The Spider’s Web: Britain’s Second Empire | The Secret World of Finance Michael Oswald’s film The Spider’s Web reveals how at the demise of the empire, the City of London’s financial interests created a web of secrecy jurisdictions that captured wealth from across the globe and hid it in a web of offshore islands. Today, up to half of global offshore wealth is hidden in British jurisdictions and Britain and its dependencies are the largest global players in The Secret World of Finance.
From Grok: Here is a detailed outline of the provided text:
Glenn Diesen interviews Alex Krainer on the Economic Collapse & the End of Europe
Alex Krainer: Economic Collapse & the End of Europe
Alex (Sasha) Krainer: Founder at Krainer Analytics. Monaco, Monaco. Author of #1 rated book on commodities, “Mastering Uncertainty in Commodities Trading,” and “Alex Krainer’s Trend Following Bible”; creator of I-System Trend Following – engineering, implementing and maintaining bespoke, high performance turn-key portfolio solutions (with audited track record); publisher of TrendCompass daily market reports; contributing editor at ZeroHedge.
https://x.com/NakedHedgie
Glenn Diesen is a professor of Russian international affairs, with focus on geoeconomics, conservatism and the Greater Eurasia Initiative. Professor at University of South-Eastern Norway
https://x.com/Glenn_Diesen
Bonus: KunstlerCast 420 — Tom Luongo of Gold, Goats and Guns, Talkin’ Europe, Russia, and America in a Dangerous Year
https://www.kunstler.com/p/kunstlercast-420-tom-luongo-of-gold?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Tom Luongo is a Former Research Chemist, Amateur Dairy Goat Farmer, Anarcho-Libertarian and Obstreperous Austrian Economist who blogs and podcasts at Gold, Goats and, Guns. His work can also be found on sites like Zerohedge, Lewrockwell.com, Bitcoin Magazine and Newsmax Media. His work focuses on the attempt to connect the false narratives of geopolitics to viable long-term investment theses. He built the house that he lives in and loves hockey, his family, the art of drumming, board games of all kinds, a logically consistent argument, and the beauty of spontaneous order…. not necessarily in that order.
Grok Summary of Alex Krainer: Economic Collapse & the End of Europe
Here’s a summary of the transcript titled “Alex Krainer: Economic Collapse & the End of Europe,” a conversation between host Glenn and guest Alex Krainer, a market analyst, author, and former hedge fund manager, recorded on March 10, 2025 (based on the current date provided). The discussion explores the decline of the Western political and economic order, the role of financial systems in global conflicts, and the future of Europe, NATO, and U.S. policy under Trump.
Summary:
Introduction and Context:
Glenn introduces Alex Krainer, expressing excitement about discussing the rapidly changing world, where geoeconomics increasingly overshadows geopolitics in great power rivalries. Alex, referencing his 2021 book Europe as the Western Peninsula of Greater Eurasia, argues that the post-WWII unity of the political West was a fragile construct, ill-suited for a multipolar world, and is now fragmenting.
Unraveling of the Post-WWII Order:
Alex explains that the post-WWII system, once heralded as a permanent “unipolar moment,” is collapsing due to internal contradictions. After WWII, the Soviet Union, U.S., and Western allies prevailed, but Churchill’s 1946 Fulton speech marked the Soviet Union as an enemy, splitting the alliance and birthing the Cold War and NATO. Despite the Soviet collapse in 1991, NATO expanded toward Russia, escalating into a proxy war in Ukraine, which Alex sees as risking further global conflict.
Financial System as a Driver of Aggression:
Alex attributes Western militarism to a debt-based financial system, centered in London with satellites like Wall Street. Money enters circulation as loans requiring collateral, creating a Ponzi-like structure that demands constant growth. When domestic collateral runs dry, the West seeks it abroad through colonization and resource extraction (e.g., oil from Saudi Arabia), benefiting banking elites while fueling wars. He notes the U.S. initiated over 80% of post-WWII conflicts despite public opposition, driven by this need for “collateral.”
