Geopolitical Economy Report

The Geopolitical Economy Report provides analysis and journalism on global financial, political, and military affairs, with a focus on the dynamics of geopolitical conflicts, the critique of Western hegemony, the exploration of new power centers like China, and the impact of economic policies on worldwide inequality.

Geopolitical Conflicts Western Hegemony Economic Inequality Military Affairs Global South International Relations US Foreign Policy China's Rise Media and Propaganda Sanctions and Economic Policies

The hottest Substack posts of Geopolitical Economy Report

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NATO/West or Global Majority? Unipolar destruction or multipolar development? The world must choose

358 implied HN points • 05 Dec 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics International relations Globalization Security Imperialism
  1. The world is at a critical point between NATO/West and the Global Majority, offering a choice between unipolar destruction or multipolar development.
  2. Political economists analyze the fracturing international order, discussing conflicts in Israel, Ukraine, Russia, Argentina, and Europe.
  3. There is a growing polarization within Western countries, with emphasis on pursuing militaristic policies versus policies favoring peace and development in line with other global majority countries like China and Russia.

US blew up Nord Stream pipelines connecting Russia to Germany, journalist Seymour Hersh reports

558 implied HN points • 11 Feb 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Energy Warfare Alliances Diplomacy
  1. The US government, with the help of CIA, Navy divers, and NATO member Norway, reportedly destroyed the Nord Stream pipelines connecting Russia to Germany.
  2. There were denial from the White House and CIA about the covert operation, illustrating how they can legally lie to the public about such actions.
  3. US's planning to destroy Nord Stream began before Russia invaded Ukraine, with the operation executed by US Navy divers placing explosives on the pipelines during NATO exercises.

US threatened to invade International Criminal Court. Now it loves ICC for targeting Putin

478 implied HN points • 29 Mar 23
🌍 World Politics Russia-Ukraine conflict
  1. The US has a complex history with the International Criminal Court, originally opposing it but now supporting it for targeting Putin over alleged atrocities in Ukraine.
  2. The ICC has faced criticism for its bias against the Global South and Africa, with concerns over its leadership being dominated by Europeans and trials mainly involving Africans.
  3. The ICC is not part of the United Nations; it focuses on individuals while the International Court of Justice litigates state disputes, but faces limitations due to the Security Council's veto system.

Taiwan separatists lose key ally, Honduras recognizes China - just 12 small countries remain

478 implied HN points • 16 Mar 23
🌍 World Politics International relations Diplomacy Geopolitics Foreign Policy Alliances
  1. Honduras has shifted its diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China, leaving just 12 small countries supporting Taiwan separatists
  2. The majority of the global population resides in countries recognizing the People's Republic of China while Taiwan is acknowledged officially only by a handful of countries
  3. The decision by Honduras to break ties with Taiwan and embrace China is largely driven by economic factors, especially China's offered assistance in dealing with Honduras' significant economic challenges

Ukraine conflict ‘caused by Europeans' love of war, hegemony’, says Malaysia's ex leader

498 implied HN points • 01 Mar 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Conflict International relations Warfare
  1. According to Malaysia's ex-leader Mahathir Mohamad, the conflict in Ukraine is a result of Europeans' love for war and dominance.
  2. Mahathir warns that the situation could escalate to become the beginning of a Third World War.
  3. He criticizes Western actions that have led to sanctions, shortages of supplies, and tensions in regions like East Asia.
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Is neoliberalism really dead? Or does it live on like a zombie?

318 implied HN points • 19 Dec 23
🌍 World Politics Neoliberalism Debt Monopolies Globalization Cold War
  1. Neoliberalism continues to evolve and adapt, with different variations over the decades.
  2. Debt has played a significant role in the rise of neoliberalism, with exponential growth especially in the neoliberal era.
  3. The current global dynamics reflect a new Cold War, where neoliberalism faces off against alternative economic models represented by countries like China and Russia.

West is out of touch with rest of world politically, EU-funded study admits

498 implied HN points • 26 Feb 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitical analysis
  1. The West is recognized as out of sync politically with the rest of the world, particularly with a sentiment against American global dominance.
  2. A significant portion of the global population in countries like China, India, Russia, Türkiye view Russia as an ally and aspire for a multipolar world, contrasting with the stance of the West.
  3. The study showcases the divergence in views on the conflict in Ukraine, with a sizeable portion of the world desiring a halt to the war and having differing perceptions on democracy and global power structures.

