I am surprised that Norway is willing to throw its nest egg into the fray, since it's not going to get anything out of it, and it will not recover that money either. Its a simple shakedown from one place in Europe that still has any liquidity, where touching Russian assets is a dicey.
It just goes to show that transnational elites, like Stoltenberg, will treat even their home countries like disposable tools.
It used to be a given assumption that leaders cared about the well-being of their country. The only question was how to get there, from left-wing to right-wing solutions.
Now, sadly, we increasingly need to ask ourselves a prior question: Do our "leaders" actually care about their country, or are they okay with ruining it as long as it pays off for them individually?
Of course, there are still good politicians, and those deserve our support, but the presumption of innocence for politicians is gone.
The weakness of Europe's financial system is both a key cause of this war, and a key limitation upon it. That's why, even though they are not winning, they cannot stop trying.
It's also why, unless something unforseen happens, they will consume their entire political project on this pyre. Including Norway's state funds. So the war may end abruptly, but it may not end soon.
The Davos powers are hoping against hope that some unforseen event or combination can induce Russia to sue for peace without a win. In contrast, Russia appears to have accurately judged the nature of its opponent, and is relying on an attrition strategy that brings its enemies and their material assets to it. In so doing, they have degraded NATO's militaries - but not ended the war.
Blacking out Kiev for winter is an escalation, but how long did Leningrad hold, and under what conditions? So long as the Ukrainian regime's goons are on hand to shoot dissidents, and mines and drones retain their current effectiveness, the war will continue until either the regime goons are gone, or Europe's finances are. Which is why the number of dead Azovite types around Pokrovsk is a more hopeful sign than the number of dead power plants around Kiev.
An excellent and sobering analysis. The irony of accusing Norway of “war profiteering” while demanding it bankrolls a war that Europe itself helped perpetuate speaks volumes about the moral and strategic bankruptcy of Western leadership. The deeper point here is that Europe is cannibalizing its own prosperity - energy, fiscal stability and demographic vitality- all in the service of a lost cause. As Ukraine’s infrastructure and governance collapse, the contagion of entropy spreads westward. Europe’s tragedy is that it cannot admit defeat without admitting deceit.
Just a tiny quibble…… you might want to drop the ‘full-scale’ invasion bit. You make a limited military operation sound like Barbarossa. Pleased you don’t use the prefix ‘unprovoked’ tho. 👍
Excellent point. This phrase has become a standard description and has the effect of reinforcing the image of the Russian Federation as the unproved aggressor. A sneaky semantic trick.
This morning, before I read your article, I asked both Grok and Perplexity AI about the Russia / Ukraine war. Each said it was a stalemate, and perhaps Grok 'grudgingly' said that perhaps the momentum is with Russia. Certainly does not gel with the 'alternative' media I follow. Quite disappointing. Good article. Thank you.
You very much should. I love reading your articles and I reason with your postings. I really enjoy your writing style and the content is very well appreciated. Thank you and I hope that both you and Doomberg Green Chicken can get together sometime. That would be amazing!
I think there is considerable financial runway to burn still. The €140bn in Russian assets, Norways SWF, and various MEFO-bill like debt instruments all over Europe brings my tally up to >€500bn before this "abrupt" end comes.
Meanwhile in the war, if you follow AMK you will note that the Ukrainians are also targeting power generation in Russia, and are proving effective especially in border areas.
Russia may be deciding that it may be better off turning the entire country into a no mans land. But their political process is too slow, too deliberate. Putin still dreams of a deal. Behind all the belligerent rhetoric, I think Europe got his number there; and they know he is no Kruschev or Stalin. In fact as time passes he runs the risk of being politically isolated. He is basically the liberal wing of the kremlin, everyone else is to the right
Fabulously done article. It will be interesting to see how the budding European public debt disaster plays out, particularly if the war in the Ukraine is lost around the same time and they thus lack its resources as they attempt to recapitalize
Great piece. The EU is so clueless as to the reality it will soon face. I agree allegiance to their clique and ideology is a huge driver, but leader's stupidity and total lack of pragmatism are just as compelling a reason for their civilizational suicide.
Thank you! Yes, hearing most of them speak doesn’t give off “evil genius” vibes, which is probably why they lack the foresight to see that being in the elite clique isn’t worth much if the society below them is going under.
Good article. The big picture question is to what extent this defeat fractures the US led order further. The EU is just a US puppet organization that allows Washington to more effectively control its vassals in Europe. When the EU finally disintegrates that will mark the end of US complete control over the continent. This is the point where European countries start acting in their own interests once again. It will mean forging independent relations with the Russians and will mark the commencement of a new European security architecture that is a key goal of the Russian SMO
I am surprised that Norway is willing to throw its nest egg into the fray, since it's not going to get anything out of it, and it will not recover that money either. Its a simple shakedown from one place in Europe that still has any liquidity, where touching Russian assets is a dicey.
It just goes to show that transnational elites, like Stoltenberg, will treat even their home countries like disposable tools.
Their allegiance definitely lies not with their country, but with their clique.
Exactly.
It used to be a given assumption that leaders cared about the well-being of their country. The only question was how to get there, from left-wing to right-wing solutions.
Now, sadly, we increasingly need to ask ourselves a prior question: Do our "leaders" actually care about their country, or are they okay with ruining it as long as it pays off for them individually?
Of course, there are still good politicians, and those deserve our support, but the presumption of innocence for politicians is gone.
This also answers the question: “Is it incompetence or malice?” It’s simply allegiance on another dimension.
