The Friday Edition

Our Friday News Analysis | What the World Reads Now!

January 23, 2026

Helping to Heal a Broken Humanity (Part 68)

The Hague, 23 January 2026 | If you know of a decisive story, tell the world! We're still searching.

GUEST EDITORIAL | “IF HE GETS GREENLAND, TRUMP WILL GO DOWN IN HISTORY AS ONE OF THE GREAT AMERICAN PRESIDENTS.” (Part 32)

By Nadezhda Romanenko, Political Analyst

Whatever the methods, history remembers results – and it’s hard to argue with the single largest expansion of US territory

US President Donald Trump. © Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

HomeWorld News
18 January 2026

If Donald Trump bought Greenland, he'd secure a notable place in American and world history.

Greenland's vastness is astonishing, covering 2.17 million sq km—comparable to the Louisiana Purchase and larger than the Alaska Purchase. If included in the U.S., it would make America the second-largest country after Russia, signaling lasting global influence.

Prestige is only part of the story. Greenland's Arctic location is crucial, with rising sea temperatures transforming trade routes and heightening great-power rivalry. It hosts key radar and space facilities, lies near new maritime routes and subsea resources, and has geology with potential for rare earths and critical minerals. For a president seeking bold, tangible actions, turning this long-standing idea into a real geographical change would be both compelling and historic.

How Trump might be remembered if he peacefully achieved his goals through land purchases depends on perspective. History emphasizes outcomes over methods. The Louisiana Purchase, celebrated for doubling the country's size, and the Alaska Purchase, once mocked but now seen as strategic, illustrate this. If the U.S. acquired Greenland, the largest land expansion—slightly bigger than Louisiana—Trump would be seen as a transformative figure, similar to Jefferson, and one of history's most influential leaders widely studied.

Read more
Trump slaps tariffs on NATO countries over Greenland

While we acknowledge that such a move might cause tensions, it's crucial to remember that Denmark and Greenland each have their own political and legal rights. Washington’s European allies have expressed concerns about viewing sovereignty solely as a transactional issue. The idea of a 'rules-based Arctic' won’t vanish overnight, but it would be viewed differently. History shows 'rules' are often created afterward to justify powerful nations' actions. If a peaceful, lawful agreement is reached, the international community would quickly accept the new reality, like 19th-century land deals. Ultimately, debates and pressures around this purchase would fade, leaving only minor historical notes.

Initial opposition would be intense, mainly over procedural issues, costs, and precedent, given Trump’s divisiveness. However, American political memory is selective. If the acquisition provided strategic benefits and was successfully integrated with the investment, the dramatic negotiation aspects would fade, but the impact would stay. School globes would be updated, and new debates would emerge in defense, climate science, and resources. Over time, anniversaries—rather than conflicts—would define how most citizens remember the event.

Of course, this legacy could sour if not handled carefully. America recalls both major successes and costly failures. If the acquisition process ignored consent, caused ongoing disputes, or failed to produce real benefits, the initial enthusiasm would fade, and comparisons to figures like Jefferson or Seward would seem increasingly forced. At least, for a while.

If Trump acquired Greenland, historians would highlight his role in the modern American story, as the scale and symbolism would be too significant to dismiss. Regardless of methods, the legacy is clear: the map would serve as a testament to his impact long after debates fade. History often unfolds with outcomes marked by enduring borders.

Click here for Part 31

EDITORIAL | Maybe the Emperor Wears New Clothes?

By Abraham A. van Kempen
23 January 2026

Hans Christian Andersen (1805-1875) wrote "The Emperor's New Clothes," and the phrase has become a common idiom in many languages. It describes a foolish habit or decision that many disapprove of but goes unchallenged due to fear of dissent.

Anderson was born a Dane, bringing a proud sense of Danish heritage and history to his story.

How appropriate! Denmark crafted a fairy tale about an emperor who was duped into believing he was wearing new clothes when he was actually naked.

