“This generation of Americans has a rendezvous with destiny.”
Marc Ross Daily
July 30, 2018
Curation and commentary from Marc A. Ross
Reporting from Alexandria, Virginia
Marc Ross Daily = Global Business News at the Intersection of Politics + Policy + Profits
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TOP FIVE
✔️ Maria Butina is just the tip of the Russia iceberg
✔️ China should really start to worry about Trump
✔️ When the world opened the gates of China - was it a mistake?
✔️ Trump threatens government shutdown to get his wall
✔️ Car industry braces for trade war ‘tsunami’
ROSS RANT
Managing globalization to meet your business destiny
“This generation of Americans has a rendezvous with destiny.”
– Franklin D. Roosevelt
“Each generation imagines itself to be more intelligent that the one that went before it, and wiser than the one that comes after it.”
– George Orwell
Globalization has significantly changed the nature of American politics forging a new generational paradigm.
How business proceeds in this new public affairs environment is a challenge that few are ready to engage.
The election of Donald Trump has uniquely changed the Republican Party into something entirely different than it was just two years ago. Bernie Sanders, who forced Hillary Clinton to tack left in the primaries, has done the same to the Democratic Party.
For Election 2018 and Election 2020, American politics will see a tremendous amount of shifting and movement between the two parties as they redefine themselves and or break into four rioting parties operating as two parties.
With an endless news cycle, a continuous flow of global commerce, politicians advancing protectionist laws globally, and committed geopolitical powers looking to reset the landscape, American politics is being shaped from many directions and far beyond America's shores. Decisions made in Beijing now impact events in Brussels which in turn compels policy in Washington, DC.
The ability to manage this dynamic, globalized political environment, particularly at the intersection of business and public policy, coupled with an underlying cultural phenomenon rejecting the establishment, this new environment is more challenging for American government officials, policymakers, voters, and companies.
The pace involved in addressing political challenges has increased as well as the scale of the problems due to a globally diverse network of stakeholders. American voters have spoken and demanded a more significant share of the profits. The traditional capitalist ideal of being responsible solely to shareholders in under threat and business going forward will involve numerous stakeholders, including governments, media, bloggers, consumers, non-governmental organizations, investors, employees, and citizens. For leaders, simply put, there are a lot more people that will hold you accountable and want a say in the process.
For global business leaders to be successful going forward, they must have the dispassionate skill to understand and engage global problems, foster economic development and opportunities, and manage a globally interconnected communications marketplace all influencing and disrupting American politics like never before.
Is your business prepared to handle and understand America's next generation and rendezvous with destiny?
-Marc A. Ross
GEOECONOMICS
It's hard to believe that even with a Brexit deal things will go swimmingly, commerce will flow smoothly or the UK-EU relationship issue will be put to rest.
Is Africa becoming the world's dumping ground for dirty diesel vehicles?
https://p.dw.com/p/3277U
FT: Pakistan plans to seek up to $12bn IMF bailout
Anne Applebaum: Maria Butina is just the tip of the Russia iceberg
"The modern Kremlin project seeks to undermine Western democracies, break up the EU and NATO, and put corrupt relationships rather than the rule of law at the center of international commerce."
Germany expected to block Chinese purchase of machinery maker: Nikkei reports, US and Europe worry about important tech falling into China's hands.
China woos an Argentina neglected by American indifference: Nikkei reports, lack of US policy on Latin America gives Beijing an opening.
NYT: From a space station in Argentina, China expands its reach in Latin America
This will get the DC China Hawks all worked up.
FT - Edward Luce: China should really start to worry about Trump: As Europe wins a reprieve over trade the portents for Beijing have commensurately darkened. https://on.ft.com/2LZPB4e
Today: Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will lay down an important marker for China in a speech on Monday at the US Chamber of Commerce's Indo-Pacific Business Forum
When the world opened the gates of China: Was it a mistake for the US to allow China to join the World Trade Organization? Assessments of the 2001 deal often determine positions in today’s bitter trade debate. https://on.wsj.com/2M31dDL
Is 20 years long enough to gauge success or failure of China entering the WTO?
I think China has done all of the easy stuff to advance their economy - but to develop and execute a world-class economy - it's not there yet.
Some sectors are a century behind the West / OECD.
Worst air quality in the world, selected cities:
1. Delhi
2. Dakar
3. Mumbai
4. Beijing
5. Johannesburg
6. Jakarta
7. Tehran
8. Jerusalem
9. Melbourne
10. Lima
-- WHO
FT - Robert Shrimsley: Confessions of a communist memorabilia collector https://on.ft.com/2M04PpP
"There is a pecking order of dictator chic: a poster of Lenin or the romantic Che and you can be a hit with the girls; a poster of Stalin and you are coolly ironic; a poster of Albert Speer and you are probably spending your evenings on the PlayStation."