Origins of debt: Michael Hudson reveals how financial oligarchies in Greece & Rome shaped our world

458 implied HN points • 25 May 23
💾 History Debt Religion Global South Economic Systems
  1. Debt has a long history in shaping societies, from ancient Mesopotamia to Rome, and understanding this history can provide insights into modern debt-based economies.
  2. There have always been alternatives to the debt-centric economic models, with concepts like debt forgiveness and economic balance being seen as sacred in many ancient civilizations.
  3. US and other first-world countries should consider the moral implications of collecting debt from struggling Global South countries, especially when it's used to fuel conflicts and harm society.

France's Macron opposes US cold war on China, wants independent Europe - but is it just rhetoric?

458 implied HN points • 12 Apr 23
🌍 World Politics Europe United States China Trade
  1. France's Macron advocates for Europe's independence from the US to avoid being mere followers, emphasizing the need for strategic autonomy.
  2. Macron's warnings about not becoming vassals to the US are influenced by the economic importance of China as the EU's top trading partner.
  3. The failure of previous efforts, like the INSTEX mechanism, to challenge US dominance highlights the challenges Macron faces in altering Europe's foreign policy towards China.

Ukraine's neoliberalism on steroids, Europe’s economic suicide

458 implied HN points • 22 May 23
🌍 World Politics Europe Russia Neoliberalism Industrial Policy Trade
  1. The conflict in Ukraine reflects aggressive neoliberal reforms and Europe's self-destructive policies.
  2. Wars are fought not just with arms, but also with economic strategies. The underlying geopolitical economy is complex.
  3. Russia is focused on turning military victory in Ukraine into a new economic order, challenging Western imperialism and promoting a multipolar world.

4 US banks crash in 2 months: Banking crisis explained by economist Michael Hudson

458 implied HN points • 07 May 23
💰 Finance Banking Regulation Derivatives Market volatility
  1. Economist Michael Hudson discusses the collapse of four US banks in two months, including First Republic Bank being taken over by JP Morgan Chase, highlighting the deep ties between government regulators and bankers.
  2. The collapse of banks like First Republic Bank can be attributed to high ratios of uninsured deposits and risky long-term mortgages, demonstrating systemic issues in the banking sector.
  3. The banking crisis is a result of the government's bailout policies, with large banks like JP Morgan Chase being given favorable deals despite being rated as the riskiest, leading to the undue burden on the economy and the potential for a deep financial collapse.

BRICS challenges US 'dollar dominance', Saudi considers selling oil in other currencies: New multipolar economic order

578 implied HN points • 21 Jan 23
🌍 World Politics BRICS Oil trade
  1. BRICS is working to challenge the dominance of the US dollar by creating a fairer system of monetary exchange.
  2. Saudi Arabia is considering selling its oil in currencies other than the US dollar, indicating a shift away from the petrodollar system.
  3. Prominent economist Zoltan Pozsar highlights the emergence of a new multipolar economic order that challenges the exorbitant privilege of the US dollar as the international reserve currency.

US 'neo-imperialist' dollar scheme explained by economist Yanis Varoufakis

538 implied HN points • 04 Feb 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Imperialism International relations Economic Systems Globalization
  1. Economist Yanis Varoufakis explains the US dollar's role in 'neo-imperialism' and how it finances a significant trade deficit worldwide.
  2. Varoufakis challenges the austerity measures imposed by EU/IMF during his time as Greece's finance minister, expressing concerns about the loss of national sovereignty.
  3. Varoufakis continues his activism, forming a political movement, campaigning for Julian Assange's release, and advocating for a new global economic order.

China builds global alternative as US-led financial order decays

438 implied HN points • 29 May 23
🌍 World Politics Global Development Climate action Economic Systems Neoliberalism
  1. China is building a global economic alternative while the US-led neoliberal financial order weakens.
  2. Understanding historical context is key to grasping China's development path and its impact on the global economy.
  3. Facing challenges, the world can find hope in alternative economic models and a shift away from Western domination.

Multipolarity: China, Russia, Israel, India, and the difficult birth of a new world

398 implied HN points • 22 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics International relations Global Development National sovereignty
  1. The world is on the brink of a potential nuclear war, with the West being the most irresponsible and reckless actor, leading to a dangerous situation.
  2. International relations are not just about nations, but about the interests of elites within those nations, often conflicting with the broader interests of the population.
  3. Cooperation for development, like the Belt and Road Initiative, outweighs conflict and domination, offering a path towards stability and progress.

