Reports indicate that South Africa’s ambassador to France, Nkosinathi Emmanuel “Nathi” Mthethwa, has been found dead less than a day after going missing. Authorities received a concerning message from him the previous evening, and his phone last pinged near the Bois de Boulogne in Paris. According to reports, he is believed to have jumped from the 22nd floor of a hotel, though this has not been officially confirmed. Mthethwa had a long political career, serving as a minister in various capacities since the early 2000s, and most recently as South Africa’s ambassador to France.
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The United States’ decision to impose a 40% tariff on Brazilian imports, bringing the total to 50%, has significantly damaged relations between Washington and Brasilia. In response, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva stated he would not contact U.S. President Donald Trump, citing Trump’s disinterest in dialogue, and instead plans to focus on connecting with leaders within the BRICS coalition. This decision follows Trump’s previous outreach and signals a deepening rift, exacerbated by U.S. criticism of political developments in Brazil, including the house arrest of former President Jair Bolsonaro. Despite these challenges, Brazil intends to defend its trade interests through all available means, including the World Trade Organization.
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I won’t humiliate myself: Brazil’s president sees no point in tariff talks with Trump. Honestly, that seems to be the prevailing sentiment here, and I get it. Dealing with certain personalities can be, shall we say, less than productive. Apparently, the Brazilian president, whose name isn’t explicitly mentioned but the context is clear, shares this view. It seems like a pretty solid strategy: if a situation is going to lead to a waste of time and possible embarrassment, why bother? Some might call it stubborn, others, strategic.
The general feeling is that Trump is behaving, and being treated, like a clown.… Continue reading
Lula tells Trump the world doesn’t want an ‘emperor’, and that statement comes loaded with layers of meaning, particularly in light of the brewing tension surrounding a potential US tariff on BRICS nations. It’s a phrase that resonates with the core of the situation: a rejection of authoritarian tendencies and a warning against protectionist policies that could further isolate the US on the global stage.
This isn’t just a throwaway line; it’s a direct response to actions that some perceive as imperialistic. The threat of a hefty tariff on Brazil, and implicitly other BRICS members, can be interpreted as a strong-arm tactic, a way of exerting control over trade and economic relationships.… Continue reading
Following threats of new tariffs by former U.S. President Donald Trump against countries aligning with BRICS, China responded that the economic group does not seek confrontation and does not target any specific nation. China’s Foreign Ministry emphasized BRICS’ focus on cooperation and inclusivity in response to the potential tariff hikes. Trump’s plans to reimpose higher tariffs threaten to disrupt global trade, despite a recent trade agreement between the U.S. and China. The BRICS summit in Brazil condemned the tariff increases without naming Trump, while key leaders, Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin, were notably absent.
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President Donald Trump has threatened a 10 percent tariff on countries aligning with the BRICS nations, which includes Russia, potentially impacting Russian President Vladimir Putin. This follows a BRICS summit where they condemned Trump’s import tariffs and strikes on Iran. Trump’s warning, posted on Truth Social, also comes after the group criticized U.S. tariffs and NATO’s increased defense spending. This could signal a tougher stance toward Russia, with the 90-day pause on Trump’s reciprocal tariffs set to expire soon.
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Putin will not go to the BRICS summit in Brazil due to the ICC arrest warrant, according to a Kremlin aide, and this is a development that’s clearly set off a ripple effect of speculation and, let’s be honest, a bit of gloating. It seems the international warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) has put a serious damper on his travel plans. Who would have guessed, right? It’s fascinating to see how the very idea of being apprehended is enough to keep him grounded.
And that, of course, immediately begs the question: what’s the *real* reason? While the official word is the ICC warrant, you can’t help but wonder if there are other factors at play.… Continue reading
Vietnam’s admission as a Brics partner country was announced by Brazil, the current Brics chair. This decision reflects Vietnam’s substantial population, robust economy, and commitment to multilateralism and South-South cooperation. Brazil emphasized Vietnam’s alignment with Brics’ goals of a more inclusive global order. The addition strengthens the Brics group’s presence in Asia and its broader agenda of global governance reform.
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US to cut off all future funding to South Africa: A perplexing decision
The announcement that the US will cut off all future funding to South Africa is certainly a headline-grabber. It’s a move that raises numerous questions, the most prominent being the motivations behind such a drastic decision. While the stated reason involves claims of unfair treatment of “certain classes of people” and land confiscations, the lack of concrete evidence casts a shadow of doubt over the stated justification. The timing of this declaration also fuels speculation about underlying influences.
This action directly impacts the nearly $440 million in aid that the US obligated to South Africa in 2023.… Continue reading
Former President Trump issued a warning to BRICS nations against replacing the US dollar as the global reserve currency, threatening 100% tariffs on any country attempting to do so. This follows previous tariff threats levied against both BRICS and other nations, including Canada and Mexico. Trump’s statement comes despite ongoing global discussions regarding alternatives to the dollar, fueled by geopolitical events and economic shifts. Studies, however, continue to demonstrate the enduring global reliance on the US dollar as the primary reserve currency.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood