World on Edge: 007 Reports on Global Flashpoints and Economic Storms

Another Day Another Disaster

Right so the world's gone a bit pear shaped again. Seems America's decided to play cowboys and Iranians by blasting a few nuclear facilities. President Trump ever the showman is calling it a 'spectacular military success'. Personally I'd prefer a vodka martini shaken not stirred and a bit less 'spectacular' geopolitics. The Foreign Minister in Iran isn’t happy surprise surprise. 'Outrageous' is the word he used which I believe is code for 'we're about to make things very difficult.' Global markets are having the jitters which means my bookies are probably doing quite well.

NATO: No Time to Die (But Maybe to Pay Up)

The NATO summit in The Hague is shaping up to be a right royal rumble. Trump bless his cotton socks wants Europe to cough up more for defense. Some countries are dragging their heels calling the 5% of GDP target 'unreasonable'. It's all a bit like herding cats really. And with tensions between Israel and Iran simmering nicely this meeting could be the mother of all diplomatic headaches. As the Americans are fond of saying there's no such thing as a free lunch or a free defense apparently. I hope someone's brought the aspirin.

Summer Davos: A View to a Trade Deal?

Meanwhile over in Tianjin it's Summer Davos. The Chinese are hosting the World Economic Forum's Meeting of New Champions and technology is the hot topic. Relations between China and the West are about as smooth as a gravel driveway and those trade talks with the U.S. are still dragging on. Someone asked U.S Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick if current tariffs on China would not shift again to which he replied "You can definitely say that." Which to me means absolutely nothing. The corporate leaders and international delegates there are all hoping for some clarity but I wouldn't hold your breath. My advice? Pack a phrasebook and a stiff upper lip.

Germany's Engine: Licence to Grow

Back in Europe it's the Day of Industry in Germany. Apparently they're the 'Engine of Growth'. I must say the Germans do make a good car even if my Aston Martin is British through and through. The new government is touting its economic prowess and some forecasts are looking up. Even Trump seems to have been relatively civil to the German Chancellor during a recent visit. But it's not all schnitzel and beer. Trump's tariffs are costing German automakers a fortune. So while they might be growing they're also paying a hefty price for it. A bit like my dry cleaning bills after a particularly messy mission.

The Name's Bond Economic Bond

So there you have it. The world in a nutshell: Iran in turmoil NATO squabbling China and the U.S. playing economic chess and Germany trying to keep the lights on. It's all a bit chaotic really. Makes you long for a quiet evening at home with a good book and a beautiful woman. But duty calls and I have a feeling things are about to get a lot more interesting. After all the world is not enough or so they say.

Shaken Not Stirred and Definitely Unstable

The global stage is set for a tense few days and I'll be keeping a close eye on it all. Who knows what tomorrow may bring? One thing's for sure: it'll be anything but boring. Until then I'll be off to find a comfortable casino and a dry martini. After all one must maintain standards even in times of global crisis. Farewell and remember the name's Bond James Bond. And I always have a plan B just in case.