Author Archives: Yves Smith

Global Warming Is Still Accelerating, in Three Graphs

While you were busy watching the wars, national elections or other distractions du jour, global warming keeps marching on.

Sink the Hessen! Russia Doesn’t Have To Strike Beyond the Ukrainian Battlefield – The German, French, British and US Governments Are Sinking Themselves

German plotting, French bluster, domestic polling, and possible Russian countermoves and next steps.

Links 3/13/2024

Ultra-Processed People in an Ultra-Processed World

The scientific, health, and political debate over the true cost of ultra–processed has just gone mainstream….which is late.

Global South Stagnating Under Heavier Debt Burden

Much higher interest rates – due to Western central banks – damage developing nations via prolonged debt distress and stagnation.

The Question Of Alevi Minority In Turkiye And Its Religious Identity

On the history of the Alevi sect in Turkiye, particularly its political and social standing.

Rob Urie: The CIA and the Decline of the American Empire

Some ruminations on the role of the CIA, particularly its relationship to Presidents.

Links 3/12/2024

New Storyline in Wall Street Journal: “Russia Is Running Out of Missiles” Shifts to “Russia Can’t Keep Up Production Forever”

A careful reading of a sighting in what may be a new campaign to shore up Western hopes in the light of Russia’s military outproduction.

Will Trump Election Bring Back Isolationism and Threaten NATO?

Looking at how Trump current rhetoric contrasts with his past actions, and why those actions are likely a better predictor.

Market Gives Vote of No Confidence in Latest Israel Genocide, Um, War-Financing Bonds

High interest rates for Israeli bond offerings, plus mumble-shuffle by manager Goldman and the SEC, confirm investor doubts about its prospects

Michael Hudson: Marxism, Economic Parasites, and Debt Cancellation

Michael Hudson in a bracing talk, including history of crises, the role of debt, and how ancient Greek and Roman law promoted inequality

Links 3/9/2024

“Explosive Growth” in Petrochemical Production Linked to Increases in Cancers and Other Diseases in New Report

Evidence from the New England Journal of Medicine, that petrochemical output, particularly plastics, may be behind the rise in many ailments.