Post-Ukraine, Europe Again a Graveyard of Great Power Competition
Not all is well in the old continent. War and upheaval on the peripheries, economic and political stagnation within, strategic disunity across.. What will become of the EU in the midst of the US-China great power competition? Let’s put ourselves in the shoes of the players on the Eurasian chessboard. What does each aim to achieve from the transition to the new post-American world order?
A 2023/24 Perfect Storm Scenario for Financial Markets
Since the great financial crisis of 2008, financial markets have learned to adapt to low rates. The result was market distortions and asset valuations out of touch with solid traditional valuation metrics. Adding insult to injury, people of all walks of life started to do ‘passive investing’ in hopes of achieving fast riches. Unfortunately, 2023 has arrived; it’s going to be higher for longer- the Fed pivot may never come so soon after all!
False Retirement Promises- Why Millenials Won’t Get Their Pensions
Pension systems are increasingly a hot topic for debate in European countries in the aftermath of COVID-19, especially given the systemic trends- most notably population ageing- and their impact on pension systems. The challenge remains, how will pension systems provide financially and socially sustainable pensions in the future? Without significant reforms, pension systems are heading towards a cloud of chaos and uncertainty.
Far From Flashy Tactics- The World Cup 2022 Promises Same-Old Football
For the tactically astute, what matters most is perhaps not the ultimate winner of the tournament, but rather more the quality and style of football displayed on the pitch. Will we see state-of-the-art high pressing, defense via attack, build-up from the back, and ultra-high defensive lines? The evidence tends to disappoint.
Who Sabotaged the Nord Stream Pipelines- Russia, or USA?
In the aftermath of the explosions in the Baltic Sea that caused damage to pipelines used to transport Russian natural gas to Germany, geopolitical tensions are ratcheting up. Although the mass media has blamed Russia, the evidence points elsewhere. Enter Uncle Sam!
How to Not Get Stressed when Trading the Stock Market
Trading the stock market can potentially serve as a passive, income-generating activity, a hedge against burgeoning inflation, a primary occupation, a hobby, a stimulating experience.. However, it’s not as rosy as one would like to imagine.
America and Europe- A Wide Value System Divide
Traveling across the Atlantic to neighboring Europe reveals the obvious: the US and Europe fail to see eye to eye on a majority of issues. From climate change and recycling, to public spaces, regulation, free education and healthcare, commercialization, foreign policy.. We and our European neighbors couldn’t be more different!
How the Ukraine Crisis is Key to Resolving Conflicts in Iran, Then Yemen, Iraq, Syria and Lebanon
The crisis in Ukraine has taken center stage, pushing all else down the pecking order of priorities. While the West may have been very eager to sign a nuclear deal with Iran, it’ll have to wait till the air is clear in Kyiv and European stability is restored. As for other destabilized countries, especially in the Middle East, their wait will be, unfortunately, prolonged. We’re talking Yemen, Iraq, Syria and Lebanon- in that Order!
Getting a PhD vs Getting a Job- Time to Grow Up
Not long ago, I was a young college student. Full of hope, I had dreams and a vision for the life that I aspired to lead. Little had I known that life would soon hit me hard. However, my transition to adulthood taught me a thing or two about life.
From Kyiv to DC- Ukraine Is But A Small Piece of the Jigsaw
For a brief moment in history, it seemed that Europe was stable once and for all. Now, it seems, it was all but a fleeting moment. Let’s take a step back from all the drama on TV, and instead try to make sense of events in Ukraine within the context of the international order we live in.