I often wonder why people worldwide—strangers I haven't met, people I want to meet —continue to reach out for the 'Building the Bridge' newsletters. Paradoxically, many say they're not interested in politics or the adult games politicians – they call themselves world leaders at best, statesmen at worst -- play, like playing Russian Roulette with their lives. Most people worldwide don’t care, don’t want to know. They are simply too busy with their own lives.

May I offer you some advice? Among us, there are people with different characters: good, bad, and undesirable. The harmful and malicious ones often pretend to be kind. It's important to stay vigilant. Unlike my granddaughters, who play innocently, these individuals do not; their actions are serious and can be dangerous. Also, such situations often occur without an adult present. They play with fire in their own sandbox. I would never compare them to my grandchildren.

All the kids in the sandbox – the world leaders – should be told to leave the sandbox for a spanking at home. Enough is enough! The world is tired of all that child’s play. Go home! Chase a noble pursuit instead. I worry that many do not fully grasp the duties and principles tied to nobility in diplomacy.

These juvenile delinquents – the world leaders – are even trying to convince themselves that they want the biggest share of the sandbox to help save the world.

“There are enemies out there,” so they claim, “who are going to attack, invade, and occupy the empty land and kill everyone in their way.”

So, “we’ll beat them to it by invading, occupying, and taking over the people and the land to save the day.”

Ridiculous!

And what about the people who live on and work the land?

Who cares about them!

So, what does the make-believe emperor who wears new clothes – no clothes—really want?

All the natural resources underneath the land!

Will the victors share the wealth with the natives of the land? They’ll earn the crumbs. The Collective West is still obsessed with:

What is ours is ours.
What is yours is ours also.
You’re either for us or against us.
It’s either our way or the highway.
If you don’t do it our way, you’re dead meat.

What about the Chinese and the Russians? Your enemies!

“Oh, we just made that up. It’s prefabricated propaganda. It’s so unbelievable that it’s believable. People fear the enemy, whether real or imagined. Our scare tactics work 100 percent.”

These politicians, wearing new clothes, genuinely believe their electorate is that dumb.

Mark Twain:

“Sometimes I wonder whether the world is being run by smart people who are putting us on, or by imbeciles who really mean it.”

So, here we go again. Like I wrote last week, the new multipolar world order works only if we work together, not against each other. Humanity is ready for multipolarity, except for many in the Collective West. War has become obsolete because of mutual deterrence, which demands diplomacy.

The kids in the sandbox – the world leaders on the world stage – still have a lot to learn. Maybe it’s time for all of them to wear new clothes and be laughed out of town.

Enjoy your weekend.

Abraham A. van Kempen
Senior Editor

Building – not burning – the Bridge Foundation, The Hague
A Way to Get to Know Each Other and the Other

Remember! Diplomacy is catalytic—transformative —while military action is cataclysmic—destructive and catastrophic.

When faced with the options to be good, bad, or ugly, let’s build bridges, not burn them. After all, mutual deterrence reigns.

GETTING GREENLAND WOULD BE ‘HUGE HISTORICAL ACHIEVEMENT’ FOR TRUMP – POLITICAL CONSULTANT

Many US presidents have sought to claim the Arctic island, but none have succeeded, says Political Risk Consultant Attorney Adriel Kasonta.

FILE PHOTO: US President Donald Trump speaking during a national address, White House, Washington, DC., December 17, 2025. © Getty Images / Doug Mills - Pool

Edited by Abraham A. van Kempen
HomeWorld News
18 January 2026

“It would be a huge historical achievement for Donald Trump, his presidency, and the future of the United States.”

The annexation of Greenland by US President Donald Trump would go down in US history as a “huge” achievement, political risk consultant and lawyer Adriel Kasonta has told RT.

In recent weeks, Trump has intensified his efforts to acquire the Danish overseas territory. He contends that European NATO countries cannot defend it from supposed Russian and Chinese threats, warning that Washington will assert its control regardless.

“It will be a huge win for Donald Trump, because… many presidents before saw the strategic importance of Greenland… and they wanted to acquire Greenland, but without any successful result,” Kasonta said in an interview on Sunday.

