Author Archives: Yves Smith

“We Need to Raise a Lot More in Tax from the Wealthy but That Does Not Convince Me That We Need a Wealth Tax”

Why a wealth tax is not only no magic bullet, but also not likely to work very well.

Links 8/12/2023

FDA Tries to Pretend It Didn’t Oppose Ivermectin Use for Covid

The FDA attempts to distance itself from its earlier hostility to Ivermectin as a Covid remedy, but too many people have good memories.

The Sahel Tug-of-War: U.S. And Russia Face Off For Influence In Niger

A US propaganda outlet frets over Niger.

Links 8/11/2023

Longitudinal – Reflections On Recent Economic Writing

Satyajit Das takes a gander through a large sample of recent economic books and has some unexpected findings.

The Polish President Said Kiev Isn’t Doing The West Any Favors & Its Counteroffensive Failed

Spats between Polish and Ukrainian officials reflect divergences in interests which they may no longer be able to paper over.

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.