2025 Chaos Unpacked

In today’s episode of What’s going on with BRICS:2025 ChaosUnpackedTrump TariffsGlobal ShiftsIf you’re new to the channel, hey, take a moment, subscribe to the channel, then hit the bell to be alerted about new episodes when they drop.Coming to you today from [location to be filled by owner].What’s in the News* 2025: A year of global chaos and confusion* Gideon Rachman’s FT year-end review calls it a whirlwind of upheaval – Trump’s return upended trade, alliances frayed, and economic shocks rippled everywhere.* Tariffs dominated, sparking retaliation and market swings.* Gold rallied to records as investors fled uncertainty.* Trump’s tariffs shake the world economy* Aggressive duties on China, EU, and others aimed at rebalancing trade.* Result: Higher consumer costs, downgraded growth forecasts, and strained alliances.* Dollar weakened amid prolonged trade war fears.* The strongman race: Trump, Xi, Putin* Rachman compares leaders – China ends year economically stronger despite slowdowns.* Russia holds ground in Ukraine; US inward focus opens space for rivals.* Multipolar dynamics speed up as Western cohesion cracks.* Latin America swings right amid crime wave* Rising violence and economic woes boost strongman politics across the region.* Shift creates openings for BRICS influence in the US backyard.* EU-Mercosur trade deal hangs in balance* Long-stalled pact with South America faces critical vote, delayed by protests and politics.* Europe scrambles for alternatives amid US tariffs.* China’s corporate profits slump* Steep November fall wipes out yearly gains; Beijing cracks down on over-investment.* Internal demand and BRICS trade help offset losses.* Canada accelerates Mercosur talks* Pushes free trade deal to diversify from US tariff risks.* Part of wider global rerouting trend.* Risks and realignments shape 2026 outlook* FT highlights trade faultlines, AI races, and prosperity shifts.* Western confusion contrasts with BRICS’ steady multipolar build-out. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wgowbrics.substack.com