If Trump obtained the Arctic island for the US, he would achieve securing North America's security, something past presidents had not succeeded in.

He stated that the island is the sole strategic territory the US requires to secure "the Western Hemisphere" within its sphere of influence. Trump has also frequently asserted that Greenland is essential for national security.

According to Kasonta, control over Greenland would also give the US access to critical minerals.

“It gives the primacy also in securing the supply chains of rare earth minerals that are currently being dominated by China,” he said, adding that the island also has a wealth of lithium and cobalt.

Controlling these deposits would turn the US from being “minerals dependent” into the “key exporter” of materials important in high-tech manufacturing and take away Beijing’s “leverage” on Washington, he argued.

Danish geological surveys estimate that Greenland contains over 36 million tonnes of rare-earth deposits, although only 1.5 million tonnes are classified as proven.

China currently dominates global rare earth production and refining. Last year, Beijing used export controls on crucial minerals as part of its fluctuating trade conflict with Washington.

What is the Side of the Story that is Not Yet Decisive? Edited and annotated by Abraham A. van Kempen

GUEST EDITOR | THE DAVOS PARADOX: TRUMP’S VISION OF A RECHARGED AMERICA AMIDST A CONTESTED WORLD

Reflections on the Special Address at the 2026 World Economic Forum

President Trump returns to Davos! Today, Jan 21, 2026, Donald Trump addressed the World Economic Forum, declaring the end of inflation and reviving the bold proposal to negotiate for Greenland. A speech that blended economic triumph with a direct challenge to European policies.

Donald Trump at Davos 2026: Economic Triumph, Greenland Negotiations, and the Future of Global Trade – Full Analysis of the World Economic Forum Special Address.

Watch the Video Here (6 minutes, 21 seconds)

Host Paulo Fernando de Barros
Boreal Times
21 January 2026

Reflections on the Special Address at the 2026 World Economic Forum

The clear Alpine air of Davos, Switzerland, has long been a setting for high-level diplomacy and economic forecasts. Yet, on January 21, 2026, the atmosphere at the Congress Centre felt particularly electric. When Donald J. Trump stepped onto the stage for his special address at the World Economic Forum (WEF), the world observed a leader who remains as divisive as he is influential. This wasn't merely a speech; it served as a declaration of a “New American Era,” a victorious rhetorical rally that challenged the core principles of the globalist audience assembled before him.

Donald Trump’s comeback to Davos happens at a critical juncture. In 2026, the global economy stands at a crossroads, grappling with the ripple effects of technological change and evolving geopolitical dynamics. Trump’s main message was that the United States remains the dominant force driving the world economy. He started by recognizing the business leaders present, calling some friends and others adversaries, underscoring his usual bluntness, which has shaped his political style.

In his speech, Trump highlighted a “miracle” in the American economy, claiming that his administration’s policies have finally overcome the persistent threat of inflation that troubled global markets for years. He pointed to concrete indicators such as rising wages, falling gas prices, and a boost in domestic manufacturing. Trump's key to this success, he said, is a mix of bold deregulation, deeper tax cuts than before, and strategic tariffs to safeguard American interests. He maintained that America's prosperity benefits the entire world, framing “America First” as essential for global stability.

The speech quickly shifted from domestic financial issues to a critique of Europe's current state, which he called “unrecognizable.” Trump aimed his comments at European leaders, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and accused the continent of “destroying itself.” His main criticism was of the green energy transition. He harshly criticized wind energy, saying that “windmills” are failing across Europe and that they only benefit China's manufacturing industry. He depicted Europe as a continent that has lost its way, hampered by high energy prices and what he considers ineffective environmental policies.

One of the most striking moments of the afternoon was when he revived his proposal for the U.S. to acquire Greenland. Trump called for “immediate negotiations” on the territory, highlighting its importance for Arctic security and resource management. Although the idea had previously caused surprise, his 2026 version was more pragmatic. He clearly excluded the use of force, noting that while the U.S. possesses the “excessive strength” to be unstoppable, he prefers diplomacy aimed at mutual benefit. The so-called “Greenland Doctrine” symbolizes his broader foreign policy approach: a combination of transactional diplomacy and a strong focus on national interests.

