Entering A Global and Decentralized World: Why You Need to Both Localize and Internationalize NOW!

One of my favorite Geopolitical writers, Peter Zeihan, describes the phenomena of the End of the US Global Era. He describes this in his book “Disunited Nations.” This was a world order that was established after World War 2. The United States with the biggest economy and navy in the world, basically bribed the non-Soviet Union World to join them. In return for their help against the USSR, they got access to the US Market, free trade and cheap energy & shipping lanes guaranteed by the US Navy. This allowed many parts of the world to industrialize and join the global market. After the Soviet Union collapsed at the end of 1991, this policy was left on cruise control and has slowly been collapsing due to growing American indifference (or maybe arrogance and complacency). 

This Disinterested America of which Obama and Trump in recent Presidencies exemplified a domestic agenda & a pull back from many engagements and partnerships overseas. We see a reshoring of manufacturing and splitting apart from a now more hostile China. We also see a disengagement from the Middle East due to American energy independence.

Internally, we see the USA falling apart. Short term. Our apathy and growing ineffectiveness is due to two reasons. We are 1) Gerontocracy, defined by Wikipedia as 

“A gerontocracy is a form of oligarchical rule in which an entity is ruled by leaders who are significantly older than most of the adult population. In many political structures, power within the ruling class accumulates with age, making the oldest the holders of the most power.”

Derek Thompson writes in the Atlantic that “The average age in Congress has hovered near its all-time high for the past decade. The Democrats’ House speaker and House majority leader are over 80. The Senate majority leader and minority leader are over 70. The fears and anxieties that dominate politics represent older Americans’ fears and fixations.”

This is what is leading us to become 2) An Ineptocracy. This is defined as: 

“a system of government where the least capable to lead are elected by the least capable of producing, and where the members of society least likely to sustain themselves or succeed, are rewarded with goods and services paid for by the confiscated wealth of a diminishing number of producers.”

The US Fed and most Central Banks around the world are printing money like crazy and anyone going to the local grocery store certainly does see inflation. In fact, the last time we had a 6.81% inflation rate was back in 1982. Personally I think this number is understated. It’s going to get worse before it gets better. Inflation is war on the middle class and poor people: your hard earned money goes less further. And this is the environment we are entering. With all this bad news, we can sit and complain. Or knowing all of this, we have to take action. We are entering a new era where Personal Responsibility is key. This will mean the difference between thriving and just barely surviving. You get the gains but you also have to deal with the risks. 

This is something my new favorite financial philosopher, Radigan Carter exemplifies and preaches. You have to take ownership for your life and future. You cannot rely on the government, the company you work at or anyone else. 

Get to Know your neighbors. Make friends with policemen, Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), firemen & soldiers, they are cool and interesting people. Also these are people worth knowing in the case of natural disasters, or unnatural disasters like riots or breakdown of law and order.  

Keep bulk stocks of non-perishable foods, canned foods, water and medical supplies in storage. Prepping is prudent. Also considering inflation and supply chain issues, this is a wise move. 

Have multiple passports. Learn martial arts and weapons & tactics. Be as fit and healthy as you can.

You have to make money, create a business(es) and have multiple income streams. All remotely if possible. Have Cash and investments. Build equity. Diversify your assets and holdings all over the world. Like it or not, money does make the world go around and buys influence. It’s insurance. 

Quoting the original “Toxic Masculine” man Andrew Tate, “Things are going to get harder and harder and you need money to protect yourself. I’m insulated from clownworld because there is a huge pile of money in the way. It’s hard to get to me. But you people, you don’t have the insulation.”  A bit crass but not untrue. And something that is a good kick in the butt (all of ours I think). Let’s get to work!