political issues in some areas. Understanding its effects can help address public health and environmental concerns.

Top Links 651 Is China Trump-proof? The global growth of the welfare state. Disintegrating Sudan & "Broadcasting the Barricades".

386 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Globalization Sovereignty International relations Conflict
  1. China may be able to withstand challenges posed by the U.S., but the implications are worth exploring.
  2. There is a noticeable trend of more countries enhancing their welfare systems around the world.
  3. The situation in Sudan is deteriorating, highlighting the importance of public awareness and activism.
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Chartbook 350: Bullying as a mode of power

2288 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Bullying Power Dynamics Political theory Trump presidency
  1. Bullying is a distinct form of power that aims to humiliate, not just control. It's more about inflicting hurt than achieving specific goals.
  2. Bullying often comes from those who feel powerless or who are taking pleasure in hurting others. It lacks a clear purpose and can escalate wildly.
  3. It's a social act that depends on having victims and followers. However, it is irresponsible and often leaves people feeling anxious and drained.

Top Links 650 Why Europe and India are still buying Russian energy. Friedman and Schwartz disaggregated. Cuba in Africa and the decline of the all-nighter.

386 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics International relations Energy Politics Geopolitics European Politics
  1. Europe and India continue to purchase Russian energy because it remains cheap and reliable. This reliance is significant even amidst global tensions.
  2. The discussion includes analysis from Friedman and Schwartz, providing insights into different perspectives regarding energy purchases.
  3. There are broader topics addressed, like Cuba's role in Africa and cultural shifts such as the decline of late-night activities, suggesting a variety of social dynamics at play.

Lonely Charts Personals ... or Chartbook 352, the Valentine's edition.

414 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Relationships Media Social Commentary
  1. People shared personal ads looking for romantic or meaningful connections, often with quirky and creative descriptions. It's a fun way to meet others who share similar interests.
  2. The ads covered a wide range of backgrounds and preferences, from academic and professional interests to unique hobbies and personal values. This shows the diversity of experiences people are looking for in relationships.
  3. There is a light-hearted, humorous tone throughout the personal ads, making it clear that many are just looking to have fun and enjoy the process of connecting with others.

Calling the Lonely Charts Club!

801 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Arts Literature Relationships Society Politics
  1. There's a fun initiative where people can create personal ads looking for partners who share similar interests, especially in political economy and culture.
  2. The project encourages creativity in writing these ads, making them unique and tailored to individual preferences.
  3. People can submit their ads anonymously through a Google form, making it easier to express themselves.

Top Links 649 Dollar overvaluation. Ethiopia's precarious economic reforms. Kashmir and panzootic threats.

329 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
💰 Finance Economics Global Trade Market Trends Financial Policy
  1. The dollar is currently overvalued, which could have serious economic impacts. This means that the dollar's strength might not reflect the true value of the economy.
  2. Ethiopia is facing challenges with its economic reforms. These reforms are crucial for the country's future stability and growth.
  3. Kashmir is experiencing threats from panzootic diseases. This situation poses risks to both human health and local wildlife.

Top Links 647 Trump & the American gentry. The Federal government that just doesn't grow. Showing off & the English Polanyi.

500 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Trump Government American Society Public Opinion
  1. Many Trump supporters come from the American gentry, which includes small business owners. They play a key role in his support base.
  2. The Federal government is not expanding significantly, which can impact its effectiveness.
  3. There is an interest in cultural themes, such as showing off and references to the English thinker Polanyi, pointing to deeper societal issues.

Chartbook 349 Scholasticides

2846 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education & Policy Cultural Issues International relations
  1. Cultural genocide is often part of larger genocidal plans. To erase a culture, you have to destroy its education and learning systems.
  2. Scholasticide, which targets educational institutions, can both support genocide and stand alone as an attack on a society's future.
  3. In conflicts like those in Gaza and Sudan, education systems face extreme challenges. The destruction in Gaza is unmatched, impacting universities and severing communication for students and educators.

