It is very likely that in 2025 the United States will be at war. The vectors are consolidating from all corners. Israel vs Gaza, Lebanon, Iran etc will bring the US into the theater. Ukraine vs Russia will likely escalate more especially if the Democrats retain the White House. 

Also, what is happening in the Korean peninsula is troubling, as North Korea makes its case that it will not disarm since doing that will likely make its leader another Gaddaffi or Saddam Hussein. So, its posture will not change. Of course, Sudan has attained a stable crisis state, and could be there for a decade, as there is no global leadership to bring warring factions to diplomatic tables.

The United Nations is lost, and your village school headmaster has more influence than whatever they put out as a statement. A new World Order is evolving and even the UN is threatened, because from Gaza to Ukraine to Sudan, it is now a place to speak grammar and nothing more!

But the grand nucleus in all these pockets of lethal beats is what the leader of China has communicated to his military: “prepare for war”. We think it is against Taiwan – and that means the United States, since the US had made it clear that it would go to war to preserve Taiwan. 

“All work must push towards combat. Accelerate the enhancement of our winning capabilities.” – Chairman of the Central Military Commission, Xi Jinping, speaking at a Joint Ops Center, China.

Good People, the year 2025 could be exceedingly dangerous irrespective of who wins the US Presidency.  If Trump wins, the US could be drawn into a real battle with Iran. If Kamala wins, the US could be busy with China to help Taiwan. For Nigeria, what is the strategic imperative as these events unfold? 

Simply, Nigerian leaders must plan. We’re yet to recover from the inflationary distortion exacerbated by the Ukraine-Russia war. If China, US and Russia are engaged at the same time, in different forms, and looking at our trade patterns, Nigeria could be asymmetrically affected. That is why the nation must plan. The current world order is fragile, and a new one is evolving, and across human history, that never happens without wars!

For these two men, it is time to ask – what happens if we cannot trade with China, US and Russia for 6 months because they’re at war?

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Comment 1: Ndubuisi Ekekwe greetings. War doesn’t stop trade. Most times, it has the ability to accelerate trade depending on what you are selling or buying. Nigeria leaders just need to position themselves rightly, unfortunately, they are still struggling at home not to talk of internationally. Let us see what 2025 holds. With the sophisticated weapons produced within the last 60 years, war is deadly. Nobody should pray for war.

My Response: Wars stop trade because under laws, nations pass Defense Production Act in different forms and titles. China can say that Huawei’s factory can begin making military hardware, away from its business. During covid,  the US called that law (partly), pushing companies to make their factories available to make covid related things as the government elevated covid to a state of “partial war”. So, if China is at war, do not think they will have time for your toothpicks as that company could be asked to make boots for the army.

Money, in its various forms, has been the backbone of economies and a pivotal factor in the development of civilizations. From the barter system to the digital currencies of today, the concept of money has undergone a remarkable transformation. The journey of money, from tangible goods to digital bits, mirrors humanity’s progress and ingenuity. It is a testament to our ability to adapt and innovate, ensuring that the concept of money will continue to evolve as we do. This evolution reflects not only technological advancements but also changes in societal structures and economic practices.

The Origin of Trade

The earliest form of trade did not involve money as we know it today. Instead, goods and services were exchanged directly, a practice known as bartering. This system worked well within small communities where people traded items of mutual interest. However, as societies grew and the range of goods and services expanded, the limitations of bartering became apparent. There was a need for a more flexible and standardized medium of exchange.

To address the shortcomings of barter, commodity money was introduced. Items like salt, cattle, and grains, which had intrinsic value, were used as a medium of exchange. Notably, salt was so valuable that it was sometimes used to pay Roman soldiers, giving rise to the phrase “worth one’s salt”.

Commodity money has played a crucial role in the economic exchanges of civilizations throughout history. It is defined as money whose value comes from the commodity out of which it is made. Unlike fiat money, which has value because a government maintains its value, or representative money, which represents a claim on a commodity that can be redeemed, commodity money is valuable in itself.

Rise of Metallic Money

The next significant development was the use of metals as money. Metals like gold, silver, and bronze were fashioned into coins, their value often determined by their weight and purity. Metallic money had the advantage of being durable, divisible, and portable, making it a superior form of currency.

Paper Money represented a breakthrough in the evolution of money. Initially, it was a promissory note or IOU that could be exchanged for its value in gold or silver. Over time, paper money became the norm, backed by the trust and authority of governments rather than the value of precious metals.

