The Pending Shift in Global Relationships
In around a week’s time there’ll be a version 2 of a Trump Presidency in the United States.
One thing I’d expect to see is a much less bridled Trump presidency. The first time around a number of long standing and experienced people were around to temper and guide some of the thinking. This time around, all things seem to suggest that a reelected Trump will be much less likely to hold back and will not have the kind of experienced hands around to guide or temper some of his ideas. Thought bubbles and impulses will be less likely to be deflected, curtailed or polished into useful well structured policy.
Talks of tariffs abound. Australia should not expect to be immune from such actions. And one thing we know about tariff laden policies – it’s the consumers at home that pay the price first up – suppliers may not see any negative impact for quite some time. Until an economy completely tanks. Another thing that often happens is that local supplier profit-opportunists, ALSO increase their prices. After all if a consumer used to paying $50 for a bucket and spade now has to pay $75 from an overseas supplier, then a domestically produced bucket and spade for $70 is a much better choice, is it not?
No, no it is not. It’s just a less worse option. Anyway, as the saying goes, ‘watch this space!’
It is almost a year since the Australia 2020 Summit was held in Canberra and it is expected that Prime Minister Kevin Rudd will provide feedback on the summit, the ideas it generated as well as the ideas of those not at the summit who provided input and thinking. Of course a lot has changed…
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Read More >At the Long Now group run by Stewart Brand, they have regular guest speakers on a whole range of topics. Recently they had Russian Dmitry Orlov who discussed what happened in Russia during the economic crisis in the early 1990’s and what people around the world might need to do to prepare for the current…
Read More >This is Part one with Part two (looking at who will probably better off at this time next year) to come shortly. If you are in a position to sharpen your thinking, catch a breath or use some time to improve your understanding of the ways in which we create our societies, then I have…
Read More >What’s emerging for 2009? What might shape the near term future, what can we do about it and what are some of the indicators suggesting change or otherwise? Strategic Futurist Marcus Barber joined Raphael Epstein and co-host Denise Scott, as part of the panel to answer the questions on the 774 ABC’s conversation hour today……
Read More >Yes you read right – thinking ahead I’m anticipating an amazing 2008. Happy new year to all for when it happens (depending on the calendar you subscribe to) and I look forward to some fun, challenges, stresses and enjoyment for the year ahead. Marcus Barber 🙂 PS – Hope 2007 was a good one
Read More >The Advanced one day Strategic Planning Workshop in Sydney on the 11th of December at Rydges World Square is now fully booked For inquiries about the next series of dates for the 2009 series, keep an eye out on The Australian Strategic Planning Institute website at www.taspi.com.au or contact us via email here
Read More >Every now and again what sounds like a really good idea turns out to be less beneficial than what was hoped for. There’s lots of talk right now about technology solutions and ways in which societies can change the way they use water – there’s conferences and ‘talkfests’ a plenty featuring many of the industry…
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