Top Links 645 Trump's assault on the North American division of labour continued. How the eurdollar system works. North Korea's aerial trash bombardment & FDR on the Arsenal of Democracy.

472 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade policy Tariffs Economics International relations Political Analysis
  1. Trump is pushing for tariffs on aluminium and steel imports, which could affect the US economy. It's important to know that the US relies a lot on imported aluminium.
  2. The eurdollar system is explained, which is key for understanding international finance. It plays a significant role in global trade and economics.
  3. North Korea is using aerial trash bombardment as a tactic, highlighting serious issues of conflict. This kind of action reflects the ongoing tensions in the region.

Top Links 642 Debunking US exceptionalism. The global relationship recession. Game engines & Adorno's precarious happiness.

658 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Analysis Historical context Media Relations Public Opinion
  1. The idea of American exceptionalism is being questioned and challenged more than ever. Many are beginning to see that America's issues are similar to those faced by other countries.
  2. There is a current global relationship recession, meaning that countries and nations are struggling to connect and cooperate like before. This can lead to more isolation and tension worldwide.
  3. Game engines are being discussed in the context of philosophical ideas, particularly about happiness. It's interesting to see how technology and deeper thoughts about life can intersect.

Top Links 646 Defense tech. The Trump tower in Belgrade. Time-biased and space-biased media. The global gender crisis & the book DuBois could not finish.

286 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Defense Media Gender Architecture Tech
  1. There is ongoing discussion about defense technology and its impacts on society. People are exploring how tech shapes our safety and security.
  2. The mention of the Trump tower in Belgrade shows that events and places linked to political figures continue to draw attention. The tower serves as a symbol of larger political themes.
  3. The global gender crisis highlights ongoing issues related to equality. It suggests a need for deeper conversations and solutions around gender disparities.

Top Links 644 Buffett's filthy power plants. Inflation dynamics. Indian wars, Zazous & Pet Shop Boys

371 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
💼 Business Finance Investments Economics Energy Corporate
  1. Buffett's company, Berkshire Hathaway, runs some of the dirtiest coal power plants in the US. This highlights concerns about environmental responsibility.
  2. There are interesting discussions about inflation dynamics. Understanding these can help us navigate economic changes.
  3. The mention of Indian wars, Zazous, and Pet Shop Boys suggests a mix of cultural and historical themes worth exploring. Each has its unique impact on society.

Top Links 643 Office vacancies. Peak McDonald's. The case of Ireland and the legend of Ferdinand Piëch.

386 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
💼 Business Real Estate Economics Workplace Market Analysis
  1. Office vacancies are at a record high, with about 20.4% of office space in major US cities empty. This shows a big change in how people work now.
  2. The idea of 'Peak McDonald's' suggests that the fast-food giant may have reached its highest point in growth and popularity. It's interesting to think about how even big brands can change over time.
  3. The story of Ferdinand Piëch and the case of Ireland may provide lessons on leadership and innovation in business. These narratives help us understand how organizations can evolve or face challenges.

Chartbook 347 The trouble with transitioning: putting energy history back on its feet.

1759 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy Policy Climate change Renewable Energy Fossil fuels Environmental History
  1. Traditional views say that moving away from fossil fuels will solve climate issues and that renewable energy will become cheaper. But this view may not be correct.
  2. An analysis of energy use shows that instead of switching from one energy source to another, we tend to use more energy from different sources at the same time.
  3. Decarbonizing our energy systems is a complicated task that is influenced by history and requires new approaches, especially as countries like China play a significant role in renewable energy technologies.

Top Links 639 Buybacks over investment in the US military-industrial complex. The Indian economy shifts gear. RAND on burden-sharing & Britain's wars of decolonization.

557 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Defense Policy Economic Policy International relations Political Economy
  1. There's a discussion about how companies are focusing more on buybacks instead of investing in important areas like the military complex. It raises questions about the priorities of businesses.
  2. The Indian economy appears to be making significant progress. This could indicate shifts in global economic dynamics and growth in emerging markets.
  3. A report from RAND explores how countries share defense responsibilities, particularly relating to Britain's historical wars. This could provide insights into current international relations and military commitments.