Electronic Money and Cryptocurrencies

The digital revolution brought about the most recent stage in the evolution of money. Electronic transactions became commonplace, and the concept of money was further abstracted. Digital currencies, such as cryptocurrencies, emerged, challenging traditional financial systems and introducing a new era of decentralized finance.

As we look to the future, the evolution of money seems poised to continue at an even more rapid pace. With advancements in technology and a shift towards a more interconnected global economy, the possibilities are endless. We may see the rise of new forms of currency, further blurring the lines between the physical and digital worlds.

The evolution of money is not just an economic story; it is a narrative that intertwines with the history of human civilization itself. As we embrace new technologies and move towards an increasingly digital world, the story of money will undoubtedly add new chapters, reflecting our changing values, needs, and capabilities. The only constant in the history of money is change, and the future promises to be as fascinating as the past.

The automotive industry is poised for a significant upswing in global demand for new cars by 2026, according to a comprehensive survey conducted by EY. The survey, which encompassed the opinions of 19,000 individuals across 28 countries, indicates a 7% increase in the number of respondents intending to purchase a new car by mid-2026 compared to the previous year.

This anticipated rise in car sales is a multifaceted phenomenon, influenced by various factors including technological advancements, economic dynamics, and shifting consumer preferences. Notably, the survey reveals a growing inclination towards electric vehicles (EVs), with 24% of potential buyers considering an EV for their next purchase, a slight uptick from 20% in the prior year. This trend reflects the increasing awareness and acceptance of EVs as a viable alternative to traditional combustion engines.

The automotive industry is undergoing a technological revolution, with significant improvements in vehicle technology, safety features, and connectivity. If you’re trying to decide the best financial approach to acquiring these innovative cars, a novated lease vs buying outright calculator could help you make an informed decision on which option suits your budget and lifestyle.

More so, the integration of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and the development of autonomous vehicles are making cars more appealing to consumers.

Despite the burgeoning interest in electric cars, petrol engines continue to hold the majority preference at 29%, while hybrids and plug-in hybrids collectively attract 33% of prospective buyers. Diesel vehicles, on the other hand, appear to be losing favor, chosen by only 8% of respondents. The German market, in particular, shows a stronger predilection for electric cars, with 26% of potential buyers leaning towards them, surpassing the European average of 21%.

As the global economy recovers from the impacts of the pandemic, consumer spending power is expected to rise. This economic rebound is likely to translate into higher car sales, as individuals and businesses update their fleets. There is a growing consciousness about the environmental impact of transportation. This has led to increased interest in electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids, which are perceived as more eco-friendly alternatives to traditional combustion engines.

The survey also sheds light on the current economic climate’s impact on consumer behavior. Many individuals are postponing car purchases due to economic uncertainties, which has led to a decline in sales for some of the world’s largest car manufacturers. In Germany, new car registrations fell by 1% in the first nine months of the year, with a notable 29% decrease in registrations for fully electric vehicles.

Many governments are offering incentives to encourage the purchase of low-emission vehicles. These incentives, which can include tax breaks, grants, and subsidies, make EVs and hybrids more financially accessible to a broader range of consumers. The survey indicates a shift in consumer preferences, with a notable number of potential buyers considering EVs for their next car purchase. This shift is partly driven by a desire for more sustainable and innovative transportation options.

The ongoing trend of urbanization and the evolution of mobility solutions, such as car-sharing and ride-hailing services, are influencing car ownership patterns and preferences, potentially leading to an increase in new car purchases. These factors, combined with the automotive industry’s efforts to address supply chain challenges and to produce more sustainable and efficient vehicles, are setting the stage for a significant uptick in new car demand by 2026.

Looking ahead, the automotive industry must navigate these complex consumer patterns while also addressing the challenges posed by supply chain disruptions and the transition towards sustainable mobility. Car makers will need to balance innovation with affordability, ensuring that new models meet the evolving demands of consumers who are increasingly prioritizing environmental impact alongside performance and cost.

The survey’s findings underscore the importance of strategic planning for automotive companies as they prepare for the upcoming surge in demand. By staying attuned to consumer preferences and advancing the development of cleaner, more efficient vehicles, the industry can capitalize on this growth opportunity and drive towards a more sustainable future.