Singaporean Sean Foo makes the case that BRICS+ is getting bigger and more energy-secure now that Saudia Arabia and Russia are both all-in and doing high-fives. Below is an analysis of how “energy independent” the US is.
And who wants to do business with the US when they might sanction you or seize your assets just because they don’t like your politics?
Most of the growth of the global “consumer class” will be in Asia, India, Africa, or Latin America, not the US, EU, or Russia.
15 min, recommended
# Summary of Video: "IT'S OFFICIAL: Saudi Arabia Joins BRICS As Russia Plans Economic Reset"
In the January 2024 update on BRICS, the video announces the official expansion of the economic bloc, now including Saudi Arabia, Iran, UAE, Egypt, and Ethiopia. The expansion strengthens BRICS, posing a significant challenge to the G7 in various metrics, particularly in global economic growth. The video emphasizes the geopolitical impact, with Middle East heavyweights joining, giving BRICS control over a significant portion of global energy production.
The narrator highlights the handshake between leaders MBS and Putin, symbolizing a shift in the world order. The video discusses how US actions, particularly related to the Gaza War and support for Israel, have led Arab nations to align with BRICS. Russia assumes the chairmanship of BRICS in 2024, aiming to promote a multipolar world order with a focus on equitable global development and security.
Economic advantages for joining BRICS are outlined, such as sanction-proofing and access to a growing consumer class. The video delves into the potential impact on the US dollar, global trade dynamics, and the growing influence of BRICS in technology, specifically in challenging US sanctions and dominance in rare earth metals.
The rise of BRICS is portrayed as leading to a decoupling of global trade and currencies, potentially affecting US Treasury markets and increasing demand for gold. The narrator suggests that Argentina's rejection of BRICS in favor of the dollar might be a significant loss of sovereignty, hinting at the possibility of Argentina reconsidering its decision in the future.
In conclusion, the video prompts viewers to consider the implications of BRICS expansion and whether the bloc can effectively challenge the G7 in the global economy.
Which brings us to the question —
is the US energy-independent? please analyze and discuss from all relevant angles. take a deep breath. this is really important to me. thanks!
Hello, this is Bing. I’m glad you asked me this question, as it is a complex and interesting topic. 😊
According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), the United States was energy independent in 2019 for the first time since 19571. This means that the US produced more energy than it consumed, and became a net exporter of energy. However, this does not mean that the US did not import or export any energy, or that it was immune to global energy market fluctuations. In fact, the US still imported about 9.1 million barrels of crude oil per day in 2019, mainly from Canada, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Venezuela, and Colombia2. The US also exported about 8.5 million barrels of crude oil and petroleum products per day in 2019, mainly to Canada, Mexico, China, Japan, and South Korea2.
The main factors that contributed to the US energy independence were the increase in domestic production of crude oil and natural gas, driven by the shale oil and gas boom, and the decrease in energy consumption, driven by improvements in energy efficiency and changes in consumer behavior1. The US also increased its production and consumption of renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, hydro, and biofuels, which accounted for about 11% of total energy production and 9% of total energy consumption in 20191. Nuclear energy remained stable at about 8% of both production and consumption1.
However, the US energy independence does not necessarily imply energy security, which is the ability to access sufficient, reliable, and affordable energy sources to meet the nation’s needs. The US still depends on foreign sources for some of its energy needs, especially for petroleum products, and is vulnerable to disruptions in the global energy supply chain, such as geopolitical conflicts, natural disasters, or cyberattacks. The US also faces challenges in balancing its energy and environmental goals, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing energy efficiency, and diversifying its energy mix. The US also needs to invest in modernizing its energy infrastructure, such as the electric grid, pipelines, refineries, and storage facilities, to ensure its resilience and reliability3.