Top Links 637 America's trade deficits. The robots are coming. Israeli defense exports & Khian Sea - the toxic ship.

615 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
💰 Finance Technology Environmental Issues Global Economy
  1. America has a significant trade deficit, which means it imports more than it exports. This impacts the economy and job market.
  2. The rise of robots and automation is changing the workforce. Many fear job losses, but there are also opportunities for new types of work.
  3. Israel is a major player in defense exports, showing how countries invest in their military technology.

Top Links 640 Trump's taxes on blue-collar America. Palantir, Silicon Valley Mittelstand. Hershey's cocoa risk & art at war.

429 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade policy Taxation Economic issues Political Analysis Government
  1. Trump's trade policies are seen as unfairly taxing the US auto industry, impacting American workers.
  2. Palantir and similar companies represent a growing trend in tech that resembles a modern Mittelstand, focusing on niche markets.
  3. There are ethical and environmental concerns regarding Hershey's cocoa sourcing, reflecting larger global issues in trade and art during conflicts.

Top Links 638 The credit card racket. Why Trump wants Greenland. The cislunar economy & the age of the gas mask.

529 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
💰 Finance Credit Cards Economy Debt Interest Rates Global Trade
  1. Credit card interest rates in the US can be very high, over 22%, which can be a heavy burden for people carrying balances. It's important to be aware of these costs.
  2. There are discussions around various topics, like why Trump has an interest in Greenland, showing how geopolitics can be tied to business and resources.
  3. The emerging cislunar economy reflects the growing importance of space and its potential impact on our economy and society, underlining how innovation stretches beyond Earth.

Chartbook 348 Dollar-like: eurodollars, crypto and the future of global money.

1101 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
💰 Finance Global Economics Cryptocurrency Monetary Policy International Trade
  1. Eurodollars are dollars held and used outside the US, which allow businesses around the world to conduct transactions without relying solely on the US banking system. This system grew because companies wanted to avoid US regulations and sanctions.
  2. Stablecoins, like eurodollars, are dollar-linked assets that facilitate transactions, providing a bridge between cryptocurrency and traditional money. They promise to maintain a value equal to the US dollar, similar to how eurodollars work.
  3. The future of stablecoins may involve replacing eurodollars in global finance, but their stability and growth depend on stronger backing systems and regulatory support to avoid issues that have affected both eurodollars and cryptocurrencies.

Top Links 636 Government by executive order. Deepseek & uranium. Avian flu and the supply chain. A natural history of the studio (Kentridge).

615 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Executive orders Current Events Public Health
  1. The government is increasingly using executive orders to make decisions quickly. This shows how urgent some issues are right now.
  2. There's a connection between Deepseek, uranium, and current events. This is an important topic as it relates to energy and security.
  3. Avian flu is impacting the supply chain. This situation highlights how health issues can affect product availability.

Top Links 641 The UK's trade deficit with the US. Low-income growth in the USA. How electrification stalled. "M: son of the century" and "The new us".

314 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
💰 Finance Trade Economics Deficits Income Growth
  1. The UK has a unique trade relationship where it imports more from the US than it exports, leading to a trade deficit. This is unusual for a developed country.
  2. Low-income growth in the USA is a significant issue, highlighting economic challenges faced by many. It's affecting overall prosperity and living standards.
  3. Electrification efforts have hit a roadblock, indicating that progress in energy transition is not happening as fast as needed. This could impact future sustainability initiatives.

Chartbook 345 A "house of cards"? Russia's war economy in 2025.

1659 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🌍 World Politics International relations Geopolitical analysis Economic Sanctions Diplomacy
  1. Russia's war economy appears strong on the surface but has significant underlying weaknesses, making it fragile. This could mean trouble for its long-term stability.
  2. High inflation and rising interest rates are putting pressure on the Russian economy, leading to financial instability. Many key sectors are struggling as costs soar.
  3. While sanctions affect Russia, the country still manages to generate substantial revenue from oil and gas exports. This suggests its financial situation may not be as dire as some predict.