US bank bailout benefited billionaires, exposing corruption: 'I understand why Americans are angry'

418 implied HN points • 14 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Corruption Regulation Banking Inequality Corporations
  1. Before the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank, it lobbied to remove regulations and then received a bailout, benefiting billionaires. Americans are angry at the corruption.
  2. US banks collapsed in March 2023, leading to massive bailouts for wealthy depositors, showing a pattern of blatant corruption and regulatory capture in Washington.
  3. The banking crisis is far from over as unrealized losses on investment securities have reached over $600 billion, indicating a potential larger collapse ahead due to rising market interest rates.

NATO failed in Ukraine against Russia. Now it's targeting China

418 implied HN points • 03 Aug 23
🌍 World Politics Imperialism Food security Trade Relations Military Strategy
  1. NATO's shift from targeting Russia in Ukraine to targeting China in the Pacific is a significant geopolitical move.
  2. There are divisions within NATO, with European business interests pushing back against the political establishment's support for the US-led agenda.
  3. The breakdown of the Grain Deal signifies larger issues of imperialism and economic interests, highlighting the complexities of global trade dynamics.

Richest 1% took 2/3rds of global wealth since 2020 - twice as much as 99% of population earned

518 implied HN points • 18 Jan 23
🌍 World Politics Wealth Inequality Taxation Economic System Climate change
  1. Since 2020, the wealthiest 1% of the world's population took nearly two-thirds of new wealth, significantly more than the rest of the population.
  2. Global poverty is worsening while the very richest individuals continue to amass huge amounts of wealth, creating an alarming level of inequality.
  3. Oxfam's report highlights the need for governments to increase taxes on the rich, invest in social services, and address the economic systems that benefit the wealthy.

West opposes rest of world in UN votes for fairer economic system, equality, sustainable development

538 implied HN points • 26 Dec 22
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Global Cooperation International relations
  1. Most countries support UN resolutions for fairer economic system and sustainable development, but the West opposes most proposals.
  2. The United States and its allies consistently vote against common-sensical resolutions endorsed by the majority of the world in the UN General Assembly.
  3. The pattern of the 'Collective West' consistently voting against the rest of the world highlights a trend of opposition to widely supported resolutions on various issues such as human rights, economic equality, and sustainable development.

De-dollarization is about more than currencies: As dollar system declines, what comes next?

378 implied HN points • 03 May 23
🌍 World Politics Economic Systems Monetary Systems Political Economy Global Trade Financialization
  1. De-dollarization is a shift away from the US dollar system towards a new economic system based on reducing imbalances and promoting balanced economic growth.
  2. The current crisis in the dollar system is exposing vulnerabilities, such as declining capital inflows and the need for central bank intervention to prop up asset markets.
  3. The future economic system may involve a mixed public-private economy, government intervention in strategic sectors, and capital controls to prevent financialization and promote productive expansion.

Latin America refuses to send Ukraine weapons, despite Western pressure

458 implied HN points • 31 Jan 23
🌍 World Politics Latin America Ukraine Peace Neutrality
  1. Brazil, Argentina, and Colombia have refused to send weapons to Ukraine despite pressure from the US and EU. Latin American left-wing leaders are advocating for peace and neutrality.
  2. Brazil's Lula declined Germany's request to ship tank munitions to Ukraine, emphasizing a focus on peace and multilateralism.
  3. Colombia's President Petro has taken a stance for peace, rejecting sending weapons to Ukraine and advocating for the end of war.

Colonialism or sovereignty? How the global financial system traps countries in debt

358 implied HN points • 12 Jul 23
🌍 World Politics Debt crisis Global South Foreign Investment Financial system
  1. The global financial system traps countries in debt, reinforcing a neocolonial order, preventing development and prosperity.
  2. China's lending practices may not create a debt trap, but there are concerns about desperation for resources and risks of corruption.
  3. To address the systemic issues, a new financial system must be considered, one that focuses on canceling debts, renationalizing utilities, and reining in financial imperialism for broad-based prosperity and ecologically sustainable growth.

Why 3 US banks collapsed in 1 week: Economist Michael Hudson explains

358 implied HN points • 15 Mar 23
💰 Finance Banking Regulation Derivatives Interest Rates
  1. Economist Michael Hudson discussed the collapse of US banks, noting similarities to the 2008 financial crisis and the reliance on government bailouts.
  2. The Federal Reserve's handling of interest rates and bailouts in response to bank collapses indicates systemic issues in the financial sector.
  3. Derivatives, specifically highly leveraged bets, are looming as a significant risk for the banking sector and could trigger the next big crash.

