Speaking of peace in Armenia
When traveling to Armenia the first thing anyone notices is the terrible timetable for flights. But as it is right in the middle of the storm, there may be no better place to talk about peace.
EU 2022 Strategic Foresight Report: a change of mind?
A little over a year ago, the European commission presented its 2021 Strategic Foresight Report. Since then, Putin has caused panic by cutting of Europe's gas supplies, Elon Musk has taken over Twitter and promised to get rid of censorship, and ECB interest rates have increased from -0,5% to 1,5%. Has this persuaded the EU to change course? Read on to find out.
With TraumaZone Adam Curtis makes the viewer part of the story
This week director Adam Curtis released a series about the end of communism and democracy in Russia, called TraumaZone. If you would like an introduction or to read my opinion on episode one, you can start out at Fire of Europe.
Regionalization in full swing as US cuts off Chinese access to semiconductors
Regionalization is ending the globalized world economy, last Monday's decision by the Biden administration has greatly accelerated this process. Fire of Europe provides the necessary context.
‘Socialism does not work’
A political analysis of Cuba, based on a two-week trip.
It is time for Europe to become energy independent
We should draw the right lessons from the current natural gas crisis: get the politics out of the energy mix and make Europe independent!
Book review: who is afraid of a little feudalism?
In early 2020 (back in the good old days) Joel Kotkin published The Coming of Neo-Feudalism. Subtitled 'a warning to the global middle class' I felt it would be appropriate to investigate if one should heed his warning. The answer is a resounding yes.
The second European debt crisis has begun
Last Wednesday the second European debt crisis began when the announcement of an increase in the interest rate immediately put the Italian government in danger and necessitated a retreat. Read all about it at Fire of Europe.
ECB cannot escape history
To fully understand the impending ECB rate hike, it is good to see it within its historical context. To increase understanding I propose we look at the events of the 1970s as well as those of 2011.
EU rhetoric adapts to Polish reality
Fire of Europe was ahead of the curve once again: a compromise has been reached on Polish judiciary reform. Check out the article for al ins and outs.