The hottest Global Economy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Finance Topics

🌎⏩ How fast can the global economy grow?

Faster, Please! • 822 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
💼 Business Economic Growth Artificial Intelligence Global Economy Science fiction
  1. The concept of the Singularity involves rapid technological advancements leading to an unimaginable surge in economic growth.
  2. The idea of exponential economic growth can be challenging to comprehend, similar to how residents of a two-dimensional world might struggle to imagine a three-dimensional object.
  3. Exploring historical precedents can offer insights into more feasible scenarios for economic growth.

When the Houthis Found “the Cloud"

Interconnected • 230 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics International relations Cybersecurity Terrorism Global Economy
  1. The Houthis damaged four undersea cables in the Red Sea, disrupting 25% of data traffic in that area, showing the vulnerability of global data connectivity.
  2. More than 20 countries are involved in the ownership and operation of these damaged undersea cables, highlighting the geopolitical implications of such incidents.
  3. A Hong Kong company, HGC Global Communications, played a central role in addressing the cable damages, emphasizing the fragility of the global data network despite its powerful infrastructure.

Just How Revisionist is China?

Drezner’s World • 609 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Global Economy Conflict International relations Global order Iran
  1. The global economic order is unraveling based on data from sources like Uppsala Conflict Data Program and Global Peace Index.
  2. China, Russia, and Iran are involved in global conflicts, but China seems to have more complex preferences and constraints on its revisionism.
  3. China is publicly rejecting U.S. pressure while privately pressuring Iran, showing limits to their revisionism.
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Washington's $300 billion dilemma

The Dossier • 303 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Foreign Relations Sanctions Economic Policy Global Economy International Law
  1. Western powers imposed sanctions on Russia by freezing $300 billion of Russian assets in the US and Europe, aiming to weaken the Russian economy, but the impact on the Russian war effort has been limited.
  2. The idea of seizing Russia's frozen $300 billion stash is being considered by the Biden Administration and Congress as a punitive measure, but legalizing such action through Congress is required.
  3. Seizing the $300 billion would be an unprecedented event with potential far-reaching consequences, including implications on the U.S. dollar's status as a global reserve currency and market signals about its stability.

Houthi and the Blown Ships

Murtaza Hussain • 511 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Conflicts International Law Global Economy Middle East Humanitarian Crisis
  1. Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea have significantly impacted global economy and shipping insurance rates.
  2. U.S. faces a challenge in dealing with the Houthis due to their adaptability and the potential need for a regime change operation in Yemen.
  3. Focus should be on addressing conditions that fuel violence and moving conflicts to the political realm, rather than moralizing about 'Good Guys' and 'Bad Guys.'

Cellular Walkie-Talkies.

News Items • 412 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Global Economy Economic Impact Global Trade
  1. War over Taiwan would have a significant cost in blood and treasure, surpassing previous global crises like the war in Ukraine and Covid pandemic.
  2. A conflict in Taiwan would devastate its economy by around 40%, impacting other major economies like China and the US.
  3. The global GDP would suffer a significant 10.2% decline, with countries like South Korea and Japan most affected.

Privateering.

News Items • 196 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Global Economy Cybersecurity Geopolitical Tensions
  1. The modern economy and international order are being challenged by incidents at sea involving Houthi rebels, Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and the resurgence of piracy.
  2. The U.S. government has disrupted a dangerous Chinese hacking operation targeting American critical infrastructure networks in preparation for potential cyberattacks during conflict.
  3. Beijing's advanced hacking capabilities and interest in infiltrating U.S. critical infrastructure pose a significant cybersecurity challenge.

Why does the US support Israel? A geopolitical analysis with economist Michael Hudson

Geopolitical Economy Report • 617 implied HN points • 13 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Middle East International relations Foreign Policy Global Economy
  1. US support for Israel is primarily driven by geopolitical strategies and control over the Middle East region.
  2. The US sees Israel as a military base to exert control over oil reserves in the Middle East and maintain dominance in the global economy.
  3. Historical parallels can be drawn between the Crusades and current US strategies in the Middle East, indicating power struggles for oil resources and global control.

China deepens ties with Venezuela, challenging US 'hegemonic mindset'

Geopolitical Economy Report • 837 implied HN points • 16 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy Foreign Relations International Organizations Geopolitics Global Economy
  1. China and Venezuela have deepened their strategic partnership, challenging the hegemonic mindset and sanctions imposed by the US.
  2. Venezuela has significant economic potential due to its vast oil and gas reserves, attracting interest from China as a reliable energy partner.
  3. The growing alliance between Venezuela and China symbolizes a shift towards South-South cooperation, emphasizing mutual development and multipolarity in today's global landscape.

