2023
Is Japan Back? Barry’s December letter from Japan that argues that economically the country is doing fine and on security it is moving closer to the United States to counter China’s military build up.
Winter 2023 | The International Economy |

2022
Orban and Hungary’s Baffling Stance on Ukraine, Russia and China
April 17, 2022 | The Daily Friend | read the article
Inspired by Endurance
The discovery of Ernest Shackleton’s vessel deep in the Antarctic sea recalls the spectacular courage of its crew over 100 years ago.
March 22, 2022 | The Daily Friend | Read the article
Investment is Pouring into Texas, Especially Austin Where Tesla’s Second US Production Facility is Set to Open
February 13, 2022 | The Daily Friend | read the article
Fear Not on Inflation, the Fed is Coming to the Rescue
January 23, 2022 | The Daily Friend | read the article
1971 a Significant Year in the US and China
December 27, 2021 | The Globalist | read the article
Despite Strong Indications of Guilt at the Theranos Trial, Elizabeth Holmes Could Walk Free
December 22, 2021 | Biznews.com | read the article
Inflation is the Enemy at the Gate
November 21, 2021 | The Daily Friend | read the article
FW de Klerk–Who Rose to a Shakespearean Challenge
November 14, 2021 | The Daily Friend | read the article
Inflation, Not a Taper Tantrum, is the New Threat
November 7, 2021 | South China Morning Post | read the article
The Work From Home Revolution
October 17, 2021 | South China Morning Post | read the article
Income Inequality–China and South Africa
September 19, 2021 | Daily Friend | read the article
How Events in 1971 Changed China and the United States
August 22, 2021 | Daily Friend | read the article
The Deal Maker, Jack Fitzgerald’s Auto Empire
August 9, 2021 | Bethesda Magazine | read the piece
Letter from Silicon Valley
July 23, 2021 | Biznews.com | read the story
Is US Inflation Transitory or Persistent?
June 3, 2021 | South China Morning Post | read the story
A Dangerous Trend Threatening Free Speech
April 21, 2021 | The Daily Friend | read the story
Revolutionary War Veterans Flocked to Ohio
When a defeated Britain ceded the Northwest Territory to America in 1783, it opened Ohio to settlement by Revolutionary War soldiers and their familes.
May 12, 2021 | Cleveland Plain Dealer | Read the story
Savannah Sets the Standard for Dealing with Slavery and Civil War
April 7, 2021 | Savannah Morning News | read the story
San Francisco and Prague, A Double Portrait
January 3, 2021 | The Globalist | read the story
The Shenzhen Example
Winter 2020/2021 | The International Economy | read the story
2020
How the Pandemic Impacts the Silicon Valley Economy
November 10, 2020 | Daily Friend (South Africa) | read the story
Getting a Superb Education in Kalamazoo
November 4, 2020 | Western Michigan University Alumni Association | read the story
American Dispatch: Amid Division and Doubt, Americans Await the Presidential Election
October 18, 2020 | Daily Friend (South Africa) | read the story
American Dispatch: Shenzhen, Where the Chinese Economic Miracle Began
September 6, 2020 | Daily Friend (South Africa) | read the story
American Dispatch: Midwest Economy on Life Support
August 2, 2020 | Daily Friend (South Africa) | read the story
American Dispatch: Statues/Rewriting History
July 12, 2020 | Daily Friend (South Africa) | read the story
1918 Flu Epidemic Terrorized Ohio Towns
June 27, 2020 | Columbus Dispatch | read the story
American Newspapers on the Brink
June 20, 2020 | The Globalist | read the story
It Won’t be Easy for Trump to Change the G7
June 14, 2020 | The Daily Friend | read the article
50 Years After Kent State, America Divided Then and Now
May 4, 2020 | The Globalist | read the article
50 Years After Kent State, We’re Even More Divided
May 4, 2020 | Washington Examiner | read the article
The Thriving Hotel California–High Tech
March 9, 2020 | Biznews | read the article
Berlin: Lessons for South Africa
February 20, 2020 | Biznews | Read the article
Phase One, US China Trade Deal
January 15, 2020 | The Globalist | Read the article
Richard Maponya Came to Kerry Road..1975
January 14, 2020 | Biznews | Read the article
2019
Central Europe: Democracy Under Pressure
Yes, Poland and Hungary currently are illiberal democracies, but overall post-communist Europe is doing VERY well.
