Economy

Created
Mon, 17/07/2023 - 04:57
“Of all of these four objectives that I call sustainable development. 1. Material Sufficiency; 2. Social Justice; 3. Environmental sustainability; and 4. Peace; we’re off track on all of them” – Prof. Jeffrey Sachs. “Nothing about the international economy guarantees the end of poverty or social justice. There’s nothing in the global economic system that Continue reading »
Created
Sat, 15/07/2023 - 04:50
I just read a disturbing paragraph in a New Yorker article about the Instant Pot, a popular electronic pressure cooker whose parent company recently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy: “So what doomed the Instant Pot? How could something that was so beloved sputter? Is the arc of kitchen goods long but bends toward obsolescence? Business Continue reading »
Created
Sat, 15/07/2023 - 04:54
It’s to be hoped that as much as possible can be squeezed from the Robodebt disaster not only to avoid a repeat but more generally to improve the working of the Australian government and its public service. The Holmes Royal Commission report is boundlessly useful but the Government would letting the country down if it Continue reading »
Created
Fri, 14/07/2023 - 04:50
An EU paper explains how traditional Western allies on the continent are being turned into vassal states of the US as part of Washington’s strategy to contain the rise of China. China is unfairly subsidising industries, expanding its military ambitions and using debt traps to build influence in developing countries, according to Jake Sullivan, the Continue reading »
Created
Fri, 14/07/2023 - 04:55
The convergence of the NATO Summit in Lithuania, and trade talks with the European Union in Brussels, saw Prime Minister Albanese and Trade Minister Don Farrell head to Europe. The former should not have gone, and the latter should be prepared to walk away without agreement. Asia is also represented at the NATO meeting by Continue reading »
Created
Tue, 11/07/2023 - 04:54
The implementation of universal high-quality early childhood education could be a game changer for Australian families and the economy. The importance of quality schooling has long been recognised by government and society. In contrast, the role of early childhood education has historically been undervalued. Recently the pandemic highlighted the importance of early childhood education and Continue reading »
Created
Mon, 10/07/2023 - 04:50
While unification with Taiwan and building a strong economy are the twin pillars of the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, it’s dangerous to assume, as Washington does, that a faltering economy makes Beijing more aggressive towards the island. This is the final in a two-column series. It’s hardly worth mentioning that China and the United Continue reading »
Created
Mon, 10/07/2023 - 04:56
The U.S. public has been conned, once again, into pouring billions into another endless war. The playbook the pimps of war use to lure us into one military fiasco after another, including Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Syria and now Ukraine, does not change. Freedom and democracy are threatened. Evil must be vanquished. Human rights must Continue reading »