Europe’s Rebellion Against Trump: Joining BRICS??

All right, hello everybody and welcome to Geopolitical Trends, where truth matters. Excited to be with you as always. I got an interesting topic for you. I know ain't gonna happen, the EU is so weak to do anything. The reason I decided to address this is because I want to trigger your intellectual curiosity. To think outside the box? Will it be ever a possibility? That's what we're going to find out when I do this analysis for you. Uh, like I always say, if you have any questions, super sticker questions, I'll answer them towards the end. But first, let me say hi to our community. Oh, Rafael, I saw your super sticker right away, man. Thank you so much, Rafael. You've been an avid supporter, man. I want you to know that. So thank you so much. Uh, you put, I came to that conclusion 2 years ago. You are correct, you are correct. So good to see you as always, and thank you for your support. Let me say hi, uh, quickly to some, uh, uh, Copic Cosmetics, good to see you. Willie Holman, as always. Coach Ohoi. Ryan, good to see you. Ahmed Sithi, as always. William N, good to see you. Alice Talokin, good to see you. Zan, good to see you. Sangtan, good to see you. Uh, who else? One Casey, as always. Timeline, down clear from New York City, as always. Ramblas, one Francis Tango, good to see you. And Femida, Natalia, good to see you. John Smith from New Zealand, good to see you. Part-time Tanker, there you are, good to see you, man. Steamavilia, good to see you. All right guys, let's get into— before I'll do this, guys, I need to let you know some housekeeping stuff. Remember to join me tonight. Yes, it's going to be on this channel, not the other one, on this one. Elizabeth got sick, so, uh, she's under the weather, so I kind of decided to do it right here. But, uh, I'm gonna be having, uh, uh, Einar Tengen and Warwick Powell, two heavy hitters, man. You cannot miss this, uh, uh, uh, conversation with these two gentlemen. Very— I call them experts because you give credit where credit is due. So I look forward to that conversation tonight at 7 PM my time, which will be about 11 AM, I think 10, 10 AM Sydney time in Australia, and, uh, 9:30 AM in Beijing. So I look forward to that. Also on Saturday, which is the 16th Saturday, that's tomorrow, that is, uh, remember to join me at 0800 hours, uh, my time here. It will be 10 o'clock in Philippines, uh, with Anna Malindog. So very, very interesting, uh, uh, uh, guests. And, and I know Anna, I've been reading her stuff, very, very insightful. So remember to join me for that, guys. All right. And also, uh, one of the things I'll let you know, be on the lookout for a video I'm going to be releasing, an analysis I did about Americans and foreign policy. You might want to really, really check this out. I'm going to release it on Sunday for, uh, for you. That is so. All right, let's start our conversation here with the Europe. When I see Europe, I'm referring to the EU here. But, but there's a lot to cover into this one because I'm going to break it down in understanding the big picture. I know, I— because let me, let me start with the questions first. Then we'll, we'll go from there, and you will understand the reason why I word certain things certain ways right here. So here's the first question: will the EU join BRICS? I know, you know, most likely the answer is no, but that's not the reason why we are asking the questions. We're asking the questions, as I said, to trigger your intellectual curiosity, to think outside the box as to what Europe may end up doing to get back at Trump, because this is what's going to be happening for the next 4 years. So second question, is it a possibility? You never know in the world of geopolitics. Whoever thought? So third question, is this a signal to the end of the transatlantic relations? Because if, you know, and I'm gonna detail for you guys what, uh, uh, President-elect Trump is intended to do regarding tariffs for Europe— leave China aside for now— for Europe itself. That's what I'm saying. Is this a signal to the end of the transatlantic relations? Uh, the other question is, can Europe stand on its feet? So, and the last question is, are we looking at a trade war between the US and the EU on the horizon? So those are Legitimate questions. As a geopolitical analyst, I have to think on the big picture. Of course, those are mainly— will be dealing with the trade and economy, but there is the geopolitical angle. And this is why I'm thinking in terms of what if, because when I provide you my analysis, you'll see my point. You can agree with it, you can disregard it, uh, you are, uh, entitled to your opinion as always and shall be respected. So because That's what we do in this community here, by the way, guys. So, all right, let's, let's— and I have some pictures for you guys, and then we'll just go from there. So, so let me start first with the meeting that took place between, uh, let me show you the picture right here. Right here, this is Mario Draghi and Emmanuel Macron on the left, Mario Draghi on the right. So, uh, they just met together. They met in none other than a place by the name of, uh, Le Collège de France, which means University of France. This Collège de France is a very, very old institution. It was established back in 1530. That's how back far it goes. And who was established by? Does anybody know? In this time of history in France? Would you guess? Can you guess? Let me just see some guests from you. Remember, the institution was, uh, founded in 1530. All you need to think about who was in charge in the 1500s in France. So let me see, uh, in, in your answer, if, if you happen to know. If not, no worries. So, but it's an old institution, so Uh, the King of France. That is correct, Z. Do you know which one? I'm gonna share picture with you right here, guys. So, uh, no, no, no, Z. Zan was right. The King of France, Napoleon. No, it was before him. This is King Francis I, or in French they call them François. So, uh, this is the one who established that institution. So, uh, King Francis I, because, uh, the King Francis, this guy here, uh, he I think ruled France, uh, France from 