Trump also addressed NATO, recognizing NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and noting that his push for higher defense spending among member nations is starting to succeed. However, Trump reiterated his longstanding complaint that the US has frequently shielded Europe from external threats without much reciprocation. This narrative highlights ongoing strains in 2026—a world in which longstanding alliances are being tested by a leader who sees international cooperation primarily as a matter of financial benefit.

Beyond the numerical data on trade and defense, the speech featured a strongly human-centered element. Trump discussed the “common sense revolution" he believes is spreading worldwide. He directly addressed social issues, reaffirming his administration’s policies on gender and sports as a return to core values. Whether or not one agrees with his views, his clear conviction was evident throughout the hall, emphasizing a leader who feels empowered to alter not only the economy but also the cultural fabric of the West.

The reactions in Davos were mixed. Some tech CEOs and banking leaders welcomed the prospects of lower taxes and a friendly business climate, while others voiced serious worries about a possible 'spiral of escalation” in global trade. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) had previously warned that renewed tariff threats could threaten the fragile recovery expected in 2026. Critics claim that a “world of fortresses,” as expressed in speeches by figures like Mark Carney, would ultimately lead to a poorer and less sustainable global economy.

As the session ended, it was clear how important the day was. Trump’s 2026 Davos appearance showcased his distinctive populist style. Instead of talking to the elite, he spoke directly to them, portraying himself as the advocate for workers against what he calls the “woke” agendas that supposedly distract global leaders. He called on the world to “come make your product in America,” offering the lowest taxes and the best conditions for growth.

Ultimately, the 2026 World Economic Forum will likely be remembered for this clash of visions. On one side, the traditional “spirit of dialogue” and multilateral cooperation; on the other, Trump’s assertive, sovereign, and unapologetic nationalism. As 2026 progresses, the global community must confront the reality of an America that is not just participating in the world order but actively seeking to rewrite its rules. Whether this results in a “peaceful and prosperous” planet, as Trump predicts, or ushers in a more fractured and volatile era, remains the defining question of our time.

The information shared today—the employment figures, inflation statistics, and energy forecasts—will be examined by analysts over the coming weeks. However, the statement made at the Davos Congress Centre was more than mere data; it served as a challenge to the current state of affairs. Donald Trump has outlined his plan for 2026, leaving the world with no option but to react.

________________________________________

References and Scientific/Academic Insights:

World Economic Forum (2026). Official Program: Special Address by Donald J. Trump, President of the United States. weforum.org/events/davos-2026

The Washington Post (2026). Live Updates: Trump seeks negotiations for Greenland in Davos speech. washingtonpost.com/politics/2026/01/21/trump-davos

The Guardian (2026). Davos Live: Trump rules out force but calls for negotiations over Greenland. theguardian.com/business/live/2026/jan/21/davos-trump-speech

U.S. Mission to the EU (2025/2026). Remarks by President Trump on Economic Policy and Common Sense. useu.usmission.gov/remarks-trump-davos

Council on Foreign Relations (2026). Global Summits to Watch: Bracing for a New Global (Dis)order. cfr.org/articles/global-summits-2026

Share your thoughts in the comments, and explore more insights on our Journal and Magazine. Please consider becoming a subscriber, thank you: https://borealtimes.org/subscriptions– Follow The Boreal Times on social media. Join the Oslo Meet by connecting experiences and uniting solutions: https://oslomeet.org

RICHARD SAKWA: THE DEEP ROOTS OF THE UKRAINE WAR

Prof. Glenn Diesen and Prof. Richard Sakwa explore the evolution and challenges of global security, focusing on conflicts between international efforts, such as the United Nations, and nations forming exclusive groups, like NATO.
They convey pessimism about global diplomacy, especially in Europe, despite minor positives like renewed dialogue efforts.
Overall, the outlook is cautious and somber, stressing persistent conflicts and slow resolutions.