The Arctic is the next frontier in the new cold war

378 implied HN points • 01 Mar 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Indigenous Peoples
  1. The Arctic is rapidly becoming a militarized zone of power politics in the new cold war, contested by major global powers like the US, Europe, Russia, and China.
  2. Climate change impacting the Arctic is altering global trade routes and has sparked geopolitical competition over navigation rights and resource exploitation.
  3. The rights and voices of Indigenous peoples in the Arctic, like the Inuit and Sami, are crucial in the political dynamics of the region, especially in light of growing tensions and resource interests.

Ukraine's Zelensky sends love letter to US corporations, promising 'big business' for Wall Street

438 implied HN points • 25 Jan 23
🌍 World Politics Neoliberalism Foreign Relations Corporate Influence Economic Policy International Trade
  1. Ukrainian president Zelensky is actively seeking investment from US corporations like BlackRock, JP Morgan, and Goldman Sachs, encouraging them to do business in Ukraine.
  2. Zelensky's government has implemented aggressive anti-worker policies, limiting union rights and encouraging a pro-corporate environment.
  3. Western governments and corporations are planning aggressive neoliberal reforms for Ukraine, aiming to privatize and deregulate industries with the help of powerful entities like BlackRock.

Exaggerating China's military spending, St. Louis Fed breaks all statistical rules with misleading graph

438 implied HN points • 24 Jan 23
🌍 World Politics Military Statistics Propaganda US-China Relations
  1. The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis published a misleading graph suggesting China spends more on military than the US, but in reality, the US military budget is three times larger.
  2. The graph's depiction of military expenditure by different countries was misleading due to the use of separate axes for China and the US, creating a false impression.
  3. China's military spending, when looked at accurately, is much smaller than the US when considering GDP percentage, per capita measurement, and even in comparison to other top spenders.

Economists Radhika Desai & Michael Hudson explain multipolarity, decline of US hegemony

458 implied HN points • 14 Jan 23
🌍 World Politics International relations Geopolitics Financial system
  1. Economists discussed how the rise of a multipolar world and the decline of US hegemony are shaping global affairs.
  2. They highlighted the differences in financial systems between the US and China, emphasizing China's public utility approach to finance.
  3. The conversation touched on the importance of creating an international bank to oversee reserves and promote infrastructure development across countries.

Guatemala blocks leftist Indigenous leader from presidential race, in 'electoral coup'

398 implied HN points • 06 Feb 23
🌍 World Politics Indigenous Election Oligarchy Corruption
  1. Guatemala's right-wing government banned Indigenous leader Thelma Cabrera and her leftist Movement for the Liberation of the Peoples (MLP) party from participating in the presidential election, leading to international condemnation as an 'electoral coup.'
  2. The MLP, led by Thelma Cabrera, aims to represent Indigenous communities and fight against poverty, neoliberalism, and for the establishment of a plurinational state, gaining significant popularity in Guatemala.
  3. The ban on leftists like Thelma Cabrera and Jordán Rodas by the Guatemalan electoral authority contrasts with the acceptance of candidates with questionable backgrounds, leading to protests, accusations of authoritarianism, and a battle between the oligarchy and the people.

German foreign minister: 'We are fighting a war against Russia'

398 implied HN points • 26 Jan 23
🌍 World Politics Europe Russia NATO
  1. Germany's Foreign Minister declared that Europe is fighting a war against Russia and called for unity in sending military aid to Ukraine.
  2. The conflict in Ukraine is seen as a NATO proxy war against Russia, with evidence of involvement from various NATO members in supporting Ukraine.
  3. Some German politicians warn that the US is pushing Germany into a frontline role with limited sovereignty to prevent Eurasian integration, potentially impacting German-Russian relations.

Peru's natural resources: CIA-linked US ambassador meets with mining and energy ministers to talk 'investments'

398 implied HN points • 19 Jan 23
🌍 World Politics Natural resources Investments Mining Energy Coup
  1. Peru is rich in natural resources like copper, gold, zinc, silver, and natural gas, making it a hub for transnational corporations who heavily invest in the mining sector.
  2. President Pedro Castillo aimed to ensure that 70% of mining proceeds went to the state for social programs, but after a coup, the focus shifted back to foreign corporate investments, reversing progressive economic plans.
  3. Natural gas, particularly liquefied natural gas (LNG), plays a significant role in Peru's exports, with a notable shift towards Europe as a top importer following a boycott of Russian energy.

