One of the Deans of the history and methods used to advance the Imperialism of the Outlaw US Empire Michael Hudson had a very long talk with Ben Norton of the Multipolarista website that hosts the Geopolitical Economy Hour. His contextual background allows him to see what’s happened and happening in Gaza from a different, more holistic, perspective. His views seem to have influenced those of his fellow analyst Pepe Escobar, whose recent essay’s title gives a strong hint, “
Modi's India is hard to fathom as it balances on a spiked fence. IMO, Russia and China understand that Modi is first and foremost a nationalist that makes him somewhat predictable. India wants to be a Global South leader but adopts positions that undermine that goal as the article noted. India must politically accommodate itself to its neighborhood, and that will require the suppression of Hindu Extremism. Bhadrakumar, along with the Outlaw US Empire, overstresses what's not real--"China’s hegemonic instincts"--of which there're zero signs. Recall that's the main "selling point" about China pushed by the Empire when it's the Empire that exudes "hegemonic instincts" to the nth degree.
Karl - I don't think it is clear that India wants to be a Global South leader. What India and particularly Modi has been saying over and over is that they want to become an industrial powerhouse which puts them in direct conflict with China. India would love for the Outlaw Empire to hinder China as much as possible and perhaps even have Corporate West turn to India for its industrial needs. India knows very well there is no chance of China and India both being industrial powerhouses. It would put enormous pressure on what finite natural resources particularly energy resources that are left hindering growth and driving up price to astronomical heights.
IMO, there'll be enough global demand as multipolar development continues for both China, India and Russia to be the Eurasian industrial powerhouses, while others will develop in Africa and South America as long as they avoid the Neoliberal Trap of financialization. As I've noted in replies to other comments, I intend to write about energy, resources, and development, and what I see as the likely trajectory of political-economic philosophy that will have to adapt to resource scarcity.
If you are going to writ about resources I recommend you read or watch any one of dozens of world renowned resource experts analysing the issue of what we have left and what we need. Don't fall for the "unlimited abundance thanks to tech", clap trap if you want to remain relevant.
I understand well the concept of ecological overshoot and the aspects that cause the collapse of complex societies both of which were discussed at great length during the oughts by those of us at ASPO-USA and other organizations. I hope to find time to write about the recently concluded APEC which will touch on all the above.
I too was a part of ASPO, the oildrum, and the usenet forums before all that. All of which has rendered themselves redundant as the have mostly bought into the magical thinking of technology. For most of them Peak Oil was a fad. I have heard a dozen times from all the top personalities of the era that fracking has delayed peak oil for decades and natural gas will be abundant for a century. Total bullshit.
Fracking was proof positive that peak oil is in the rear view. Hundreds of billions have been lost, maybe trillions, and the environmental damage is monumental and not yet fully understood.
We scrapped the bottom of the barrel and now we are well and truly fucked.
As was talked about at the end of TOD oil will become cheap but few will be able to afford it. So called "renewables" are proving to be no where able to "transition" into as the have a dismal EROI even with trillions of subsidies.
Thank you, Karl! Yes, Modi was and is slippery as much as Erdogan is. What got at me was his comment on Afghanistan 🫣: “The 2+2 joint statement signals a renewed US-Indian convergence on Afghanistan. How far this would translate as proactive moves is a moot point. Notably, the US and its allies are also exploiting Russia’s preoccupations with the conflict in Ukraine to double down on their post-cold war strategy to roll back Russian influence in Afghanistan. Moscow senses that it is losing ground in its backyard.”
I guess India needs to go along with the USA simply to just get along and do business as usual. Equally it won't be siding with Mohamed any time soon. All silk roads are worth pursuing for most nations so India will be likely pleased to travel many. However India lies in the shadow of the USA puppet in Pakistan who would likely comply with any US request to make hell for India should it dare to step entirely out of the tent. The criminal empire is hell bent for absolute supremacy and difficult hours and days lie ahead. I expect some heavy handed threats will be bandied about.
