Charles Hugh SmithThe Roots of American Populism: Are Trump and Vance Populists?What does it mean to say a politician is a populist? Over 30 years ago, Christopher Lasch observed in his book The True and Only Heaven…13h ago13h ago
Charles Hugh SmithI Fear for Our NationI fear for our nation, and I am not alone. The echoes of the past are becoming louder, and I recall the decades between 1961 and 1981 with…3d ago3d ago
Charles Hugh SmithHere’s Our Big Problem: The Ratchet Only Moves Us Closer to the CliffIt’s tempting to personalize our problems, as those in power tend to possess all the traits that qualify one for immediate delivery to…5d ago15d ago1
Charles Hugh SmithNo Reform or Leader Is Going to Save the Status Quo — We’re On Our OwnHumans prefer simplicity to complexity. This is why mythologies still resonate with us, despite our hubristic claims to rationality and…Jul 8Jul 8
Charles Hugh SmithLiving Well on Less Than $30,000 a Year — One American Family’s StoryWe see stories like this all the time: Survey: The average American feels they need to earn over $186,000 a year just to live comfortably.Jul 51Jul 51
Charles Hugh SmithIs It Possible to Live Well Earning $30,000 a Year in America? Yes — With These ConditionsIs It possible to live well on $30,000 a year in America? Let’s start with the raw numbers. I am starting with a couple, not an individual…Jul 31Jul 31
Charles Hugh SmithMove Over, Disaster Capitalism — Make Room for Addiction CapitalismWe’ve all heard of Disaster Capitalism: the Powers That Be either initiate or amplify a crisis as a means of granting themselves…Jul 3Jul 3
Charles Hugh Smith10 Geopolitical / Financial Risks to the Global EconomyGeopolitical / financial risks are proliferating and becoming more difficult to predict or hedge for a very basic reason: the era of global…Jun 27Jun 27
Charles Hugh Smith“Why Are You So Negative?” Good Question. Here’s the Answer: Real LifeA new reader kindly let me know that my writing was negative and depressing. I thanked the reader for the feedback and realized the…Jun 251Jun 251
Charles Hugh SmithThe Anxiety EconomyThe disconnect between the happy story of the economy is growing healthily, so all is well and the insecurity and stagnation experienced by…Jun 21Jun 21