November 19, 2019 | The Globalist | Read the article
Freedom Reborn: Witnessing German Unification
November 9, 2019 | The Globalist | Read the article
Voices from Eastern Europe 30 Years After the Wall
(#3, The Balkans)
November 10, 2019 | The Globalist | read the article
Voices from Eastern Europe 30 Years After the Wall
(#2, Central Europe)
November 9, 2019 | The Globalist | read the article
Voices from Eastern Europe 30 Years After the Wall
(a three part Globalist series, #1 Baltics and Kaliningrad)
November 8, 2019 | The Globalist | read the article
Britain: Keeping Calm Amid Chaos
September 11, 2019 | Japan Times, the Globalist | read the article
Two Chinas: Hong Kong and Shanghai
July 30, 2019 | theglobalist.com | read the article
Letter From Shanghai
July 20, 2019 | Biz News | read the article
G20 Osaka is Successful Statecraft
June 28, 2019 | Market Watch | read the article
Tesla’s Future Linked to Nevada Gigafactory
June 22, 2019 | Market Watch | read the article
Mozambique’s 44 Years From Liberation
June 6, 2019 | politicsweb.co.za | read the article
44 Years of Mozambique Independence: Communism, Corruption, Heroin
June 5, 2019 | biznews.com | read the article
Alumni Spotlight: Free Speech and Critical Thinking
April 19, 2019 | wmualumni.org | read the article
2018
Visit the Martin Guitar Factory in Nazareth, PA
October 29, 2018 | USA Today | read the article
Tomas Masaryk and Czechoslovak Independence, 1918
October 28, 2018 | The Globalist | read the article
The EU and the Balkans: Letter From Belgrade
May 16, 2018 | The Globalist | read the article
A Look at the FedEx China Hub in Guangzhou
May 10, 2018| USA Today | read the article
Amtrak Zephyr and Capitol Limited Across the USA
March 25, 2018 | USA Today | read the article
Nexus of Global Innovation–Leading Tech Companies in the Bay Area
March 5, 2018 | Biznews | read the article
Sydney Opera House/Disney Concert Hall–Immense Beauty
February 12, 2018 | Linkedin | read the article
Hungary’s Viktor Orban upsets EU decorum, taking the stance of populist rebel against the elites.
January 11, 2018 | Huffington Post | read the article
2017
Will the Republicans’ corporate tax cut help them or will it help the Democrats? We’ll know by the 2018 mid-term elections.
December 5, 2017 | Biznews | read the article
The Trump tax measure is not only controversial, no one knows what its impact will be.
December 3, 2017 | Huffpost | read the article
With Robert Mugabe’s rule finally over, long suffering Zimbabweans are hoping for a better life. It will take time to repair the devastated economy.
November 23, 2017 | The Globalist | read the article
After eight years Wolfgang Schäuble has moved on from the German finance ministry. In this tribute Barry says Schäuble did a great job for Germany and Europe.
October 24, 2017 | The Globalist | Read the article
Storm Clouds of Nationalism Gather Over Eastern Europe
September 5, 2017 | MarketWatch | Read More
On a Fateful Anniversary, Detroit is Rising
July 23, 2017 | MarketWatch | Read More
The G20 Forum is Vital
July 7, 2017 |MarketWatch | Read More
Pulling Down Lee Statues is a Mistake
June 9, 2017 | Atlanta Journal Constitution | Read More
What Tesla and Alphabet Can Learn From Buffett About Annual Meetings
June 8, 2017 | MarketWatch | Read more
Removal of The Lee Statue in New Orleans Sets a Dangerous Precedent
May 28, 2017 | Huffpost | Read more
The Message from Omaha: People Come to the Berkshire Meeting to Learn
May 8, 2017 | MarketWatch | Read more
South Africa’s latest political drama could split the ruling party
April 7, 2017 | MarketWatch | Read more
South Africa Turmoil Deepens After Finance Minister Ousted
March 31, 2017 | The Street | Read more
Tech tour: Visiting the HQs of Silicon Valley’s iconic brands
March 23, 2017 | USA Today | Read more
Wilderness at the Doorstep
March/April 2017 | Spokes | Read more (pdf)
What’s in a country’s statues? Namibia, et al and North Korea
March 3, 2017 | BizNews.com | Read more
Zimbabwe waits for change, and waits, and waits
February 25, 2017 | MarketWatch | Read more
Tesla and Fremont hope to prove manufacturing can thrive in high-cost areas
February 9, 2017 | MarketWatch | Read more
Waiting for Godot in Zimbabwe
February 20, 2017 | Moneyweb | Read more
From California, Prof Jansen frets SA now “living in the age of unreason.”
