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  • BRICS Without the Dollar: How a New Currency Could Shake the American Economy

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    BRICS Challenging Dollar Dominance

    The BRICS group — Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa — is coordinating ways to trade among themselves using their own currency, different from the U.S. dollar. This move has the potential to weaken the dollar’s hegemonic position as the global reserve currency and the standard for international trade transactions, a status that has supported the economic power of the United States for decades.

    Domino Effect: Declining Demand for the Dollar

    The dollar maintains its value and influence mainly because it is widely used in international trade and held in central bank reserves. If the BRICS countries start trading among themselves in their own currency, global demand for the dollar will plummet. Fewer dollars circulating internationally means a devaluation of the American currency, rising inflation, and loss of U.S. purchasing power.

    Sanctions and Influence Power Compromised

    The United States uses the dollar as a geopolitical weapon: it controls the global financial system and imposes economic sanctions that hit countries and companies challenging its interests. If BRICS adopts another currency, member countries can circumvent these sanctions, drastically reducing U.S. influence on the international stage.

    Impact on U.S. Deficit Financing

    The U.S. depends on selling Treasury bonds to finance its public deficit since international investors buy these bonds with dollars. With reduced use of the dollar, fewer countries and foreign investors will be interested in these bonds, increasing U.S. interest rates and making it harder to finance American debt, potentially leading to a severe fiscal crisis.

    Consequences for the Financial Market and U.S. Domestic Economy

    Losing reserve currency status may trigger capital flight, instability in the U.S. financial markets, and less easy credit, which has fueled U.S. economic growth for decades. This impacts jobs, investments, and the standard of living of Americans.

    Resistance and Uncertain Future

    Although the U.S. still holds economic and technological advantages, the possibility of a strong and united economic bloc like BRICS using its own currency poses a real and growing threat to American supremacy. The future will depend on the U.S.’s ability to adapt or respond to this structural change in the global financial system.

    References

  • PIX: The Revolution That Threatens Card Companies’ Profits and Promotes Financial Freedom

    What is PIX?

    PIX is an instant payment system created by the Central Bank of Brazil, launched in November 2020. It allows real-time transfers and payments, 24/7, free of charge for individuals.

    Threat to Card Corporations

    The business model of major credit card companies, like Visa and Mastercard, relies on charging fees ranging from 1% to 2.5% per transaction. PIX, on the other hand, offers significantly lower fees — about 0.33% for businesses — and is often free for consumers. This difference means substantial savings for merchants and consumers, making PIX an attractive and challenging alternative for traditional card operators.

    How Card Companies’ Dominance Affects People’s Wallets

    The near-monopoly of card companies causes merchants to pass high fees onto consumers, who end up paying more for goods and services. Additionally, banks and card issuers often charge high interest rates on credit use, directly impacting family budgets and personal finances. PIX breaks this cycle by offering a payment method with little or no fees, helping to lower the final cost for consumers.

    Financial Freedom for Countries

    Beyond cost reduction, PIX promotes financial inclusion by allowing unbanked individuals to participate in the digital economy. It facilitates access to essential financial services like bill payments, transfers, and online purchases without relying on traditional financial intermediaries. This strengthens countries’ financial sovereignty, reducing dependence on foreign financial systems and promoting a more self-sustaining economy.

    Reactions from Card Corporations

    The growing popularity of PIX has generated significant reactions among credit card companies. In July 2025, then-US President Donald Trump criticized the system, claiming it harms American companies. This stance reflects concerns over market share loss and decreasing revenues from transaction fees.

    The Future of PIX

    PIX continues to evolve, introducing new features like installment payments, allowing consumers to split purchases into multiple payments directly through the system. This innovation further expands PIX’s reach, making it a powerful tool in transforming the global payment system.

    References

  • Gaza: A People Without Land, Food, or Hope

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    While the world watches silently, more than 60,000 Palestinians have already lost their lives in Gaza due to violence, hunger, and forced displacement. The humanitarian tragedy worsens daily, with children dying of hunger and families being expelled from their homes. What is happening in Gaza is a crisis of apocalyptic proportions, and the international community must act now.

    Forced Displacement: Palestinians Losing Their Homes

    The Israeli military offensive in Gaza has displaced approximately 1.9 million Palestinians, about 90% of the region’s population. Many families have been forced to abandon their homes and seek shelter in precarious conditions, facing extreme temperatures and lack of basic resources. The destruction of infrastructure, including hospitals and schools, has further worsened the situation, leaving civilians vulnerable and without access to essential services.

