Jostein Hauge on Davos, Trump's Imperialism, and the Shifting Global Order

Davos and Trump's National Security Strategy

• 💡 The World Economic Forum in Davos highlighted a shift towards Trump's national security strategy, characterized by a language of domination and traditional imperialism.
• 🎯 This strategy moves away from the veiled cooperation of liberal administrations, openly stating an intent to take what is desired globally.
• 🌍 While focusing on Latin America, the strategy also targets interference in Europe and aims to curb China's rise, though this is seen as a late endeavor.

Shifting Global Alliances and China's Rise

• 🚀 The US strategy to curb China's influence through military force is questioned, as traditional US allies are increasingly turning towards China.
• 🇨🇦 Canada, exemplified by Chrystia Freeland's speech, is acknowledged as a prime example, striking trade deals with China and recognizing the need for economic realism independent of the US.
• 🇪🇺 This trend suggests that more European countries may follow Canada's lead, re-evaluating their reliance on the US.

The Death of the Rules-Based International Order

• 📉 Chrystia Freeland's speech at Davos admitted the death of the post-World War II rules-based international order, calling it a facade that benefited wealthy nations and the US.
• 🏛️ This admission is significant coming from a figure within the liberal establishment, highlighting the erosion of global cooperation structures.
• ⚖️ European leaders are criticized for being selective in their condemnation of international law violations, often only standing up to Trump on issues that directly affect them, like his stance on Greenland, while remaining hesitant on issues like Gaza or US actions in Venezuela.

US Economic Performance and Inequality

• 📊 Economic data suggests the US economy is not as robust as often portrayed, with slower growth in national income per adult and productivity compared to previous decades.
• 📈 A significant portion of US economic growth has disproportionately benefited the wealthiest 0.00001%, leading to extreme income and wealth inequality.
• 📉 The bottom 50% of the US population owns a minimal share of total wealth (1-2%), contributing to lower social mobility and life expectancy compared to other OECD economies.

China's Consistent Global Strategy

• 🤝 China continues its consistent strategy of cooperating with numerous countries, particularly across the Global South, for over two decades.
• 🌏 China's goal is not to replace the US as a global hegemon but to foster partnerships, as seen in the recent deal with Canada.
• 🇷🇺 A potential challenge for European cooperation with China is China's stance on Russia, though China's consistent approach and its role as a more