
Analysis Topic: Politics & Social Trends
The analysis published under this topic are as follows.Wednesday, December 07, 2016
World War II and the Origins of American Unease / Politics / GeoPolitics
By: STRATFOR
 By George Friedman : We are at the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe.   That victory did not usher in an era of universal peace. Rather, it   introduced a new constellation of powers and a complex balance among   them. Europe's great powers and empires declined, and the United States   and the Soviet Union replaced them, performing an old dance to new   musical instruments. Technology, geopolitics' companion, evolved   dramatically as nuclear weapons, satellites and the microchip — among   myriad wonders and horrors — changed not only the rules of war but also   the circumstances under which war was possible. But one thing remained   constant: Geopolitics, technology and war remained inseparable comrades.
By George Friedman : We are at the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe.   That victory did not usher in an era of universal peace. Rather, it   introduced a new constellation of powers and a complex balance among   them. Europe's great powers and empires declined, and the United States   and the Soviet Union replaced them, performing an old dance to new   musical instruments. Technology, geopolitics' companion, evolved   dramatically as nuclear weapons, satellites and the microchip — among   myriad wonders and horrors — changed not only the rules of war but also   the circumstances under which war was possible. But one thing remained   constant: Geopolitics, technology and war remained inseparable comrades.
Tuesday, December 06, 2016
Mass Migration and Bank Weakness Threaten The Italian Economy / Politics / Italy
By: Jeff_Berwick
 In the wake of the Italian   referendum results and Matteo Renzi’s subsequent resignation, the level   of uncertainty in Italy continues to grow both inside the country and   among foreign investors.
In the wake of the Italian   referendum results and Matteo Renzi’s subsequent resignation, the level   of uncertainty in Italy continues to grow both inside the country and   among foreign investors.
As many expected, Banco Monte dei Paschi’s shares fell sharply on the news of Renzi’s defeat. And markets reacted in risk off fashion much like they did post-Brexit, with European stocks, US futures and the Euro all rising in response to the news. And it’s likely to stay that way until some sense of calm returns to the market.
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Tuesday, December 06, 2016
Failed EU - Means an Expanded Dictatorship / Politics / European Union
By: BATR
 As   the people of the world awaken to the pernicious                                      nature and destructive wreckage of   European civilization, the EU technocrats and oligarchs respond with   even greater measures                                      of control, repression and   intimidation. Yet the prospects that they will be able to maintain their   autocratic rule lessons                                      with each populist rebellion against the beasts from Brussels. Induced panic is a tool   used to scare the peasants into additional submission.                                      The most obvious method will be a   major economic and monetary implosion designed to create fear so that   their revered and                                      lauded interdependency necessitates   another surrender of national sovereignty.
As   the people of the world awaken to the pernicious                                      nature and destructive wreckage of   European civilization, the EU technocrats and oligarchs respond with   even greater measures                                      of control, repression and   intimidation. Yet the prospects that they will be able to maintain their   autocratic rule lessons                                      with each populist rebellion against the beasts from Brussels. Induced panic is a tool   used to scare the peasants into additional submission.                                      The most obvious method will be a   major economic and monetary implosion designed to create fear so that   their revered and                                      lauded interdependency necessitates   another surrender of national sovereignty. 
Monday, December 05, 2016
Russia's Path to Another Resurgence / Politics / Russia
By: STRATFOR
 After enduring three years of a foundering economy and feuds with the   West, things may be looking up for Russia. The Brexit vote in June   exposed the deep discord in the European Union, giving Moscow a glimmer   of hope that dissenting member states might break the bloc's consensus on its sanctions against Russia in a future vote on their renewal.   Though EU members decided unanimously in July to extend the measures, upcoming elections on the Continent could   undermine the bloc's unity. In the United States, meanwhile, Donald   Trump's victory in the presidential election has opened a potential path   to warmer relations between the United States and Russia, and perhaps   even an end to Washington's sanctions on Moscow. The turning political   tides in Brussels and Washington could give the Kremlin the leeway to   increase its influence in the former Soviet Union, leading the countries   in Russia's periphery to re-evaluate their foreign policy positions.
After enduring three years of a foundering economy and feuds with the   West, things may be looking up for Russia. The Brexit vote in June   exposed the deep discord in the European Union, giving Moscow a glimmer   of hope that dissenting member states might break the bloc's consensus on its sanctions against Russia in a future vote on their renewal.   Though EU members decided unanimously in July to extend the measures, upcoming elections on the Continent could   undermine the bloc's unity. In the United States, meanwhile, Donald   Trump's victory in the presidential election has opened a potential path   to warmer relations between the United States and Russia, and perhaps   even an end to Washington's sanctions on Moscow. The turning political   tides in Brussels and Washington could give the Kremlin the leeway to   increase its influence in the former Soviet Union, leading the countries   in Russia's periphery to re-evaluate their foreign policy positions.
