4 Comments

If Europe hasn't yet set aside their fiscal challenges and increased defense spending/production to impressive levels after 3 years of war, will they do so now? I've always had a cynical hunch that Olaf Scholz doesn't know what he's doing and really just wants his cheap gas back (as soon as possible). His economy isn't stellar at all, and I wonder if he isn't most concerned with finding easy solutions.

I really appreciate your analysis here---as always, you provide a host of new angles to consider.

Expand full comment

I agree. :)

Expand full comment

My feeling is R senses that if it can maintain and even increase military pressure that negotiations will consist of formal framework of effective surrender. I.e that R will achieve its aims before Trump has got to the White House door. This of course removes the dilemmas you speak to, for both men. Mick Ryan thinks this war was lost by the West months ago (post this week) and has been a strategic failure of purpose and leadership. I was shocked but it matches my feelings of impending doom but note the Ukrainian soldiers endure and fight on. Hope is not extinguished

Expand full comment

Commenting as I read:

- You're right about "Trump team." It will be more like the "Trump monkeys": turmoil in a burlap sack as they fight for influence and the succession.

- Auto- correct likes to play Gotcha: "Russian stories, a striking system."

- I'm going to go look for what kind of European-centered index funds Vanguard offers.

- And thanks for the song links this week and last!

Expand full comment