Author Archives: Yves Smith

Rise in Air Pollution Fuels Antibiotic Resistance, Study Suggests

Yet another reason to take air quality seriously.

The Overlooked Role of the Financial Crisis in the Subjugation of Europe

Europe faces permanent economic diminution thanks to following US sanctions But did the financial crisis pave the way for this self-sabotage?

What Is This “Lawfare” I Keep Hearing About?

A summary of how the term lawfare came into being and how its use has evolve

Are Corporate Executives Expendable?

Analysts across the political spectrum challenge massive paychecks of corporate chiefs—and whether companies can survive without them.

NATO Training Leaves Ukrainian Troops ‘Underprepared’ for War

The veneer of NATO superiority is cracking as the Ukraine and its sponsors engage in a blame game over why the war is going so badly.

Hubert Horan: Can Uber Ever Deliver? Part Thirty-Three: Uber Isn’t Really Profitable Yet But is Getting Closer; The Antitrust Case Against Uber

Hubert Horan takes another hard look at Uber financials and finds much not to like.

U.S. And China Locked in an Underwater Cable Tug-of-War

A cable impasse in the South Pacific, due in large part to failings in both US and Chinese legal and enforcement regimes.

America’s Supersized Military: “The Greatest Fighting Force in Human History”

William Astore provides a cold look at the gap between the cost and overly-ambitious aims of the US military versus results.

Links 8/8/2023

Angus Deaton on How Neoliberal Ideology Produced Abject US Falling Life Expectancy for Less Educated

Angus Deaton returns to his deaths of despair theme, with updated data and a pointed critique of the role of Chicago School libertarians.

The NIH Ices a Research Project on “Health Communication”. Is It Self-Censorship?

What sure looks like an NIH study to improve the medical establishment’s propaganda skills had died a well-deserved death.

Oil, Gas, Wages, Interest Rates: Biden’s Other 2024 Risks

A supposedly good economy has not helped Biden much and trends such as oil prices do not look to be in his favor.

War Hawks’ Drive to Expand NATO into Asia May Destroy Western Military Alliance

Individuals can fail upwards, but organizations? NATO not been up to the task of propping up Ukraine, but the US wants to aim it at China.

Links 8/5/2023