Thank you karlof. Maybe Israel like the USA is just across the borderline. I am sure the people of Gaza are fully aware as Ry Cooder once sang: https://youtu.be/1f6eGy47IVs?t=4417
Response to Karl Sanchez "War in West Asia: Another Point-of View"
If we're lucky the Zionists will end up like the Ukrainians - mostly dead.
Unfortunately it will probably also cost the lives of a million or more Lebanese, Syrians, Iraqis and Iranians. That's all the Empire can do - kill civilians, as Martyanov likes to say. They can't fight anyone with any competence or resources. Netanyahu likes to threaten Hezbollah, but Hezbollah will clean Israel's clock more than Hamas is doing now.
Hezbollah will do the attrition game, as you correctly state. That's what guerrillas and insurgencies do - bleed the enemy until the enemy goes home - or dies. But Israel can't afford to bleed - it isn't big enough. Plus once the economy is destroyed, Israelis will bail just like most of the Ukrainian population bailed.
Israel is over, no matter what the US does in its drive to control the Middle East. Reminds me of a comment William S. Burroughs made in Chicago during the 1968 elections. A friend looked around and said, "Can't wait to see weeds blowing through empty streets." Burroughs commented, "May not have to wait long."
The same applies to Israel. They've committed suicide, just like the Ukrainians. It was always going to be the inevitable end of the whole Zionist history because the Zionist plan was bullshit from the get-go. Just like the whole Ukrainian project of western Ukrainians was doomed from the beginning.
That also applies to the American experiment. It was always doomed because chimpanzees can't run nations and shouldn't try.
Thanks Karl. This is a much needed article. The appearance that Israel is actually running the world through it's control of US imperialism is particularly strong right now. So, this type of analysis that goes beyond the appearance level and digs into the real power relationship and interests is like an antidote.
I've known for some time that Israel or more precisely Likud is just a junk yard dog of US imperialism, but watching Israel openly commit genocide and be lauded for it for over a month, I have to admit even I began to believe that Israel actually controlled US imperialism via AIPAC and a fifth column at the heights of the US government.
The question of Zionist/Washington collaboration seems self-evident but boils down to interests as Hudson explained--particularly the interests of which faction. The Neocons clearly wanted a rapidly expanding war to they could fulfill their project that dovetails with that of the Zionists. But US public opinion was 70-30 in favor of a ceasefire ASAP, and global opinion was quite similar, so those a tad more moderate now seem to have the upper hand. But that could change in an instant. Meanwhile, we just follow along.
Nov 15, 2023·edited Nov 16, 2023Liked by Karl Sanchez
The irony is that oil is quickly becoming a stranded asset. Are these powers unaware of climate change and the switch taking place to green energy all over the world?
The problem is it still powers much of the world and the Outlaw US Empire is 100% dependent on it for its social health thanks to the illogical emphasis on Suburban Sprawl. I just returned from an area that's the epitome of that design. And then there're other places--Las Vegas being #1 as I saw when driving through there several years ago: Thousands of new houses mini-malls and the rest but where's the water going to come from? And I could cite many other dysfunctional places here.
Agreed, That was a major point of discussion during the oughts as to the massive amount of fuel being wasted by insane planning. Here's a link to The End of Suburbia, which was produced during that era. It's an hour long and some of its predictions have proven inaccurate, but it outlines the basic problem, https://topdocumentaryfilms.com/the-end-of-suburbia/
This is very good indeed, thank you - for someone long baffled by the ME situation this event, as explained by yourself, Hudson Escobar and Crooke, summed up in this essay- has provided clarity
Análise excelente, mas vejo o EUA, como o rabo do cão sionista. Afinal quem controla a mídia, corporações bélicas, banco central, tem uma forte bancada legislativa nos EUA são os judeus em grande parte sionistas alinhados aos cristãos pentecostes.
your argument to the question if the „empire“ would back off. Also you come with some more reality based conclusions that have had not been mentioned by Michael H.
Still, „Empires“ have Mandarins, Emperors and they’re more based on culture, on tradition, philosophy, social rules and resting in true self-confidence, not on dreams generated from coke.
But most importantly you bring it precisely to the point:”1. I can see the Neocons manipulating the Zionist Genocidal Project to use for their own purposes.”
