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125 comments on Back from the future collapse

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Boof on September 25, 2008 - 4:26am Permalink | Subthread | Parent | Comments top

I wonder if US neocons saw how Japan was getting by and concluded that control, not ownership, of resources was the vital ingredient. Rather than regime change on other countries the Japanese did it by means of minority shareholdings, long term contracts, soft loans and vertical integration of production and processing. But what happens when those resources that cannot be piped or transmitted need difficult physical shipment?

I also wonder if the media has a 'collapse filter'. The rule seems to be don't show closeups of ageing celebrities and don't interview stockbrokers who may never work again.

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tonyw on September 25, 2008 - 5:25am Permalink | Subthread | Parent | Comments top

Boof, control of resources is just as good as actual ownership especially when coupled with control over any tiresome restrictions such as wages or safety... Many countries have done this in the past either by colonising or threatening to take over and some are still trying this route.

Difficult physical shipment was done before the age of steel ships and oil but obviously to a much lesser extent. IMHO as oil, thus transport, becomes increasingly expensive then more "stuff" will be made locally (already happening to a small extent e.g. steel). There will be less discretionay/junk stuff shipped half way round the world.

I think your media 'collapse filter' is basically a "what sells filter", ideally for the media lots of young celebrities tragically cut down in their prime. can i say it's been done for the last couple of thousand years??

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super390 on September 25, 2008 - 1:01pm Permalink | Subthread | Parent | Comments top

Control versus sovereignity:

Was the British exploitation of India more profitable under the East India Company, which controlled everything profitable but left the rajahs with the unprofitable hassle of governance, or under the Raj, which had to take responsibility for everything? I'm betting on the Company. Now of course the Company's racket proved unsustainable: the Mutiny happened because people could see who their true oppressor was, and some of the rajahs joined in.

So it's good while it lasts.

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125 comments on Back from the future collapse

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