The World on December 31 2024

As the world celebrated the new year there was reason for concern:

Russia was destroying a country.

China’s share of world manufacturing was soaring with no indication that a move to democracy, the hope that launched the China cooperation, was gaining traction

Instead China having established deep roots in Africa was extending it’s reach to Latin America and devouring the European car industry

Taiwan was a named Chinese target, the next major world crisis waiting to happen

Europe was coming out of a decade of immigration, changing the culture in some of the world’s great cities. Muslim immigrants, like the Chinese openly propagated their own culture and in many cases elected their own mayors

After decades of under investment Europe’s ability to respond to the Ukraine, absent NATO, was demonstrated to be limited

A new Axis …the BRICS….was pursuing it’s own agenda, not as exactly pro the West.

Denmark, a country with the military power of a local police force is protecting Greenland, a land mass slightly larger than Western Europe and potentially in play in the new Global trends

All these challenges had worsened under 4 years of neglect from a US President who wasn’t mentally fully there. Putin and Xi clearly had hardened their positions and the Western Democracies were fully engaged in their own internal issues.

While the Non West is aggressive, ambitious and increasingly dangerous, the West looked old, confused with no objectives or practical guiding principles. That’s what happens when the world’s super power doesn’t exercise its role. Power like muscle atrophies if not used and after Biden the US looked flaccid. Heaven only knows what 4 years of Harris would have done.

Trump has his issues, but actions like Iraq especially and Venezuela are restoring a sense of global power. And there has to be a counter force to the Non West or we put our culture and economic well being at risk. Right now we have America acting and Europe, the main beneficiary of US strength, acting as it’s harshest critic.

Fortunately the ingenuity of Silicon Valley is spilling into military capability. Companies like Palantir are providing cutting edge capability as we have seen in two stunningly precise operations. The Defense industry is buzzing with a new sense of purpose. That’s a good thing, peace through strength…Reagan was right.

There is huge concern out there about American colonialism, but America has had the capability to act as a super Colonial power for a 100 years and there is no appetite. Americans are happy in America…..but going back to the Monroe doctrine there is a concern that they live in a good neighborhood, Cuba, Venezuela and Columbia haven’t been good neighbors. They should be concerned.

The rest of the world shouldn’t and to the extent Europe decides it needs to stand on its own feet, it’s about time.

As the world celebrated the new year there was reason for concern, was just 20 days till the next Trump Presidency.

But lets go through your unmitigated bollocks.

Russia was destroying a country.

Yup and still is.

China’s share of world manufacturing was soaring with no indication that a move to democracy, the hope that launched the China cooperation, was gaining traction

Still increasing and still no indication of a move to democracy though no really was expecting that.

Instead China having established deep roots in Africa was extending it’s reach to Latin America and devouring the European car industry

And in 2025 the US cut its aid programs to developing countries it gave China even more space and opportunity to extend those roots. As for a devouring the European car market, China stands at 5-6% market share, yes devoured. I also wonder did the antics this year of a certain worlds richest man do anything to toxify the reputation of a certain America electronic car company in Europe, making it even easier for China to expand its market share in Europe?

Taiwan was a named Chinese target, the next major world crisis waiting to happen

Sorry you have got the year wrong, Taiwan has been a Chinese target since (checks notes) emm...1950.

Europe was coming out of a decade of immigration changing the culture in some of the world’s great cities.Muslim immigrants, like the Chineseopenly propagated their own culture and in many cases elected their own mayors

Oihh...sunny boy...psst...come here a sec...you listening right? Stop talking crap. Also how's the Muslim mayor of New York doing, cause he was elected because he was a Muslim right.

After decades of under investment Europe’s ability to respond to the Ukraine, absent NATO was demonstrated to be limited

The capability is there, but their isn't the willpower at present to accept the cost of what it would take to kick Russia out of Ukraine.

A new Axis …the BRICS….was pursuing it’s own agenda, not as exactly pro the West.

New Axis...what...what? It's been around as a concept since at least 2001 and the BRICS nations have been having summits since 2009.

Denmark, a country with the military power of a local police force is protecting Greenland, a land mass slightly larger than Western Europe and potentially in play in the new Global trends

I can't believe your starting to move towards a positioning of justify this insanity.