January 30, 2017 | BizNews.com | Read more
As Trump comes in, trade stands at a crossroads
January 20, 2017 | MarketWatch | Read more
2016
Obama, who suffered foreign-policy losses, strengthened ties with three former enemies
December 27, 2016 | MarketWatch | Read more
Trump’s win a big wake-up for ANC: listen or you’ll lose power
November 30, 2016 | BizNews.com | Read more
Trump’s Victory Should be a Wake Up Call for South Africa’s Ruling Party
November 30, 2016 | BizNews.com Read more
The Stunning House of Sweden in Washington Turns Ten
November 8, 2016 | Huffington Post | Read more
Remembering Leonard Cohen
November 14, 2016 | Huffington Post | Read more
How Trump’s Polices May Impact Emerging Markets
November 11, 2016 | Moneyweb | Read more
Japan’s Teetering Economy Damaged by Stronger Yen
June 30, 2016 | MarketWatch | Read more
Where Tesla Stands as Elon Musk Opens the Giga Factory
June 29, 2016 | MarketWatch | Read more
Transition at Berkshire, and Chinese are the Newest Pilgrims Making the Annual Trek to Omaha
May 2, 2016 | MarketWatch | Read more
Stegosaurus rising at the World Trade Center
April 20, 2016 | USA Today | Read more
Despite a deepening political crisis, South Africa’s Finance Minister Projects Confidence in Washington
April 14, 2016 | Moneyweb | Read more
World Central Banks Sail Uncharted Waters
March 12, 2016 | MarketWatch | Read more
Economic Failures in Cuba
March 5, 2016 | MarketWatch | Read more
America’s Most Beautiful Train Ride? Amtrak from L.A. to San Jose
March 1, 2016 | USA Today | Read more
Waiting for Warren Buffett to Give His Views of the World
February 26, 2016 | MarketWatch | Read more
Defending Robert E. Lee
January 13, 2016 | Huffington Post | Read more
Madness or Modernity: Changing the Face of Macedonia’s Capital
January 13, 2016 | USA Today | Read more
2015
Congress Passes IMF Governance Reform
December 16, 2015 | USA Today | Read more
G20 Ends with Pledge to step up fight against terror
November 16, 2015 | USA Today | Read more
Obama pledges at G20 to hunt down Paris attackers
November 15, 2015 | USA Today | Read more
G20 Summit to Focus on Syria, Refugees
November 12, 2015 | USA Today | Read more
Bidding Farewell Eero Saarinen’s TWA Terminal at JFK
October 20, 2015 | USA Today | Read more
TPP Reflects Deep Divisions on Trade
October 6, 2015 | MarketWatch | Read more
Germany Holds High Ground in Welcoming Refugees
September 14, 2015 | MarketWatch | Read more
You Think China Has Problems, Look at Japan
August 13, 2015 | MarketWatch | Read more
Why Europe Rescued Greece…Again
July 14, 2015 | MarketWatch | Read more
Greece’s ‘No’ Vote Portends Chaos and Pain
July 7, 2015 | MarketWatch | Read more
The Greek Drama Descends into Farce
June 29, 2015 | MarketWatch | Read more
Can the Greek Gordian Knot Be Broken?
June 26, 2015 | MarketWatch | Read more
Asians Support Trans Pacific Partnership
June 4, 2015 | MarketWatch | Read more
IMF Rate Delay Advice Shows Lagarde is Worried
June 4, 2015 | USA Today | Read more
Why Volvo/Geely Chose South Carolina for US Manufacturing
May 16, 2015 | MarketWatch | Read more
Athol Fugard’s New Play, The Painted Rocks at Revolver Creek, Opens in New York
May 6, 2015 | Biznews.com | Read more
Take-a-Ways from Omaha, the Buffett Munger Show
May 4, 2015 | MarketWatch | Read more
While America Dithered, the G20 Prospered
Spring 2015 | The International Economy | Read more (pdf)
Coast to Coast on Amtrak
February 26, 2015, USAToday.com | Read more
George Palmer, Pioneering Editor of South Africa’s Financial Mail
January 15, 2015 | Moneyweb Read more
Three Things You Need to Know About Cuba
January 13, 2015 | MarketWatch | Read more
2014
An Opportunity for Cuba After 50 Lost Years
December 22, 2014 | MarketWatch | Read more
How Globalization Destroyed the Australian Auto Industry
December 16, 2014 | MarketWatch | Read more
G20 Approves Plan to Boost Global Growth
November 16, 2014 | USA Today | Read more
Ukraine Crisis Preoccupies G20
November 15, 2014 | USA Today | Read more
Obama’s Climate Proposal Shifts G20 Agenda
November 14, 2014 | USA Today | Read more
The G20 Leaders Summit, Brisbane, Australia
November 13-16, 2014 | USA Today (Below are five pieces Barry wrote from the G20) Obama’s Next Stop: G20 | Read more
Ukraine’s Uncertain Future
October 26, 2014 | Huffington Post | Read more
The Global Economy is Adrift in the New Normal
October 10, 2014 | MarketWatch | Read more
Dissenting Views on the Russia Ukraine Conflict
September 9, 2014 | Huffington Post | Read more
See which high-tech company has the wildest building design
September 9, 2014 | MarketWatch | Read more
Jacob Zuma’s Charm Offensive in Washington
August 5, 2014 | Moneyweb | Read more
How to Make Detroit Liveable Again
August 5, 2014 | MarketWatch | Read more
History Lesson: Why Angela Merkel Loves Her Central Bank
July 11, 2014 | MarketWatch | Read more
Zimbabwe: IMF Gives Mugabe a Passing Grade
July 10, 2014 | Moneyweb | Read more
Eastern Europe Unlikely to Match Living Standards of the West
June 4, 2014 | MarketWatch | Read more
South Stream Pipeline a Test of Europe’s Resolve to Punish Russia for Actions in Ukraine.
