Category: News Home
Inflation in America
In an ideal world central bankers would guide a full-employment, stable-inflation economy to what is known as the neutral rate of interest, the level at which monetary policy is neither expansionary nor contractionary. In reality, although there is no way of observing the neutral rate the Fed still tries to aim for it, with its
Israel’s next Failure
Israel’s final failure is clumsy diplomacy. Fury at the war was inevitable, especially in the global south, but Israel has done a poor job of countering it. “Lawfare”, including spurious genocide allegations, is damaging its reputation. America must help Israel avoid that fate and if it fails it will itself pay a heavy diplomatic price.
Military and financial assistance from Paris to Ukraine
Paris and Kyiv have concluded a defense agreement valid for ten years to help Ukraine repel the Russian invader. The agreement commits Paris to providing military and financial assistance to Ukraine, which could take the form of arms deliveries or the training of Ukrainian soldiers in France. In addition to the aid provided by the
Hope for Truce in Gaza
The death toll in Gaza has passed 31,000, a majority of them civilians, including 67 people who were found dead on the first day of Ramadan. Families are struggling to find food for iftar, the nightly fast-breaking meal. The more than 130 remaining hostages have now entered their sixth month of captivity, and dozens of
China, Russia and Iran Unity
For much of history, Russia, Iran and China were less chummy. Imperialists at heart, they often meddled in one another’s neighbourhoods and jostled for control of Asia’s trade routes. Lately, there has been new dynamics. Russia fell under Western sanctions in 2022, after invading Ukraine, and they were recently tightened while in 2020, Uncle Sam
Japanese Inflation
Having kept monetary policy ultra-loose for years, Japan has now begun to follow the course set by other economies since widespread inflation took hold. On March 19th the Bank of Japan raised interest rates for the first time since 2007, after inflation seemed at last to have become entrenched. Interest on balances held at the bank, previously
Alternatives to Lithium ion
The global demand for batteries is surging as the world looks to rapidly electrify vehicles and store renewable energy. Lithium ion batteries, which are typically used in EVs, are difficult to recycle and require huge amounts of energy and water to extract. Companies are frantically looking for more sustainable alternatives that can help power the
Different TikToks
TikTok has faced growing scrutiny over fears that user data could fall into the possession of the Chinese government and the app could be weaponized by China to spread misinformation. The push in Washington, D.C., for a potential TikTok ban has drawn mounting scrutiny toward the app over data privacy risks tied to Chinese-owned parent
Russia plans to defend oil and gas facilities with missile systems
Ukraine has increased attacks on Russian oil infrastructure since January, hitting numerous large oil refineries in an attempt to cripple Russia’s military and halt its army’s advances. A Russian energy ministry official has revealed plans to defend oil and gas facilities with missile systems after Kyiv concentrated fire on Russian refineries and energy facilities in
Putin to travel to China for talks
The Chinese President congratulated his counterpart on his re-election yesterday, saying it ‘fully reflects the support of the Russian people’, despite it coming amid a brutal suppression of dissent. Western governments condemned the result as unfair and undemocratic, while friends of the Russian President who head up autocratic and undemocratic states, including China, welcomed his