Denmark is a member of NATO a US ally. The US has bases already in Greenland, Denmark has signalled multiple times it's open to the possibility of the US increasing it's military presence in Greenland and has announced a major increase worth billion in military spending. A local police force? Does a local police force have 21 F-35's with more on order. Yes Denmark has acknowledged it can't secure Greenland on its own hence why it co-operates with America and is a member of NATO but Greenland is Danish territory and the US has no right, absolutely none to try to take it from them by any means. Denmark doesn't want it to be a part of the US and the Greenlander don't want it either. Security concerns genuine or not (and no one is threatening Greenland but the US) is not a justification under international law to take territory.

If Trump does make a move on Greenland (and after Trump's actions in Venezuela and the batshittery out of the two Miller's Europe is now taking the possibility seriously) it will trigger the end of the world order as we have known it since the end of WW2. Europe will have no choice but to effectively break off relations with the US, US assets in Europe will be seized, there would be a mass sell off of US bonds, US military bases closed at minimum, equipment and personal would be expelled or seized, sanctions imposed. Now of course the US could all of that back to Europe and it would be a economic catastrophe probably unparalleled in history for both sides but this is the insane world that Trump is possibly bringing us too. On the bright side Putin and Xi might finally die from uncontrollable laughter.

All these challenges had worsened under 4 years of neglect from a US President who wasn’t mentally fully there. Putin and Xi clearly had hardened their positions and the Western Democracies were fully engaged in their own internal issues.

Those challenges have been building up for a long time before Biden and as for someone who wasn't mentally there, the US electing an insane stupid moron who's mental faculties what little he had to begin with are also in decline and who's done more to undermine western unity than any hostile state is hardly a solution to the world challenges,

While the Non West is aggressive, ambitious and increasingly dangerous, the West looked old, confused with no objectives or practical guiding principles.

Principles...you seriously think Trump or anyone who supports him can talk about principles?

That’s what happens when the world’s super power doesn’t exercise its role. Power like muscle atrophies if not used and after Biden the US looked flaccid. Heaven only knows what 4 years of Harris would have done.

Ah yes the west was weak hence encouraging the non west to be aggressive, hence since Trump has come back to power he's showed nothing but strength...by trying to give Russia everything it wants in Ukraine and backing out of a trade war with China. Do you even read your own nonsense. My god how any sane person could possibly think Harris wouldn't be 100 time better than the present lunatic is beyond me.

Trump has his issues, but actions like Iraq especially and Venezuela are restoring a sense of global power.

He's turn America into a rogue state. Far more feared by allies than his enemies.

And there has to be a counter force to the Non West or we put our culture and economic well being at risk. Right now we have America acting and Europe, the main beneficiary of US strength, acting as it’s harshest critic.

How about the US acting like a mafia state, stop threatening Europe's territorial integrity, stop the economic threats based on gibberish economics from the mind of simpleton, stop meddling in Europe's internal affairs and stop trying to force a peace deal that compromise its security and while your at it stop being all round dicks in general and we will stop harshly criticizing you.

"Denmark, a country with the military power of a local police force is protecting Greenland, a land mass slightly larger than Western Europe and potentially in play in the new Global trends"

The Trumpanzees buy the bullshit and they smell blood . . .

Oh and Moffie, try to post before you start on your first drink.

You're describing the world on December 31 2025, not 2024. Losing a whole year is not as significant as a mere typo of course so I won't say it's 17-1. You're still winning. By miles.

b

The OP is very funny. It is a large collection of non sense. It is empty, there is nothing in it. As usual, one could write an essay trying to fill the vacuum.

A new Axis …the BRICS….was pursuing it’s own agenda, not as exactly pro the West.

It shows how much liberals are marked by their slavery period. It stays in their mentality. It is very funny.

Slaves do not have self interests. Their interests are aligned with their masters.

The BRICS have their own agenda and not as exactly pro the West. This statement in made in a period of liberals in the US keep screaming US first, sovereignty and stuff.

Of course, the BRICS have their own agenda. And of course, it is not pro the west.

Slip of the tongue. The rest of the world must be aligned on the liberals' best interests.

Rooinek

Mozart is 100 $ clear in reality. NATO became the wealest it ever was since the 1950's and is about as strong as the army of Turkey is, Th e oke culture has create geerations of people whose ride in ther conties vanishe and there is no incentive to do military seervice.

Aside from that the counries are vulnerable because of weak ecnomies and the dangers rrached to terrorism. Lay year Trump forced the oher NA TO members to dedicate to the D efnse Budgetr an amount equivalent of 55 $ of the GD P of each countries, Tha means that weaponry wa old an often not replaced while the standing armies were reduced to Birgade size.

