While there has been enthusiasm for a recovering global economy, optimism is being dampened by market movements.
There are some fundamental concerns about projected consumption levels and production costs.
There are a number of geopolitical risks festering around the world:
The strife in Hong Kong is being calmed by force. That will be re-assuring now, but has shown the inability of Xi to lead a new path and China to manage the inevitable progression to maturity. Hong Kong is China’s best testing ground for political innovation, which must manifest in China soon otherwise social tension will disrupt economic strength.
The middle east …! Syria and IS are immediate and top of the list, but they are set to be a decades long drama of death. Iraq, Afghanistan, Iran., Libya, and more. Israel/Palestine … so sad. These are are drain on the consciousness, but are inconsequential as long as the oil flows. Phew.
Ebola is gaining momentum rather than being contained. That might change. But it’s scary to imagine a wierd disease like that becoming a global epidemic. Managing a cataclysm like that might bring people together.
Everything’s going to be fine, in the short term. But the underlying systemic risks, economic, social and ethical, remain.
A holonic prescription for success without growth beckons. Will our leaders lean in that direction?
BBC: Global shares slide on growth fears
BloombergBusinessWeek: U.S. Oil Producers May Drill Themselves Into Oblivion
IMF: World Economic Outlook (WEO) Legacies, Clouds, Uncertainties
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