This is what I was thinking about already on Oct 8 by saying the “crime minister” fell into a trap and lots of people around me who have been born there have had their education there agreed, and I’m of German origin…
Dr. Hudson and I agree the main cult consists of and we've named The Donors, but its roots are well over 140 years old and is multinational group addicted to Megalomania and Pleonexia very similar to the Marquis de Sade in their Libertinism. The West Asian crisis is THE crisis preventing the Global Majority from attaining World Peace for it provides a never-ending fountain of chaos the Outlaw US Empire can manipulate. Hamas's 7 October actions has exposed several important realities that continue to unfold.
"You can look at Netanyahu as being, in a way, a U.S. puppet, very much like Zelensky. Their positions are identical in their reliance on the United States against the majority of their own people." Hopefully their fates will also be similar. Thanks for the synopsis' and additional commentary Karl.
Lots of variables. IMO, it's more likely for the Zionists to be defeated economically than militarily given the way the conflict is currently proceeding. The Genocide is being inflicted by the vast majority of the Zionist polity and will suffer the consequences collectively.
By wanting to adopt the US Dollar as Argentina's currency, Milei is committing treason. He's a far worse Neoliberal Libertarian that Reagan was, and that's saying a lot.
Milei named one of his dogs “Murray” after Rothbard…:). He must be a card carrying libertarian. The dollar thing is likely temporary to force a balanced budget and slay the inflation.
I do love your blog! You and Simplicius are the best! Thank you!
Thank you for your post and analysis. It is very helpful. Can you, maybe, comment on India’s role today? I read M. K. BHADRAKUMAR‘S analysis here and it depressed me to no end: https://www.indianpunchline.com/india-us-are-on-pathway-to-contain-china/
Modi's India is hard to fathom as it balances on a spiked fence. IMO, Russia and China understand that Modi is first and foremost a nationalist that makes him somewhat predictable. India wants to be a Global South leader but adopts positions that undermine that goal as the article noted. India must politically accommodate itself to its neighborhood, and that will require the suppression of Hindu Extremism. Bhadrakumar, along with the Outlaw US Empire, overstresses what's not real--"China’s hegemonic instincts"--of which there're zero signs. Recall that's the main "selling point" about China pushed by the Empire when it's the Empire that exudes "hegemonic instincts" to the nth degree.
So, cheer-up; Modi's being Modi.
Karl - I don't think it is clear that India wants to be a Global South leader. What India and particularly Modi has been saying over and over is that they want to become an industrial powerhouse which puts them in direct conflict with China. India would love for the Outlaw Empire to hinder China as much as possible and perhaps even have Corporate West turn to India for its industrial needs. India knows very well there is no chance of China and India both being industrial powerhouses. It would put enormous pressure on what finite natural resources particularly energy resources that are left hindering growth and driving up price to astronomical heights.
IMO, there'll be enough global demand as multipolar development continues for both China, India and Russia to be the Eurasian industrial powerhouses, while others will develop in Africa and South America as long as they avoid the Neoliberal Trap of financialization. As I've noted in replies to other comments, I intend to write about energy, resources, and development, and what I see as the likely trajectory of political-economic philosophy that will have to adapt to resource scarcity.
A lot of wishful thinking there Karl. Demand is not the issue. Everything ...I mean everything revolves around resources.
"BAD NEWS FOR THE WORLD: India, US are on pathway to contain China"
https://www.greanvillepost.com/2023/11/17/bad-news-for-the-world-india-us-are-on-pathway-to-contain-china/
If you are going to writ about resources I recommend you read or watch any one of dozens of world renowned resource experts analysing the issue of what we have left and what we need. Don't fall for the "unlimited abundance thanks to tech", clap trap if you want to remain relevant.
I understand well the concept of ecological overshoot and the aspects that cause the collapse of complex societies both of which were discussed at great length during the oughts by those of us at ASPO-USA and other organizations. I hope to find time to write about the recently concluded APEC which will touch on all the above.
