Most important stories of 2023: Gaza, Ukraine, China, BRICS, dedollarization, bank crises, inflation
Dec 31, 2023
auto_awesome
Ben Norton, an accomplished journalist, dives into the tumultuous geopolitical landscape of 2023. He discusses the escalating conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, highlighting the humanitarian crises involved. The expansion of BRICS and the trend towards de-dollarization signal shifting global power dynamics. Norton also addresses inflation concerns, bank failures, and the impacts of crypto fraud. With a focus on US-China tensions and political upheavals in Latin America, he provides a comprehensive overview of a year filled with significant economic and geopolitical shifts.
The devastating war in Gaza resulted in over 20,000 Palestinian casualties and initiated legal actions against Israel for alleged genocide.
The war in Ukraine remains at a stalemate despite extensive Western military support, highlighting a disregard for potential peace agreements by major powers.
China's economic transition in 2023 focused on high-tech investments, allowing the collapse of real estate firms to strengthen its electric vehicle industry.
Deep dives
Geopolitical Conflicts Intensify
In 2023, significant geopolitical conflicts escalated, particularly the Israel-Palestine war, which resulted in high civilian casualties in Gaza, with reports indicating over 20,000 Palestinians killed. The situation was characterized by heavy bombardment and the displacement of nearly all residents, labeling Gaza as one of the most bombed regions in history. Amidst international concerns, some nations, like South Africa, initiated legal proceedings against Israel for alleged genocide, while the US continued to support Israel, blocking ceasefire attempts at the UN. The conflict expanded regionally, with reports of military involvement from various countries, raising fears of a broader war in 2024.
Ukraine's Stalemate and Western Support
The war in Ukraine revealed a complex and protracted conflict that many experts believe is at a stalemate, despite extensive Western military support. As of 2023, acknowledgment from some media sources reflected that Ukraine was struggling, with no significant territorial gains since late 2022. Historical context highlighted that the conflict originated from the US-backed coup in Ukraine in 2014, leading to prolonged engagement rather than a straightforward resolution. Critically, various officials noted that US and European powers undermined potential peace agreements, perpetuating a situation that cost many lives.
Rise of Anti-Colonial Movements in the Global South
Emerging anti-colonial sentiment surged in regions like West Africa, where nations expelled French military forces and made moves to reclaim sovereignty from former colonial powers. Military uprisings, particularly in Niger, signaled a collective resistance against neocolonialism, which, according to polls, enjoyed widespread public support. This trend has prompted fears among Western governments regarding the potential spread of similar revolutionary sentiments throughout the global south. As the disparity between rich and poor nations continues to deepen, calls for a new economic order and increased cooperation among these nations have gained traction.
Economic Turbulence with Rising Inflation and Bank Failures
Global economic instability manifested in pronounced banking crises, particularly in the US where several large banks collapsed due to rapid interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve. These financial collapses were attributed to banks’ over-dependence on low-yield government securities and the inability to adjust to new economic conditions. The severe inflation crisis impacted developing countries disproportionately, leading to increased debt burdens as they struggled to service US dollar-denominated debts in a tightening financial climate. Concurrently, discussions about the implications of US monetary policy and calls for de-dollarization among various nations reflected a shift in the global economic landscape.
China's Economic Transition Amidst Sanctions
Contrary to narratives of economic crisis, China demonstrated a robust transition in 2023, focusing on high-tech industry investment instead of real estate, marking a significant economic shift. The government intentionally allowed the collapse of major real estate firms to stabilize the broader economy, aiming to boost sectors like green energy and electric vehicles. Notably, China's electric vehicle industry flourished, with leading companies like BYD overtaking established competitors. Despite US sanctions aimed at stifling Chinese innovation, these measures inadvertently encouraged China's self-sufficiency, showcasing resilience against external economic pressures.
These were the most important geopolitical and economic issues of 2023, including the wars in Gaza and Ukraine, US-China tensions, BRICS expansion, growing de-dollarization, inflation crisis, crypto fraud, bank crashes, European de-industrialization, and more. Journalist Ben Norton reviews the chaotic year.
VIDEO: https://youtube.com/watch?v=nA9qSH6uHu8
Links here: https://geopoliticaleconomy.com/2023/12/31/stories-2023-gaza-ukraine-china-brics
Topics
0:00 Top stories of 2023
5:01 Israel's war on Gaza
8:24 Ukraine losing in NATO-Russia war
13:02 Africa's Sahel rebels
14:42 Growing global inequality
16:10 BRICS expansion
19:10 De-dollarization
25:52 Inflation (and 'greedflation')
29:40 Debt crises
34:19 Bank failures (and US bailouts)
41:39 Crypto fraud
43:21 Europe: stagnation and de-industrialization
46:12 China's economic transition
56:06 US new cold war on China
1:01:09 India grows closer to US (and Russia)
1:03:55 Pakistan's Imran Khan imprisoned
1:05:08 Brazil's Lula returns
1:07:40 Argentina's Javier Milei
1:09:53 Peru coup
1:12:03 US-Mexico tensions
1:13:26 Biden loses supports as 2024 election nears
1:15:43 Outro
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode