How the US Is Saving a Dollar Ponzi Scheme with Swap Lines The global financial system is beginning to look less like a market—and more like a high-stakes battlefield. At its center sits the U.S. dollar, long treated as the world’s ultimate safe asset. But as the war between the United States and Iran escalates, that stability is being tested in ways that go far beyond missiles and oil. The real fight may be happening in the bond market. A

For decades, the U.S. dollar has sat at the center of the global financial system—unchallenged, deeply entrenched, and seemingly unshakable. That dominance wasn’t just about economics; it was about trust. Trust in American institutions, in the rule of law, and in the idea that dollar assets were the safest place to store wealth. That trust is now being tested—and Washington may be undermining it faster than any rival ever could. The turning point came after the Russian invasion of Ukraine,

As American naval power amasses in the Gulf and the region braces for a potential final confrontation, the Islamic Republic of Iran finds itself in its most precarious position since the Iran-Iraq War. Recent waves of internal dissent reveal a profound discontent within the state. Although reports of deaths are exaggerated by Western media, it is nevertheless clear that a large segment of the population have reached breaking point -even to the extent of cooperating with Israeli intelligence. How has

Introduction History’s patterns are rarely linear, yet certain eras bear striking resemblance to each other. Today’s geopolitical climate evokes the years leading up to 1914: a time of imperial rivalries, brittle alliances, complacent elites, and catastrophic misjudgments. With a grinding war in Ukraine, intensifying U.S.–China competition, and mounting systemic fragilities, the world appears to be inching toward another moment of rupture. The risk is not theoretical. It is embedded in economic strain, military posturing, and the erosion of institutional guardrails

Executive Summary   Taiwan President Lai Ching-te is facing the biggest challenge to his presidency So far, with setbacks on both domestic and international fronts. At the international level, the widening rift between Washington and Taipei shows that Taiwan cannot secure unconditional support from the US. Athe domestic level, the Great Recall failed completely, signalling a rejection of Lai’s“Resist China and Protect Taiwan” slogan. Lai is likely to double down on the “Resist China and Protect Taiwan” message. As a

In a move that has stunned even seasoned industry watchers, Intel has agreed to let the U.S. government take a 9.9% equity stake in the company for $8.9 billion. This isn’t your typical grant or loan. By converting CHIPS Act funding into ownership, Washington positions itself not just as a supporter—but as a direct partner in Intel’s fortunes. It’s a bold experiment in industrial policy, but one fraught with risk for both taxpayers and the semiconductor ecosystem. Traditionally, federal support