Historical Roots and the British Empire:
This system, Alex argues, dates back centuries—from Greece to Rome, Venice, Amsterdam, and London—culminating in a still-active British Empire reliant on U.S. power. He invokes Halford Mackinder’s Heartland Theory, which posits that controlling Eastern Europe and the Eurasian “Heartland” ensures global dominance. Past attempts (e.g., pre-WWI Germany, now Ukraine) to thwart Russia’s rise have failed, pushing Russia toward China, a shift the West hasn’t adapted to.
U.S. Policy Shift Under Trump:
Alex highlights a Trump administration pivot, exemplified by Marco Rubio’s claim that the post-WWII order is obsolete and weaponized against the U.S. Maintaining the empire (e.g., 800-900 military bases) has cost the U.S. dearly—$36.5 trillion in debt—while benefiting European and British elites. With Ukraine’s resources dwindling and Russia offering $75-90 trillion in joint development, Trump may abandon Europe for a pragmatic Russia alliance, reducing costs and avoiding nuclear risks.
NATO’s Decline:
Alex predicts NATO’s collapse, a view gaining traction (e.g., Elon Musk’s recent X posts). He argues NATO’s aggressive role in Ukraine (since 1991), Libya, and Yugoslavia undermines its defensive image. Many members (e.g., Hungary, Slovakia, Croatia) might refuse Article 5 obligations against Russia, and Trump’s demand for 5% GDP contributions—unfeasible for nations like Germany—sets the stage for U.S. withdrawal, rendering NATO purposeless.
Europe’s Dire Future:
Without U.S. support, Europe faces militarization and “Nazification,” a process Alex compares to 1930s Germany and post-2014 Ukraine. Economic decline (e.g., Ukraine’s 35% GDP drop from 1991-2014), youth unemployment, and rising neo-Nazi groups signal this trend. European elites may double down, risking war with Russia or a diminished global role unless radical leadership changes occur (e.g., Germany’s AfD exiting NATO/EU).
Trump’s Economic Strategy:
Alex sees Trump’s plans—tariffs, potential annexation of Canada/Greenland, and Russia partnerships—as attempts to bolster U.S. wealth and offset its debt crisis. However, he doubts their efficacy without addressing the $36.5 trillion debt overhang, warning of inflation risks from tariffs alone. A shift from the “doomed” dollar to new currencies is likely under discussion, though covertly, promising surprises.
Conclusion:
The West is in uncharted territory, with the U.S. likely to abandon Europe and NATO crumbling. Alex urges vigilance against Europe’s militaristic slide and directs listeners to his X (@naked_hedgy) and Substack platforms (I-System Trend Following and Alex Krainer Substack) for more.
Grok Summary of the podcast: KunstlerCast 420 — Tom Luongo of Gold, Goats and Guns, Talkin’ Europe, Russia, and America in a Dangerous Year: Conversation with Tom Luongo” from the KunstlerCast, featuring host James Howard Kunstler and guest Tom Luongo, a former research chemist turned anarcho-libertarian economist who runs Gold, Goats, and Guns. Recorded on March 10, 2025 (based on the provided date), the discussion explores the complex U.S.-UK relationship, the decline of European power, and shifting global alliances, with a focus on financial systems, geopolitics, and Trump’s administration.
Summary:
Introduction and Background:
Kunstler introduces Luongo, highlighting his eclectic background and focus on connecting geopolitical narratives to investment strategies. Luongo’s work critiques mainstream history, particularly the U.S.-UK dynamic, questioning the shift from enmity (pre-WWII) to alliance (post-WWII) and suggesting it’s largely propaganda.
U.S.-UK Relationship:
Luongo argues Britain, once the U.S.’s greatest foe for 150 years, became its “greatest ally” through strategic infiltration of U.S. media, intelligence, and financial systems. He cites examples like Tina Brown’s takeover of The New Yorker as a cultural turning point and draws on discussions with figures like Alex Krainer to reframe British influence as a lingering imperial force using the U.S. as a proxy.
Financial Manipulation as British Power:
Luongo explains Britain’s historical use of currency arbitrage (e.g., Churchill’s post-WWI gold standard revaluation) to maintain financial dominance, a tactic he calls a “superpower” of the Bank of England-style central banking system. This enabled Britain to extract wealth (e.g., German reparations) despite a weakened post-imperial state, relying on legacy infrastructure like the City of London, which still handles 30% of global forex.