Chartbook 343 : Polycrisis & the critique of capitalocentrism.

2131 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Critical Theory Social theory
  1. The world is facing a lot of big problems at the same time, called a 'polycrisis'. This means we need to think differently about how to solve these issues because they are more complicated than before.
  2. Going back to older theories from the early 20th century might not help us understand today's challenges. We risk missing out on the uniqueness of our current time by focusing too much on these past ideas.
  3. We need to acknowledge that our current situation has the potential for serious crises, like climate change and political tensions. It’s important to stay flexible in our thinking to cope with the uncertainty of the future.

Top Links 635 The rebalancing of global industrial production. A hog-cycle in containers. Czech reserves & Korean coups (in 1979)

486 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
💼 Business Global Economy Trade Economics Geopolitics
  1. Global industrial production is shifting. This means how and where things are made around the world is changing.
  2. There is a trend called a 'hog-cycle' in container shipping. This affects how goods are transported and the availability of containers.
  3. Historical events, like the Czech reserves and Korean coups in 1979, can help us understand current global shifts and economic patterns.

Chartbook 344: Curzio Malaparte's war

1444 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
📚 Literature Historical Analysis Literary Criticism Memoir
  1. Curzio Malaparte wrote three important books about World War II, with 'The Volga Rises in Europe' offering unique insights into the war's industrial aspects. It explains how both German and Soviet soldiers were more like technicians working with machines than traditional soldiers.
  2. Malaparte's other two books, 'Kaputt' and 'The Skin', depict the decay of European civilization during the war. They present a nightmarish view of society under conflict and how people struggled for survival in brutal circumstances.
  3. By reading all three works together, we see a broader picture of war's impact on humanity and morality. Each book provides a different perspective on the chaos and trauma of World War II, emphasizing the horrors faced by civilians and soldiers alike.

Top Links 633 Van Gogh and the end of nature. How the UK kicked coal & China's approach to modernization

515 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Art Nature History Modernization Environment
  1. Van Gogh's artwork reflects a connection to nature and highlights the changes happening in the world around us. His pieces can show the beauty of nature, but also hint at its decline.
  2. The UK's transition away from coal energy showcases a significant shift towards more sustainable practices. This change is a crucial step in fighting climate change and preserving the environment.
  3. China's modernization is an interesting blend of tradition and innovation. It highlights how countries can evolve while balancing their historical roots with modern advancements.

Chartbook 341 On thinking in medias res: An Interview with Ding Xiongfei from the Shanghai Review of Books (summer 2024)

2846 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics International relations Global Economy Climate Policy Crisis Management
  1. Polycrisis shows that our world is facing multiple interconnected issues that can't be simply solved with clear solutions. It's about ongoing management rather than resolution.
  2. China's role in the climate crisis is crucial, and it may lead the global response to climate change, changing the narrative where the West is no longer the main actor.
  3. Understanding statistics and data is important, but they need to be seen as part of a broader political and economic system, not just as numbers reflecting reality.

Top Links 634 Amerikanizm, tariffs and inflation. The UK's productivity stagnation, & the war-risk business.

414 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economics Trade Inflation Productivity Geopolitics
  1. Amerikanizm can have impacts on tariffs and inflation. This means policies can affect prices and trade in significant ways.
  2. The UK's productivity is not improving much, which suggests challenges in its economy. This stagnation can lead to slower growth and less innovation.
  3. There are increasing risks related to war for businesses. Companies might face uncertainties that could influence their operations and profits.