    Uncontrolled Hunger: Children Dying of Starvation

    Food shortages in Gaza have reached alarming levels, with more than 470,000 people facing extreme food insecurity. Children and the elderly are the main victims of this crisis, with reports of deaths from malnutrition in overcrowded hospitals. Lack of access to food and clean water, combined with the destruction of health systems, has created a scenario of widespread hunger and indescribable human suffering.

    Insufficient Humanitarian Responses: Aid Arrives Late and Inadequate

    International organizations warn that the humanitarian aid sent to Gaza is insufficient to meet the population’s needs. Despite efforts by NGOs and UN agencies, the distribution of food and medicine faces significant obstacles due to the imposed blockade and insecurity in affected areas. Lack of safe and continuous access to the region prevents an effective response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

    Call for International Action: The Time to Act is Now

    The international community must act immediately to end the violence, ensure unrestricted humanitarian access, and support efforts for a lasting political solution. It is imperative that Palestinians’ human rights be respected and that concrete measures be taken to alleviate suffering and restore the dignity of a people long living under occupation and repression.

    References:

  • Who Created PIX and How It Revolutionized Payments in Brazil

    The Creation of PIX

    PIX was created by the Central Bank of Brazil to modernize and simplify the country’s payment system. Development began in 2018, and the system was officially launched in November 2020. The initiative aimed to offer a fast, secure solution available 24/7, unlike traditional methods like TED, DOC, and cards.

    Who Was the Creator

    Although PIX is an initiative of the Central Bank, its development involved various internal technical teams and specialized fintech consultants. The then president of the Central Bank, Roberto Campos Neto, was one of the main supporters and drivers of the project, aiming to transform Brazil’s financial system and encourage digital innovation.

    How PIX Works

    PIX allows instant transfers and payments at any time of day, processing transactions in seconds. It is accessible through banking apps using PIX keys — such as CPF (tax ID), email, phone number, or a random key — to identify accounts, simplifying daily financial operations.

    Revolution in Payment Methods

    Before PIX, Brazilians depended on methods like TED and DOC, which only works during business hours and often charges fees. PIX removed these barriers by enabling instant, free transfers for individuals, increasing financial inclusion. Additionally, PIX introduced innovations such as installment payments, contactless payments, and integration with billing systems.

    Social and Economic Impact

    PIX significantly changed consumer and merchant behavior, facilitating e-commerce, bill payments, and even donations. The system’s speed and convenience encouraged the formalization of small businesses and expanded access to financial services for population segments previously excluded from the traditional banking system.

    References

  • Canada Responds to Trump’s Tariffs and Flirts with BRICS

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    The trade dispute between Canada and the U.S. is no longer just about money — it is starting to shape new alliances. With increasingly tough tariffs, especially on lumber and steel, Canada is responding with domestic measures and seeking new partners, such as BRICS. The question is: are we witnessing a historic repositioning of the country?

    Ottawa’s Immediate Response

    In recent weeks, the Canadian government announced a package of up to 1.2 billion Canadian dollars to support the lumber industry, which has been hit hard by tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. The goal is to prevent job losses and maintain competitiveness in the global market, even with the extra weight of American tariffs.

    Market Diversification

    Canadian companies have accelerated their search for new trade partners, increasing exports to countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. This diversification strategy aims to reduce the country’s historical dependence on the U.S. market, which still accounts for a significant share of Canada’s foreign trade.

    Interest in BRICS

    BRICS — formed by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, and now expanded to include Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and others — has emerged as an alternative route. With growing economies and increasingly robust trade agreements, the bloc offers Canada the chance to expand its global reach while reducing vulnerability to Washington’s decisions.

    Pragmatism Over Ideology

    Analysts stress that Canada’s approach to BRICS does not signify an ideological break with the U.S., but rather a pragmatic stance. Ottawa wants more strategic options at the negotiating table and does not wish to be dependent on a single partner, especially in times of political and trade uncertainty.

    References:

  • Canada and BRICS: A New Perspective on Global Relations

    Pixabay

    BRICS and Its Expansion

    BRICS, originally formed by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has been expanding to include countries like Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. This expansion reflects growing dissatisfaction with the Western-dominated economic order and a search for alternatives that offer greater autonomy and influence on the international stage.

