Originally published at: NATO Criticism and Sino-Russian Naval Drills Heighten Tensions – Peak Prosperity
The Cadet Summer Research Program at the United States Air Force Academy has seen cadets engage in diverse and impactful research projects. Cadet Jamie Landy focused on principles of a free society in Latin America, designing a food festival forum to aid cultural assimilation and entrepreneurship among immigrants. Cadet Hannah Kim analyzed China’s response to economic sanctions on Russia, revealing China’s efforts to fortify its financial systems. Cadet Gabrielle LaRochelle developed a method to enhance LiDAR data processing, aiding in monitoring nuclear weapon tests. Cadet Rachel Price explored BioArt, aiming to bridge art and military missions. Cadet Jabari Bowen honed his skills in signals processing at the National Reconnaissance Office, while Cadet Mathew Core introduced Agile Combat Employment in Space, potentially reducing costs and timelines for space asset deployment.
In a recent interview, Colonel Douglas McGregor discussed NATO’s 75th anniversary, criticizing its transformation into a tool for American influence and warning of potential severe responses from Russia. He highlighted the ineffectiveness of American forces against strong opponents and criticized President Biden’s leadership. McGregor also addressed the situation in Ukraine, condemning U.S. and NATO support for Ukraine and warning of unnecessary conflict with Russia. He further criticized Israeli actions in Gaza and warned of potential regional escalation involving Hezbollah. McGregor emphasized the strained U.S. military production capabilities and expressed hope for more sensible leadership in the future.
China and Russia have commenced major joint naval drills, Joint Sea-2024, near Zhanjiang, showcasing their capabilities in maritime security. This move underscores strong China-Russia relations in defense and technology. NATO leaders, meeting in Washington D.C., issued a communique warning China against supporting Russia in the Ukraine conflict. Chinese state-run media criticized NATO’s portrayal of China as a threat, accusing the U.S. of extending its influence in the Asia-Pacific region. The closer ties between Moscow and Beijing challenge the effectiveness of U.S. sanctions, which may have inadvertently strengthened Sino-Russian relations.
A report by SwissAid reveals that billions of dollars of gold are smuggled out of Africa annually, primarily to the United Arab Emirates. This illicit trade fuels conflict, finances criminal networks, and undermines democracy. The UAE has taken steps to address gold smuggling, increasing inspections and fines. However, the bulk of Africa’s illegally mined gold continues to be channeled to Dubai, often with false papers. The UAE’s Ministry of Economy stressed its measures to curb money laundering in the gold sector, despite the challenges posed by other governments’ export records.
The United States has stationed 100,000 troops in Europe amid the Ukraine conflict, closely monitored by Russia. The readiness of these troops for combat remains uncertain. U.S. and NATO actions, such as discussing F-16s and Tomahawk missiles for Ukraine, escalate tensions. Russian media highlight these threats, suggesting imminent danger. President Biden’s statements prioritize Ukraine in defense aid, further straining relations. The Kremlin’s reaction is mixed, with some signals suggesting a willingness for peace talks, while others indicate continued aggression. The potential return of Donald Trump as U.S. President raises concerns about NATO’s future, but it is believed he would likely reduce support for Ukraine rather than dismantle NATO. The conflict’s complexity and Russia’s slow advances suggest a long-term strategy.
Luke Gromen discusses the implications of a strong versus weak U.S. dollar on fiscal dominance. A strong dollar pressures foreign currencies and can lead to a debt spiral, while a weak dollar boosts global growth and reduces Treasury issuance. Gromen argues that the U.S. will always choose to inject dollar liquidity rather than let Treasury auctions fail. He advises a diversified investment strategy, including physical gold, cash, stocks with positive free cash flow, and real estate. Gromen warns against leveraging long gold positions due to political volatility and suggests avoiding long-term Western sovereign debt due to the toxic political environment.
Lori Weintz of the Brownstone Institute recounts an experience of censorship by Google Groups after sharing information about a presidential debate featuring Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The post was flagged and removed, reflecting a broader trend of increasing censorship by tech companies and government agencies. The Supreme Court case Murthy v Missouri is discussed, where the Court ruled that the government could continue pressuring social media companies to remove content deemed “unhelpful.” The author reflects on the broader implications of this censorship, noting its extension beyond social media to private communications and emails, and calls for recognition and resistance against growing control over information and speech.
Sources
Air Force Academy Cadets Tackle Global Challenges in Summer Research Program
My research explored the necessary principles of a free society, especially in the Latin American context.
Source | Submitted by 0007
Colonel McGregor Criticizes NATO’s Saber-Rattling and Biden’s Leadership in Fiery Interview
“I think we have to understand that the dementia patient is really a metaphor for the West at this point, right?”
Source | Submitted by rhollenb
China and Russia Flex Military Muscle Amid Rising Tensions with US and NATO
China and Russia are without doubt signaling the West that their relations and cooperation on the levels of defense, industry, and technology will remain ironclad.
Source | Submitted by AaronMcKeon
Censored in the Land of the Free: The Real Debate on Free Speech
It is intolerable to us that an erroneous thought should exist anywhere in the world, however secret and powerless it may be.
Source | Submitted by AaronMcKeon
The Dollar Dilemma: How Currency Strength Shapes U.S. Fiscal Dominance and Global Economic Stability
“So once the dollar gets too strong, it touches off this debt spiral, it pushes true interest expense above 100% of receipts because, oh by the way, as foreigners sell stocks, stocks go down.”
Source | Submitted by rhollenb
SwissAid Report: Billions in African Gold Smuggled to UAE Annually, Fueling Conflict and Crime
Billions of dollars of gold is smuggled out of Africa every year, with the vast majority exported to the United Arab Emirates for processing, according to a report by SwissAid.
Source | Submitted by Shplad
U.S. Troop Presence in Europe: A Strategic “Trip Wire” Amid Rising Tensions with Russia
“Well, it’s a rather big trip wire; you could stumble on that, all right.”
Source | Submitted by rhollenb