I too was a part of ASPO, the oildrum, and the usenet forums before all that. All of which has rendered themselves redundant as the have mostly bought into the magical thinking of technology. For most of them Peak Oil was a fad. I have heard a dozen times from all the top personalities of the era that fracking has delayed peak oil for decades and natural gas will be abundant for a century. Total bullshit.
Fracking was proof positive that peak oil is in the rear view. Hundreds of billions have been lost, maybe trillions, and the environmental damage is monumental and not yet fully understood.
We scrapped the bottom of the barrel and now we are well and truly fucked.
As was talked about at the end of TOD oil will become cheap but few will be able to afford it. So called "renewables" are proving to be no where able to "transition" into as the have a dismal EROI even with trillions of subsidies.
Thank you, Karl! Yes, Modi was and is slippery as much as Erdogan is. What got at me was his comment on Afghanistan 🫣: “The 2+2 joint statement signals a renewed US-Indian convergence on Afghanistan. How far this would translate as proactive moves is a moot point. Notably, the US and its allies are also exploiting Russia’s preoccupations with the conflict in Ukraine to double down on their post-cold war strategy to roll back Russian influence in Afghanistan. Moscow senses that it is losing ground in its backyard.”
I guess India needs to go along with the USA simply to just get along and do business as usual. Equally it won't be siding with Mohamed any time soon. All silk roads are worth pursuing for most nations so India will be likely pleased to travel many. However India lies in the shadow of the USA puppet in Pakistan who would likely comply with any US request to make hell for India should it dare to step entirely out of the tent. The criminal empire is hell bent for absolute supremacy and difficult hours and days lie ahead. I expect some heavy handed threats will be bandied about.
Yes....we live in really dangerous times.
Wish I could do a double++ like for this one. Thanks
Thank you karlof. Maybe Israel like the USA is just across the borderline. I am sure the people of Gaza are fully aware as Ry Cooder once sang: https://youtu.be/1f6eGy47IVs?t=4417
Response to Karl Sanchez "War in West Asia: Another Point-of View"
If we're lucky the Zionists will end up like the Ukrainians - mostly dead.
Unfortunately it will probably also cost the lives of a million or more Lebanese, Syrians, Iraqis and Iranians. That's all the Empire can do - kill civilians, as Martyanov likes to say. They can't fight anyone with any competence or resources. Netanyahu likes to threaten Hezbollah, but Hezbollah will clean Israel's clock more than Hamas is doing now.
Hezbollah will do the attrition game, as you correctly state. That's what guerrillas and insurgencies do - bleed the enemy until the enemy goes home - or dies. But Israel can't afford to bleed - it isn't big enough. Plus once the economy is destroyed, Israelis will bail just like most of the Ukrainian population bailed.
Israel is over, no matter what the US does in its drive to control the Middle East. Reminds me of a comment William S. Burroughs made in Chicago during the 1968 elections. A friend looked around and said, "Can't wait to see weeds blowing through empty streets." Burroughs commented, "May not have to wait long."
The same applies to Israel. They've committed suicide, just like the Ukrainians. It was always going to be the inevitable end of the whole Zionist history because the Zionist plan was bullshit from the get-go. Just like the whole Ukrainian project of western Ukrainians was doomed from the beginning.
That also applies to the American experiment. It was always doomed because chimpanzees can't run nations and shouldn't try.
Thanks Karl. This is a much needed article. The appearance that Israel is actually running the world through it's control of US imperialism is particularly strong right now. So, this type of analysis that goes beyond the appearance level and digs into the real power relationship and interests is like an antidote.
I've known for some time that Israel or more precisely Likud is just a junk yard dog of US imperialism, but watching Israel openly commit genocide and be lauded for it for over a month, I have to admit even I began to believe that Israel actually controlled US imperialism via AIPAC and a fifth column at the heights of the US government.
The question of Zionist/Washington collaboration seems self-evident but boils down to interests as Hudson explained--particularly the interests of which faction. The Neocons clearly wanted a rapidly expanding war to they could fulfill their project that dovetails with that of the Zionists. But US public opinion was 70-30 in favor of a ceasefire ASAP, and global opinion was quite similar, so those a tad more moderate now seem to have the upper hand. But that could change in an instant. Meanwhile, we just follow along.