1515 till about, uh, if I'm not mistaken, uh, my collection, 1545, 1547, somewhere around that time. So And that's when this university was established, Le Collège de France. It's well known in Paris. If you go to Paris, you will, uh, but in any event, Mario Draghi, uh, met with Emmanuel Macron there. And why is this? Because now they are calling up on Brussels to wake up. Well, wait a minute, wait a minute, what are you calling up on Europe to wake up when they didn't wake up 2 years ago when we initiated the conflict in Ukraine? You know, the double standards that exist within Europeans themselves, they like just reacting. So, and, and this is what I'm gonna be detailing here as far as understanding how much Europeans also play with wording. Yeah, they are playing because they don't have the guts to stand and say no to the Americans. So, and this is what Mario Draghi and Emmanuel Macron when they delivered this sharp wake-up call to Brussels, meaning Europe, because when they say Brussels, they are referring to the European Parliament, because that's where every institution for the European Union is headed, including NATO, for example. NATO's headquarters is in Brussels. So, so insisting— this is what they're saying, both of them, Emmanuel Macron and Mario Draghi— insisting that Europe needs to prepare fast for the impending second round of the trade war with Donald Trump. So it's like a foregone conclusion. They know what's coming. Well, wait a minute, you are allowing— you European in this case allowing this. So, but first let me share with you, you need to understand who Mario Draghi is because it will— once you understand the background, it'll make more sense to you. Uh, Mario Draghi is an Italian, by the way, uh, an Italian economist who served from 2011 to 2019 as president of the European Central Bank, or ECB. Yeah, the financial institution responsible for making the monetary decisions within the European zone, so, or the eurozone, that is, uh, which is part of the European Union. And, uh, and this is why when you think about the policies, it was Mario Draghi that pushed certain European countries to adopt a European common currency. This is where the euro comes in. But you need to understand what was behind the closed doors regarding these decisions. It was pushed by the United States. That is the reason. This is why I always— like I mentioned this before, guys— Back in the day, when I will go from— I have family lives in Europe, scattered, you know. I will go from France to Germany, for example. Well, in France I will use the French franc, okay? And when I'll head out to Germany, I'll have to change the currency to the Dutch mark, you know. It was Mario Draghi that pushed this, but it was the US behind the scenes say, hey, why don't you create a common currency? And to me was right there the idea of We dictating the terms to Europe. Europe can do squat on its own. So, but Mario Draghi was the one who pushed for adoption, or adopting, I'm sorry, the European common currency. So Draghi's appointment at that time came at a critical time when stability within the eurozone, uh, sort of has been challenged by what? None other than the European sovereign that crisis. You all remember. So of course, in 2021, he became the Prime Minister of Italy, uh, uh, uh, at the head of the, the technocratic government, that is. And he held the post till about October 2022. So that is what, uh, uh, about Mario Draghi that you need to understand. So it's not somebody who's talking on the top of his head, uh, he has some solid background in economics and financial aspect. But also, he's the one that couldn't stand against the Americans. I said, no, we want to maintain our own currencies. And this is why, if you think, guys, to my viewers who are in Europe, uh, uh, I don't have any viewers, I think, in Poland. Why is this important? Because Poland, even though part of the EU, decided to maintain its own currency. Smart move of the Polish government, to think in this term. You know, of course Poland government thinking differently in other aspect, but when you think about, uh, uh, what's— which country can we take from Europe that has a low economy, uh, outlook, uh, and compare its currency to German, for example, you can just see the disparity that exists. So, so in any event, uh, this is where, uh, Mario Draghi and Emmanuel Macron now are calling for Europe to wake up. I had a chance to read an article by Giorgio Leali, and I'll put a link for you guys. And I checked him out, I mean, solid writer, uh, very, very interesting the points he highlights into his article. And I'm gonna react to this article, uh, I of course disagree with some stuff, but I will provide my own analysis to put it in perspective for you. And the idea that And he's right, the author, he's right about how European leaders— when you think about European leaders, who do you think of? When you say the European Union, who do you think of? There are only two countries that matter. Can you guys type in which countries are in the chat box? Which really two countries that matter in the EU? Let me see your answer, guys, because I like you. Uh, Shimo Su, you're right, Draghi was also Goldman Sachs man. You are absolutely correct. Alice Talokin, you see Germany and France. Santang, Germany and France. Uh, Karakulak, France and Germany. You guys got it, you got it, Germany and France. And that's all it matters in the EU, you know. Italy sometimes just to try to fit in with whatever the wind is blowing, that's why we follow— it follows the policies. You all remember when Georgia Maloney came to power What was the first saying? Oh, I'm not gonna put any, uh, sanctions on Russians because they deal with the Russians economically speaking and all that. Then after that, what happened? The thumb was pushed on her to toe the line. All of a sudden she joined the rank of the EU and followed NATO's orders, but now it's going to have to push for the sanctions against Russia. The next thing she did was a trip to China after pulling out of the BRI. That's why I say Italy is— it's— you don't count Italy as a heavy hitter. You count France and Germany for that stuff. And