China's Rising Global Influence; The End of Everything

Originally published at: https://peakprosperity.com/daily-digest/chinas-rising-global-influence-the-end-of-everything/

In a world increasingly shaped by geopolitical maneuvers and economic uncertainties, the interplay between strategic thinking and resource control has never been more pronounced. David Murin, in a recent interview, shed light on the dominance of linear thinking in global politics, attributing it to sophisticated financial strategies over the past decades. This mindset, he argues, has rendered societies less adaptable to dynamic threats, pointing to the geopolitical chess game involving the Houthis in the Red Sea and China’s strategic positioning. Murin’s insights into China’s resource acquisition strategies underscore a broader narrative of global powers vying for control over essential commodities, predicting a rise in inflation and a potential commodity supercycle that could strain international relations further.

Parallel to these strategic concerns are the unfolding events in the Solomon Islands, where Chinese influence appears to be mirroring tactics previously seen in Hong Kong. Reports of a shadow coup and the establishment of a pro-CCP police force signal China’s intent to secure a strategic foothold in the Pacific, potentially altering the balance of power in the region. This development not only echoes historical ambitions but also raises alarms over the encroachment of authoritarian influences in democratic spaces, highlighting the need for vigilance and support for the Solomon Islanders opposing this takeover.

The economic landscape, particularly within the commercial real estate sector, mirrors the complexities seen in geopolitical arenas. The sector is currently navigating the aftermath of a bubble, with the potential for significant losses looming large. The situation is fraught with uncertainty, as stakeholders grapple with price discovery and the risk of forced liquidations. This precariousness is indicative of broader economic vulnerabilities, with liquidity pressures and investor nervousness threatening to trigger a more systemic financial crisis. The strategies employed to mitigate these risks, including attempts at a soft landing, underscore the delicate balance required to navigate the current economic climate.

Adding a historical perspective to contemporary challenges, Victor Davis Hanson’s “The End of Everything” explores the annihilation of civilizations, drawing parallels between past and present vulnerabilities. Through detailed case studies, Hanson examines the factors leading to the complete obliteration of societies, offering a cautionary tale on the importance of understanding the mindset of both attackers and defenders in existential conflicts. This historical lens provides valuable insights into the nature of destruction and survival, relevant to both geopolitical and economic contexts.

Amidst these discussions of power, strategy, and survival, the role of information and narrative control has come under scrutiny. The “Twitter Files” report reveals efforts by individuals associated with the intelligence community to influence content management on social media platforms. This initiative, aimed at combating misinformation, raises questions about the balance between national security and free speech. The involvement of various organizations and the push for stricter regulation of online speech highlight the complexities of managing information in the digital age, where the lines between censorship and security are increasingly blurred.

Sources

Global Forecaster David Murin Discusses Lateral and Linear Thinking in World Conflicts

Murin posits that empires cycle through phases of thinking, with laterals leading initially and linears taking control as empires mature.

Source | Submitted by rhollenb

Chinese Police Attempting Stealth Takeover in Solomon Islands

If the CCP takes the Solomon Islands, they will have flanked the Second Island chain of Palau, Federated States of Micronesia, and the US Territories of Guam, Tinian, and Saipan.

Source | Submitted by Mysterymet

Signs of Trouble in Commercial Real Estate Market: Losses Hit Top-Rated Bonds and Liquidity Pressures Rise

The fact the pain is reaching all the way to top-ranked holders, overwhelming safeguards put in place to ensure their full payment, is a testament to how deeply distressed pockets of the US commercial real estate market have become.

Source | Submitted by rhollenb

The End of Everything: How Entire Civilizations Meet Their Demise

Maybe so often the exception that nobody thinks, the unimaginable, or what people think it can’t happen here does happen here.

Source | Submitted by rhollenb

Exposing the CIA’s Secret Effort to Seize Control of Social Media

While the CIA is strictly prohibited from spying on or running clandestine operations against American citizens on US soil, a bombshell new ‘Twitter Files’ report reveals that a member of the Board of Trustees of InQtel – the CIA’s mission-driving venture capital firm, along with ‘former’ intelligence community (IC) and CIA analysts, were involved in a massive effort in 2021-2022 to take over Twitter’s content management system…

Source | Submitted by AaronMcKeon

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@rhollenb

Thanks for the link to the interview with the author of The End of Everything

I read Collapse back in the day and found it thoughtful and thought-provoking so I was very curious to hear about The End

After listening to the Victor Davis Hanson speak I am going to get a copy of his book and also see what else he’s written.

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