Rentier State Theory (RST) is a foundational concept in political economy, particularly for understanding resource-rich countries. It explains how massive external revenues — or “rents” — shape state-society relations, governance, and economic development, often in counterproductive ways. Origins and Core Definition The theory originated with Iranian economist Hossein Mahdavy in 1970, who analyzed pre-revolutionary Iran. He described rentier […]
Continue Reading
The media account is biased leaving the public uninformed. (As usual) In early January 2026, U.S. forces executed a daring military operation to capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, marking a dramatic shift in U.S. policy toward the troubled South American nation. President Donald Trump announced the capture triumphantly, declaring that the United States would temporarily […]
Continue Reading
Commodity futures markets serve as the backbone of global pricing for essential raw materials, enabling producers, consumers, and investors to hedge against price volatility, discover fair values, and facilitate efficient resource allocation. These markets operate through standardized contracts traded on exchanges, where buyers and sellers agree on future delivery prices for commodities like oil, metals, […]
Continue Reading
Is their economy that weak? https://tinyurl.com/ytwf86hf https://tinyurl.com/ya8sy69n To be sure, both Taiwan and Thailand are desperate to bring back Chinese tourists. Here in Jomtien, south of Pattaya and an hour south of Bangkok, as far as I can see, Thailand is devoid of Chinese tourists. Aussies, yes… Russians, by the boatload… Kiwi’s, all over… Chinese, […]
Continue Reading
Think import costs and tariffs jack up the price of your $600 sneakers? Think again. A $50 tariff on a $100 import base might sound brutal, but retailers—bless their profit-hungry hearts—don’t just pass it on like obedient tax collectors. Luxury pricing is a game of perception, not math. Brands bank on hype, exclusivity, and your […]
Continue Reading
Editors note: The satirical style of this essay is intentional. We believe the biggest issue in western politics is the deification of leaders, most of which are given powers they’ve never earned and placed on pedestals they don’t deserve. They’re every bit as bogus as the Oscars. The USSR isn’t simply going away. The EU […]
Continue Reading