The Trillion-Dollar Tragedy: How War Became Someone Else's Payday

Hello curious people,

Let’s get uncomfortable for a minute. While we scroll past heartbreaking images of ruined cities and displaced families, there’s a shocking truth humming in the background: war is crazy profitable. Yeah, you read that right. Forget lemonade stands; modern conflict might be the world’s grimmest, most lucrative growth industry. Sick, right?

First, weapons makers. Companies like Lockheed Martin and Raytheon see their stock prices jump 15-30% when wars start (like after Ukraine was invaded). Why? Governments spend crazy money on bombs and tanks. In 2023 alone, the world spent $2.4 trillion on armies and weapons—that’s a record (SIPRI, 2024). That’s like spending $300 for every person on Earth!

But it’s not just guns. Private armies (think hired soldiers) get paid billions to fight, guard, or train troops in war zones. This shady business could hit $457 billion by 2027 (Global News Wire). Then there’s the rebuilders. After bombs wreck a city, companies swoop in to rebuild roads and power plants—often with taxpayer money. It’s like breaking a window just to charge for fixing it.

Here’s where it gets sneaky:

·       Resource grabbers take oil, gold, or minerals from chaotic war zones.

·       Tech companies sell spy software and cyber weapons—a $200 billion secret market (McKinsey, 2024).

·       Banks and investors bet on rising oil prices (up 35% in early 2024!) or buy war-torn countries’ debts cheaply.

·       Media companies even profit—war news gets more clicks and ads.

Here’s the kicker: This creates a perverse incentive. Peace? Potentially bad for business for some incredibly powerful players. Billions rely on perpetual tension and "threat inflation." Meanwhile, that $2.4 trillion spent globally on militaries in 2023 could have funded the entire global climate finance gap three times over (UNEP estimate) or vaccinated the world twice. Instead, it fuels a cycle where destruction feeds profit, and profit can lobby for policies that risk… more destruction. Accountability? Often lost in offshore accounts and complex corporate webs.

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The brutal truth? War isn’t just soldiers and politics. It’s a business. And until we demand leaders put people over profits, this ugly cycle won’t end.

Stay sharp, stay skeptical.

Despite the absolute certinty of death, why do humans continue to strive and 'run after' life?

Inflation is pinching wallets, markets are jittery, and maybe your job feels less secure. Headlines scream uncertainty. It’s totally normal to look at all this and think, "Why bother running so hard when the finish line is the same for everyone?" I get it.

But here’s the fascinating thing about us humans: even knowing the end, we just keep building. History proves it. Think about the Great Depression during Covid-19 – global unemployment hit 6.5%, reaching 220 million! Or 2008 – global GDP growth plunged to -1.7%. Brutal, right? Yet, every single time, we rebuild. The history of our cheat sheet pointed to the receipts. The IMF expects global growth to be a steady 3.2% in 2024, while the World Bank predicts it will stabilize around 2.6% by 2025, not roaring, but proof that we find a way forward.

So, why do we keep running? Because look what happens when we do!

We don't just rebuild the old; we create something better. Think about it:

Businesses Solve Real Problems: Tough times spark incredible innovation. During the 2020 slowdown, e-commerce and digital services exploded, keeping economies afloat and creating millions of new jobs. Businesses adapt, finding smarter, leaner, greener ways to operate.

Tech Builds a Brighter Tomorrow: We're not just surviving; we're actively building smarter futures. Smart cities are popping up everywhere! Places like Singapore and Barcelona use sensors and data to cut traffic jams by 20-30%, save energy, and make life smoother. That’s progress born from challenge.

Green Energy & AgTech Boom: Uncertainty about fossil fuels? Boom – renewable energy investment hit a record $1.8 TRILLION globally in 2023. Worried about food security? Vertical farms and AI-driven agriculture are producing more food with less land and water. We're literally growing solutions.

Resilience Creates Opportunity: Yeah, about 1 in 5 startups fail. But the ones that adapt? They become the Teslas, the Netflixes, the companies that change how we live for the better. Turbulence forces efficiency and breeds breakthroughs.

Image credit: Collected. 

This "running" isn't blind optimism; it's active creation. It’s millions of people – maybe including you – getting up, solving problems, building businesses, developing tech, and connecting communities despite the headlines. We run because we see the possibility of cleaner energy, smarter cities, healthier food systems, and a more connected world emerging from the chaos.

The finish line doesn't change. But the path we blaze? That’s entirely up to us. Every step forward, every innovation, every connection forged in this turbulence isn't just about surviving – it's about actively wiring a better future. And that is why we keep running. Let's build it together.