The economy of the EO countries have declined drastically and that eaesns the counties too.

That si not all - youir b rain is fucked up by TDS total shot. I starte commenting on your post - but iot is total B in the msot art and gave up.

Braindead Blank

Oil - farming and minerals require maajor investments to become productive - withut that investment nothing happened, Does he US Government as that money - NO, Does NA TO have that money to invest - NO.

Investment create tax ibcome and create employment necessary to rovide residenrts witha decent life, Trmp s getting the prvate Sector to invest money iUkraine and now Venezuela.

What you want is for the collpase economies can recoiver without investments?

Its actually heartwarming, after all these years of friction, to see ouMaaik & Mozart together in unison praising their batshit idol.

The Grumpy Old Men have more in common than most people think . . .

Oh and Moffie, try to post before you start on your first drink.

You're describing the world on December 31 2025, not 2024. Losing a whole year is not as significant as a mere typo of course so I won't say it's 17-1. You're still winning. By miles.

Gosh, last I heard the 4 years of Biden’s term were up in 2024, not 2025:

‘All these challenges had worsened under 4 years of neglect from a US President who wasn’t mentally fully there’

I really didn’t think I had to point that out, but I forgot how abysmally bad you are with numbers Vaccine. In any case you just lost another one….anybody with half a brain would have figured out I was describing the challenges Trump faced as he took office.

The usual responses it was going great until Trump arrived….oh and Europe Theme Park is doing great, it’s car industry isn’t under pressure and Harris who is even less competent than Biden in dementia would have been much better.

This is how great Europe has done:

According to the World Bank, in the period 2008-2023, EU GDP grew by 13.5% (from $16.37 trillion to $18.59 trillion) while U.S. GDP rose by 87% (from $14.77 to $27.72 trillion). The UK’s GDP increased by 15.4%. In 2023, EU GDP was 67% of U.S. GDP — down from 110% in 2008.

Accounting for population, EU GDP per capita as a percentage of U.S. GDP per capita fell from 76.5% in 2008 to 50% in 2023.

Part of the reason these numbers are so large is the fall in the Euro, but even though that means purchasing power in terms of domestic goods isn’t lagging as much, purchasing power in terms of all non EU items are.

EU leadership seems sanguine about the whole thing…contented little men in suits

As for the erosion of their auto industry…thus far Chinese EV’s and hybrids have taken 7% share….which could be up to 500,00 jobs if they came at the expense of integrated European auto companies.

But the EV market is expected to triple by 2036. If China only held share that would mean a 20%Chinese EV share….or perhaps 1.5 million jobs. No need to worry about that….just redistribute more income if there is any available.

…

The ability for self delusion is remarkable. The West has strong adversaries and there are building challenges to our culture and way of life. It’s time to respond, America is leading and Europe is denying there are any issues. Kinda reminds one of the 1930s.

America is leading and Europe is denying there are any issues. Kinda reminds one of the 1930s.

The usual responses it was going great until Trump arrived….oh and Europe is doing great, it’s car industry isn’t under pressure and Harris whose even less competent than Biden in dementia would have been much better.

LOL nice strawman. I never claimed Europe is doing great though its difficulties are also over exaggerated, Europe has significant challenges, cost of living, immigration etc, sluggish economic growth overall but this nonsense that Trump comes up with about civilization collapse in Europe or loosing its culture is complete tosh.

I see you have pivoted from Europe's car industry is being devoured to it being under pressure something I could of argued with you had you just said that. No acknowledgement of the exaggeration and no acknowledgement that Musk's Nazi-cosplaying has severely damaged Tesla as a brand in Europe make it easier for China to take a bigger slice of the EV market.

According to the World Bank, in the period 2008-2023, EU GDP grew by 13.5% (from $16.37 trillion to $18.59 trillion) while U.S. GDP rose by 87% (from $14.77 to $27.72 trillion). The UK’s GDP increased by 15.4%. In 2023, EU GDP was 67% of U.S. GDP — down from 110% in 2008.

Accounting for population, EU GDP per capita as a percentage of U.S. GDP per capita fell from 76.5% in 2008 to 50% in 2023.