    Canada’s Role in Global Relations

    Canada, traditionally an ally of the United States and a G7 member, has faced challenges in its trade relations with the U.S., especially after high tariffs imposed by former President Donald Trump. These developments have led Canada to reconsider its alliances and explore new strategic partnerships.

    Canada’s Interest in BRICS

    Although there is no official confirmation that Canada has applied to join BRICS, there is speculation about a possible interest in strengthening ties with the bloc. Growing tensions with the U.S. and the desire for economic diversification may motivate Canada to consider BRICS as a viable alternative to strengthen its position in global trade.

    Implications for Canadian Trade and Foreign Policy

    Closer ties with BRICS could offer Canada access to new markets and investment opportunities. However, questions arise about democratic values and human rights, especially concerning some BRICS members. Canada would need to balance its economic interests with its ethical and political commitments when considering deeper collaboration with the bloc.

    References

  • Monetizing Children: When ‘Views’ Become Child Labor

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    The era of the family spectacle

    In recent years, millions of families have started documenting children in videos and live streams that generate views, followers, and income. The phenomenon — known by researchers as sharenting or kidfluencing — turns intimate routines into content measured by metrics and algorithms, often without safeguards for privacy, emotional development, or fair compensation for minors.

    When play turns into a script and exposure

    The problem is not just cute videos: reports and studies show children pressured to perform, daily routines filmed almost without pause, and scenes that expose them to aggressive comments, harassment, and security risks. Psychologists warn of impacts on identity, self-esteem, and consent — often compromised when the “yes” comes only from a legal guardian.

    Parents, audience, and the attention economy

    For many parents, creating content has become a source of income or a business. Brands and platforms monetize reach; algorithms reward emotional and repeatable content — and children become the means, not the end. This dynamic strongly incentivizes maximum exposure, even at the expense of rights and well-being.

    Legislation in motion — examples and gaps

    Some governments have already responded: U.S. states like Illinois have passed laws requiring financial protections and applying rules similar to those for child actors. Similar proposals are emerging elsewhere, such as in New York, with advocates calling for deletion rights and trust accounts to ensure children receive a share of the profits. Still, legal coverage remains uneven, leaving significant protection gaps.

    Documented consequences — cases raising alarms

    Recent cases show that online fame can hide abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation — when the pursuit of audience justifies potentially harmful practices. Young people who grew up under constant filming report loss of autonomy and trauma linked to an image that remains permanently online.

    What international organizations recommend

    Agencies such as UNICEF and UN bodies call for integrated policies: limiting commercial exposure, offering tools to remove content, educating parents, and creating legal frameworks that reconcile child protection with family freedom. Recommendations include protection from violence, preservation of privacy, and safeguarding of children’s economic rights.

    How judges and lawmakers can act — practical proposals

    1. Recognize child-related content as protected labor: apply rules similar to those in entertainment — time limits, legal supervision, and ensuring part of the income goes into a trust fund.
    2. Right to removal and correction: allow children, upon reaching legal age, to request the deletion of seriously invasive content.
    3. Mandatory financial transparency: require accounting and fair revenue sharing.
    4. Digital monitoring and parental education: empower child protection agencies to monitor practices and educate families about risks and consent.

    Rethinking the value of childhood

    This is not about banning families from sharing memories, but preventing the pursuit of clicks from turning childhood into a product. Clear rules can balance family freedom, economic protection, and the right of every child to grow up free from exploitation.

    References

  • Swamp, Crocodiles, and Suffering: The New Immigrant Prison.

    Swamp, Crocodiles, and Suffering: The New Immigrant Prison. “Hell has no bars, but crocodiles do.”

    Freepikwirestock

    “They have no way to wash themselves, no way to rinse their mouths, the toilets overflow, and the floor is flooded with urine and feces.”
    “They eat once a day and have two minutes to eat. The meals have worms.”
    — The Washington Post, CBS News, NBC4 Washington

    Built in the heart of the Florida swamps, the immigrant detention center nicknamed Alligator Alcatraz is an extreme symbol of Donald Trump’s immigration policies. The facility was constructed in just eight days on an old airport runway in the middle of the Big Cypress environmental reserve, a region infested with crocodiles, mosquitoes, and mud. There, thousands of irregular migrants were thrown into a hostile environment, lacking even the most basic dignity.

