Author Archives: Yves Smith

The Latest Trouble In Russian-Azerbaijani Relations Might Be Part Of A Turkish-US Powerplay

A look at how Turkish and US interests benefit from recent upset in the relations between Russia and Azerbainan.

Links 7/1/2025

CalPERS Retiree Group Launches GoFundMe for Investigation on Private Equity Fees

CalPERS retirees are raising funds to have a big go at private equity fee secrecy. Please chip in if you are a California taxpayer!

“Ex-CISA Official Warns: We’ve Gutted Cybersecurity—A Gift to Iran, China and Russia”

Cybersecurity expert Dr. David Mussington, explains why the clock is ticking on U.S. vulnerabilities under Trump.

Take Advantage of These Tax Credits Before Congress Kills Them

An alert: some energy efficiency tax credits are about to be terminated. See if you want to avail yourself of them while you can.

Links 6/28/2025

Michael Hudson: The U.S. Empire’s Plan for Global Domination

Michael Hudson: War on Iran is part of the US empire’s effort to re-impose its dominance on the global political and financial system

The Dark Side of Ecotourism: When Green Travel Exploits People and the Planet

As luxury eco-retreats and voluntourism surge, experts warn that without systemic reform, ecotourism may be doing more harm than good.

Why Flattering Donald Trump Could Be Dangerous

Why power players should not apply their tongues to Trump’s posterior.

Financial Times on Coming Climate-Change-Driven Meltdown in Real Estate: Gradually, Then Suddenly?

A detailed, yet still softball, take on how climate change damage will wreck property values and much of what passes for an economy

Carl von Clausewitz and the Clausewitzian Viewpoint of Warfare: A Theoretical Approach

An overview of Clausewitz’s thinking winds up showing how the US has ignored it, with the bad results Clausewitz predicted.

Tallying the Costs to Israel of Its Failed Iran Regime Change Operation

An early estimate of the economic costs to Israel of the Iran war show that recovery will be difficult if not impossible.

Satyajit Das: Middle East Trajectories – Implications for the Region and Energy Markets

A refined (pun intended) discussion of the state of the energy market and the high risk of continued kinetic action between Israel and Iran.

A Possible Connection Between Mental Illness and Diet

On the mounting evidence that a ketogenic diet considerably can alleviate some debilitating mental health ailments, such as schizophrenia.