Monday, December 05, 2016
A Permanent War Against Corruption, Black Money and Fake Money Is Required In India and Elsewhere / Politics / India
By: Dr_R_M_Mathew
The heroic war against Corruption, Black Money and Fake Money Declared by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi is only a beginning of the war and not the end. Of course, it has caused pains or problems for the Common People, as no war can be fought without shedding blood, including the innocents; no surgery can be done without harming some of the healthy parts of the human body.
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Monday, December 05, 2016
Carrier Jobs And The Slippery Slope / Politics / US Politics
By: James_Quinn
 “Companies are not going to leave the United States anymore without consequences.” – Donald Trump
“Companies are not going to leave the United States anymore without consequences.” – Donald Trump
The reaction to Trump’s deal to keep 1,100 Carrier jobs in Indiana has ranged from outrage to adoration. There are so many layers to this Shakespearean drama that all points of views have some level of credence. I’m torn between the positive and negative aspects of this deal. If you’ve read Bastiat’s The Law and Hazlitt’s Economics in One Lesson, you understand the fallacies involved when government interferes in the free market. Politicians and their fanboys always concentrate on the seen aspects of government intervention, but purposely ignore the unseen consequences.
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Sunday, December 04, 2016
The World Prays for the End of America’s Global Hegemony / Politics / GeoPolitics
By: Dylan_Waller
 America’s global hegemony was   initially crafted in 1913, through the introduction of the income tax,   the creation of the Federal Reserve, and the consequent rise of the   military industrial complex.  Since then, America now operates 800   military bases in more than 70 countries, which has forcefully been   subsidized through the taxation of the American population.  While the   American government can not be held accountable for its countless and   atrocious war crimes, failing to pay taxes to support the military   industrial complex will land anyone else straight in jail.  While the   Federal Reserve and income tax has certainly been a catalyst for the   slow, but steady deterioration of America’s middle class, the greater   destruction has certainly manifested outside the shores of America.
America’s global hegemony was   initially crafted in 1913, through the introduction of the income tax,   the creation of the Federal Reserve, and the consequent rise of the   military industrial complex.  Since then, America now operates 800   military bases in more than 70 countries, which has forcefully been   subsidized through the taxation of the American population.  While the   American government can not be held accountable for its countless and   atrocious war crimes, failing to pay taxes to support the military   industrial complex will land anyone else straight in jail.  While the   Federal Reserve and income tax has certainly been a catalyst for the   slow, but steady deterioration of America’s middle class, the greater   destruction has certainly manifested outside the shores of America.
Sunday, December 04, 2016
India Is Poised To Make A Quantum Leap Under Narendra Modi: Perspective Of A Political Economist / Politics / India
By: Dr_R_M_Mathew
 Development of the National Economy  and Welfare of the Common People or more specifically the Forgotten People -  the Rural People, the Blue Color and Toiling People are the basic concern of a  Political Economist. On the other hand, Corporate or Marxian or Keynesian  Economists uphold a particular ideology and manipulate the economy for the sake  of the Ideology or Elite, including the Left or Corporate Sector at the expense  of the common people. I do belong to the category of Political Economist rather  than the Corporate or Marxian or Keynesian Economists
Development of the National Economy  and Welfare of the Common People or more specifically the Forgotten People -  the Rural People, the Blue Color and Toiling People are the basic concern of a  Political Economist. On the other hand, Corporate or Marxian or Keynesian  Economists uphold a particular ideology and manipulate the economy for the sake  of the Ideology or Elite, including the Left or Corporate Sector at the expense  of the common people. I do belong to the category of Political Economist rather  than the Corporate or Marxian or Keynesian EconomistsRead full article... Read full article...
Friday, December 02, 2016
Trump Nominee Will Politicize Dept. of Justice / Politics / US Politics
By: Walter_Brasch
In his successful run to the presidency, Donald Trump spent a lot of time talking about the Second Amendment and defending gun ownership. He spent very little time talking about the other amendments, other than to say he supported the Constitution. He knew his core support came from those who could effortlessly repeat a phrase, “Donald Trump supports my Second Amendment rights,” without knowing much more than that.Read full article... Read full article...
