Author Archives: Yves Smith

Hamid Dabashi: U.S. Sanctions Strengthen Iranian Theocracy

Aggressive and hypocritical sanctions by the U.S. bolster the Iranian theocracy whose only mission is defense of their own power and state.

In Praise of the Hospital for Special Surgery

As strange as it may sound, I had a good time at the Hospital for Special Surgery.

Australian Funds Take Aim at Private Equity by Moving to Do Deals in House

More challenges to private equity firms, now from super sized Australian “super” funds who are bringing PE in house.

James Galbraith: China and Supply Chains – The White House Review’s Focus on US Dependence

Despite brave talk about restoring manufacturing in America, extended supply chains and the position of China are insurmountable impediments.

Can The Fate Of Dolphins and Louisiana’s Fishing Industry Stop A $50 Billion Mississippi River Diversion Plan?

Questions about Louisiana’s plans to reroute the mighty Mississppi to save its eroding coast rattle the agency spearheading them

Will Tether Bring All The Cryptocurrencies Way Down?

The more you look at the cryptocurrency Tether, the less there is to like.

A Report from Sierra Leone: Covid-19 Has Helped People Understand the Vital Connection Between Energy and Health

Sierra Leone so far has had some Covid success despite low vaccination rates, and it illustrates the challenges poor countries face.

Update on Surgery and Mother’s Hospitalization

Thanks for your concern and kind notes about my surgery and how my mother is faring. A recap of the last nearly two weeks.

Nassim Nicholas Taleb Shellacks Bitcoin and Cryptocurrencies

Nassim Nicholas Taleb explains why Bitcoin is not good for much except enriching early adopters and intermediaries.

How Energy Transition Models Go Wrong

Gail Tvergberg explains why oil prices are likely to remain be lower than full costs, and how that undermines the move to cleaner energy.

The Politics of ‘Follow the Science’

How the ralllying cry of “Follow the science” is looking more and more like sloganeernig as opposed to best practice.

The Bullshit Economy: How Amazon Sidewalk Steals Your Bandwidth

How Amazon’s Sidewalk feature enhances their products at customers’ expense.

Decade Of Chaos Could Send Oil To $130 Per Barrel

Oil mavens are stymied at guessing what the commodity’s price trajectory might be.