The conclusion of a 30-year, 38 BCM/year Sino-Russian gas deal has gotten considerable attention in the media recently. Not surprisingly, much of the coverage - especially in the western media - was emotionally charged, given that Putin's visit to China & the deal signing coincided with the unfolding crisis in Ukraine. There was no shortage of rhetoric about Putin "making … [Read more...] about 5 Popular Misconceptions about the Sino-Russian Gas Deal
economy
Yet another myth about democracy: “democracy+capitalism = prosperity”
When I wrote my first commentary on this blog, I outlined three common myths that people frequently believe without question when they think about democratic governance. Obviously, an idea as blindly and fervently worshiped as 'democracy' will have far more than just three myths associated with it. I continue my exploration of this ideology by discussing another myth that is … [Read more...] about Yet another myth about democracy: “democracy+capitalism = prosperity”
African Economist Dambisa Moyo: Is China the new idol for emerging economies?
Dambisa Moyo - Is China the new idol for emerging economies It is refreshing to see public intellectuals other than Eric X Li speak openly against the blind faith that most westerners place in their own brand of democratic governance and market capitalism (a faith that they attempt to impose on the rest of the world). However, I wanted to voice my skepticism on two of Moyo's … [Read more...] about African Economist Dambisa Moyo: Is China the new idol for emerging economies?
Another Housing Bubble in US? (Under the Cover of China’s Housing Bubble)
http://www.nbcnews.com/business/housing-sales-drop-worrisome-signs-west-2D11624125 Apparently, the lure of money makes people forget lessons of the past. So when recently the housing prices started to rise again in the Western regions of US, People are starting to dump houses, hoping to cash in on the higher prices. (either that, or just trying to get themselves out of … [Read more...] about Another Housing Bubble in US? (Under the Cover of China’s Housing Bubble)
“Capitalism Has Gone Nuts!”
That's what I said to my parents-in-law who asked me to explain the "market" behavior that turns on every bit of news. To the ordinary people, American or Chinese or anyone else, the "market" is hard to explain/understand. That's because it really is nuts/bonkers/crazy/insane/irrational. This is NOT some "rational market", because this "market" of today responds to … [Read more...] about “Capitalism Has Gone Nuts!”