The EU lost a member state in that time period, if it hadn't it's GDP ratio would of been 79%. But yes growth has been sluggish since 2008. Some of it is down to over regulations by the EU, but the US has some inherent advantages over the US, in terms of being able to act quicker under a single federal government, having the worlds global reserve currency that enables it to enact economic policies that would economically cripple European countries in addition to having more natural resources. Would Europe like to have grown more economically in that time, absolutely we would have, but here's the fundamental thing the Yanks and you in particular can't seem to grasp, life isn't all about money. Do you want to compare infant mortality rates (better in Europe), vaccination rates (better in Europe and the gap is widening) do you want to compare health care outcomes (better in Europe), do you want to compare bankruptcy rates due to medical bills (virtually non existent in Europe) do you want to compare crime rates (lower in Europe), drug deaths (dramatically lower in Europe), gun deaths (do we even have to ask here), do you want to compare life expectancy (2.5 to 4.5 years longer in Europe), workers rights, paid vacation, guaranteed maternity leave, stronger consumer rights, union rights protected under law, higher quality food standards, stronger safety standards, stronger protections on personal data etc etc etc. Europe has it's challenges but it has its strengths as well.

The ability for self delusion is remarkable. The West has strong adversaries and there are building challenges to our culture and way of life. It’s time to respond, America is leading and Europe is denying there are any issues. Kinda reminds one of the 1930s.

Self delusion, pot kettle black. Trump is ripping the west apart as we know it, destroying the old post World War II order. He's playing best buddies with a dictator that's actually attacking Europe, while waging a trade war on his European allies, he's threatening European territory and meddling in European politics, he can just fuck off trying to import this culture war nonsense over to us. But you're right it is kinda like the 1930's expect this time it's the American's wearing the chic Hugo Boss leather trench coats.

I see you have pivoted from Europe's car industry is being devoured to it being under pressure something I could of argued with you had you just said that. No acknowledgement of the exaggeration and no acknowledgement that Musk's Nazi-cosplaying has severely damaged Tesla as a brand in Europe make it easier for China to take a bigger slice of the EV market.

I would say that Chinese EVs getting 7% of Europe’s car industry in 5 years with the prospect of getting another 14% in the next 10 years is devouring the market. I can’t actually think of anything in auto history that compares.

Would Europe like to have grown more economically in that time, absolutely we would have, but here's the fundamental thing the Yanks and you in particular can't seem to grasp, life isn't all about money.

Oh dear do I catch a sniff of whataboutism. All those comparisons have to be normalized to get a fair comparison, for example distance to the nearest hospital which will be far greater in the much larger US affects many comparisons. As does the demographics.

The simple fact is over the last 18 years Europe has become increasingly less relevant economically and is playing the role of the critic rather than that of a leader in world affairs. And Trump is driving them silly by pointing out all the inequities in foreign trade and defense Europe would prefer not to acknowledge.

Trump is ripping the west apart as we know it, destroying the old post World War II order. He's playing best buddies with a dictator that's actually attacking Europe, while waging a trade war on his European allies

But you're right it is kinda like the 1930's expect this time it's the American's wearing the chic Hugo Boss leather trench coats.

Actually my guess is Trump’s ultimate objective is to prise apart Russia and China and see if we can pull Russia back into the West where it belongs. Not easy if your counterpart is a despicable man like Putin, but much more important to Europe than the US.

And my next guess is Trump has his own tailors. But if I see him in one of those zippy long leather coats draped over the shoulders with the arms inside, I’ll consider buying some Hugo Boss stock.

And just so we aren’t confused about growth rates:

1) Nominal GDP Growth (2008 ? 2023)

Based on World Bank data and the fact-check briefing:

1. EU-27 nominal GDP in 2008: approximately $16.37 trillion (already excluding the UK for consistency).
2. EU-27 nominal GDP in 2023: approximately $18.59 trillion.
3. ? Growth ? +13.5% over 15 years. Econofact

For the United States (U.S.):

1. U.S. nominal GDP in 2008: ~$14.77 trillion
2. U.S. nominal GDP in 2023: ~$27.72 trillion
3. ? Growth ? +87% over the same period. Econofact

?? Conclusion: Even with the UK excluded, the EU-27’s nominal GDP grew much less than the U.S. in this period.

There is nothing wron g with the EU vehcle indiustry - yet Vplkswagen fired 20 000 workers a week after the last German election.

Hopw strong is th N ATPO armies? The armies has been under-funded and underarmed for decades and that is a fact as well,

Hvong 100 000 US soldiers in Europe to proect invesion is all the the sciasts worry about, But there is a problem -due to maladminisration and corruption the U SA lost 50% of its fighting power in the period the Aoutopen ruled in te USA and the fact is that the USA enemies are now upset about upgrading of the army of the USA.

