April, 2025 | Michael Hudson

Digital Empires and the Ghosts of the Gilded Age

By Michael Wednesday, April 30, 2025 Interviews tariffs Permalink

In this powerful dialogue hosted by Ann Pettifor, economists Michael Hudson and Yanis Varoufakis unpack the deeper logic behind today’s economic turmoil. From Trump-era tariff policies to the rise of cloud capital, they explore how global capitalism has shifted from industrial profit to monopoly and digital rent extraction. Drawing on the legacy of David Graeber, they argue that we are entering a new form of techno-feudalism—where power lies not in production but in controlling platforms, data, and behavior. This discussion is a must-read for anyone trying to understand the real engines behind rising inequality and geopolitical tension.

When Tariffs Replace Strategy

By Michael Monday, April 28, 2025 Interviews BRICS, China, de-dollarization Permalink

Global markets are being tested by a new era of aggressive trade policies, as tariffs are increasingly used not to rebuild industry, but to replace progressive taxation. Far from reviving American manufacturing, the current strategy neglects the fundamentals that historically supported industrial growth—public infrastructure investment, strong regulation, and rising wages. Instead, shrinking government services and privatising public assets threaten economic stability, triggering inflation, layoffs, and business closures. This approach marks a dangerous shift: weaponizing trade for short-term political gains while undermining long-term prosperity. Understanding these dynamics is critical for navigating today’s volatile global economic landscape.

Will Trump’s Tariff Games Backfire?

By Michael Monday, April 21, 2025 Interviews, USA Ben Permalink

Prof Michael Hudson provides the necessary detail on how America grew into a powerhouse – it wasn’t just tariffs. He also explains the political machinations behind this strategic change. Who will benefit and how will the poor be effected? This is the news we need!

Trump’s Inverted View of America’s Tariff History

By Michael Monday, April 14, 2025 Articles No tags Permalink

This article is based on America’s Protectionist Takeoff, 1815-1914: The Neglected American School of Political Economy (ISLET, 2010), my review of the political dynamics and economic theory that guided America’s rise to industrial power. Donald Trump’s tariff policy has thrown markets into turmoil among his allies and enemies alike. This anarchy reflects the fact that his major aim was not really tariff policy, but simply to cut income taxes on the wealthy, by replacing them with tariffs as the main source of government revenue. Extracting economic concessions from other countries is part of his justification for this tax shift as offering a nationalistic benefit for the United States. His cover story, and perhaps even his belief, is that tariffs by themselves can revive American industry. But he has no plans to ...

How Private Banking Replaced Public Money

By Michael Tuesday, April 8, 2025 Interviews No tags Permalink

This article explores the historical shift of money from a public utility to a tool of private profit, tracing its roots from ancient civilizations to modern financial systems. It examines how governments once controlled money to serve societal needs but lost that power to private banks, especially after the rise of neoliberalism. Case studies like Japan show the dangers of debt-driven economies, while China’s public debt model offers contrast. The piece also revisits America’s original protectionist strategies—focused on public infrastructure and high wages—versus today’s distorted policies that favor monopolies, rentier wealth, and financial elites. It advocates for rethinking finance as public service.

Can the World Unite Against U.S. Trade Weaponization?

By Michael Saturday, April 5, 2025 Interviews Nima Permalink

Trump’s tariff strategy has sparked global concern, but economists like Michael Hudson and Richard Wolff argue it’s built on flawed logic and political bluster. Rather than addressing the root causes of America’s trade deficit—such as deindustrialization and corporate offshoring—the tariffs threaten global instability, rising consumer costs, and corporate backlash. With no plan for rebuilding U.S. manufacturing, the policy is seen as an economic weapon, not a solution. This blog unpacks why Trump’s tariffs are unlikely to reindustrialize America, how they strain international alliances, and why they reflect deeper economic desperation rather than strength.

The Geopolitical Chessboard: Trump, Iran, and the Shadow of War

By Michael Thursday, April 3, 2025 Interviews Nima Permalink

As tensions between the U.S. and Iran escalate, Trump’s foreign policy faces global scrutiny. From economic sanctions to military posturing, his approach risks igniting a larger conflict involving Russia, China, and the Middle East. With Europe caught between U.S. tariffs and Iranian retaliation, the geopolitical stakes have never been higher. Is Trump playing a strategic game or pushing the world toward war? This blog explores the consequences of U.S. actions, the shifting alliances in global politics, and the potential fallout for international stability. Stay informed on the latest developments shaping global power dynamics. #Trump #Iran #Geopolitics

Can Europe Survive Its Own Leaders? The War Narrative and Economic Collapse

By Michael Wednesday, April 2, 2025 Interviews EU, Russia Permalink

Europe is at an economic crossroads, facing deindustrialization while its leaders push a militarized agenda. Economist Michael Hudson warns that “military Keynesianism” — the belief that military spending will revive the economy — is driving Europe toward economic ruin. Instead of investing in future industries, Germany and other EU nations are shifting resources into arms production, fueling tensions with Russia. Meanwhile, public sentiment remains opposed to war, raising questions about the EU’s leadership and its alignment with U.S. interests. Can Europe break free from this self-destructive path, or will its economy and unity continue to unravel?