Friday, December 02, 2016
Adventures in Castro’s Cuba / Politics / Social Issues
By: David_Galland
 Dear Paraders,
Dear Paraders,
Some years ago my then girlfriend, now wife, Deirdre and I set off to search Planet Earth for our personal paradise.
Cuba was one of the places we seriously considered.
My logic at the time—and this would be about 1995—was that Castro’s regime couldn’t last. And that once his heavy grip on the throat of the economy was released, the country’s natural charms and resources, sited as they are just 90 miles off the coast of Florida, would assure an entrepreneurially-minded individual (me) a solid chance of profiting.
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Friday, December 02, 2016
Rising Populism in America, Russia and Europe & The Rise of India / Politics / Social Issues
By: Dr_R_M_Mathew
The entire west is in the grip of Populism. The Spectacular victory of Donald Trump acts as a catalyst for its rise and spread in France, Germany, Britain, Ireland, Italy and etc. The common people in Germany fear that if Angeline Merkel is elected again, Germany will be isolated from the rest of the West or Europe and they have to pay very great price. These rising trends have forced CNN and other media to discuss about the rising or spreading of Populism in the West.
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Thursday, December 01, 2016
America, is it Finally time for us to say Goodbye? / Politics / US Politics
By: James_Quinn
  few months ago my wife and I made a trip into the city from our   small rural community for an evening of dining and visiting with some of   her old childhood friends. We started our date with just the two of us   at a well known vegetarian restaurant. Later we met up with the rest of   the crew at a local park near the beach to watch some skits and some   dancing while the sun went down over English Bay. It was a beautiful   sunset in an amazing setting.
few months ago my wife and I made a trip into the city from our   small rural community for an evening of dining and visiting with some of   her old childhood friends. We started our date with just the two of us   at a well known vegetarian restaurant. Later we met up with the rest of   the crew at a local park near the beach to watch some skits and some   dancing while the sun went down over English Bay. It was a beautiful   sunset in an amazing setting.
While we’re sitting and chatting in the bleachers of the small amphitheatre my wife’s friend asks us at which restaurant we ate. We told her and with a raised eyebrow she replies: “Really, Francis actually ate in a vegetarian restaurant? Wow. That must have been quite an experience for you!”
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Wednesday, November 30, 2016
Referendum Puts Italy's Government to the Test / Politics / Italy
By: STRATFOR
 Forecast
Forecast
- If Italian voters reject a raft of proposed constitutional reforms on Dec. 4, the government will likely resign.
- Should that happen, Parliament could avoid triggering early elections by appointing a caretaker government instead.
- The prospect of a victory by political parties that are critical of the eurozone will continue to create uncertainty in Italy and the rest of the currency area.
Wednesday, November 30, 2016
The Beginning of the End of the European Union / Politics / European Union
By: Jeff_Berwick
 Is this the most important time in the EU’s history?
Is this the most important time in the EU’s history?
Italy and Austria take votes at the beginning of December that could destabilize or even end the euro and the EU itself.
This is part of a destabilizing trend that we’ve long noted and anticipated, some 16 months ago with the destruction of the EU’s Schengen agreement that used to stand for free-travel throughout Europe.
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Tuesday, November 29, 2016
Prime Minister Modi's War Against Corruption, Black Money and Fake Currency Notes in India / Politics / India
By: Dr_R_M_Mathew
 Prime  Minister Narendra Modi has launched relentless war against Corruption and the associated widely circulating Black Money and Fake Currency Notes in India with a surprise move, as part of his  election promises. Black money and fake currency notes have grown to the extent  of even destabilizing the Indian Economy and the Nation for which the enemies  of the nation, within and outside, have been working. From the strategic point  of view, especially in the wake of the increasing Islamic Terrorism sponsored  by Pakistan, India has no other option but to uproot both Black and Fake Money  at any cost, along with Corruption.
Prime  Minister Narendra Modi has launched relentless war against Corruption and the associated widely circulating Black Money and Fake Currency Notes in India with a surprise move, as part of his  election promises. Black money and fake currency notes have grown to the extent  of even destabilizing the Indian Economy and the Nation for which the enemies  of the nation, within and outside, have been working. From the strategic point  of view, especially in the wake of the increasing Islamic Terrorism sponsored  by Pakistan, India has no other option but to uproot both Black and Fake Money  at any cost, along with Corruption.
Tuesday, November 29, 2016
Can President Trump Really Drain the Swamp? / Politics / US Politics
By: BATR
 The   glorious and providential intervention that provided                                      the courage and motivation for   millions of ordinary Americans to vote AGAINST the globalist system,   which is the epitome for                                      national betrayal is a once in a   lifetime opportunity to eliminate the traitors in our society. Donald J.   Trump is only a                                      man. He is not the savior of our   civilization, nor is he a miracle worker. Yet his election provides the   last best hope that                                      the forces of human enslavement,   within our own power structure, can be defeated. Citizens who actually   participate in the                                      political process need to practice RealPolitik, when it comes to influencing or shaping public policy.
The   glorious and providential intervention that provided                                      the courage and motivation for   millions of ordinary Americans to vote AGAINST the globalist system,   which is the epitome for                                      national betrayal is a once in a   lifetime opportunity to eliminate the traitors in our society. Donald J.   Trump is only a                                      man. He is not the savior of our   civilization, nor is he a miracle worker. Yet his election provides the   last best hope that                                      the forces of human enslavement,   within our own power structure, can be defeated. Citizens who actually   participate in the                                      political process need to practice RealPolitik, when it comes to influencing or shaping public policy.
Tuesday, November 29, 2016
President Trump’s Economic Plan Isn’t Going to Work / Politics / US Economy
By: Mike_Whitney
 Will Donald 							Trump be good for the US economy?
Will Donald 							Trump be good for the US economy?
The American people seem to think so. According to a recent survey taken by Gallup “Americans have relatively high expectations (of) the president-elect… Substantial majorities (upward of 60%) believe the Trump administration will improve the economy and create jobs. A slim majority (52%) say he’ll improve the healthcare system.”
Even more impressive, the University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index spiked to a 93.8 -high in November, signaling a significant improvement in overall consumer attitudes about the economy.
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Monday, November 28, 2016
President Trump Is Facing Lenin’s Dilemma / Politics / US Politics
By: John_Mauldin
 George Friedman: When the Bolsheviks took power during the Russian Revolution in 1917, their intention was to create the dictatorship of the proletariat. They formed an army to fight a civil war against a counterinsurgency of monarchists who intended to destroy the Bolsheviks.
George Friedman: When the Bolsheviks took power during the Russian Revolution in 1917, their intention was to create the dictatorship of the proletariat. They formed an army to fight a civil war against a counterinsurgency of monarchists who intended to destroy the Bolsheviks.
Vladimir Lenin, who led the revolution, appointed Trotsky to form the Red Army.
One problem was that he had never served in an army, let alone commanded one.
But Trotsky was chosen not because he had experience building an army. He was chosen because Lenin trusted Trotsky wouldn’t betray him.
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Monday, November 28, 2016
The US Is Undemocratic by Its Very Nature / Politics / US Presidential Election 2016
By: John_Mauldin
 George Friedman : The final irony in an election filled with irony is the refusal of some voters to accept President-elect Donald Trump’s   victory. This group includes more than mere protesters. There is a   good-sized movement to persuade the Electoral College to vote for   Clinton instead of Trump.
George Friedman : The final irony in an election filled with irony is the refusal of some voters to accept President-elect Donald Trump’s   victory. This group includes more than mere protesters. There is a   good-sized movement to persuade the Electoral College to vote for   Clinton instead of Trump.
The irony is that it was Trump who said he would refuse to accept the results of the election. The Clinton camp charged that Trump was fighting against the sanctity of democracy. Now each has adopted the other’s position. Clinton herself, though, has not sought to overturn the election.
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Monday, November 28, 2016
Fifty Years Later, Moore's Computing Law Holds / Politics / Technology
By: STRATFOR
 By Matthew Bey : Gordon Moore, co-founder of Intel Corp., published his now iconic article — Cramming More Components into Integrated Circuits — in the journal Electronics on   April 19, 1965. In this paper, Moore observed that the number of   transistors fitting on a computer circuit board had roughly doubled each   year. A decade later the time-scale was revised to 18-24 months and   dubbed "Moore's Law." Following this principle, a computer purchased   today would cost about half the price in two years. Processing is now   down to one-sixtieth the cost it was a decade ago.
By Matthew Bey : Gordon Moore, co-founder of Intel Corp., published his now iconic article — Cramming More Components into Integrated Circuits — in the journal Electronics on   April 19, 1965. In this paper, Moore observed that the number of   transistors fitting on a computer circuit board had roughly doubled each   year. A decade later the time-scale was revised to 18-24 months and   dubbed "Moore's Law." Following this principle, a computer purchased   today would cost about half the price in two years. Processing is now   down to one-sixtieth the cost it was a decade ago.