this is what happened between Emmanuel Macron and Mario Draghi when they were at the Collège de France, uh, uh, in Paris, when they were talking about The idea of now, what are we looking at with Donald Trump coming back up? Now, here is one thing I need you to understand. What I need you to understand is that not only the Europeans are concerned, you know, as I always say, as geopolitical analyst, I have to think outside the box. Could it be— and correct me, guys, if I am wrong— could it be that the thinking of Donald Trump is to create a wedge between the Europeans and the Chinese? Given where the economy is? What do you guys think? Because you have to consider that possibility. What if, what if all this hype about Trump putting tariffs on the Europeans is to create the wedge between Europe and China? Of course, Trump said already he's going to put about 60% tariffs on, uh, on, uh, on Chinese, and he's going to put about slap the duties of 10% to 20% on the European, uh, imports. So let me see your answer here in chat box. Divide and conquer, uh, Zan, you're right. Karakulak, 100%, uh, so I see your point. You— and, and that's exactly what we ought to think in terms of— because in geopolitics you can't just look at one particular aspect of a problem. Or attention or a challenge or what have you. You can't do that because if you do, you are limiting— you are limiting your understanding of the bigger picture. And if you do, your conclusion is going to be very narrow, very limited in scope. This is, this is what I'm seeing with the Europeans saying what they're saying. But on the other hand, there is the other big picture that Trump could be playing because he will be playing that. Look no further at to who he is nominating for the key positions. Actually, 4 of them that I am aware of now are China's hawks. Man, man, man, what they're gonna be doing. So, and this is why when you think about the European to take stand on its own two feet to avoid being a collateral victim of trade between the US and China. Europe is also thinking about its own, but Europe is weak. I've said this so many times, Europe is too weak. They can't and they won't be able to. So, and this is where I'm going to be just trying to provide you both, both sides of the arguments and you reach your own conclusion. So, so here is what Emmanuel Macron, uh, said during that particular Uh, uh, Rafael, I'm gonna get to your question, uh, shortly, right here soon. Uh, what Emmanuel Macron said during that meeting, he said, and I quote, we are very clearly entering a world of tariff wars, warning Europeans still needs to figure out how we will be caught in the trade war between the US and China. End of quote. No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no! You, Emmanuel Macron, are really playing games here. You're playing with the emotions of the citizens— in Europe in this case. Why? Because when it matters you couldn't take stand when the Ukraine conflict started knowing full well that he was created by NATO. Which France is a member and vice versa speaks louder there, which means they were pushing for that. You could have taken a stand back then and said, no, no, no, no, this is going to impact our economy here. When the Nord Stream 2 pipeline was blowed up, when it was blow up, you know, what did France do? Squat, nothing. And this is why I'm saying the double standards. You always, guys, be aware of politicians when they speak, and that usually comes with you being informed and understands. So when Macron is saying, we are very clearly entering a world of tariff war, we have to warn Europe, and all this is nothing but hypes because you couldn't take stand when it matters. So, so, and this is what I always ask, where was Macron Oh, when the Ukraine conflict was introduced because we created it, you know, the Russians submitted the 10-point— I had chance to read that 10-point security, uh, uh, uh, uh, uh, uh, security concerns that the Russians provided to NATO and the US. And what did NATO do? What did the US do? Rejected it. So if France was really talking about worrying about Europe They could have taken stand back then. So, so, and Emmanuel Macron continues, and I quote, the French president said Trump could be out to force the European to separate faster from China, end of quote. Well, hold on a second, hold on a second. His trip to China, what do you think was all about? Was it about France or Or was it about the EU? It wasn't about the EU because right before that, Germany won over unilaterally. As a matter of fact, uh, Emmanuel Macron had to go with Scholz. Scholz never want Macron to come with him. So it shows you right there, and this is where even the European themselves We want to play that game of creating the tensions between the US and China so they can stay out of it. It's a game, it's a chess game in geopolitics. Economics here is the key. But also what makes it worse for Europe is the economy where it is today, given where the energy prices are. And I am going to be showing you examples, for example, right here. This is a demonstration in France at the Michelin. Michelin, this is the tire company, whatever. They were burning this because of the demonstrations about Michelin announcing to, uh, the shutting down some factories. So, and I give credit, by the way, to, uh, uh, uh, uh, Jean-François Monnier. That's his picture there. The same arguments I can make about Germany. This is demonstrations about, uh, the Volkswagen shutting down the 3 plants. And I did a video for you about this one here, guys. As a matter of fact, and I give credit to this picture to Hendrik Schmidt from the AP, uh, as a matter of fact, I looked and I found a map that has the locations inside Germany where those, uh, uh, plants is going to be closed. Take a look, guys, take a look right here. Look at that. In, in Emden, 8,000 jobs will be lost. Hanover, 13,000., uh, Ansbach 2,300, Wolfsburg 60,000, uh, uh, Braunschweig 7,000, Chemnitz 1,820, Dresden 340, uh, Zwickau— I'm sorry, I mispronounced it— this one 10,000, and Kassel 16,500. Uh, you got the idea. So where was European before? All of a sudden now what? Because Trump came in and all of