Tuesday, 25 October 2011

World at Risk of Second Financial Heart Attack


The Euro Crisis is an incredibly complex and equally alarming as it is confusing. Though I found very little encouraging news in this article, the analogy of Europe having a heart attack did help me understand why Europe is in the dire situation it is in. It is not reassuring to know that Europe is not only where right back where they were a few months ago, but that they are there and without the means to resuscitate themselves like last time. Europe has wasted all the time and money they had. Things are on the breaking point. What worse is the "heart attack" we saw before was due to smaller European Union countries such as Ireland and Greece. The threat of a large, powerful, country's economy collapsing completely seems likely to all but demolish the EU. Satyajit Das, author of Extreme Money, had a lot to say in this article. Then again he predicted this catastrophe back in 2006 so I'd say he deserves a few words. Even still, I would like to read what other economists have to say about this imminent issue. Mr. Das was very clear that there was hope, if Europe can break their unhealthy habits. I hope he's correct, I also hope that Europe has the will power to make the change. Give up their "addiction" to debt-fuelled growth and live within the strict limitations they are setting for themselves. But I have to be careful where I put my hope; this world issues class has taught me to be very careful with it. I'm learning, the hard way, not put it on everything that sounds like good ideas or people with good intention. Europe and I both have some changes to make, if we don't melt-downs are sure to ensue.

Putin Proposes Union of Former Soviet Nations

It is no surprise to see Vladimir Putin running for president of Russia again. His propositions are not a surprise either. The push to further develop the connections between Russia and Asia, in Particular China, looks like it will be a smart move for the future. However I am unsure of what the effects of his pet project will be exactly. Or what will happen if he does unite ex-Soviet nations and establishes an Eurasian Union. The one obvious answer is worrying several european nations. They see this as competition for the already troubled European Union. As governments battle "with a spiralling financial crisis", the former super power's push away from Europe is not ideal. Putin has obviously waited  to offer this idea at an opportune time, drawing EU members out of the chaos of their present union. Fortunately all nations presented with this proposition are resisting, and "[will not] yield to pressure".
That is hopeful, but Putin has obviously been orchestrating many things that have happened in Russia recently, him running again is no accident. I suspect Putin does have a plan and will do what he can to make Russia a global player once again. What will happen when this takes place is a mystery.

 For another article on Vladimir Putin , the upcoming election, and his plans for Russia click here.