The "leaders" of Norway should race serious consequences for even considering such a ridiculous thing
The weakness of Europe's financial system is both a key cause of this war, and a key limitation upon it. That's why, even though they are not winning, they cannot stop trying.
It's also why, unless something unforseen happens, they will consume their entire political project on this pyre. Including Norway's state funds. So the war may end abruptly, but it may not end soon.
The Davos powers are hoping against hope that some unforseen event or combination can induce Russia to sue for peace without a win. In contrast, Russia appears to have accurately judged the nature of its opponent, and is relying on an attrition strategy that brings its enemies and their material assets to it. In so doing, they have degraded NATO's militaries - but not ended the war.
Blacking out Kiev for winter is an escalation, but how long did Leningrad hold, and under what conditions? So long as the Ukrainian regime's goons are on hand to shoot dissidents, and mines and drones retain their current effectiveness, the war will continue until either the regime goons are gone, or Europe's finances are. Which is why the number of dead Azovite types around Pokrovsk is a more hopeful sign than the number of dead power plants around Kiev.
That’s one way this could play out. History tends to surprise everyone involved.
An excellent and sobering analysis. The irony of accusing Norway of “war profiteering” while demanding it bankrolls a war that Europe itself helped perpetuate speaks volumes about the moral and strategic bankruptcy of Western leadership. The deeper point here is that Europe is cannibalizing its own prosperity - energy, fiscal stability and demographic vitality- all in the service of a lost cause. As Ukraine’s infrastructure and governance collapse, the contagion of entropy spreads westward. Europe’s tragedy is that it cannot admit defeat without admitting deceit.
Thank you and absolutely agree.
Just a tiny quibble…… you might want to drop the ‘full-scale’ invasion bit. You make a limited military operation sound like Barbarossa. Pleased you don’t use the prefix ‘unprovoked’ tho. 👍
You're right to point this out. This slipped through the final round of editing and has been adjusted now.
Excellent point. This phrase has become a standard description and has the effect of reinforcing the image of the Russian Federation as the unproved aggressor. A sneaky semantic trick.
This morning, before I read your article, I asked both Grok and Perplexity AI about the Russia / Ukraine war. Each said it was a stalemate, and perhaps Grok 'grudgingly' said that perhaps the momentum is with Russia. Certainly does not gel with the 'alternative' media I follow. Quite disappointing. Good article. Thank you.
Thank you! And glad human insight still has something to add!
Norway would be wise to take the U.S. example, and not put up another dime without major concessions.
Rather than join the EU, Norway should take it over.
They are the ones with the money, so it makes sense! He who holds the jewels, rules.
Great article, thank you. By any chance is the writer the Green Chicken? Your style is so similar to Doomberg…
Thank you! I’m not Doomberg but I’m a big fan so I take it as a compliment:)
You very much should. I love reading your articles and I reason with your postings. I really enjoy your writing style and the content is very well appreciated. Thank you and I hope that both you and Doomberg Green Chicken can get together sometime. That would be amazing!
Thank you, that really means a lot! In fact, Doomberg and I were on a podcast together not long ago: https://jeremymckeown.substack.com/p/europes-crisis-of-competence-with
Thanks for reposting that interview. Life has been so hectic that your interveiw fell off my radar; I am happy you put it back on!
Glad I could be of assistance!
Brawl's writing style is excellent; long signal and short noise.
That fuels the tank nicely :)
I think there is considerable financial runway to burn still. The €140bn in Russian assets, Norways SWF, and various MEFO-bill like debt instruments all over Europe brings my tally up to >€500bn before this "abrupt" end comes.
Meanwhile in the war, if you follow AMK you will note that the Ukrainians are also targeting power generation in Russia, and are proving effective especially in border areas.
Russia may be deciding that it may be better off turning the entire country into a no mans land. But their political process is too slow, too deliberate. Putin still dreams of a deal. Behind all the belligerent rhetoric, I think Europe got his number there; and they know he is no Kruschev or Stalin. In fact as time passes he runs the risk of being politically isolated. He is basically the liberal wing of the kremlin, everyone else is to the right
The West surely doesn’t grasp how much more serious things could become with someone else at the helm.
Fabulously done article. It will be interesting to see how the budding European public debt disaster plays out, particularly if the war in the Ukraine is lost around the same time and they thus lack its resources as they attempt to recapitalize
Thank you! That will definitely be interesting to watch and provide plenty of things to write about…
Thanks! Appreciate all your writing on this general topic, it has been very informative and interesting
Great piece. The EU is so clueless as to the reality it will soon face. I agree allegiance to their clique and ideology is a huge driver, but leader's stupidity and total lack of pragmatism are just as compelling a reason for their civilizational suicide.
Thank you! Yes, hearing most of them speak doesn’t give off “evil genius” vibes, which is probably why they lack the foresight to see that being in the elite clique isn’t worth much if the society below them is going under.
Things that can’t go on forever, don’t.
Indeed!
The clique is actually a claque, and it is worldwide. They follow each other, turtles all the way down.
Being assertive while looking good seems to be the most important thing, even if one is being assertive in a tragically wrong way.
Good article. The big picture question is to what extent this defeat fractures the US led order further. The EU is just a US puppet organization that allows Washington to more effectively control its vassals in Europe. When the EU finally disintegrates that will mark the end of US complete control over the continent. This is the point where European countries start acting in their own interests once again. It will mean forging independent relations with the Russians and will mark the commencement of a new European security architecture that is a key goal of the Russian SMO
Denmark has major weapons deals with Ukraine.