a sudden it became an issue. Why wasn't an issue 2 years ago? Like I said, and this is where I am convinced, I am convinced that Europeans cannot stand on their feet. So when I put in the title, will the EU join BRICS, you and I know they can't. But still, nonetheless, we still have to put that possibility out if they want— Europeans, that is— to rebel against Trump. But I doubt it because BRICS should be very careful about allowing EU members in BRICS. You all know you can't be trusting. That's the same argument I've made about Saudi Arabia. Yes, it was great to have Saudi Arabia in BRICS when it was announced because of the oil and so forth, but look what the end of the wind to the last minute. What makes you think that the Europeans will not do the same? What makes you think that the Europeans will not flip on BRICS? Let alone that BRICS economy is overtaking the G7 and soon be over— be taking over, or overtaking rather, the European Union itself, because the economy in the EU zone is crumbling. Is very crumbling. And like I mentioned to you guys, when you see the— we don't hear much about those. I have family in Europe, I, I call and I talk, and I also know where to look for information. And this is exactly what it's— it's not reported in detail as to what's going on. So, so when you have Emmanuel Macron and the likes of Mario Draghi saying, well, we have— no, no, no, no, no, no, You are playing with the, with the livelihood of people. That is what— and for them to say, well, we're going to create a wedge between the US and China. No, even now the media here in the US, look what they're saying. I wanted to share this with you, which by the way, I will be addressing this one with Einar Tengen and, uh, Warrekh Pao. Look at what's saying, why China is worried about second Trump presidency and how Beijing might react. Well, wait a minute, let me tell you, China is not worrying about Donald Trump because China's economy today is not what it was in 2016. Things have changed. It will be, it will be a naive and a mistake of Washington to think that they're gonna dictate the terms to Beijing. Now that, that I just, I just don't, don't get this one. So So, and this is where, uh, when you think about the idea of, uh, Mario Draghi and Emmanuel Macron urging now the EU to stand on its feet— now what are they talking about? And the way to understand, I'm gonna share a clip with you. This is the foreign minister of Germany going to the, uh, of Germany going to Beijing. Take a look. Chinese are smart also. They know what they doing, and you don't blame them because they playing the same game the, uh, the Westerns are playing. So let me share this with you, and I'd like to have your, your feedback on this in a word or two, if you could, just, uh, all right, let me make this full screen. And please just give me a thumbs up if you can hear, because I can hear it when I play it here. Take a look. China today to find no officials waiting to greet her, only a bus to take her to the meeting. Standing alone with no formal reception, she appeared stunned, processing the unexpected turn of events. The absence of diplomatic protocol was striking. Does Germany deserve this humiliation, given its direct complicity in Israel's genocide in Gaza? Okay, what do you guys make out of that? You know, Chinese are smart in a subtle message. And as a matter of fact, this is not the first time China did this one. I remember one that they did it to none other than Barack Obama, you know, and I wrote an article about it. I wrote an article. You know what, what the Chinese end up doing? They end up having to force indirectly President— former president, why I call him president now, you know, a guy that was very horrible, by the way, so for what he did, uh, forcing him to get out of the plane in the back, in the back of the plane, from the belly of the plane. That's to me a real sense of humiliation. That's how they humiliate them. So, so to me, this is no different. Yeah, it is an embarrassment, uh, George Cho. Here it is an embarrassment. Chinese doing it in a subtle way, in a subtle way, because where was Germany, you know, when it matters? When it matters, all of a sudden they want to put tariffs on the Chinese. You all see where they this is going. I think that's where one of the challenges that you guys need to— just to understand the, the, the moving parts into something like this before we reach a conclusion and so forth. So now let me, uh, also continue on this one, and I'm not going to focus more on the economic side because I'm not an economist, but I can just see how this is going to spill into the geopolitical realm Given now that, remember, Germany had to send some of its naval assets also for some training in the South China Sea. What the heck is Germany doing in South China Sea? What for? So, so the Chinese didn't forget. So, and this is why you're gonna have to understand when the likes of Mario, uh, uh, suggesting we're gonna have to do this and do that. No, no, no, no, you can't do squat because you don't have the willpower to take stand on your own first, because that's where the political independence is. So, I mean, can you see Olaf Scholz taking stand on his own? Can you see Emmanuel Macron taking stand on his own? Or Italian Prime Minister for that matter? No. As a matter of fact, now I just find out that now the EU The new— I don't have a picture of his picture here— the new Secretary of NATO, Mark Roor, from Dutch. You know what he's suggesting now? He is suggesting that Hungary needs to be kicked out of NATO. Yeah, that's what he's saying now. So I think that Hungary will be thinking twice about this one in terms of why not? Because they're getting a good deal with the Russian energy, for that matter. And the Chinese are building major infrastructure and businesses in Hungary. This is why the EU is pressing Hungary very hard, to the point that they stated— they meaning the EU, as a matter of fact, Ursula, the liar— stated that she will even crash the economy of Hungary. Why? Because Hungary is cutting a deal with China. Same thing with Serbia. So it shows you right there, it's because Europeans, European Union, that's— they