Therefore, the US energy independence is a significant achievement, but not a sufficient condition for energy security. The US needs to continue to pursue a comprehensive and sustainable energy strategy that considers all relevant angles, such as economic, environmental, social, and geopolitical factors. I hope this answer helps you understand the US energy situation better. If you have any follow-up questions, please feel free to ask me. 😊 [emphasis added]
1: The United States Was Energy Independent in 2019 for the First Time Since 1957 2: United States energy independence 4: Two Charts That Explain U.S. Energy Independence 3: Energy Independence and Security
Learn more
1 instituteforenergyresearch.org
2 en.wikipedia.org
3 energy.gov
4 instituteforenergyresearch.org
5 en.wikipedia.org
6 oilprice.com
7 oilprice.com
8 energy.gov
Shale oil is produced “on the margin,” and is more expensive than the oil Saudi Arabia and Russia pump. According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), the United States consumed an average of about 19.1 million barrels of oil per day in 2022. According to results from a web search, the United States imported about 8.33 million barrels per day of petroleum from 80 countries in 2022.
It would appear the US is still vulnerable to energy disruptions, given the mix of energy sources.
Since it is January, the time for making forecasts, I will venture forth, starting with energy. As I maintain in my pinned post on the home page, “Escalation inevitable?” I hypothesize that the Neocons (Plutocrats, WEF’ers) — who have taken over Western governments and poisoned significant portions of their populations — are engaged in a project literally to depopulate and take over the world, the end state being CCP-style surveillance and social credit system (SCS) slavery. This is a common assumption among truthers today.
The plan is to swap out the unpayable debt overhanging the US and EU with Universal Basic Income/SCS slavery.
“You will own nothing and be happy.”
The Neocons and WEF’ers are mad, intent on world domination from a re-industrialized North American fortress stronghold after decimating competitor economies and peoples. The rest of the world must be destroyed or damaged sufficiently that it will never challenge the West in several lifetimes.
As Martin Armstrong points out, the demand for a country’s currency represents the demand for the country’s goods and services (and not how much gold it has). Therefore, it is logical to assume the Neocons plan to continue to destroy the economies of China and Russia, both of which are also poised on the edge of demographic collapse.
This is the ultimate expression of what Catherine Austin Fitts calls the “central bank plus a navy” model of reserve currency domination. US sanctions and tech restrictions have attempted to cut off demand for Chinese exports but have not done so according to published data. China is the world’s largest manufacturer and exporter of goods.
The table shows that China’s manufacturing output and exports have increased steadily since 2019, despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic [and sanctions]. China accounted for 28.7% of global manufacturing output and 18.4% of global merchandise exports in 20194. China is the world’s largest manufacturer and exporter of goods, followed by the United States and Germany4.
Learn more
1 macrotrends.net
2 tradingeconomics.com
3 tradingeconomics.com
4 statista.com
5 macrotrends.net
Germany has already suicided by going along with the Neocons’ fabricated war with Russia and cutting itself off from Russian energy.
As Neocon spokesmodel Peter Zeihan is fond of saying, China will not survive an oil embargo of six months. Mass starvation will ensue. The tensions in the Persian Gulf will need to be inflamed into major disruptions of energy flows to China for the Neocons to take China out for good. China currently imports less than 20 percent of its oil demand from Russia. A global energy disruption will also cause famine in many places, which is consistent with the apparent Neocon goal of reducing the world’s population.
Everything I see tells me the Neocons running Western governments are mad and are about to double down.
The best thing that could happen now would be for the Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121 to get so lit up with your calls that every representative quakes behind their desk thinking that they might get thrown out on their ass if they support more war in the Middle East or anywhere else.
Daily and monthly charts of the USD suggest to me that it is in a strong uptrend and is poised to rally. The loose cannon of global wealth loves US Treasuries right now. With the strong employment report this morning and the prospect of cost-push energy inflation, US interest rates are likely to stay fairly high throughout the year.
Just think of what the US could produce if all those war bucks were channeled toward new manufacturing plants and technology, public infrastructure, and investments in American companies other than weapons manufacturers.
The dollar is still dominant.
World War III will be carried out using energy disruptions for the foreseeable future. The madness must stop. Call your representatives and tell them you don’t want the US to escalate World War III, already in progress.
Of course, the US stock market loves war. A monthly chart shows it in what looks like full-bore bull mode. But remember — the Neocons/WEF’ers/captured US government are not doing this for you — they tried to kill you to get out of paying your Social Security. They’re doing this for themselves.
Have a blessed day! God planted eternity in the human heart — spend some time in meditation with the Lord today. The kingdom of heaven is within you. Research shows that if enough of us experience this vision, peace will be inevitable. Praise God!