(The New York Times – metered paywall, 15 August 2018)
The author of “The Rise and Fall of Nations” argues that the fate of the world economy depends on how China negotiates a weakening currency and capital flight. This is a tough and complex dilemma. The strengthening dollar threatens to provoke more capital flight out of China, but any effort to shore up the renminbi in response could further slow the Chinese economy. If, however, it does the opposite (lowering rates), China will only give Chinese investors more reason to leave the country, further undermining confidence (reads in 5-6 min).
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(Bloomberg, 12 August 2018)
This article certainly offers much food for thought. There is an increasing number of reasons to argue that China’s Belt and Road’s initiative is not progressing (or performing) as it should. The editorialist goes one step further. He explains why grand investment plans for unproductive regions may create big problems for China, and possibly sow seeds of decline. As he points out, it wouldn’t be the first time that misdirected investments have caused empires to the founder (reads in 6-8 min).
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(MIT Technology Review, 14 August 2018)
How did digital technologies go from empowering citizens and toppling dictators to being used as tools of oppression and discord? This is a must-read to understand how digital technology went from an instrument promoting democracy to a weapon charged to undermine it. It offers a clear, brief review of the different stages of social media; (1) the euphoria of discovery to (2) the audacity of hope, (3) the illusion of immunity, and (4) the power of the platforms. It offers, in conclusion, a few recommendations to deal with the problem (reads in 8-9 min).
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Jeff Sommer, “The Stock Market Is Shrinking – That’s a Problem for Everyone”
(The New York Times – metered paywall, 4 August 2018)
It is surprising that this issue is not more at the forefront. The US stock market is half the size of its mid-1990s peak, and 25 percent smaller than it was in 1976. As a new report explains, “this is troubling for the economy, for innovation, and for transparency”. This phenomenon may also be partly responsible for certain trends like fewer initial public offerings, smaller companies being swallowed by the giants, and many companies remaining private for longer (reads in 6-7 min).
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Vivian Giang, “This is how tiny changes in words you hear impacts your thinking”
(Fast Company, 9 August 2018)
It’s all about framing! In a new book (“Don’t Think of an Elephant”), George Lakoff, a professor in cognitive science and linguistics, explains how political parties can sway supporters with tiny tweaks in word choice. The main take-away: when trying to get your point across, refrain from using the other side’s language – doing so will activate and strengthen their frames and undermine your own views. Instead, successfully arguing a point requires you to establish your own frames and use language that evokes images and ideas that fit the worldview you want (reads in 5 min).
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