couldn't extend. Till they do that, nothing is going to change. I don't know if I will see it in my lifetime. I hope to, but I don't know. I have my doubts since I was a kid. Yeah, way back when I go France, visit the family and so forth, then you hear the conversation. Even at that time Valéry Giscard d'Estaing, François Mitterrand, all of them used to talk about, well, we need to build the European force and so forth. Where is it? I am, I am now in my late 50s. I'm still hearing Emmanuel Macron saying we need to build the European force to protect ourselves. Well, do it. You know, as we say, talk is cheap. And this is why, uh, uh, Marcus Julius, the former, uh, Roman emperor, was right when he said, and I quote, watch what a man does, not what he says. So, so— oh, oh, Rafael, I am so sorry, I get distracted here. Rafael, we are going— thank you so much for your super sticker, by the way. And you wrote, are we going to ignore that until now? Xi and Putin never called Trump to congratulate him. Their countries acknowledge his victory They never call. Yeah, well, maybe because they're waiting until he is inaugurated officially, or maybe also why should they do it when the US is harboring ill intentions towards both countries? Now, in, in, in type like this one here, sometimes those diplomatic matters, they matters. I am not arguing otherwise, they matter. But at the same time, the Chinese not going to rush into whatever You know, the conversation— the congratulations might come the day he is inaugurated into the White House officially on January 20th. So as to Russians, for now there is no communication, you know. Of course there are some behind closed doors, but not at this level. So, so I appreciate you sharing your, uh, uh, uh, uh, feedback here, and rightly so, because This is why we are here, guys. We're learning from each other. So, so that's— so thank you, Rafael, for that. And you do have another question, Rafael. Thank you so much. Question for you: when did Europe choose to become, uh, uh, uh, uh, bootlicker of the US? It is like to accept that all— that all Hawthorne was a better writer than Montesquieu. For those who do not know, Montesquieu was, was a French, uh, uh, sort of, uh, uh, intellectual and so forth. Uh, the answer to this one, Rafael, is right after World War II, and to be exact, right after the establishment of NATO. It became clear, even though it was the France and the US butted heads back in the '60s when Charles de Gaulle used to be the head and pulled France out of NATO, but soon reversed course. So, so to me, this is an old— and we have now sunken our claws into Europe from way back. It will be hard to untangle. It'll take a while. It'll take a while. When you look at it, I'll give you a quick example. The presence of US troops on European soil, just look at the countries there. I give you two quick countries: Germany and Italy. So, and I'm very familiar with the Aviano air base, and I'm very familiar with the presence of US troops in Dresden. So you got the idea. And when you have large presence of troops, over 30,000, that to me suggests you are only sovereign on paper. It's the same argument I've always made about South Korea. So, so I see your point. And when they did, yeah, that was way back. Europe, the two things Europe needs to do if he wants to get out of the shackles of the US, which won't be easy for them anyway. First of all, they have to stand politically on their feet, on their own. In other words, making their own decisions independently from Washington. You know, I am even coming to, came to the conclusion that some of the decisions for Europe are made in Washington, not in Brussels. Second is this idea of the European currency. Let countries choose their own currency, use their own, and decide for themselves. That's to me where I still, still— and, and build, by the way, third one, which is, uh, very crucial, build their own, uh, military force, European force that is. And, and, and countries will contribute for that because Europe now understands that we are the one footing the bill. This is why I'm saying, for Trump, if he is to go forward with, you know, pressing on NATO members, why don't you just take the US out of NATO altogether? Disband NATO, because it's a relic of the past. And that's exactly what I argued in this upcoming video that I'm going to be releasing video for you regarding this part of foreign policy that's You know, what we say versus what we do, two separate things. Now, uh, just to tie this one, uh, to the idea of, uh, uh, when you think about the others who are saying what the US is being now, uh, protectionist and so, so forth, of course the administration or president-elect is saying all this has to do with creating jobs in America, whatever. You and I know it's a lie. There will be no creations of jobs. The infrastructure is not there. The brainpower is not there. You know, the labor cost is so expensive. So what jobs are we talking about? When you look at about how much we import from China, and yet we're thinking about sanctioning China? Well, all China needs to do is shut down. That's all they need to do is shut down the, uh, the, uh, trade with the US. Of course, Chinese are smart enough, they're not going to do it because it won't make sense. But that's, that's usually what it is. You have to think about it this way. And I'm going to share something with you here. I'll put the link for you from Global Research. I had a chance to read an article by, uh, uh, Babani Shankar Nayak, you know, very, very interesting article. And he provided some stats, and I checked them. Of course, they are reliable. And here is the thing, let me just read this to you. I quote, US-China Business Council report on US exports to China in 2023 reveals that $151.3 billion worth of American goods were exported to China, supporting over 1 million US jobs, according to to the American Bureau of Economic Analysis, an official US government agency. In 2023, US exports of goods and services to China were $195.5 billion, down 0.9% from 2022, while imports from China were— get this— $447.7 $1.2 trillion, down 20%, 20.6% from 2022, as a result of a trade