Richard Sakwa, a professor of Russian and European Politics at the University of Kent, is widely regarded as Europe's foremost Russia scholar. He explores the deep-rooted and complex layers of the Ukraine War.

Watch the Video Here (54 Minutes, 58 Seconds)

Host Prof. Glenn Diesen
Substack.com
18 January 2025

The Deep Roots and Future Prospects of the Ukraine War: A Dialogue with Richard Sakwa

Today, we hear from Richard Sakwa, Professor of Politics at the University of Kent, known for his expertise in Russia and European affairs. The transcript provides his analysis of the Ukraine conflict, its background, and changes in European and global security.

The Shifting Narrative and Diplomatic Prospects

As the Ukraine war appears to be ending, European leaders are adjusting their rhetoric and diplomacy. Chancellor Mertz shows a willingness to re-establish relations with Russia, seeing it as a European nation that needs engagement. Sakwa notes conflicts are fought on battlefields and through narratives. When diplomacy is ignored, narratives depict the conflict as unprovoked aggression and negotiations as appeasement. As circumstances change, there's more willingness to address mutual security concerns and move away from framing the conflict as a battle between good and evil.

Sakwa warns that despite optimism for a diplomatic solution, the conflict may be farther from resolution. He likens the situation to Churchill’s phrase, “the end of the beginning,” suggesting Europe must confront truths it has avoided for true progress. The emergence of recent peace efforts, led by negotiators such as Witkoff and Jared Kushner, signals a shift in Europe's stance, despite Moscow's skepticism.

Unpacking the Layers of the Conflict

Sakwa identifies at least four, possibly five, layers to the Ukraine conflict:

Internal Ukrainian Divisions: Since 1991, Ukraine has grappled with two visions of its identity: a “monist” model rooted in an essential Ukrainian identity and a more inclusive, tolerant, multilingual approach. The monist view, which aims to free Ukrainian identity from Russian and Polish-Lithuanian influences, oversimplifies the complex reality of post-colonial nations. Russian calls for “denazification” reflect concerns about intolerance and lack of pluralism, particularly in linguistic and cultural rights.
Russo-Ukrainian Relations: The Russia-Ukraine conflict is an interstate and intercultural issue. Sakwa uses René Girard’s mimetic theory to explain the rivalry between two related peoples. The closeness of Russian and Ukrainian cultures has made Ukrainian nationalists seek separation from Russia, increasing hostilities since the Soviet Union's collapse.
Intra-European Dynamics: The war has exposed lasting issues since 1945, such as Europe’s failure to unify and the dominance of the “political West.” Instead of Gorbachev’s “Common European Home,” Europe reinforced the Atlanticist framework, sidelining Russia and exacerbating NATO expansion and security concerns.
US-Russian Superpower Relations: There was hope for peace through Moscow-Washington talks. Trump’s presidency raised questions about European security after the war, but his failure to offer clear solutions weakened the Atlantic system, leading Russia to seek a new identity.
Civilizational and Geopolitical Layers: The war is part of a broader civilizational conflict, with Russia rethinking its identity and ties to Europe. Rooted in 19th-century rivalries, the struggle endures in the ongoing pursuit of a pan-European security system.

Challenges of National Identity and External Influence

Sakwa warns that promoting a “decolonial” Ukrainian identity risks framing Russian culture as foreign, leading to its suppression. Such actions—affecting politics, culture, language, and religion—have deepened domestic divisions and made Ukraine more vulnerable to external interference. He urges building an inclusive national identity to avoid internal conflicts and international security threats.

The relationship among conflict levels is complex, with the US historically using Ukrainian divisions to marginalize Russia. As policies shift, uncertainty persists, and effective diplomacy relies on aligning interests across these levels.

The Need for a New European Security Architecture

The discussion highlights past failures to create an inclusive European security system, as alliance rivalries persist, causing conflicts. Sakwa urges new ideas and a rethink of international relations beyond alliances and zero-sum struggles. He calls for restarting talks on a pan-European community and security framework, despite current conflicts.