French ambassador: US 'rules-based order' means Western domination, violating international law

498 implied HN points • 22 Nov 22
🌍 World Politics International relations US Relations Global Affairs Foreign Policy Diplomacy
  1. The 'rules-based order' is essentially a 'Western order', with the US and Europe dominating international institutions like the UN, World Bank, and IMF.
  2. There is concern in Europe about the US engaging in economic warfare against China, which could lead to a new cold war. Europe does not want to be forced to pick sides.
  3. It's important to understand and consider the interests of other major global stakeholders like China, India, and Brazil in creating a more balanced world, rather than maintaining Western hegemony.

What causes inflation? Economists Radhika Desai & Michael Hudson explain

378 implied HN points • 27 Jan 23
💰 Finance Inflation Federal Reserve Monetary Policy De-dollarization
  1. Inflation is driven by a shift to financialized capitalism, where assets are inflated while wages and consumer spending are squeezed.
  2. Central banks like the Federal Reserve prioritize the interests of the financial sector over addressing inflation or promoting productive growth.
  3. The current inflationary environment is rooted in financial bubbles, debt creation, and the failure to address the structural imbalances in the economy.

CIA and NATO are waging sabotage attacks inside Russia

418 implied HN points • 01 Jan 23
🌍 World Politics Espionage Military Conflict Alliance NATO
  1. The CIA, with support from a European NATO ally, is conducting sabotage attacks within Russia, including attacks on infrastructure like railways, bridges, and military facilities.
  2. Evidence suggests the CIA has been involved in a proxy war in Ukraine, providing training and military support to Ukrainian forces since 2015.
  3. There's a risk of the proxy war escalating into a direct conflict between the US and Russia, with potential for serious consequences.

Peru coup: CIA agent turned US ambassador met with defense minister day before president overthrown

438 implied HN points • 17 Dec 22
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy Government Oligarchy Corruption
  1. The US ambassador in Peru, a former CIA agent, met with the defense minister one day before the country's left-wing president was overthrown in a coup.
  2. The coup in Peru led to widespread protests, with the US government supporting the unelected regime that deployed military to crush demonstrations.
  3. The situation in Peru highlights the complex interactions between international politics, government institutions, and democratic processes.

US now world's top LNG exporter, as Europe boycotts cheaper Russian gas

398 implied HN points • 08 Jan 23
🌍 World Politics Energy Europe Russia Trade Geopolitics
  1. The USA is now the top exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG) alongside Qatar.
  2. Europe has replaced Asia as the main market for US LNG due to boycotting cheaper Russian gas, causing energy prices in Europe to soar.
  3. Significant US LNG importers in Europe include France, Spain, Britain, the Netherlands, and Italy, resulting in economic chaos and geopolitical tensions.

Europe angry that US profits from Ukraine proxy war while destroying EU economy

458 implied HN points • 30 Nov 22
🌍 World Politics Energy crisis Economic Impact Global Alliances
  1. EU leaders are frustrated that the US is profiting from the Ukraine proxy war by selling weapons and expensive natural gas, causing economic distress in Europe.
  2. The US prioritizes its new cold war with China over EU interests, leading Europe to feel like an afterthought in US policy.
  3. Historically high energy prices in Europe are threatening to bankrupt industries, pushing companies to consider moving their operations to the United States.

Brazil and Argentina preparing new Latin American currency to 'reduce reliance on US dollar'

358 implied HN points • 24 Jan 23
🌍 World Politics Latin America United States International relations Financial system
  1. Brazil and Argentina are planning a new Latin American currency called the Sur to enhance regional trade and reduce reliance on the US dollar.
  2. The new currency proposal requires analysis of various factors like fiscal issues and economic size, with a cautious approach as it may take years to develop.
  3. The initiative stems from a shared desire to lessen dependence on the US dollar, driven by ideologically similar governments in Latin America.

Introducing Geopolitical Economy Report: Multipolarista is evolving

378 implied HN points • 08 Jan 23
🌍 World Politics Economics Media Analysis Journalism
  1. Multipolarista has evolved into Geopolitical Economy Report, a new independent media outlet for original journalism and analysis on international politics and economics.
  2. Geopolitical Economy Report is expanding with new team members and exciting projects planned including a regular show featuring economists like Michael Hudson and Radhika Desai.
  3. Editor-in-chief Ben Norton explains the changes and continuity in a video and podcast available on the platform.