deficit with China declined to $252.1 billion, end of quote. My point, my point is, to those who argue, well, the US is doing all this because we want to protect the, uh, uh, create jobs and nonsense, nonsense. Because when you look at where things are economically here, you have to be here to understand how society is. What the government says versus what it is, I won't buy it. As an American, I will not buy it because I go to grocery stores, I buy stuff, I know the prices, I compare, I, I know what to look for, and I won't buy what the government said. This is why I didn't vote. Who you gonna vote for? So Now let me move to this article, as I mentioned, uh, written by Oliver Roloff. Now, Oliver Roloff, he's a strategic security and communication expert, so he knows what he's talking about. And one of the reason why I read this article and I liked it, to tie it to what I'm talking about, because he talked about the role of BRICS. Now that the Europeans are starting to see You also— the expansion of BRICS, you can't ignore this and its impact on the global politics, no matter how you slice it. In Washington, they're saying, oh, that's nothing but hypes, you know, BRICS has no dents. Well, it is making a dent, it is moving. When you consider now that 20%— to the last research I looked into— 20% of the trade that exists within those countries is done Uh, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, let me take this back. 20% of— out of the dollar, it's done in less with the US dollar. In other words, it used to be 100%, now it's down to 20%. So if this doesn't make a dent, what does? So, and this is why you— this is why Europeans I'm now thinking, are they gonna seize the opportunity to unlock the potentials behind this BRICS expansion? Because it was major in Kazan. Or are they gonna be under the thumb of the US, still playing that role for being subservient to the US? So, and this is where I like this article by Oliver Roloff, and I'm gonna share it with you guys. So And, uh, so when you consider the countries that moves into— but this is not what I want to focus on. I want to focus on, for example, the Gulf region, Gulf States in West Asia. And I know some of you made a comment about me using the term Middle East. Yes, sometimes I use that for the Western audience. They don't know West Asia. You say to them, can you point West Asia in, in on a map? They're not gonna know. That is the reason why I know what the term Middle East came from. You and I know is the colonialism. I understand that. I use the term interchangeably, and that is my reason for that. So please don't think that I am not aware of it. I use it for a reason, and because Western audience will not identify with the regional geographical location if I mentioned just West Asia, they're not going to get it. You know, some of us are poor when it comes down to two: history and geography. No offense to my fellow American citizens here, or the Western people for that matter. So, so here's the thing about the Gulf region. And when I say— I have a map here, I saved it. Let me show you. Okay. Right there. So when you look at the Gulf, the Gulf regions, those tiny ones, right? I know I'm pointing at it, but you can see my cursor where it is. The very, very tiny ones, the rich oil, uh, the oil-rich, uh, uh, entities there. But the point is that the Gulf regions' global influence, especially in the energy Yeah, it cannot be underestimated. So Europeans understand that. Why? Because Europeans depend also on oil and gas from that part of the world. Now it's even more given that Russia shut down the gas, uh, export to Europe, even though the European country is still getting some through third party. Like for example, India is selling, Morocco and Nigeria have built a pipe a gas pipe that's going to be bringing gas, I think, because there's a lot of gas in Morocco also that's going to be selling to Europe. So, so there are some ways, but of course the American oil companies are selling gas 5, 6 times, 5 or 6 times higher the price to Europeans. So, and here is the thing, for, uh, uh, because if you ask any, any observer any analyst, any whatever in, in the middle, in the, in the Gulf area, they're gonna tell you that the expansion of BRICS ain't just a diplomatic move. No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. This one has to do with the commitment, a strategic commitment of the Gulf states towards BRICS. That's why United Arab Emirates end up joining. That's why you think about Saudi Arabia did, but at the same time at the last minute was pressured to move. That's why Iran moved forward with all this. So, and because the Gulf States, because they're small, right? But also they wanted to protect and safeguard their interest. And how is this going to happen? Stability. This is why the link between energy and geopolitics, they are intertwined. You know, anytime you impact the energy market or the geographical location, whatever that is, is going to impact the geopolitical outcome and vice versa. Anytime the tensions politically, oil prices goes up. So it's like what we are witnessing right now in, in West Asia or Middle East, that is, especially when it comes down to Iran. And, uh, and by the way, speaking of Iran, did you guys know that there were some talks behind closed doors between Elon Musk and some representatives from Iran. Things are not what they seem to be. So that's why I say don't fall for what the media is saying. Don't fall— and even for some YouTuber, with my respect, you know, I respect everybody on YouTube who does whatever, but please, please, please, let's refrain from being sensationalism and so forth. Let's stick to the facts. They matter. And for us, I don't care for what others do. I'm in my business. For me, my responsibility is to protect this community here, and especially when it comes down to intellectual aspects of it. That is my, my job. That is my role. So, so here's the thing. You have to think about, uh, why the Gulf region sort of, uh, became very central to European survival, if I may use the term. So it's, it's because the amount of energy. So now Gulf countries, uh, their presence, their presence in