    The natural cell: crocodiles as guards

    There are no high walls or visible watchtowers. Nature itself is used as a trap: crocodiles, snakes, and marshes hinder any escape attempts. The location is isolated and practically inaccessible. For many, it is an open-air prison surrounded by wild threats — a deliberate choice, critics say, to make suffering part of the punishment.

    “I had a Canadian passport, lawyers, money, media attention… and yet I was detained for almost two weeks.” |
    Even with all possible resources, the system didn’t care. They kept me detained without clear justification. I was only released after my story went viral in the press. I felt powerless and invisible.
    Reference: Reddit – case discussion
    https://www.reddit.com/r/Longreads/comments/1jf1rui

    A prison built in haste — and without mercy

    In June 2025, the prison was announced. Days later, metal barracks were already erected. The planned capacity was 5,000 detainees. The reality began with 3,000. Scarce drinking water, extreme heat, relentless mosquitoes, and lack of basic sanitation define daily life for those inside — most of whom have committed no crimes, only seeking a better life.

    “We were all sick, full of bites, and thirsty”

    Detainees’ accounts describe the environment as “unbearable.” A 15-year-old Mexican teenager was detained with adults for several days until his age was finally recognized. He was weak, sick, and traumatized. Others report water rationing, poor-quality food, and denied medical care. Some fainted from heat or spent days without access to basic medication.

    Denied access to lawyers and lawmakers

    Organizations like the ACLU report detainees are prevented from receiving legal visits. Not even elected members of Congress have been allowed to inspect the facility. “It’s a policy of terror and isolation. The intention is clear: to dehumanize immigrants,” said a representative of the organization.

    Indigenous protests and environmental threats ignored

    The prison was built on sacred land of the Miccosukee and Seminole indigenous communities. They were not consulted. Environmentalists also warn the construction destroys part of the Everglades ecosystem, threatening species and the region’s natural balance. Yet the building proceeded without environmental impact assessments.

    Mexico denounces human rights violations

    The Mexican government demanded the repatriation of its citizens detained at Alligator Alcatraz, especially after learning of the teenager’s detention. “It is an affront to the most basic rights. Even in times of war, this kind of facility is unjustifiable,” declared President Claudia Sheinbaum.

    Who pays for this barbarism?

    The prison costs over US$400 per detainee per day — funds coming from emergency budgets, FEMA, and the Department of Homeland Security. Meanwhile, thousands of families remain unaware of their relatives’ whereabouts. There is no transparency, no compassion.

    References:

  • Brazil–US Crisis: Sanctions and Sovereignty

    Donald Trump has increased pressure on Brazil. With new tariffs and sanctions against Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, the crisis has deepened. Both the public and the government are now asking: why is the U.S. waging a battle against Brazil’s sovereignty?

    The Bolsonaro Case and Foreign Interference

    The crisis began with the trial of former President Jair Bolsonaro, accused of attempting a coup after the 2022 elections. Trump, a close ally of Bolsonaro, criticized the trial and called it a “witch hunt.” In response, the U.S. sanctioned Alexandre de Moraes, accusing him of abuse of power and human rights violations.

    Tariffs and Their Impact on Brazil’s Economy

    In addition to sanctions against Moraes, the U.S. raised tariffs by 50% on key Brazilian exports like coffee and beef. This could hurt nearly 36% of Brazil’s exports to the U.S., leading to major economic losses.

    How Economic Persecution Can Cripple Nations

    U.S.-driven sanctions and punishments can severely damage countries like Brazil. These actions restrict international trade, discourage foreign investment, and raise the cost of imports and exports. The result is lower production, rising unemployment, and higher prices. Ultimately, it’s ordinary people who suffer — paying the price for political decisions beyond their control.

    Sanctions May Lead to Rising Unemployment and Poverty

    As the economy weakens due to sanctions, businesses often shut down or lay off workers. Unemployment rises, and more people are left without income. With less money circulating, poverty spreads, and families struggle to cover basic needs like food, housing, and healthcare.

    Brazil’s Response

    The Brazilian government has called the sanctions a clear interference in national sovereignty. Leaders, including those from the Supreme Court, have defended Alexandre de Moraes, insisting that the Brazilian justice system must remain independent and free from foreign pressure.

    The Road Ahead

    While Brazil seeks international support and considers its next steps, the population is already feeling the effects of U.S. sanctions. The government must act quickly to protect the nation’s interests and reduce the impact on its citizens.

