China is now the advocate of globalisation. The USA is declaring America first and is headed for disruption, chaos and destruction. Russia is fighting in Arab countries and being punished for it at home (eg, Saint Petersburg). Some of the richest countries are now the poorest (eg, Nigeria, Venezuela). The United Kingdom is breaking apart while breaking out of the European Union. Nothing is what it was. Everything is upside down. Also see similar article in Dutch FT.
Climate change is everywhere. At least the discussion is no longer about its existence but about its culprits. The starvation of some 20 million African people is now blamed on humans rather than climate change. I doubt this perspective is useful to the people starving after years of drought. Some African leaders indeed made their bad situation worse. But seriously, humans??
In general, humans dislike or even hate Change. Change brings Fear. I’m still wondering if all these individual changes will somehow merge – or collide. These thoughts and lingering fears also affect my personal situation. I’m considering selling my assets and relocating. In times of trouble, Cash is king and bricks and mortar are hard to eat.
I’m convinced that all of these changes have a goal and believe that a big Change is on its way. Its negative version is easy to label as WWIII. However, I think, feel and believe that a positive Change is on its way although it’s hard to read or label. Perhaps that positive Change is also upside down: it’s brought by people rather than leaders.
The problem with Change is defining cause and effect. Is Nationalism a cause for Change or an effect of Change – or both?? Breaking down Power (eg, EU, NATO) through Nationalism is indeed destabilising “today”. “Tomorrow”, new and better alliances may emerge.
The flirt between Russia and Trump makes some sense as both are kleptocrats. Russia would benefit from reaping peace dividends. The continued low oil prices have wrecked the Russian economy. The emerging end of fossil fuel driven economies will cause a collapse of Russia. Europe will never trust Russia – and Russia will never trust Europe (eg, France, Germany) – but Trump would.
China’s plea for globalisation is probably a Need rather than a Want or a Belief. China has serious flaws in its economy. China was able to stop the record cash outflows but its FX reserves were hit badly. A Chinese real estate crisis may hit Chinese banks and cause a Chinese recession, similar to USA in 2007. Massive political unrest could topple its ruling Communist Party.
India is the latest country showing significant Change (eg, climate change, increasing Hindu-Muslim tensions, surge in Nationalism, water crisis). Its direction of Change is unclear.
My life is still upside down following several changes. Since I stopped fighting Change, my life became a “bearable lightness of being”. Some changes still hurt, like Joan’s death. Other changes hurt less following acceptance and closure. Upside down is my new perspective.
“Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself”. A quote by Russian writer Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910).
Upside Down (2006) by Jack Johnson – artist, lyrics, video, Wiki-1, Wiki-2, Wiki-3
Who’s to say
What’s impossible
Well they forgot
This world keeps spinning
And with each new day
I can feel a change in everything
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