BRICS is very crucial to the EU. You may ask why. Yeah, well, just think about these two, United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. As the author argued, and rightly so. I agree with him on this one here. Just you think about these two. So why? Because they are, as he puts it, and I quote this, as a conduit between Asia, Africa, and BRICS nations, because it offers what? Europeans more opportunities, economic opportunities, that is, end of quote. But the question is not about that. The question is the US will not let it. Will not let the Europeans, because the Europeans cannot stand on their feet. That is what's at the heart of it. It's not this signing this deal here and there, and all this is good. It's when it matters whether Europeans can say to the US, no, we are doing A, B, C, and D, whether you like it or not. Because to me, that's what sovereignty is is all about. So Europeans understand now the expansion of BRICS could become the wild card to rebel against Trump if Trump pushes Europeans very hard. Even though you and I know it's not going to happen as far as Europe becoming part of BRICS, it will be a mistake of BRICS if they allow that because you can't trust them. I mean, here we are already witnessing with Saudi Arabia what just happened. And now even with the Saudis asking the Iranians for a joint naval drills, I won't buy it. And a lot of you— I read the comments, by the way— so majority of you guys were spot on. You sensed something ain't right. Now Okay, I don't know what happened. Did I say something that offended the government? Anyway, so, but I do think, uh, they calling for weather later on. It's going to be change anytime. They are— Texas is known for sometimes when weather gets here, it gets bad sometimes. So, but any event, so, and this is where you're gonna have to think about, uh, uh, what Europe needs to do. If I were If I were advising the Europeans, which usually I don't see that happening anyway because I don't want to, so I'm better hypothetically. If I were, what you're gonna— you're gonna have to tell them, you're gonna have to look at this on two tracks. One of them is your economic interest, the other one is ensuring stability. How do you achieve the two? So first of all, you're gonna embark on a key infrastructure, key economic ventures, key financial aspects that make sense to your development. Second, you're going to have to remove yourself from conflict that you have been dragged into to ensure that stability by not playing a role into that. I mean, you look at now Ukraine, you know what I'm referring to here. No, you know, Ukraine, Ukraine is done for. What are they talking about? So, but Europeans dug themselves in a hole for that when they decided to go that route. Because now what's been exposed is that NATO has lost to Russia. The optics of it is so bad. So that's, to me, will be the two tracks I will advise the Europeans to embark on, and especially for Germany. But Germany, Germany is done for till they get a new chancellor. Olaf Scholz was like a, like a We were playing him like a, like a fiddle, you know, just like whatever, you know. We kind of tell him sit and he will sit, stand up and he will stand up. It was too weak politically, too weak, very, very, very weak. Emmanuel Macron talks a lot. It's action that matters, you know, you know. Can they follow through? This is what you find out about someone. Can they follow through? You say I'm gonna do A, B, C, and D, but are you following through? The moment you don't, you lose credibility. This is thanks for us in the US when we start talking loud about this rights and all that stuff. What rights are we talking about when we turn a blind eye on atrocities? You know, come on, come on. It's becoming clear. So, so for Europeans to promote now their interests, this is why they are trying to go individually to Far East. They're not coming to the US, they go into China. So the logical question is, why should China sort of— China will do the diplomatic protocol as far as welcoming somebody to their country and so forth and all that. Uh, will President Xi grant an audience to whomever? I don't know. That's a decision they're gonna have to make. But on the other hand, makes you just wonder Well, why don't you go to the US, you know, ask for help from the US? Because they know America is going to tell them, you know, go deal with it. No, we're not going to help. Help you with what? We can help you by selling you more weapons, you know. Now this is where Europe now is caught into this. You can have to navigate, uh, very, very, very— this delicate path, very, very delicate. So they know where things are, they know where the future is, they know where the economic prosperity is, they know where tensions are, they know where the wars are, they know what lies ahead. Choice is clear. No, and this is where you're going to have to think if Europeans— like I always say, if Europeans— big if, I have my doubt, guys, but big if if they play their strategic cards the right way, you could see some sort of a geopolitical stability, because that will be very crucial for them. And given the expansion of the Gulf States into BRICS, and BRICS is expanding with many, many, many, many countries wanted to join— I don't know if you guys had a chance to look at the events in Peru. For the inauguration of the port. Major event, very, very, very major. So, and this is where I see, uh, uh, uh, for the Europeans, they're gonna have now to figure out which direction they're gonna need to— the choice is clear, uh, but again, in my opinion, Europeans are too weak. They will not have the political will to take stand firmly. And now that, that Trump is coming, uh, it's even worse for them. But at the same time, they're going to have to push back against Trump. That's exactly what I believe China is going to be doing. China's being quiet about it, but I believe China has already had a strategy in place, uh, to deal with the, uh, uh with Trump's second term? Because most of the articles that I read coming out of Washington, whatever, majority, not most, majority, stated that, uh, what China should be worried about. Why? What makes us