    A Power Struggle Over Sovereignty

    Donald Trump has launched a serious power struggle against Brazil’s sovereignty. By imposing sanctions and interfering in internal decisions, the former U.S. president has turned political disagreements into a global power conflict. With its economy already under strain, Brazil now faces pressure from a superpower determined to assert its will — using trade, diplomacy, and even financial systems as weapons.

    References

  • US Sanctions Alexandre de Moraes under the Global Magnitsky Act

    A law against tyrants… applied to a Supreme Court justice?

    The Global Magnitsky Act is a U.S. law created to punish foreign individuals accused of systematic corruption or severe human rights violations. Inspired by the case of Russian lawyer Sergei Magnitsky — who died in 2009 after exposing a major corruption scheme involving Russian officials — the law allows the U.S. government to impose unilateral sanctions on any person abroad involved in actions such as:

    • Arbitrary arrests
    • Torture and political repression
    • Censorship of free speech
    • Embezzlement of public funds or illicit enrichment

    The global version of the act, passed in 2016, turned it into a powerful tool of punitive diplomacy, used against dictators, business leaders, and even members of the judiciary. Sanctions may include:

    • Asset freezes in the U.S. or in any dollar-denominated transactions
    • Entry bans to the United States
    • Prohibition of financial dealings with American companies or individuals
    • Global reputational damage, as many countries and private institutions informally follow the list

    Alexandre de Moraes: The Judge Targeted by the American Empire

    In July 2025, the United States officially added Brazilian Supreme Federal Court (STF) Justice Alexandre de Moraes to the Global Magnitsky sanctions list. The order, signed by President Donald Trump, alleges that Moraes was involved in:

    • Unlawful arrests of political opponents
    • Systematic censorship of the press and social media
    • Politically motivated prosecutions, especially targeting former President Jair Bolsonaro, an ally of Trump

    According to the U.S. Treasury Department, Moraes “abused his authority to persecute political opponents and suppress civil liberties in Brazil.” The administration further accused him of acting as both “judge and executioner” in a “campaign of political persecution.”

    This marks the first time a Supreme Court justice from a consolidated democracy has been added to the Magnitsky list — previously applied mostly to figures from authoritarian regimes like Russia, China, Iran, and Venezuela.

    What Do the Sanctions Mean in Practice?

    Although Moraes does not appear to have publicly known assets in the U.S., the law’s enforcement has immediate and serious consequences:

    • Any dollar-linked asset in his name can be frozen by international banks
    • He is banned from entering the U.S. or obtaining any type of U.S. visa
    • American tech companies like Google, Apple, and Meta (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp) may face pressure to suspend his personal accounts
    • Brazilian financial institutions dealing in U.S. dollars are reassessing contracts to avoid secondary sanctions — Bradesco, for example, has already called in its compliance team to review the case

    Even without arrest or direct action, the sanctions effectively isolate Moraes from the Western financial and diplomatic system — a form of “international civil death.”

    Why Did Trump Do It?

    According to international analysts, Trump’s motivations are clear:

    • Strengthening political support for Bolsonaro, who was declared ineligible for office by Moraes after coup attempt investigations in 2022
    • Accusing the Brazilian judiciary of bias, echoing Trump’s own narrative about a “deep state” and politicized justice system
    • Sending a message to his voter base by showing strength against ideological opponents — even abroad

    By sanctioning Moraes, Trump also seeks to reshape his international image as a defender of free speech and political dissent — as long as it’s against his rivals.

    How Did Brazil Respond?

    Yes — Brazil responded firmly. The Brazilian government condemned the move as a serious external interference in national sovereignty. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement saying, “No Brazilian authority is above Brazilian law — but neither are they subject to foreign governments.” President Lula expressed full support for the Supreme Court and declared that Brazil would not accept unilateral political sanctions against its judicial members.

    Still, the episode has worsened diplomatic tensions between Brazil and the U.S. — and opened a dangerous precedent: the use of judicial sanctions as a tool of geopolitical pressure between democracies.

    In Summary

    The inclusion of Alexandre de Moraes on the Global Magnitsky sanctions list marks an unprecedented and explosive moment in Brazil–U.S. relations. Whether driven by political or ideological motives, Trump’s move highlights the fragile balance between judicial independence and foreign pressure. For some, Moraes is a democratic defender against extremism. For others, an authoritarian censor disguised as a judge.

    Sources