US Economy Series: US Economic Competitiveness

The United States has long been one of the most, if not the most, competitive economies in the world, but what makes the US economy so competitive and is it at risk of losing its edge?

Book Review: The War of the Worlds

H.G. Wells’ The War of the Worlds is one of most well known and best regarded science fiction novels ever written. Its portrayal of human vulnerability when confronted with an unknown threat the key theme that runs through out the story. Beneath the spectacle of tripod war machines and heat rays lies a deeper commentary on civilisation’s fragility, and how quickly the façade of order crumbles in the face of existential terror.

Sheer Wonder And Curiosity

I remember as a child looking up at the stars in sheer wonder and curiosity (and delight!). Then as I looked up at the stars last night (along with a few shooting stars) I was reminded that none of that has changed. All these years later I still have that same wonder and curiosity I had when I was a child and it has never faltered.

The Changing World Order: Is U.S. Global Dominance Declining?

For much of the post-World War II era, the United States has held the reins of global leadership, wielding unparalleled influence economically, militarily, and culturally. From crafting the architecture of the international order to projecting power through alliances like NATO and institutions like the UN, the U.S. has long been the center of gravity in global affairs. But in recent decades that dominance is increasingly being called into question. Are we witnessing the twilight of U.S. global supremacy?

What We Can Learn from the Great Depression?

The Great Depression remains one of the most devastating economic events in modern history. It was a time of massive unemployment, widespread poverty, bank failures, and global economic turmoil. But beyond its historical significance, the Great Depression offers powerful lessons for today’s policymakers.

Book Review: Fatherland

Robert Harris’s Fatherland is a gripping work of alternate history that blends the intrigue of a political thriller with the chilling atmosphere of a totalitarian dystopia. Set in the decades after Word War 2 in a world where Nazi Germany won the war, the novel explores a fictional yet plausible reality under the continued rule of Adolf Hitler.

Untangling the West from the Middle East

For decades, the West’s entanglement in the Middle East has been driven by a potent combination of strategic interests, geopolitical competition, and most of all, oil. Despite the global energy transition and the West’s growing investments in renewables, the Middle East still plays a pivotal role in shaping global oil markets. As a result, the region remains a cornerstone of Western foreign policy, whether for economic stability or security alliances.

European Economy Series: Developing the Single Market: Services and the Banking Union

The European Union (EU) has long been a pioneering model of regional integration and the internal market has served as a cornerstone to this success. However two key components still require significant attention and development: the single market for services and the banking union.

British Economy Series: Revitalising British Industry: How the UK Can Reignite Manufacturing

In recent decades, the UK has shifted heavily towards a services-based economy, often at the expense of its once world-leading industrial and manufacturing sectors. Yet, in an increasingly volatile world, there is both economic and strategic urgency to rebalance this. The good news is the UK doesn’t need to start from scratch. It already has a strong foundation in several key sectors which can act as launchpads for broader industrial growth. By focusing on targeted industrial clusters, capitalising on existing strengths, and learning from past missteps, the UK can set a realistic path to revitalising its manufacturing base.

British Economy Series: How to Improve UK Productivity: A Blueprint for Growth

The UK, like many economies, faces a long-standing productivity challenge. Addressing this productivity gap is essential to boosting living standards, driving economic growth, and ensuring fiscal sustainability. To close this gap, the UK must pursue a multi-faceted strategy that tackles infrastructure, skills, innovation, and workforce participation head-on.

Adapting to an Aging Population: Policy Challenges and Strategic Responses

As the population ages, governments around the world are grappling with a profound demographic shift that brings significant challenges. A growing proportion of older citizens places increased pressure on public services, pension systems, and labour markets. In response, comprehensive policy adjustments are essential to maintain social stability, economic growth, and the well-being of all generations. 

Book Review: Black Market (Black Friday)

In Black Market, James Patterson delivers yet another gripping tale. This time pulling readers deep into the shadows of global finance and terrorism which doesn’t let go until the very last page.

Book Review: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

There’s no denying that The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is a beloved classic that has captured the imaginations of generation. The imagery is iconic: the Yellow Brick Road, the Emerald City, the silver shoes (or red slippers if you’re going by the film). But revisiting the story, it’s hard not to notice just how simplistic it really is.

The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”

Touted by its supporters as a comprehensive overhaul of American policy across taxation, defense, healthcare, education, and even artificial intelligence, the  the so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act is undeniably sweeping. But as the dust settles, a growing chorus of critics is pointing out that behind the glossy name lies a set of policies that could leave long-term damage—particularly for working families, students, and the nation’s fiscal health.

British Economy Series: The Need to Invest in the Energy Grid

As the world races to decarbonize and meet climate targets, there's one truth we can no longer ignore: energy is the backbone of modern society, and the way we produce, distribute, and consume it must change. Investing in renewable energy isn’t just about installing more solar panels or wind turbines. It’s about rethinking the entire energy system from the ground up.

Book Review: The President is Missing

James Patterson, the king of the fast-paced thriller/mystery teamed up with former President Bill Clinton to write Clinton's debut novel, The President Is Missing. This was a book I read one summer siting in the gardens and parks of the Austrian capital of Vienna.

Book Review: One Enchanted Evening

One Enchanted Evening by Anton Du Beke is a period romance set in the golden age of glamour, the late 1930s. Set against the opulent backdrop of the Buckingham Hotel in pre-war London, presents a world where ambition meets vulnerability, and flawed characters strive toward redemption.

The Problem with Using Tariffs to Reduce the Trade Deficit

In recent years, tariffs have re-emerged as a popular tool among policymakers aiming to reduce trade deficits. The logic seems straightforward: make imported goods more expensive, shift consumption to domestic products, and thereby narrow the gap between imports and exports. While this approach may offer a short-term improvement in the trade balance, it is ultimately a superficial fix that fails to address the deeper, structural issues at play. Worse still, it risks damaging international relationships and long-term economic health.