With the cognoscenti predicting a winter war over Ukraine, the mind turns to possible consequences, unintended as well as intended. A few to consider: — Energy shortages throughout Europe and a bigger split in the EU between consumer and transit countries. — A rise in energy prices worldwide, and a further fall in popularity of many governments, particularly those facing elections in 2022. — An emboldening of energy-producing countries and a spending spree on armaments. — Much more inflation. — Yet another existential crisis for NATO. All the above is rather predictable, even obvious. The question to consider is not if some of all of it will happen but how and in what ways it will happen. And if Russia and like-minded regimes around the world won’t benefit regardless of what happens on the ground. Because thinking in this way shows once again that what is left of the West is weak and growing weaker. Then the question becomes what to fear if and when the West shows it is determined to reverse that trend. If you liked this post from Talleyrand, why not share it? © 2021 Talleyrand Unsubscribe |