In 2009 Obama said positive hings supporting he protesorrs. However - he swtched sides becuse of internal crruption and switched huis suppor to he Ayatollah Regime. caiusing the death of mire than 40 000 people. Ina country where he population ae the regime infor is part to spies on a daily basis and the A yatollah is in dange if he regime did the ame as they did in 2009

Actually my guess is Trump’s ultimate objective is to prise apart Russia and China and see if we can pull Russia back into the West where it belongs.

Liberals are obsessed with race. Russia has only been considered a western country lately... And that is lately, like the 1960s. Otherwise, it is an Asian country.

Trump is obsessed with maintaining the US as the hegemon and would prefer to have Russia on his side when the US try to get China.

Nominal GDP Growth (2008 ? 2023)

GDP is a very improper metrics. It does not even allow to distinguish between an enrichment situation and an impoverishment situation. Metrics can be used on places like Kolmanskop.

For the US, one could look at the share in GDP from healthcare and legal services, see how much they account for.

The situation is so serious that Trump is trying to coerce the EU to accept to pay drugs at a higher price to absorb the lower prices Trump wants to get for US citizens. It is another transfer of wealth.

In most cases, the same patented, ethical (prescription) drugs that are sold in both the United States and Europe are priced lower in Europe than in the United States — often substantially lower — especially for brand-name (originator) drugs. Here’s the evidence and key nuances:

?? General Price Comparison

1. Comprehensive international studies show that U.S. prescription drug prices overall are significantly higher than in Europe and other wealthy countries. One analysis found that U.S. prices were roughly 278 % of prices in 33 OECD countries combined, meaning European prices were on average about one-third of U.S. prices for similar medicines. This gap is largest for brand-name drugs still under patent. ASPE+1

Just another way America has been subsidizing Europe, thanks for bringing it up Trad.

It is very funny. What about prices formation? Trump stampedes liberal economics tenets.

My guess is this is all new news to you Tad, glad to help

Excellent, excellent. So much fun. Of course not it is not new. Liberals are so empty. Instead of considering the option that a person who brings to their attention a topic is aware of the topic, they prefer to claim they are teaching stuff. It is incredible. First thing first, a by product of the GDP difference is a difference in prices. Many things are more expensive in the US. A mere restaurant bill. The US are taken in an inflationary course due to concentration of wealth.

And a president meddling with drugs prices is somehow another telling things.

It is very funny. Remember when liberals claim that Trump would destroy big pharma... Well, it appears that Trump works for big pharma and he will pull his weight around to save their profits, their impact on the market and the dividends they pay to shareholders by transferring wealth from European countries.

Oh dear do I catch a sniff of whataboutism. All those comparisons have to be normalized to get a fair comparison, for example distance to the nearest hospital which will be far greater in the much larger US affects many comparisons. As does the demographics.

Yeah distance plays a role, but comes no where close to explaining the difference on its own. Distance also doesn't account for people going bankrupt merely for having the nerve of getting. Demographics are actually against Europe, our population on average is older yet we still have better health care outcomes.

The simple fact is over the last 18 years Europe has become increasingly less relevant economically and is playing the role of the critic rather than that of a leader in world affairs. And Trump is driving them silly by pointing out all the inequities in foreign trade and defense Europe would prefer not to acknowledge.

We are playing the role of critic solely because to borrow a WWE term, the USA has turned heel and begun economically attacking us in addition to pressuring Europe to compromise on security and also threatening its territory, while also meddling in Europe's internal political affairs. What drives European's silly is the sheer stupidity of what Trump is doing and how a significant proportion of American's go along with for the sake of tribal politics.

Actually my guess is Trump’s ultimate objective is to prise apart Russia and China and see if we can pull Russia back into the West where it belongs. Not easy if your counterpart is a despicable man like Putin, but much more important to Europe than the US.

Ah the old John Mearsheimer geopolitical playbook of bring Russia into the fold to fight China. Delusional stuff, Putin doesn't want to join the west, he wants to restore Russia back to the power he believes it rightfully should be, with his sphere of influence in Eastern Europe. He see's the west as his enemy not an ally. Europe sees the danger, Trumpian America is leaving in fantasy world.

Glad you are in good spirits Trad…..oops there goes some more wealth out of the coffers of the little men in suits

Not being in good spirits with Trump in charge would be very impolite. Trump delivers and watching liberals antics to try to save the face is priceless.

Trump has managed to get liberals to simp for globalism, regime change, nation building, mercantilism, war and so much more... Very good. Very funny.