Contrary to expectations, China’s economy did not improve during the second quarter of this year (2Q12). Most surprising was the fact that economic conditions worsened despite significant monetary and fiscal easing in previous months.
Spain’s fall from grace is exaggerated. The image is out of sync with reality, yet the perception, for many, is the reality.
Good strategists know that it is risky to have to fronts open at the same time while in a state of internal weakness. That is why the Euro Zone, which is at its darkest hour, has decided to close the Spanish front in order to focus on the Greek one, which could open up again after the elections on 17 June.
Ever since the Greek crisis broke out, Germany has been mulling over a plan for the Euro Zone. It saw the chance to build the strong and federal Europe it had always yearned for by making use of its economic power and influence over the ECB to ensure that aid for hard-pressed countries would only be made available in exchange for greater transfers of sovereignty.
Several national security strategies which have been devised in Europe offer guidelines for Spain to develop one of its own.
Spain’s multinationals are successfully offsetting the downturn in their domestic business, due to the very sharp slowdown in the Spanish economy, with increased activity abroad as a result of their international investments.
The US Presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain have embraced sharply different positions on the important issue of international trade.
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