Europe’s Role in a Changing World Order

As global power shifts from Europe and the unipolar world declines, Sakwa and colleagues question why Europe's policies still divide the continent and rely on external powers. These dynamics favor the US and China, weakening Europe’s influence and unity. Reigniting the spirit of the Charter of Paris could create a new Europe—free of dividing lines and based on cooperation.

Sakwa recognizes efforts to build European military forces and a European army, but warns that this could deepen conflict in Europe. He advocates for a forward-looking, pan-continental vision, proposing a North Eurasian confederation that includes Russia.

NATO, Security Dilemmas, and Historical Memory

The discussion questions NATO’s expansion and the security dilemmas it causes. It challenges the idea that Russia is an imperial aggressor, noting that Moscow’s actions since 2014 have been more reactive than expansionist. It also examines how memory politics and long-standing animosities hinder reconciliation, with historical grievances often reemerging instead of being resolved.

The Erosion of International Institutions and Norms

A key concern is the decline of the United Nations and the rise of bloc politics, which threaten the inclusive, multilateral framework established after World War II. The UN’s credibility wanes as alliance systems overshadow collective security. Sakwa regrets the fading spirit of 1945 and the postwar commitment to peaceful conflict resolution.

Conclusion: Prospects for Peace and the Need for New Thinking

As the discussion ends, Sakwa is pessimistic about the near future, noting slow progress toward peace. While there are signs of renewed diplomacy, he warns Europe is stuck in old patterns of militarism and division. Breaking this cycle needs new ideas and inclusive security frameworks. The main challenge is moving beyond simplistic good-versus-evil stories to create a pan-European vision focused on dialogue, diversity, and cooperation.

The escalating crisis in Ukraine has pushed the world to the edge of a new Cold War.

As Russia and Ukraine fight over Crimea and eastern regions, Russia-West relations are at a low.

How did this happen?

Richard Sakwa analyzes the background of Ukraine's conflicted identity and its relations with Russia. He traces how recent disturbances have emerged from events that have pushed Ukraine—internally split between East and West—to decide whether to pursue closer ties with Europe or maintain its historical connections with Russia.

Sakwa offers the first comprehensive account of the ongoing crisis by examining its origins and importance.

The Euromaidan Protests
The controversial Russian military intervention and annexation of Crimea
The extent of the catastrophe of the MH17 disaster
The possible ways forward following the October 2014 parliamentary elections.
The origins, developments, and global significance of the internal and external battle for Ukraine.

With all eyes focused on the region, Sakwa unravels the myths and misunderstandings of the situation, providing an essential and highly readable account of the struggle for Europe's contested borderlands.

GUEST EDITORIAL | PLUNDER AND PREDATION: THE US WILL GO DOWN AS IT WAS BORN AND AS IT HAS LIVED

Capitalist vultures aren’t just circling, they are pouncing – drawn to the smell of decay evident in Washington’s militant tactics

By Tarik Cyril Amar, a historian from Germany working at Koç University, Istanbul, on Russia, Ukraine, and Eastern Europe, the history of World War II, the cultural Cold War, and the politics of memory

@tarikcyrilamartarikcyrilamar.substack.comtarikcyrilamar.com

Substack.com
19 January 2026

As deplored in the Washington Post, Washington’s recent assault on Venezuela wasn’t just your usual US war of aggression/regime change operation, but also served to facilitate a particular kind of insider trading.

Or rather, betting: On the prediction platform Polymarket, a well-informed investor bet over $30,000 that Venezuela’s president, Nicolas Maduro, would be out of office by the end of January. Remarkably, they made over $400,000 in profit. This "prediction" was so precisely timed that it attracted significant media attention and showed signs of insider trading.

Let's be realistic: actual capitalism has always been ruthless, unlike the idealized version by Hayek and Friedman that dulls minds. Over five centuries, its history includes notable scientific, technological, and cultural advances, as Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels noted in the Communist Manifesto, where they almost praise the bourgeoisie and capitalism.

