Article : The Shadow War : Euro vs. Dollar

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the geopolitical implications of currency choice in oil trading, specifically focusing on the conflict between the Euro and the Dollar in the context of the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq. Participants explore theories regarding economic dominance, the motivations behind the war, and the historical context of currency use in oil transactions.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that the U.S.-led attack on Iraq is part of a broader economic conflict between the U.S. and Europe, particularly regarding currency dominance in oil trade.
  • Others argue that the choice of currency for oil trading may not significantly impact the overall situation, emphasizing that Iraq's decision to hoard a particular currency is self-explanatory.
  • One participant notes that the U.S. currently holds a significant portion of the world's economy, which may influence its military and economic strategies.
  • Another participant expresses skepticism about the arguments presented in the article, suggesting that they find the analysis thorough yet still hold a differing view on the importance of currency choice.
  • There is mention of historical theories, such as the "domino effect," being compared to current interpretations of the "clash of civilisations," indicating a skepticism towards oversimplified narratives.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views, with some agreeing on the economic motivations behind the war while others contest the significance of currency choice in oil trading. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives present.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference various economic theories and historical contexts, indicating that assumptions about the motivations for the war and the implications of currency choice are not universally accepted and may depend on differing interpretations of economic power dynamics.

  • #31
Originally posted by damgo
I think the USA has such a successful economy mainly because
1) it has a stable, established government
2) it has a long history of relatively laissez fair capitalism
3) it has long-standing and trusted financial institutions
4) there is an expectation/culture of (relative!) trust that the system will work as designed (function of the above)
5) it has lots of natural resources and a big population

All but #5 also hold for most of the other highly successful modern economies -- Japan, Australia/New Zealand, Western Europe, etc. Siv, if modern US economic success rested on the use of the dollar as a global currency, why would these other countries be doing just as well? (or almost as well)

All the facts I listed should be easily checkable... which do you think are false?

Most of the rest of those countries do do well, because they are partners with the US, Trade partners, just like Canada.

But a better question, one that might reveal the answer you seem to be looking for, is why some of the Other countries do NOT do as well, that answer might just lead you to the realization of just "Why" it is so important, to the American economy, to keep the Greenback as the Fiat currency, in the Oil business!
 
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  • #32
For those of you interested in the actual consequences of the US account deficit and the currency OPEC uses, here are two good speeches to start with. Not as catchy or easily digestible as grand conspiracy theories, alas, but far more interesting IMO:

The U.S. Current Account Deficit
Gov. Donald Kohn, to the 12th European Banking Congress, 11/22/02
http://www.federalreserve.gov/boarddocs/speeches/2002/20021122/default.htm

The Choice of Currency for the Denomination of the Oil Bill
Mr. Javad Yarjani, OPEC dept head, Oviedo, Spain, 4/14/02
http://www.opec.org/NewsInfo/Speeches/sp2002/spAraqueSpainApr14.htm
 
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