Zen and the Art of CBDC Analysis (Part 2)

Altered States of Monetary Consciousness • 240 implied HN points • 07 Dec 23
💰 Finance Digital Currency Monetary System Central Banking Financial Technology Global Economy
  1. Innovation trends are often blindly followed in mainstream scenes, driven by systemic forces.
  2. The CBDC debate is influenced by the inertia of the global capitalist system and the push towards automation.
  3. CBDC discussions involve various justifications like financial inclusion, cross-border payments, and adapting to the 'spirit of the times.'

Shipping Costs Rise Amid Global Tension

The Sunday Morning Post • 98 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Humanitarian Crisis Global Economy
  1. Shipping costs have significantly increased due to disruptions in global trade routes, impacting the U.S. economy and potentially leading to inflation.
  2. The conflict in the Red Sea, led by Houthi attacks, has forced ships to take longer routes, costing more in time and money.
  3. The U.S. involvement in the conflict with the Houthis raises concerns about escalating tensions in the Middle East and potential long-term military campaigns.

US woos India's far-right PM Modi to help wage new cold war on China

Geopolitical Economy Report • 737 implied HN points • 24 Jun 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Diplomacy Foreign Relations International Organizations Global Economy
  1. The US is seeking India's help in forming an alliance against China, even though India's Prime Minister Modi has links to far-right Hindu-supremacist groups.
  2. Modi's BJP party and regime in India have a history of inciting violence against minorities and undermining left-wing activism.
  3. The US aims to use India to weaken the BRICS bloc and isolate China and Russia, with efforts to sway India away from its traditional non-aligned foreign policy.

US Congress plots to save dollar dominance amid global de-dollarization rebellion

Geopolitical Economy Report • 677 implied HN points • 28 Jun 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Global Economy International relations Financial system
  1. The US Congress held a hearing about the global movement toward de-dollarization, with concerns over challenges from China and Russia to the US financial system dominance.
  2. Lawmakers discussed how aggressive US sanctions weakened dollar dominance, pushing countries to seek alternative financial systems.
  3. Experts highlighted the economic benefits of the dollar's dominance, like lower borrowing costs and savings for the US economy, while warning about potential threats.

BRICS bloc is adding members, planning new currency to challenge US dollar

Geopolitical Economy Report • 598 implied HN points • 06 Jun 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics International relations Global Economy BRICS
  1. BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) are expanding and gaining economic and political influence globally.
  2. BRICS members are considering creating a new global reserve currency to challenge the dominance of the US dollar.
  3. The BRICS economies collectively represent a significant share of the global economy, with China contributing the highest share.

BRICS or NATO? G20 or G77? Summits debate rapidly changing world order

Geopolitical Economy Report • 279 implied HN points • 24 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics International relations Global Economy Diplomacy United Nations
  1. The changing world order is reflected in the rapid pace of international summits like BRICS, G20, G77, and the UN General Assembly.
  2. Russia's pivot towards the Far East, specifically in Vladivostok, showcases a strong focus on development and economic collaboration with Asian countries.
  3. De-dollarization and the use of e-currencies, such as blockchain mechanisms, are potential avenues for creating alternative payment systems within the global majority.

Sanctions 'undermine hegemony of dollar', US Treasury admits

Geopolitical Economy Report • 637 implied HN points • 21 Apr 23
🌍 World Politics Sanctions Geopolitics Global Economy International relations Humanitarian Issues
  1. US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen acknowledged that unilateral sanctions could weaken the dominance of the dollar.
  2. Sanctions have caused millions of deaths around the world, with examples like Iraq and Venezuela.
  3. Yellen implied that US plans involve using some of Russia's seized foreign exchange reserves to fund Ukraine reconstruction, which could have geopolitical implications.

Is the US Stronger than China?

Policy Tensor • 412 implied HN points • 02 Jul 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Military Global Economy
  1. In 1999, the US had a large superiority over other major powers, but by 2023, China has become a strong global power.
  2. The traditional metrics like GDP may not accurately reflect a country's military strength or war-making capabilities.
  3. Industrial production capacity is a crucial factor in determining a country's ability to sustain military efforts and shows China's significant growth and potential dominance.

Reconsidering the "2020s as 1940s" Analogy

The Overshoot • 550 implied HN points • 08 Mar 23
💰 Finance Economic History Global Economy Government Response Debt crisis Forecasting
  1. The global economy faced crises in different time periods, revealing government responses can impact recovery.
  2. Excessive debts before a crisis can hinder growth post-crisis, affecting employment and national income.
  3. Governments borrowing and spending during emergencies can lead to positive outcomes, improving sectors and reducing debt burdens.

'World War 3 has already started' between US and Russia/China, argues French scholar

Geopolitical Economy Report • 697 implied HN points • 15 Jan 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics International relations Global Economy Military conflict Foreign Policy
  1. French scholar Emmanuel Todd argues that World War III has begun between the US and Russia/China due to the Ukraine proxy war.
  2. Todd points out that Russia's resilience against Western sanctions challenges the American imperial system and its hold on Europe.
  3. Todd criticizes the overreliance on GDP as a metric, highlighting the adaptive capacity of the Russian economy due to a significant role for the state compared to the US neoliberal economic model.