The irony is that oil is quickly becoming a stranded asset. Are these powers unaware of climate change and the switch taking place to green energy all over the world?
The problem is it still powers much of the world and the Outlaw US Empire is 100% dependent on it for its social health thanks to the illogical emphasis on Suburban Sprawl. I just returned from an area that's the epitome of that design. And then there're other places--Las Vegas being #1 as I saw when driving through there several years ago: Thousands of new houses mini-malls and the rest but where's the water going to come from? And I could cite many other dysfunctional places here.
Urban planning or any kind of planning really isn't one of the strong points of the west, is it? Pretty frustrating for those of us who live here...
Agreed, That was a major point of discussion during the oughts as to the massive amount of fuel being wasted by insane planning. Here's a link to The End of Suburbia, which was produced during that era. It's an hour long and some of its predictions have proven inaccurate, but it outlines the basic problem, https://topdocumentaryfilms.com/the-end-of-suburbia/
I'll watch it if I find the time. I still haven't watched South Pacific.
If you already have a grasp on Suburbia's negative aspects, then it's something you can put off for awhile.
Poor planning drives me kind of crazy, actually, and I notice it.
Climate change? I hope you were being sarcastic.
This is very good indeed, thank you - for someone long baffled by the ME situation this event, as explained by yourself, Hudson Escobar and Crooke, summed up in this essay- has provided clarity
Thanks! Now there's another excellent piece for you to read by Hudson that I just posted.
Análise excelente, mas vejo o EUA, como o rabo do cão sionista. Afinal quem controla a mídia, corporações bélicas, banco central, tem uma forte bancada legislativa nos EUA são os judeus em grande parte sionistas alinhados aos cristãos pentecostes.
You're not alone in seeing that part of the picture.
your argument to the question if the „empire“ would back off. Also you come with some more reality based conclusions that have had not been mentioned by Michael H.
Still, „Empires“ have Mandarins, Emperors and they’re more based on culture, on tradition, philosophy, social rules and resting in true self-confidence, not on dreams generated from coke.
But most importantly you bring it precisely to the point:”1. I can see the Neocons manipulating the Zionist Genocidal Project to use for their own purposes.”
This is what I was thinking about already on Oct 8 by saying the “crime minister” fell into a trap and lots of people around me who have been born there have had their education there agreed, and I’m of German origin…
Dr. Hudson and I agree the main cult consists of and we've named The Donors, but its roots are well over 140 years old and is multinational group addicted to Megalomania and Pleonexia very similar to the Marquis de Sade in their Libertinism. The West Asian crisis is THE crisis preventing the Global Majority from attaining World Peace for it provides a never-ending fountain of chaos the Outlaw US Empire can manipulate. Hamas's 7 October actions has exposed several important realities that continue to unfold.
You'll see in Part Two of this week's Selections that Orban was asked about the illuminati with Zakharova's answer being quite interesting.
"You can look at Netanyahu as being, in a way, a U.S. puppet, very much like Zelensky. Their positions are identical in their reliance on the United States against the majority of their own people." Hopefully their fates will also be similar. Thanks for the synopsis' and additional commentary Karl.
I like various scenarios presented and expressed as percentages as Simplicius does.
So my question is this: what do most thinking analysts think will occur re ashkeNAZI/US military defeat in the region Vs The Axis of resistance?
Lots of variables. IMO, it's more likely for the Zionists to be defeated economically than militarily given the way the conflict is currently proceeding. The Genocide is being inflicted by the vast majority of the Zionist polity and will suffer the consequences collectively.
Here is another great commentator:
https://scheerpost.com/2023/11/14/patrick-lawrence-the-hinge-of-history/
Great essay, except for the negative dismissal of Milei in Argentina.
By wanting to adopt the US Dollar as Argentina's currency, Milei is committing treason. He's a far worse Neoliberal Libertarian that Reagan was, and that's saying a lot.
Milei named one of his dogs “Murray” after Rothbard…:). He must be a card carrying libertarian. The dollar thing is likely temporary to force a balanced budget and slay the inflation.
I do love your blog! You and Simplicius are the best! Thank you!