This world also arose from brutal impoverishment, exploitation, and colonial destruction, driven by a vigorous international slave trade that ended millions of lives. Marxists call this 'primitive accumulation,' which their master describes as 'original expropriation,' using a sardonic tone to compare it to the fall of man in Christian mythology.

After 1917, when a major European empire was governed by a new Communist regime, and after World War II, a 'second world' of Communist countries emerged mainly in Eurasia. Meanwhile, Western capitalist countries became more cautious, especially domestically.

Read more
Trump megadonor’s firm gets first Venezuelan oil deal – FT

For a brief period, elites in West Germany and France used reformist rhetoric, moderate redistribution, and rational public spending to aim for a more humane capitalism. Some American presidents also promised progressive initiatives, such as Roosevelt's "New Deal" and Johnson's "Great Society."

Since the decline of the global neoliberal and right-libertarian surge and the fall of 'second world' rivals decades ago, capitalism has become more brutal worldwide. This shift is seen in the contempt shown by elites—like the US real-estate billionaire managing the country and BlackRock and Rothschild careerists overseeing Germany and France—for those outside their exclusive circles.

Plundering has long been part of capitalism, evident in Syria. Over five years ago, during his first term, Donald Trump, called the 'buccaneer-in-chief,' admitted the US military's presence in Syria was mainly to seize oil, saying, "I took the oil. The only troops I have [in Syria] are taking the oil.”

Washington’s actions against Venezuela show extreme audacity. The Trump administration and media openly celebrate their injustices, including the theft of Venezuela’s resources now and in the future. Dissent mainly concerns the profits—how much can be gained and if those profits are as secure as Trump claims. (Spoiler: they are not.)

Take the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), a top outlet for the global elite, along with The Economist, Financial Times, and Bloomberg. It recently covered the kidnapping of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, which caused over a hundred deaths of Venezuelans and Cubans, and discussed efforts to justify a possible war against Iran. The focus was on how US plans to exploit Venezuela's oil might affect global prices, especially whether it would cause prices to drop. This raises concerns for other oil-producing countries, particularly OPEC nations and the US, where falling prices threaten American oil companies. It also has political implications for Trump, Republicans, and their supporters, with upcoming midterm elections and affordability issues. Finally, there are considerations for ordinary Americans.

Fortunately, the WSJ subtly highlighted a cynical aspect of the theft of Venezuela's resources—oil, gold, lithium—through the so-called "Donroe Trade." This involves investors rushing to profit from President Trump’s efforts to lead the Western Hemisphere, essentially from imperialist gains. Venezuelan debt has sharply rallied since last December, boosting hedge funds and investment firms. Savvy investors are now considering debt in Colombia, Cuba, and preparing for opportunities in Mexico and Greenland.

Read more
US issues aviation warnings for eastern Pacific over ‘military activities.’

Regarding Venezuela, a company plans exploratory trips to examine the loot and stay in contact with the White House. Venezuelans may have mixed feelings about this company, which has previously organized trips to Ukraine and Syria. Even if these activities are unprofitable, managing arbitration claims remains a potentially lucrative niche.

In summary, the vultures aren’t merely circling—they are attacking. Unsurprisingly, the Wall Street Journal considers this quite normal and appropriate. However, reading Bloomberg, another leading publication of capitalism, reveals news that may prompt Washington’s victorious pirates of the Caribbean to reconsider.

While investors flocked to the 'Donroe Trade' of loot and loud promises, prompting a WSJ article, another boom was happening in Asia, including China. Bloomberg reported that tech and AI stocks were "on a tear." Investors, many from the US, believed their momentum would continue through 2026.

The key point is that these hopes influence market sentiment more than specifics. Investors are optimistic about Asian semiconductor supply chains, earnings, and tech breakthroughs but worry about the sustainability of the American tech and AI rally, driven by gains—essentially a US bubble. Bloomberg notes increased enthusiasm for China’s tech in the new year, as China remains Washington's main geopolitical rival after Russia.