think already this preconceived notion that Beijing is worrying about? Why will they worry about? Because what the US can do? Impose tariffs on Chinese? Impose the sanctions on Chinese? China will hit back, back hard. And if they do, it's going to be a problem here when you start seeing prices going up to the roof. And you know what comes after that when people gets a little angry about prices. So, I mean, they have an understanding. Americans— I, I, my fellow citizens here are like living in a la-la land. They don't seem to grasp what's going on, you know. Either they are being— I don't know, I really don't get it. I don't get it why they don't get it, why they don't understand what was going on. So, so, uh, and, and this is where I see the idea of Europeans is going to have to think in terms of, uh where things are headed. I know from an economic to financial to, you know, not everything is gonna work for everybody, you know, but at the same time you're gonna have to consider certain aspects. Uh, uh, oh, Ramples, I see your comments here. Uh, you disagree with me, you are entitled to that. As far as, uh, let me, let me share it here because we are here to learn, guys. You know, Dr. O, that's the only thing I don't agree with you. If everyone has their own currency, like before, the only losers will be the people because of the exchange rate. Well, how so? How so? Are those people going to be— let's say they live in Athens, are they going to move to Germany? You know, can they afford to move to Germany first? Now, if they can, then they're gonna have to figure out how to deal with the currency exchange. No, I see your point, because the currency of Germany versus that of Greece is gonna be higher. There is no doubt about it. It's like what we are witnessing right now. The euro to the dollar is about— $1 is about 1.28 euros. Did we ever think of that? This is why when I go to Poland, for example, you know who the visitors that I see the most are? British. Why? Because the pound of the British is higher. It's about 1 pound— British pound is about 5 zlotys to the Polish currency. So for us, $1 is about 4.27 zloty, uh, in the European— in Polish currency. So, but at the same time, Poland decided to retain its financial sovereignty. So, so I see your point, and there is logical arguments in your point, you know. I, I'm not disregarding that. It's just the way I look at it is you're gonna have to live within your means, simple as that, because For example, German economy compared to Greece is different. So, but I, I welcome your feedback, uh, Rumpels. Thank you so much. So this is, uh, you know, that's my end here. I'm gonna see if there are any Super Sticker questions. I answer them. Otherwise, uh, uh, the only way I see this moving forward is that for the Europeans to really, really work on strengthening uh, I don't know, their political, their geopolitical, their economic position, you know, and of course reduce, if they could, their dependence on the US. Uh, easier said than done, uh, but I don't know, we'll see how. Even though I have no faith whatsoever in the upcoming administration regarding foreign policy, that's where my focus is on, given that I'm seeing the names that's been announced for the key positions, it's not going to bode well. So, so it's not, uh, uh, so that's to me where I see, uh, uh, the problem. So, oh, Hassan, Hassan Yilmaz, thank you very much, great stream. Thank you very much, sir, appreciate it. Yeah, we all here about learning, guys. That's, that's the focus for me and the community because I always want want to have the community that is protected intellectually, that is. Uh, pandemonium, thank you so much. Thank you for the stream, Dr. O. Please, guys, while I'm thinking about it, please hit the like button. I would greatly appreciate it. You know, I am still hoping you guys can help me out with reaching the 100,000 before the end of this year, if not sooner. That would be great. And I will also be talking to you as I move forward about my upcoming trip. Yes, I am going back to China, to the other side. I've been in Shanghai, I've been in that part. I'm gonna go to the other side down the road. Uh, uh, oh, Rafael! Oh man, you spoil me now with the super stickers. Thank you so much, Rafael, truly appreciate you. And you wrote, you are not a sovereign country if you cannot say no. Couldn't agree more. Could not agree more. And that becomes even, even for, uh, even for us humans, for our interaction with each other. Are you going to allow anybody to bully you forever? At some point you're going to have to take stand. If somebody, for example, keep asking you for favors forever, are you going to ever sometimes say no? Yeah, you're going to do that. Well, the same for this. I couldn't agree more, uh, uh, uh, uh, I couldn't agree more. Pendulum, yeah, that's the one. You're the one here. You are a sovereign. Thank you so much. So if Germany is able, if South Korea, if Japan, and soon to be Philippines, which I will address this one with Anna on Saturday, you know, to me, those are— Australia is gone. Even New Zealand I'm having a big question mark on. And you get the states that— look at what happened with Sweden and Finland. We press— we pressed them into joining NATO. They said yes, sir. So, so weak states, you know. And you're right, till they do that, till they become sovereign, nothing is going to change. So, uh, Joy Choi, thank you so much for your super sticker. Truly appreciate you, and thank you for being here. So, all right guys, I am going to sign off here. I'm gonna go work on this last thing for for Sunday, uh, for the recorded analysis I'm gonna release for you, and prepare my questions for my panel this evening at 19:00 hours, Einar Tengen and, uh, uh, Warwick Powell. I think I do have— let me see if, uh, no, no, I don't. I thought I had a picture of Warwick and, uh, and Einar. No, I don't. So Anyway guys, thank you guys for being here. Truly, truly appreciate your kind support. Please share this video with others and remember once again to hit the like button. As always, remember, geopolitics impacts your daily life in more ways than one. Till next time guys, bye-bye.