Debt, debt and more debt

By Vladan Lausevic | Vlad's politics | 26 Jul 2024



In his recent post, Balaji Srinivasan writes about how the USA, the E.U., and several other entities face a looming sovereign debt crisis. The crisis is driven by excessive borrowing and mismanagement of fiscal policies. For instance, the Federal Reserve issued more emergency loans in 2023 than during the 2008 financial crisis, signaling severe stress in the banking system. Currently, U.S. borrowing surpasses levels seen during COVID-19, but now at much higher interest rates.

Interest payments on national debt have become the largest government expense, exceeding defense spending. This unsustainable borrowing has led to a significant devaluation of the U.S. dollar, which has lost at least 25% of its value in four years. Compounding the issue, China, a major holder of U.S. Treasuries, has been reducing its holdings. At the same time, BRICS nations increasingly buy gold, moving away from the dollar as a reserve currency.

Global trade is also shifting away from the dollar, especially with China conducting transactions in its own currency. The true debt of the U.S., including all liabilities, is estimated at $175.3 trillion, surpassing any historical empire, indicating an unprecedented fiscal crisis. This situation underscores the critical need for the U.S. to address its fiscal policies, as these reforms are crucial to preventing severe economic upheaval.

 

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Vladan Lausevic
Vladan Lausevic

Based in Stockholm, Sweden as a social entrepreneur. Working with decentralization of democracy, climate transformation and economy. For more info, please get in touch with me via [email protected]


Vlad's politics
Vlad's politics

My blog about politics, society and the world in general. For more info, write to me via [email protected]

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