AMERICAN POLITICS
Being POTUS provides amazing influence.
You get a house. You get an office with no corners. You get a helicopter. You get a jet. Heck, you even get your own band to play your own walk-up tune.
So you could see why people would believe him, regardless of its hyperbole.
WSJ: Trump again threatens to shut down government
FT: Trump threatens government shutdown to get his wall
Bloomberg: Trump willing to 'shut down' government over border security
The Hill: Trump lashes out at Mueller for alleged conflicts of interest
@thehill: Trump attacks "very unpatriotic" media for reporting on his administration http://hill.cm/Pwn3jEJ
Trump seems well rested and ready to take on the week......
Today: Italian PM Giuseppe Conte will visit with Trump at thr White House.
WP: Trump prepares to meet with Italy’s new prime minister in a moment of spiritual alignment
Reuters: US Treasury's Mnuchin says he sees at least 3 percent growth for next 4-5 years
Team Trump is looking to halt global supply chains and pick the winners and losers of the global economy.
Enjoy the ride.
As economy booms, Republicans ignore it as they campaign: NYT reports, the new tax law was supposed to mobilize Republican voters and help the party keep the House, but candidates are rarely bragging to voters about the economy’s strength.
WSJ: Consumers see rising prices as tariffs put pressure on manufacturers
Reuters: Global auto powers plotting response to Trump auto tariff threats
Apple accessories at risk from Trump tariff threat: FT reports, iPhone maker’s ‘other products’ revenue including Apple Watch set to be Q2 highlight.
Why Trump can’t quit tariffs https://nyti.ms/2OpJHes
"The party’s senators generally have a better grasp of facts than the occupant of the White House, but the president often has a better grasp of politics. And the political truth is that Trump probably needs his tariffs, needs his trade war, to have any chance of re-election — precisely because it’s the only remaining economic issue where he’s stuck to his campaign promises and hasn’t just deferred to traditional Republican priorities."
Conservative donor network distances itself from GOP and Trump, citing ‘divisiveness of this White House’: WP reports, officials affiliated with industrialist Charles Koch reiterated plans to spend as much as $400 million during the 2018 election cycle, but lamented the “tremendous lack of leadership” in Washington and the “deterioration of the core institutions of society.”
The House is on recess.
NYT: Trump says he’ll stump for vulnerable Republicans ‘six or seven days a week’
@ec_schneider: 56 House Republicans outraised by Democrats in Q2.
16 House Republicans have less cash on hand than Dem opponent.
Historical context? 2010:
44 incumbent Democrats were outraised by GOP challengers.
8 had less COH than GOP challengers.
Political voting maps are useless: As the New York Times and LA Times spat about maps, the truth is red and blue maps only fuel ratings–they don’t promote understanding. http://bit.ly/2M01siF
@thehill: New York chapter of Democratic Socialists of America endorses Cynthia Nixon in governor race
Sh*t show: Pulitzer-prize winning journalist Charlie LeDuff recounted his journey across the US reporting on economic conditions and the political climate in the country. https://cs.pn/2NVjeUK
HBD: Arnold Schwarzenegger, 71
@TaskandPurpose: "Stop assuming your adversary is an idiot."
Drones aren’t f*&king magic, people: Any attempt to stop an existing threat encourages rivals to simply build more threats to overwhelm the defenses. http://bit.ly/2NU6y0l
ENTERPRISE
FT: Illycaffè takes a shot at fending off food and drink’s giants
"As coffee industry consolidates, CEO Pogliani says family-ownedbrand is not for sale"
Ant Financial handled more payments last year than Mastercard and is more valuable than Goldman Sachs.
FT: BMW raises prices as trade war hits consumers
FT: Car industry braces for trade war ‘tsunami’
Bloomberg: Sergio and me: A reporter recalls a decade with Fiat’s late boss https://bloom.bg/2NVkaZo
"I was so obsessed, friends put Marchionne’s face on my surprise birthday cake."
SpaceX's secret weapon is Gwynne Shotwell.