The Great (Freedom) Reset Has Begun

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 75 implied HN points • 25 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Global Economy Political Ideologies Civil Liberties
  1. Argentina's new president is bringing libertarian principles of small government and sound money into practice, setting an example for the world.
  2. The success or failure of Argentina's economic and social changes will provide lessons for other nations considering similar policies.
  3. The divide in the US between parties and the far left's radical views may lead to a shift towards libertarianism or conservatism, as seen in Argentina.

BRICS: A Ghost Power?

The Dollar Endgame • 139 implied HN points • 12 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics Global Alliances Geopolitical Tensions Global Economy
  1. Creating a new currency by BRICS is not a practical idea due to various challenges and conflicting interests among member nations.
  2. For a global reserve currency to be successful, it needs to address essential features like demand, liquidity, and market size.
  3. Switching from the U.S. Dollar as the global reserve currency would require a significant shift in economic advantages and stability, making it a complex and unlikely change.

China 'counters US dollar hegemony' with gold reserves, Argentina yuan currency swap deal

Geopolitical Economy Report • 299 implied HN points • 10 Jan 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics De-dollarization International relations Global Economy
  1. China is increasing its gold reserves and signing yuan currency swap deals with countries like Argentina to counter US dollar dominance and promote the use of the renminbi.
  2. Central banks worldwide are diversifying their reserves away from the US dollar, with increased interest in investing in the renminbi to move towards a multipolar currency system.
  3. Argentina is strengthening ties with China through currency swap deals, enhancing economic integration with Brazil, and exploring the creation of a sovereign Latin American currency for regional trade.

Peak American Empire

Philoinvestor • 216 implied HN points • 25 Feb 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics International relations Global Economy
  1. The dominance of the US dollar is at risk due to changing global dynamics and potential shifts away from the Petrodollar Agreement.
  2. The US military's extensive expenditure is becoming unsustainable in the face of rising global competition and economic changes.
  3. The world is transitioning towards a multipolar order with increased conflict and alternative power structures, marking a decline in traditional American hegemony.

The End of ESG?

Anxiety Addiction & Ascension • 98 implied HN points • 03 Jul 23
💼 Business Investing Corporate culture Global Economy
  1. BlackRock's Larry Fink disowns the term ESG due to its weaponization by different political sides, showing a shift in the discourse in the financial system.
  2. Investors are becoming more critical of woke ideologies impacting businesses, as seen in stock losses by companies embracing certain ideologies.
  3. The potential rebranding of ESG indicates a shift in focus but doesn't eliminate the underlying goals of corporate influence and control.

Science as a religion: how science harms the effort to save the planet

Technology, Environment, and Art • 3 HN points • 16 Mar 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Science Climate change Consumerism Global Economy Environmental Activism
  1. Science is not a religion to be universally believed in, as there are skeptics, particularly among populists.
  2. Science's near-religious belief as a problem-solving tool for climate issues might fuel skepticism due to the focus on consumerism and capitalism.
  3. Addressing climate change requires moving away from blindly trusting science and taking more drastic actions like dismantling consumerism.

The Semiconductor Trade War

Apricitas Economics • 78 implied HN points • 05 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Semiconductors Market Trends Government Policy Global Economy
  1. The US is engaged in a significant semiconductor trade war with China and needs help from allies to win.
  2. Semiconductors are crucial for modern industries and military defense, and the US sanctions have impacted chip exports to China.
  3. China's domestic semiconductor production is growing despite sanctions, creating a complex global scenario.

Russia demanding Europe pay for gas in rubles could have huge repercussions

Geopolitical Economy Report • 279 implied HN points • 26 Mar 22
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Global Economy Sanctions Energy Market Global Conflict
  1. Russia's demand for Europe to pay for gas in rubles could impact the global economy and challenge Western sanctions.
  2. Europe heavily relies on Russian gas for heating, electricity, and manufacturing, and severing ties could lead to severe consequences like fuel rationing.
  3. The European Union faces dilemmas on how to obtain rubles for gas payments, highlighting the complex interplay of geopolitics, currency dynamics, and global trade relationships.

Brazil’s ex-president Dilma Rousseff: US-China conflict is neoliberalism vs socialism

Geopolitical Economy Report • 159 implied HN points • 06 Apr 22
🌍 World Politics Socialism Neoliberalism Latin America Global Economy
  1. Former Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff views the US-China conflict as a clash between neoliberalism and socialism, criticizing US sanctions and praising China's economic model for challenging US-led capitalism.
  2. Rousseff highlights the importance of Latin America asserting independence, aligning with China, and participating in institutions like BRICS to reduce unfair asymmetry in global economic institutions dominated by the US.
  3. The conflict between the US and China is not just political but a clash between two economic systems - neoliberalism and socialism. Rousseff points out issues with neoliberalism like income inequality and praises China's focus on equity and state intervention in the economy.