Links 9/8/2025 Summary

The “Links 9/8/2025” post from NakedCapitalism presents a wide array of global and domestic issues, ranging from geopolitical shifts and economic challenges to environmental concerns, social commentary, and technology’s impact. The accompanying comments section further enriches the discussion, reflecting diverse perspectives and engaging critically with the linked content.

International Relations and Geopolitics

The global landscape appears increasingly volatile. In **East Asia**, there are reports of a potential US retreat, while Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is stepping down, following what one source describes as “giving away the store” to Trump. China’s military parade statements suggest a belief that reconciliation with the US is no longer possible or desirable, and the country is paving the way for renminbi fundraising by Russian energy giants, indicating strengthening economic ties. A commentator highlights that China’s factory workers are increasingly moving to a “gig” model, driven by industrial upgrading and digital transformation that reduces skill requirements and labor costs.

The **New Not-So-Cold War** continues to intensify. Russia reportedly launched its largest drone and missile attack yet, primarily targeting industrial plants and critical infrastructure in Ukraine. Meanwhile, former US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent advocates for the US and EU to partner in “collapsing” the Russian economy, an idea dismissed as naive by a commentator, who points out the long-standing failure of sanctions. Trump, if re-elected, signals tougher sanctions against countries buying Russian oil, potentially affecting India, China, and even European allies, prompting a commentator’s “giddy” anticipation of the US sanctioning France, the UK, and Germany. Despite Western narratives of Russia’s economic fragility, one analyst suggests Russia’s economy has adapted well, and recent central bank outlooks confirm it’s not doing as badly as portrayed. There are also concerns about an “undeclared hybrid war” in the Baltic Sea and suggestions by a Fox News host about sabotaging a prospective Russia-China pipeline. Discussions also touch on Ukrainian neo-fascism.

The **Middle East (Syraqistan)** remains a focal point of conflict. Israel is escalating its offensive in Gaza, destroying high-rise buildings, while Yemen’s Houthis claim responsibility for a drone attack on an Israeli airport. Trump’s proposed Gaza ceasefire plan is viewed skeptically, with one analysis suggesting it’s designed to prolong rather than end the war, and that it was crafted in Israel. French arms sales to Israel hit a record high in 2024. Undersea cables in the Red Sea have been cut, disrupting internet access in Asia and the Middle East, though the cause is not specified. Israel has reportedly backed off talk of annexing the West Bank after a UAE warning, yet an Israeli minister stormed a West Bank city amid arrest campaigns. Large protests supporting Palestinians are occurring, including one in Brussels with 200,000 demonstrators. Iran is reportedly turning to China and Russia to bolster air defenses, preparing for future conflict with Israel. A commentator doubts any country would send peacekeepers to Gaza due to risks of Israeli attacks and US political cover.

**European Disunion** highlights internal struggles, with Germany facing challenges in its “green” hydrogen energy transition. The French government recently fell due to a confidence vote on an austerity budget. A “feminist foreign policy” is ironically linked to supporting genocide.

Domestic US Issues and Political Commentary

The **US political landscape** is deeply polarized. Trump’s administration is seen as continuing a belligerent foreign policy, particularly in Latin America, where a Venezuelan boat and crew were reportedly destroyed in an “extrajudicial drone execution” under Rubio-Trump orders, despite the boat’s limited range making a US destination impossible. This is criticized as dangerous, potentially inviting a retaliatory response from Russia, China, and Iran. On the domestic front, Trump is accused of petty and mean-spirited actions, such as West Point canceling a ceremony to honor Tom Hanks as an “outstanding US citizen,” allegedly due to Hanks’ political views. This move highlights Trump’s anti-Hollywood sentiment and desire to control “cherished American Awards.”

The **economy** shows concerning trends, with US manufacturing losing 78,000 jobs in 2025, despite tariffs. The White House, however, promises a better economy by year’s end. New tariff rules are causing “maximum chaos” and “surprise charges” for consumers buying imported goods, with commentators sharing personal anecdotes of significantly increased shipping costs, effectively ending some international purchasing. This is seen as part of “MAGA on the march.”

**Immigration enforcement** is also under scrutiny. An ICE raid and detention of 300 Korean workers at a Hyundai-LG battery factory in Georgia has raised concerns about human trafficking and a sense of “betrayal” among South Korean companies investing billions in the US. Commentators point out that South Korean firms have a reputation for exploiting loopholes, and question why the subcontractor owners are not arrested, suggesting that immigration enforcement might be a “show” to appease donors who benefit from cheap labor. This is interpreted as Trump “showing S Korea who’s boss.”

**On healthcare**, employer-sponsored health insurance costs are projected to see their highest increase since 2010. Cigna’s $3.5 billion bet on specialty drugs indicates further consolidation in the industry. A Democratic congresswoman, after paying $30,000 to freeze her eggs, is pushing legislation for military health care to cover fertility treatments, drawing criticism for focusing on a niche issue for an “identity group” rather than broader economic choices for families.

The **”Police State Watch”** section includes a viral clip of masked agents grabbing US citizens protesting ICE in Chicago and forcing them into an unmarked van, raising concerns about civil liberties.

**Democratic Party criticism** also appears, with Senator Elissa Slotkin (a former CIA agent) giving a “crazed, Russia and China-hating war-mongering speech” calling for a new “Manhattan Project” for future wars. The influence of “Big Tech Oligarchs” on “Abundance” is also cited, implicitly criticizing the Democrats’ relationship with powerful tech interests.

Environment, Science, and Technology

**Environmental concerns** are prominent, including the human costs of tiger conservation, a federal purge of wild horses in Wyoming sparking a new lawsuit, and alarming rates of insect loss even in “untouched ecosystems.” The potential of a “Roomba for the forest” to combat wildfires in Southern California is explored, as well as the positive impact of beavers returning to forest landscapes. The issue of insurance pricing obscuring the real cost of climate change is raised, highlighting how wealthier customers might receive preferential rates.

Under **Pandemics**, a study finds “persistent retinal microvascular changes” associated with Covid-19. The difficulty of obtaining COVID boosters in the US is also noted.

In **technology and science**, AI’s adoption rate is trending down for large companies, and fears of an “AI stockmarket blow-up” are discussed, especially given historically high individual exposure to the stock market, concentrated among the rich. Concerns are also raised about the massive “investment” in AI data centers and their energy demands. Cognitive scientists and AI researchers are making a “forceful call to reject ‘uncritical adoption’ of AI in academia.” Billionaires are also “fueling the quest for longer life,” indicating a focus on extreme longevity for the elite.

Social and Cultural Commentary

Discussions touch on **collecting**, with commentators noting a generational shift away from physical item collecting towards experiences, and the declining value of many past collectibles. Advice on culling book collections is sought and given. A commentator uses Ogden Nash’s “The Collector” to illustrate the theme. Other social topics include Michigan’s plan for a “pod city” approach to homelessness and the human trafficking epidemic in Myanmar scam centers, which may hold 100,000 trafficked people.

A “dismal science” link discusses how “Ideas Have Consequences: The Impact of Law and Economics on American Justice.” Imperial Collapse Watch articles explore “polycrisis revisited” and the need to reject “their supremacy.”

The comments also feature lighter notes, such as Wukchumni’s “Tiny Town Confidential” updates on a new Greek restaurant and persistent rumors of a Thai one, as well as a humorous (and fiery) account of unexpectedly eating ghost pepper sausage.

Overall, the collection paints a picture of a world grappling with significant political, economic, environmental, and social transformations, often characterized by tension, inequality, and a search for truth amidst conflicting narratives.