Author Archives: Yves Smith

Netanyahu Depicts Grim Economic Future for Israel, Need to Become an Autarky, “Super Sparta” Due to Isolation; Are There More Meanings?

Netanyahu really did admit Israel is on the ropes economicaly, even though he then tried to walk it back. What might have been the prompt?

Thomas Neuburger: We’ve Just Crowned a King. What Next?

Thanks to John Roberts and friends, the idea that the President have been elevated to king-level authority is not an exaggeration.

Trump to Give CEOs Even More Power Versus Investors Via Ending Quarterly Reporting, Other Anti-Transparency Measures

Trump is again weakening America’s position to the benefit of the privileged few, here public company CEOs

Links 9/16/2025

‘Incredible Corruption’: Blockbuster Report on Trump Crypto Grift Leaves Observers Stunned

The New York Times described how the UAE got a real solid from Trump after a monster investment in Trump’s family crypto venture.

U.S. Automakers Navigate Rising Metal Costs and Supply Woes

Beleagured US automakers, who remain important employers, face new tsuris in tariff costs and scarcity of key minerals.

Despite Recent “Pin the Tail on the European Donkey” Moves, Trump Unlikely to Escape Accusation of Losing Ukraine War

Despite a possible tactical success versus Ukraine warmongers, Trump can’t escape owning the war and going down as the President that lost it

Hoisted from Comments: “Nuclear Waste Is a Myth the US Promoted….”

Why nuclear waste is a choice, not a necessity.

Links 9/13/2025

Are We Offloading Critical Thinking to AI Chatbots?

Research, much of it by companies with deep investment in AI, suggests that chatbot interactions alter how users think.

America’s Grid is Nearing Its Breaking Point

In another testament to lack of managerial competence, worries about US grid stabilty rise in the face of AI demand, yet little is being done