Read more
Fyodor Lukyanov: Here’s how Russia should deal with Trump’s new America

This is a snapshot of a telling moment in history-on-the-move, no more. But take a step back and consider this picture in the round: In Venezuela, the US has – once again – proven its supreme legal and moral nihilism, as well as its ability to brutally beat up much weaker countries. It has also made a special point of letting the world know that the scourging of Caracas is meant as a lesson to frighten Latin America in particular and all of us in general. That on its own may look like a sort of success, or as they say in Washington, “a win.” But in reality, as the American historian Alfred McCoy – certainly no friend of either Russia or China – has observed, America “is an empire in decline.” Its lashing out and crudely undisguised, even proud pillaging, fundamentally reflects weakness, not strength.

In the words of Emmanuel Todd, the brilliant French intellectual who correctly predicted the fall of the Soviet Union, and more recently, the “defeat of the West,” America is no longer capable of re-industrializing. It has become too incompetent at actually producing things or training engineers and workers to produce them, even though Trump’s policy of tariffs and protectionism appears to be about bringing manufacturing home. What this late-state US is good at is extremely uninhibited violence and “predation,” that is, plain robbery.

Ironically, capitalists sense this long-term change with the same acuity they display for the fleeting opportunities to profit from the ransacking of Venezuela. Yet none of this changes the fact that Washington is losing its grip. It can still inflict great pain and cause terrible destruction, but it cannot offer a vision of international – or, for that matter, domestic – order that attracts anyone who isn’t corrupt, submissive by nature, or witless.

Tarik Cyril Amar, PhD, is a historian and expert on international politics. He has a BA in Modern History from Oxford University, an MSc in International History from the London School of Economics, and a PhD in History from Princeton University. He has held scholarships at the Holocaust Memorial Museum and the Harvard Ukrainian Research Institute and directed the Center for Urban History in Lviv, Ukraine. Originally from Germany, he has lived in the UK, Ukraine, Poland, the USA, and Turkey.

Dr. Amar’s book 'The Paradox of Ukrainian Lviv: A Borderland City between Stalinists, Nazis, and Nationalists' was published by Cornell University Press in 2015. A study of the political and cultural history of Cold War television spy stories is forthcoming, and he is currently working on a new book on the global response to the war in Ukraine. He has given interviews on various programs, including several on Rania Khalek Dispatches and Breakthrough News.

His website is https://www.tarikcyrilamar.com/; he is on substack under https://tarikcyrilamar.substack.com, and tweets under @TarikCyrilAmar.

BUILDING THE BRIDGE! | A WAY TO GET TO KNOW THE OTHER AND ONE ANOTHER

Making a Difference – The Means, Methods, and Mechanisms for Many to Move Mountains

Photo Credit: Abraham A. van Kempen, our home away from home on the Dead Sea

By Abraham A. van Kempen
Senior Editor
Updated 19 January 2024

Those who commit to 'healing our broken humanity' build intercultural bridges to learn to know and understand one another and others. Readers who thumb through the Building the Bridge (BTB) pages are not mindless sheep following other mindless sheep. They THINK. They want to be at the forefront of making a difference. They're seeking the bigger picture to expand their horizons. They don't need BTB or anyone else to confirm their biases.

Making a Difference – The Means, Methods, and Mechanisms for Many to Move Mountains

Accurate knowledge fosters understanding, dispels prejudice, and sparks a desire to learn more about the subject. Words have an extraordinary power to bring people together, divide them, forge bonds of friendship, or provoke hostility. Modern technology offers unprecedented possibilities for good, fostering harmony and reconciliation. Yet, its misuse can cause untold harm, leading to misunderstandings, prejudices, and conflicts.

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LATEST OPEN LETTERS

06-01
Standing in Solidarity with the People of Venezuela
21-07
Freedom
20-03
Stand up to Trump
18-02
Average Americans Response
23-12
Tens of thousands of dead children.......this must stop
05-06
A Call to Action: Uniting for a Lasting Peace in the Holy Land
28-05
Concerned world citizen
13-02
World Peace
05-12
My scream to the world
16-11
To Syria and Bashar al-Assad