Author Archives: Yves Smith

Trump Back on Track to Failed Iran Negotiations and Likely War

After only one US exchange with Iran, new noises from Witkoff and others show the US upping its demands to a level not acceptable to Iran

Trump’s Tariffs Just Torched His Own Energy Agenda

How Trump tariffs are whacking shale development and in turn, Trump’s prized energy dominace strategy.

‘You Don’t Need a Tariff, You Need a Revolution’

Chinese point out that Americans are exploited by oligarchs. But the tariffs, like it or not, are part of a radical right counter-revolution.

More on DOGE’s Fraud and Destruction

An update on DOGE’s rampage through government functions.

Tariffs and Trade Wars: Failing to Learn from the Great Depression

A detailed discussion of the damage done by Smoot Hawley to illustrate why tariffs typically do more harm than good

Who Will Pay the Highest Price for Trump’s Postal Service Privatization Push?

“Without competition from our public Postal Service, for-profit firms would jack up delivery fees on as many customers as possible.”

7 Truths About Trump’s Tariffs — And the High-Stakes Future They Shape

What is Trump trying to achieve on the economic front? Despite all the bobbing and weaving, he does have some core aims.

Links 4/15/2025

Here’s What’s in the New Rough Draft U.S.-Iran Nuclear Deal

A purported list of proposed US terms for its negotiations with Iran looks to go well beyond what Iran could accept.

Keynesian Militarism or Wishful Thinking?

European NATO members hope Keynes’ magic will make their newly adopted militarism feasible. A sanity check.

Michael Hudson: Return of the Robber Barons – Trump’s Inverted View of America’s Tariff History

Trump’s slash and burn tariff policy is to shrink government, gut regulation and sell off public assets to pay for his tax cuts on super rich

For Climate and Livelihoods, Africa Bets Big on Solar Mini-Grids

Nigeria pioneers in mini-grid installations to bring reliable electricity to remote communities — a model for other African countries

Links 4/12/2025

Trade in the Time of Trump

Trump promised in 2016 and 2024 to undo deindustrialization from globalization and free trade, with tariffs as his main tool. Can it work?