Chartbook 342 Are we all dead in the long run? John Maynard Keynes and the politics of time

2617 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economic Theory Political theory Future studies Historical Analysis
  1. Keynes' famous quote 'In the long run we are all dead' is often misunderstood. It doesn't mean he didn't care about the future; instead, he criticized how some economists ignore present issues in favor of uncertain future predictions.
  2. Keynes saw the future as full of possibilities, suggesting we should focus on bold and significant plans that address current crises rather than worrying too much about long-term outcomes.
  3. He believed in experimentation and creativity in political action, encouraging open-ended approaches to solve today's problems while keeping an eye on the potential futures we can create together.

Top Links 631 US labour market churn in historical perspective. The decline of retail jobs. Writhing Leviathans & the business of deportation.

472 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Labor Market Economic Policy Employment Trends Social Issues Migration policy
  1. The US labor market has seen a lot of changes over time, with many people switching jobs frequently.
  2. Retail jobs are declining, which impacts many workers and the economy.
  3. There are ongoing discussions about the business of deportation, highlighting important social issues.

Chartbook 342 A history of America's medico-industrial complex ... seen from the step-down ward.

1859 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare system Social theory
  1. In the mid-20th century, hospitals and industrial workplaces were closely linked. Local hospitals supported the working-class community, especially in areas with heavy industrial work.
  2. The decline of industries in the 1980s changed healthcare. Smaller, local hospitals were replaced by larger, publicly funded healthcare facilities, which often led to job insecurity for care workers.
  3. The book highlights the intertwined lives of workers and healthcare, emphasizing how the changing economy impacts family life and the quality of care in hospitals.

Chartbook 346: Against overcorrection. Yellen's Treasury defends the legacy of Democratic fiscal policy.

815 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Fiscal policy Elections Partisanship Economic Growth Inflation
  1. When a political party loses, there’s a temptation to rethink past policies. Critics may blame inflation on spending decisions, but the Democrats didn't do as poorly as expected in recent elections.
  2. Inflation feels different depending on your political views. Partisanship affects how people perceive the economy, making it hard to pin down economic sentiment just to inflation rates.
  3. Despite losing to Trump, the Democratic fiscal policies in recent years were effective. Inflation rates have fallen and job numbers have remained strong, suggesting that bold policy decisions can be successful.

Top Links 632 Breakthrough analysis of the "Origins and Content of New Work in the USA, 1940–2018". The art of the photocopier & oil as the lubricant.

386 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🎨 Art & Illustration Art history Visual Arts Contemporary Art Art Theory Photography
  1. The analysis focuses on the new job categories that have appeared in the USA from 1940 to 2018. It's interesting to see how work has evolved over time.
  2. It mentions the role of tools like photocopiers in changing the way art and work are created. This shows how technology can enhance creativity.
  3. The study sheds light on the connection between art and industry, suggesting that they can work together in innovative ways. This idea encourages thinking outside the box.

Top Links 630 Flexible exchange rates, fear of floating, Goldfinger & the reality of the global exchange rate system.

414 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
💰 Finance Economic Policy Global Economy Monetary Systems Financial Markets
  1. Flexible exchange rates can cause uncertainty, which some countries try to avoid, leading to a 'fear of floating'.
  2. The discussion around the realities of the global exchange rate system helps us understand how it impacts economies worldwide.
  3. Lessons from past conferences on floating exchange rates are valuable for grasping their long-term effects and challenges.

Chartbook Reissue: Reading Grossman's "Stalingrad" and "Life and Fate".

2403 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
📚 Literature Historical Fiction Totalitarianism
  1. Vasily Grossman's books, 'Stalingrad' and 'Life and Fate', are powerful war novels that also explore deep social issues and philosophical ideas. They show how the battle at Stalingrad impacted the course of history and reflect on the struggles of Soviet society.
  2. The narrative highlights how time and history feel different during intense crises like war. Grossman captures the chaos of battle and the shifting sense of time that soldiers experience, making readers understand the weight of those moments.
  3. Grossman's work also examines totalitarianism and power dynamics, revealing the harsh realities faced by individuals under oppressive regimes. He illustrates how people navigate choices of survival and moral dilemmas even in the most desperate circumstances.