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The US Dollar killer.
PLUS: The easiest second passport?
Welcome, Anticitizen.
For centuries after its introduction in the year 310 AD by Emperor Constantine I, the Byzantine solidus was the most powerful and stable currency in the world. However, the rise of Caliph Abd al-Malik and the implementation of the Islamic gold dinar in the 7th Century shifted this balance of power. As more nations chose to trade with the more favourable dinar, the solidus and the Byzantine Empire waned in power.
In today’s main story, you’ll learn how we’re about to witness a similar struggle between the might of the US dollar, and a new (potentially gold-backed) currency, being created by some of the most powerful nations on Earth.
What we’re covering today:
How BRICS might kill the US Dollar
Armenia: the easiest second passport?
15% global minimum tax.
The EU swings “right-wing.”
Scotland proposes prison for not registering chickens.
(Also, we didn’t send an email on Monday as normal. This was due to a technical issue on our side.)
How BRICS might kill the US Dollar.
The people of the Byzantine Empire probably thought that after 300-plus years of hegemony, its solidus currency would be around forever. Many of us feel the same way about the almighty US Dollar.
But the solidus died to the gold dinar. And the dollar may suffer the same fate to a new currency being spearheaded by Russia.
Speaking recently at the 27th annual St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Vladimir Putin confirmed what’s been known in financial circles for years: BRICS is working on its own independent payment system and currency which could be active by 2027.
Some background: BRICS is an international economic organisation comprising ten nations that include Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (the founding members), as well as the more recently added Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
The goal of BRICS new currency has been clearly stated multiple times: to foster new global economic opportunity, and to “de-dollarise” the world. In other words, to remove the US Dollar’s power and spot as the world’s reserve currency.
Once “BRICS Bucks” is implemented, it could become the most valuable currency in the world overnight. Here’s how:
Firstly, it’s backed by nations that account for over 46% of our planet’s total population, and 36% of global GDP. In comparison, the United States only accounts for 4.23% of population and 24% of GDP.
Secondly, unlike any other money on Earth, BRICS currency could be backed by gold. This would be easy considering BRICS nations hold nearly 20% of total gold reserves, and are buying more today than anyone else.
The US dollar is currently an intermediary for 88% of the world’s foreign currency exchanges, 79% of global trade outside Europe, and a part of nearly all of the oil trade. A more stable gold-backed BRICS currency could take most of this trade from the USD.
When—not if—BRICS currency arrives, it will mean an immediate devaluation of the USD. And without hyperbole, could possibly result in a serious crash or hyperinflation.
For me, a BRICS currency is a positive. Competition is good for everyone, and might result in the US becoming more financially responsible. But it will surely come with initial turmoil for those of us that depend on the USD.
So, what can one do to prepare? Diversify and divest away from the US dollar. Begin looking into investment opportunities in BRICS nations. Hold more of your wealth in gold.
Tick tock. 2027 isn’t far away.
Armenia: the easiest second passport on Earth?
Most people don’t think about Armenia much, and might not have even heard about it before learning that Kim Kardashian is half Armenian.
But there’s a good reason to put the country on your radar: an Armenian passport might be one of the cheapest and easiest on Earth to get.
Some highlights of Armenia’s pathway to citizenship are:
Citizenship granted in just three years after becoming a permanent resident.
Permanent residency can be acquired in as little as 90 days, after investing just a few thousand dollars in an Armenian company.
PR application can be submitted remotely.
No requirement to stay in Armenia after acquiring a PR permit.
No requirement to learn the language to naturalise.
To apply for citizenship, only passing a 33-question test on Armenian civics is required.
Hypothetically, it sounds simple. Go to Armenia, drop a couple thousand into a local company, get a PR permit, then leave and go live your life wherever you want. Three years later, apply for citizenship and get your passport.
In reality? Maybe not.
Some have raised concerns it’s simply a money-making scheme by Armenian lawyers to get more people to apply, and that the government regularly rejects people who don’t live there on “national security” grounds—but rejections are reportedly easy to appeal.
SOURCE: @wander_investor on X
Is it a risk? Applying for any citizenship is.
But comparatively? For most people it still carries much less of a risk or cost than dropping $200K+ on a Caribbean citizenship by investment program, or uprooting your entire life to live somewhere for 5-7 years to naturalise as a citizen.
The global 15% minimum tax rate (that won’t work).
Over 140 nations around the world have just finished signing up to the Global Minimum Tax agreement, which has been aimed to ensure multinational corporations pay a minimum rate of 15% tax.
It’s being hailed by the World Economic Forum and others as a bold new step in “global participation” that could bring in $150 billion in new global tax revenue per year.
But $150 billion in tax income a year is pointless when the US alone is creating $1 trillion in debt every 100 days.
SOURCE: CNBC/U.S. Treasury Department
Why it won’t work: Around 60 nations have not signed up to the deal, including El Salvador, Bolivia, Philippines, and Kenya. This means there will always be a place where companies can incorporate offshore to avoid the new tax laws.
This new agreement will likely achieve very little, beyond multinational companies taking their money and jobs further away from the developed world.
Rise of the “far right” in Europe.
Recent elections have been sweeping throughout Europe, with a clear trend emerging: conservative and right-wing parties have been winning votes like crazy.
Of course, the legacy media has been quick to disparage the collective will of European people, branding the shift as “far right,” “populist,” or even “dangerous” as described by the Guardian.
But it’s no surprise Europeans are voting this way.
It’s because taxpayers are tired of seeing their quality of life continually decline while paying effective tax rates upwards of 50%
It’s because EU leaders have collectively caused a cost of living crisis stemming from factors including poor fiscal responsibility, and excessive funding of an unwinnable war in Ukraine.
And it’s because nations have been prioritising the rights of illegal migrants over caring for their own citizens.
Far-right? Maybe not…
SOURCE: @VivekGRamaswamy on X
Whatever the reasons one thing is clear: voters have had enough of the self-destructive path the EU has been going down for the last few decades.
Intel bursts.
🇸🇪 Sweden: In a move to make it harder for foreigners to acquire citizenship, Sweden is planning new naturalisation laws. These would include requiring 8 years of residency before applying, and mandating a language and culture test.
🏴 Scotland: In a serious overreach in response to growing fears of bird flu, residents of Scotland who own one chicken or more must now register each bird with the government. Failure to do so may result in six months in prison.
🇦🇷 Argentina: A record number of Argentinians are claiming Spanish citizenship via ancestry laws. This amounted to 1,588 in May alone.
🇲🇽 Mexico: Mexico has just elected its first female and first Jewish president, with Claudia Sheinbaum being inaugurated this week. It has attracted considerable controversy, with 37 candidates being assassinated in the lead-up to the election.
🇯🇵 Japan: To attract new talent, Japan has announced a new digital nomad visa, allowing remote workers to spend up to 6 months in the country. The barrier to entry is relatively high, with minimum proof of income starting at $66,500 USD.
See you again on Friday.
Written by Leon Hill.
Founder, Anticitizen.
The game is rigged. Act accordingly. Join the Bunker at pre-sale: our private membership is launching soon—it’s the world’s most powerful resource for nomads, freedom seekers, and aspiring sovereign citizens of the world.
This newsletter is for educational purposes, and is not financial advice. Please do your own research, and consider risks involved with investing or purchasing any asset.