An ex-cop rigged McDonald's Monopoly game, stealing millions: Jerome Jacobson and his network of mobsters, psychics, strip club owners, and drug traffickers won almost every prize for 12 years, until the FBI launched Operation "Final Answer," The Daily Beast reports. https://thebea.st/2NTu1yM
Excellent read - what a story and great reporting
@AlexWhitcomb: Facebook may have given us Trump, but it delivered us Obama. It’s got fake news, but it changed the way real news is seen, heard, and distributed, and created the most informed public in history. Facebook has its faults, but it could be a whole lot worse
@profgalloway: To sum up: 1) Facebook broke the law. 2) Cambridge Analytica broke the law. 3) Vote Leave broke the law. 4) LeaveEU broke the law. 5) Brexit and Trump were both won through breaking the law. 6) Facebook let it all happen and covered it up. — @chrisinsilico
TRENDS
You’re a CEO—stop talking like a political activist: Many corporate leaders who speak out on divisive social issues forget to make a business case for their views; the Ronald Reagan model. https://on.wsj.com/2NWSLGH
BTW - This is a really dumb idea for CEOs to follow.
Politics have already entered the boardroom: Far from injecting politics into boardrooms, we believe our focus on active stewardship and long-term value in a rapidly changing world is more important than ever. https://on.wsj.com/2NW5vxb
Vivienne Ming: ‘The professional class is about to be blindsided by AI' https://on.ft.com/2NRxQoo
"Ming has done research, using a database of 122m US workers, that shows how conventional hiring measures, which usually home in on credentials from a handful of schools or the impressions taken from one-on-one interviews, have little to do with workplace success."
Robot laws: In 1942, sci-fi legend Isaac Asimov laid out what would come to be known as the Three Laws of Robotics, or Asimov’s Laws — a set of principles robots should follow in the future:
-- A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.
-- A robot must obey the orders given it by human beings except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.
-- A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Laws.
CULTURE
LAT: Billion with a 'b': Beverly Crest parcel hits the market with L.A.'s first-ever 10-figure asking price
Parker Posey is really pleased to meet you. Yes, you. No, really.: WP reports, twenty-three years after “Party Girl,” — the movie that made the post-grunge generation want to move to New York and rave til dawn — the ’90s It Girl has a new memoir and a lot of thoughts about how we fail to connect these days.
Bloomberg: Tom Cruise steers sixth ‘Mission: Impossible’ to box office win
One American’s quest to teach Italy — the motherland of espresso — how to do it better https://wapo.st/2A8PLVo
Hypnotic mass phenomena: Peter Thiel is one of Silicon Valley’s bigger-than-life characters. Now he is leaving the epicenter of the tech industry. A conversation on human herd behavior, successful investment, Donald Trump’s genius, homosexuality, and death. http://bit.ly/2LZrAKs
In conversation: Billy Joel: The superstar on his songwriting silence, the country today, and his ideal farewell. http://bit.ly/2LZrXEQ
HBD: Hilary Swank, 44
Upcoming series The Romanoffs will feature a star-studded cast: Aaron Eckhart, Amanda Peet, John Slattery, Christina Hendricks and more will star in Mad Men creator Matthew Weiner's new series. The anthology show is set to debut on Amazon in October.
PODCAST
18 of the last 20 podcasts I have listened to have featured @blairenns.
Is that way too much #WinWithoutPitching?
SOTD
Fink - Looking Too Closely http://bit.ly/2LYAHLC
SPORT
Thomas takes maiden title as Sky extend Tour reign: Reuters reports, Geraint Thomas tightened Team Sky's grip on the Tour de France when he handed the British outfit their sixth title in seven years on Sunday and there is no sign that their domination will end anytime soon.
Team Sky’s budget for the Tour de France is believed to be €35m, compared with an average across other teams of about €12.5m.
AFP: Froome 'still wants' fifth Tour, but Sky have yellow jersey dilemma
WP: Overwatch League looks to future of esports, as London Spitfire makes history https://wapo.st/2mRRLYQ
The Times: Qatar sabotaged 2022 World Cup rivals with ‘black ops’
"Whistleblower reveals ex-CIA agents and PR firm were hired in dirty tricks campaign that broke FIFA rules"
Qatar World Cup ‘dirty tricks’ guru worked for Assads: The Times reports, The public relations executive at the centre of allegations that Qatar engaged in a dirty tricks campaign against rival bidders to host the football World Cup has previously helped to burnish the image of the Assad regime in Syria. Michael Holtzman, president of the PR consultancy BLJ Worldwide in New York, was officially employed by the Office of the First Lady of the Syrian Arab Republic in 2010. It facilitated an interview for Vogue that the magazine has since deleted from its website.
BBC: FIFA need to conduct "independent investigation" into Qatar bid claims
