The article argues that the Federal Reserve's recent rate hike decision, while justifiable on inflation grounds, highlights a critical lack of an underlying, transparent policy framework. The core problem is that the Fed's decisions appear discretionary, leading to market uncertainty because the committee's judgment, rather than clear data, dictates policy shifts. The author proposes that the Fed adopt a formal monetary policy rule—an algebraic formula linking the target rate to indicators like inflation and unemployment—to replace subjective guidance. Implementing such a rule would provide market predictability, enhance transparency, and shield the Fed from political attacks by making deviations from the standard easily quantifiable.
Will Colombia elect a far-right president?
English Summary
Colombia's polarized election reflects a broader regional trend toward populist and anti-establishment far-right politics across Latin America. The contest pits the left-wing reformist candidate against a hardline, pro-business challenger who advocates for deregulation, resource exploitation, and dismantling previous peace accords. This alignment is strongly supported by local elites seeking closer ties with US geopolitical interests. Strategically, this signals that regional democratic erosion may increase instability, making Colombia a key flashpoint where external powers can exert influence to secure political allies and access vital natural resources.
中文摘要
哥倫比亞兩極化的選舉反映了拉丁美洲範圍內，民粹主義和反建制極右翼政治的更廣泛趨勢。這場競選將左翼改革派候選人與一位強硬、親商業的挑戰者對立；該挑戰者主張廢除監管、資源開發以及瓦解既有的和平協定。這種傾向得到了尋求與美國地緣政治利益更緊密聯繫的地方精英群體的強烈支持。從戰略角度來看，這表明區域民主侵蝕可能會增加不穩定性，使哥倫比亞成為一個關鍵的爆發點，外部勢力可以在此施加影響力，以確保政治盟友和獲取重要的自然資源。
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