Decline of Britain and Europe:
Britain is depicted as a failing state, yet it retains financial clout through relationships with former colonies and markets like Hong Kong. Luongo sees Europe and the UK (“Evil Corp Central”) as desperate, pushing narratives (e.g., Ukraine) to shame the U.S. into fighting their wars, a strategy faltering under Trump’s resistance and growing American skepticism.
Trump, Putin, and a New Alliance:
Luongo suggests Europe’s aggression is driving a U.S.-Russia alliance of necessity, mirroring Russia’s forced alignment with China. He posits Trump and Putin aim to counter China long-term by reviving historical U.S.-Russia ties (e.g., Civil War support), potentially via projects like a Bering Strait rail link, with Elon Musk’s involvement signaling infrastructure ambitions (e.g., Canada, Greenland).
Europe’s Desperation and NATO’s End:
Europe’s plan, per Luongo, involves deficit spending and debt consolidation under the ECB to create a centralized government, bypassing national sovereignty—a risky move amid fragile governments (e.g., Hungary’s vetoes). He predicts Trump and Putin might bypass Europe in a “Yalta 2” deal, ending NATO’s current form, with the U.S. possibly poaching allies like Italy.
Cultural and Migration Policies:
Luongo views Europe’s mass migration as a deliberate deracination tactic to erode national cultures and legal traditions, exemplified by UK’s proposed two-tier justice system under Keir Starmer (whom he dubs “Keir Stalin”), aligning with globalist (Davos) agendas rather than British interests.
U.S. Domestic Strategy:
Trump’s administration is methodically targeting agencies (e.g., Treasury, FBI) with evidence of corruption (e.g., Ukraine kickbacks), using “manila envelope” leverage to secure appointees like Kash Patel. Luongo sees this as administrative cleanup preceding legislative gains in 2026 midterms, prioritizing economic stability over immediate legal battles (e.g., Biden’s pardons).
Gold and Financial Realignment:
Luongo, a gold advocate, predicts a collapse of the paper gold market, with the U.S. (not Britain) potentially triggering a revaluation as gold drains from London to America. This could disrupt Europe’s digital euro plans, exposing British financial weakness.
Conclusion:
The podcast ends with Luongo promoting Gold, Goats, and Guns (goldgoatsandguns.com,@TFL1728 on X, Patreon), offering newsletters, market analysis, and community interaction. Kunstler praises the discussion, noting Luongo’s insights into a shifting world order.
Key Themes:
Britain’s enduring influence via financial and cultural manipulation, now waning as a failing state.
Europe’s self-destructive push for control, contrasted with a pragmatic U.S.-Russia realignment under Trump and Putin.
Financial systems and corruption as drivers of geopolitical shifts, with the U.S. poised to challenge European dominance.
Breaking History Ep. 77: The Historic Fight for a Continental Republic
Hosted by Matt Ehret, this episode of Breaking History delves into the ideological and geopolitical battles that have shaped North America. From Benjamin Franklin’s republican ideals to Lincoln’s vision of Manifest Destiny, explore the complex interplay between British, American, and Canadian policies. Learn how historic efforts to unite or divide the continent resonate in today’s geopolitical struggles and what they mean for the future of a continental republic.
Tom Luongo interviews Alex Krainer: In this fascinating podcast, Alex pieces together a timeline which may explain how many of the recent global events are related, and why Ukraine is so darned important to the Collective West — It’s not what I thought. Alex also identifies some of the great opportunities impending financial disruptions may provide for those with eyes wide open.
Disintegration | Indicators of the Coming American Collapse by Andrei Martyanov
Published: 2021 by Clarity Press, Inc. (236 pages).
Andrei Martyanov is a former laboratory director in a commercial aerospace group. He is a frequent blogger on the US Naval Institute blog, and author of ‘Losing Military Supremacy: the Myopia of American Strategic Planning and The (Real) Revolution in Military Affairs.
Comments
Disintegration brings to the table many causative inputs missed during my second look at history using the corrective lenses provided by the likes of Antony C. Sutton, Quigley, Engdahl, and others. This book was written after the US-orchestrated Ukrainian putsch in 2014 but before Russia’s SMO, so represents a snapshot of that time (2021) on the condition of America internally and externally. The trajectory of destruction is well referenced and documented with many footnotes. Since 2021, this self-inflicted death spin of corruption, incompetence and information manipulation has only gotten worse. This is not just another depressing book designed to list the many failures of America, this book brings new insight and evidence of the primary causes that put this great country on the path of disintegration. –ClearNFO
“Martyanov shows that America’s disintegration is irreversible because the ruling elites are an organic part of the calamitous sources of dysfunction that have destroyed the country.” –PAUL CRAIG ROBERTS
“Andrei Martyanov’s third book discussing the collapse of the U.S. Empire looks into the social and economic phenomena which all contribute to that collapse. Disintegration is a multi-level analysis of the crisis which is now so clearly plaguing the USA of 2021. I consider Disintegration a “must read” for every U.S. patriot who wants his country to overcome its current difficulties and for every person on the planet who wants to avoid a full-scale war between Russia and/or China and the USA. Indeed, if you want to get a superb summation of what is really going on in the United States—read all of Martyanov’s books.” –THE VINEYARD SAKER
You can find Andrei’s informative podcasts and interviews on many popular platforms, including Rokfin, BitChute, Rumble, Odysee, YouTube and many more.
Alex Christoforou, Alexander Mercouris and Jay Dyer get together to discuss The Anglo-American Establishment, Carroll Quigley, Operation Gladio and the current geopolitical predicament the West finds itself in… plus more. Interesting, informed discussion. -db
MARTIN ARMSTRONG | SESSION 100: LAST STOP: JUSTICE Guest: Martin Armstrong – Economist, once a US based trillion dollar financial advisor, developed a computer model
based on the number pi and other cyclical theories to predict economic turning points with eerie accuracy. Website: ArmstrongEconomics.com
US interference in 2000: In the early 80s he established his financial forecasting and advising company Princeton Economics. His forecasts were highly sought after around the world. As Armstrong’s reputation grew, prominent New York bankers invited him to join “The Club” to help them manipulate markets. Martin refused, repeatedly. A few months later the FBI stormed his offices, confiscating his computer model and accusing him of a 3 billion dollar Ponzi scheme. He was held in jail from 2000 until 2006, not; because he was convicted of a crime, but because he is in a stand-off with the government.
Housatonic Live; is a tech/political/history research channel. It is produced by Mark Kulacz and Housatonic Information Technology Services (Housatonic ITS), which is a MSP (Managed Services Provider) of computer and data protection services for non-profits, startups, and in particular citizen journalists and researchers.
Intel slava is a Russian News aggregator who covers Conflicts/Geopolitics and urgent news from around the world. https://t.me/intelslava
Gonzalo Lira: (Geopolitics / Ukraine) https://t.me/realCRP Note: Gonzalo has not been heard from in a few days. Unconfirmed reports he has been killed in Kharkiv.
Wikipedia: Cancel cultureis a blanket term used to refer to a modern form of ostracism in which someone is thrust out of social or professional circles – whether it be online, on social media, or in person. Those subject to this ostracism are said to have been “cancelled”. The expression “cancel culture” has mostly negative connotations and is used in debates on free speech and censorship.
Remember kids, the scriptwriters for the COVID project are the same scriptwriters for the blame Putin narrative. Let the consumer beware.
Justin(1) issues financial sanctions against truckers
Joe(2) issues financial sanctions against Russia
Both used the same financial system(3)
All three want you tagged and tracked
The government lied about COVID
The government lied about January 6
The government is telling the truth about Putin /s
Here is a picture of some amazingly cooperative cohorts… all in lockstep…
Perhaps some healthy skepticism is in order?
If they can cancel the January 6th trespassers; and they can cancel the truckers; and they can cancel Russia, they can cancel you.
If you don’t want to be treated like livestock, stop acting like livestock.
It’s time to start thinking for yourself, and stop following the laser pointer.