May 21, 2014 | MarketWatch | Read more
As South Africa Votes, the Case for Optimism
May 5, 2014 | MarketWatch | Read more
Portugal’s Carnation Revolution Changed the World
April 29, 2014 | Moneyweb | Read more
Ruling Party Likely to Win May 7th South Africa Election
April 3, 2014 | USA Today | Read more
South Africa Wants to Get Past its Fragile Five Label
March 25, 2014 | MarketWatch | Read more
Obama’s Half-Hearted Efforts on Trade Deals Not Enough
February 17, 2014 | MarketWatch | Read more
Zimbabwe’s Transition to What?
February 18, 2014 | BizNews.com | Read more
Tesla on a Roll but Potholes Ahead
January 30, 2014 | MarketWatch | Read more
Transition Time in the Rebounding US Auto Industry
January 13, 2014 | MarketWatch | Read more
The Message From Philadelphia: America Fine-Europe Not
January 7, 2014 | MarketWatch | Read more
2013
Mandela’s Imperfect Legacy: South Africa is Hungry for Growth
December 6, 2013 | MarketWatch | Read more
Mandela Will Always be the Father of His Country
December 5, 2013 | USA Today | Read more
Mandela’s Party Weakened But Survives
December 5, 2013 | USA Today | Read more
What’s Next For Greece?
December 2, 2013 | USA Today | Read more
The Bakery Indicator of Polish Progress
November 21, 2013 | MarketWatch | Read more
Greece Needs Deeper Reforms to Finish the Job
October 30, 2013 | MarketWatch | Read more
Pravin Gordhan’s High Profile Week in Washington
October 13, 2013 | Moneyweb.com | Read more
South Africa’s Economy is Very Fragile
October 10, 2013 | Moneyweb.com | Read more
Not a Happy Time as Global Economy Slides Towards the Edge
October 8, 2013 | MarketWatch | Read more
China Stakes Out Investments Along New Silk Road
September 27, 2013 | MarketWatch | Read more
New Normal, Low Wage Manufacturing Arrives in Michigan
August 20, 2013 | MarketWatch | Read more
Building Blocks for Reviving Detroit from Bankruptcy
July 22, 2013 | MarketWatch | Read more
Rushing into a Burning House: Croatia Joins the EU, Latvia the Eurozone
July 1, 2013 | MarketWatch | Read more
Failed Austerity = Smaller € Zone
May 7, 2013 | MarketWatch | Read more
A Long Wait for the BRICS Bank
April 26, 2013 | Moneyweb.com | Read more
C. Fred Bergsten: Evangelist for the Open Economy
April 19, 2013 | The Washington Post | Read more
The Unhelpful Debate Over Austerity Versus Stimulus
April 16, 2013 | MarketWatch | Read more
Where is Transformation Deepest, Eastern Europe or South Africa?
April 8, 2013 | Moneyweb.com | Read more
BRICS Nations Creating New Power Center
April 1, 2013 | MarketWatch | Read more
China Astride Africa
March 25, 2013 | USA Today | Read more
South Africa’s BRICS Business Council Has No Rainbow
March 22, 2013 | Moneyweb.com | Read more
Will Japan Bounce Back?
March 6, 2013 | MarketWatch | Read more
Whole Foods’ John Mackey Does Washington
February 12, 2013 | MarketWatch | Read more
South Africa: The Dangers Ahead for the ANC
February 12, 2013 | Moneyweb.com | Read more
No Escape From Austerity for Club Med Countries
January 28, 2013 | MarketWatch | Read more
2012
Michigan Seeks New Growth Strategy
December 14, 2012 | MarketWatch | Read more
Japan is in Worse Than a Deflationary Trap
November 1, 2012 | MarketWatch | Read more
Out of Money, Detroit Cuts Back
August 28, 2012 | MarketWatch |
Read more
An African Investment Boom
June 9, 2012 | Barron’s | Read more
Mozambique’s Future is Uncertain
February 2, 2012 | MarketWatch | Read more
2009 & 10
Irish Folly Leaves Gaping Hole in Chicago
November 12, 2010 | MarketWatch | Read more
The Baltics Experiment, Implications for the European Central Bank
Summer 2009 | The International Economy | Read more (pdf)