In the Blind Spot (The slow shift to technopaternalism)
SNEAK PEEK — What does FCA listing reform have to do with the new era of technopaternalism? — China expert George Magnus shares his thoughts on whether it’s wise to emulate the China model. — Somaliland’s quest for international recognition is compromised by its deteriorating security situation, Dario writes. Greetings subscribers, or should I say […]
In the Blind Spot (‘Securonomics’, and the new UK security state)
SNEAK PEEK — Izzy takes a closer look at new Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ big economic idea of “securonomics” and what it really entails. — The US Supreme Court’s decision to grant immunity to the presidential office puts America’s constitution on course for an Augustus moment. — The prospect of peace talks between Turkey and […]
The subtle siege: How China could blockade Taiwan
Guest post by Paul Dabrowa You wake up in July 2025 to headlines blaring across every news outlet: “China invades Taiwan with coast guard fleet.” The images are striking—Chinese coast guard ships, flanked by a formidable array of maritime militia vessels, are seen enforcing a de facto blockade around Taiwan. The airwaves are filled with […]
In the Blind Spot (They know we know they lie)
SNEAK PEEK — Izzy argues that economic reform of the Western economy won’t work without Glasnost. — Markets need to start thinking about how a power vacuum in both France and the United States could open the door to martial law. — Dario explains what’s been happening in Kenya this week, and how it […]
In the Blind Spot (The West’s Perestroika moment)
SNEAK PEEK — Izzy catches up with investment advisor Russell Napier, who tells her credit rationing and central bank politicisation are on their way. — A growing chorus of voices are acknowledging that we all become Liz Truss eventually, including Jeremy Hunt. — Dario explores how the confiscation of Russian assets may have major […]
Meet Germany’s Lord of the Drones (POLITICO)
By Gian Volpicelli · Jun 20, 2024 Florian Seibel has seen the future of war — and it has robots in it. He now wants to convince Ukraine — and Europe — that they need to embrace autonomous weapons. A former helicopter pilot in the German army, 44-year-old Seibel is the chief executive of Quantum […]
In the Blind Spot (A Truss-style stitch-up for France?)
SNEAK PEEK — Why this week’s petrodollar 50th anniversary “fake news” saga demonstrates a major misunderstanding about what really empowers the dollar. — China is issuing ultra-long bonds at 2.53 percent, but is it a sign of strength or weakness? — We check in on Russell Napier’s prophetic warnings about why France, not […]
In the Blind Spot (A tale of two Chinas)
SNEAK PEEK — A tale of two Chinas. Izzy explores our growing inability to make sense of what’s really happening in China. — SocGen’s Albert Edwards thinks the recession everyone was expecting but never came, might finally have arrived. — Dario updates us on the latest with the Red Sea and Horn of Africa. Happy […]
Russian central bank gears up for more rate hikes as war economy overheats (POLITICO)
By Geoffrey Smith · Jun 7, 2024, 4:36 Vladimir Putin has been touting his economy’s resilience at his annual showpiece conference in St. Petersburg this week, but his own officials are telling a very different story. The Central Bank of Russia (CBR) issued its sternest warning yet on Friday that it may have to resort […]
In the Blind Spot (Carthago delenda est)
SNEAK PEEK — Dario delves into what constitutes the “state of exception” in the democratic world. — Who is Holland’s new prime minister Dick Schoof really? — Tunisia’s fledgling democracy is experiencing a few setbacks. Happy Sunday afternoon, and to those of you fielding half-term, well done. It’s over now. You’ve now got about […]