With Gratitude

Farhana Yeasmin

Stablecoins: The Promise, the Hype, and the Reality Check

Hey there, crypto-curious friend. Let’s talk about stablecoins—those “safe havens” in the wild world of crypto. You’ve probably heard the sales pitch: “All the benefits of blockchain, none of the volatility!” Sounds perfect, right? But hold up. Let’s peel back the shiny marketing and ask: Do stablecoins actually deliver on their promises? And more importantly, should you trust them?

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The Good: Why Stablecoins Should Be a Big Deal

Picture this: You want to send money across borders instantly, pay almost nothing in fees, or earn interest without a bank. That’s the dream stablecoins like USDC sell us. Backed 1:1 by cold, hard cash and U.S. Treasuries, USDC feels like the “gold standard” of crypto. Circle and Coinbase, the folks behind it, throw around words like “audited” and “regulated” to make you sleep better at night. And hey, with $30+ billion in circulation, it’s clearly working for a lot of people.

But here’s the kicker: Stablecoins aren’t all created equal. Let’s rewind to 2022. Remember TerraUSD (UST)? It was the “algorithmic darling,” pegged to $1 not by reserves but by a complex dance with its sibling token, LUNA. For a while, it worked—until it didn’t. When confidence collapsed, UST became a cautionary meme, wiping out billions overnight.

The Ugly: When “Stable” Isn’t Stable

UST’s meltdown wasn’t just bad luck—it exposed a brutal truth. Algorithmic stablecoins are like Jenga towers. Remove one block of trust, and the whole thing crumbles. UST relied on people believing the code would magically balance supply and demand. Spoiler: It didn’t.

But wait—does that mean collateralized coins like USDC are bulletproof? Not quite. Ask yourself: Who’s holding the cash? What if those reserves get frozen (hello, sanctions) or mismanaged? Even “safe” stablecoins hinge on trusting middlemen—banks, auditors, regulators. Sound familiar? It’s the same old financial system, just wrapped in blockchain paper.

The Real Talk: Why Should You Care?

Stablecoins aren’t just for crypto traders. They’re the backbone of DeFi, remittances, and even apps paying 8% APY on your savings. But here’s the critical question: Are we swapping one set of risks for another?

Centralization vs. decentralization: USDC’s reserves are controlled by companies. UST claimed decentralization but failed spectacularly. Pick your poison.

Regulation roulette: Governments are circling. What happens if stablecoins get slapped with new rules (or bans)?

The human factor: Greed, panic, hype—no algorithm can outrun these.

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Final Thoughts: Trust, But Verify

Look, stablecoins are revolutionary. They’re faster, cheaper, and more accessible than traditional finance. But let’s not kid ourselves: Stability is a mirage unless it’s earned.

So, what’s the takeaway?

Do your homework. If a stablecoin’s whitepaper reads like a sci-fi plot, tread carefully.

Diversify. Don’t park your life savings in any single stablecoin.

Demand transparency. If a project can’t show real-time, audited reserves, walk away.

At the end of the day, stablecoins are tools, not magic. And like any tool, they’re only as good as the hands (and rules) guiding them. So, next time someone says “stable,” ask: “Says who?”

What do you think? Are stablecoins the future, or just another crypto experiment? Let’s chat with a cup of coffee. 

Thanks for Reading

Farhana Yeasmin

Tariff Tensions: Why Trade Conflicts May Hurt More Than Guns?

    'When we talk about wars and their impact on economies, the immediate image that comes to mind is of tanks rolling through cities, buildings crumbling, and lives lost. But what about trade wars? 

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The recent tariffs imposed by the U.S., especially on China, are an old topic to discuss. However, it forces us to reconsider which type of conflict is more damaging to the global economy: geographical wars or trade wars. Since 2018, the U.S. has imposed tariffs on over $350 billion worth of Chinese imports, affecting around 18% of all U.S. imports, equivalent to 2.6% of U.S. GDP. China fired back with tariffs on $100 billion of U.S. goods, impacting 11% of its imports, or 3.6% of its GDP. For American households, these tariffs have translated into an average annual cost increase of about $1,300 in 2025, squeezing wallets and raising prices on everything from electronics to clothing. Two-thirds of dutiable products in the U.S. have seen price hikes, hitting consumers and businesses alike

    At first glance, these numbers might seem like just political posturing, but the economic consequences are far from trivial.  U.S. imports from China of tariffed goods dropped by 12.5% between 2017 and 2022, while imports from other countries surged in the same categories, reshaping global supply chains and trade flows. The ripple effect is global: Oxford Economics estimates that tariffs could shave 0.5% off global GDP through 2026, and the U.S. alone could see a 1% GDP contraction.  This isn’t just about numbers on paper — consumers face higher prices, manufacturers grapple with disrupted supply chains, and businesses delay investments due to uncertainty. According to The Wall Street Journal, 'U.S. plans to isolate China, however, the same journal claims that China's economy grew before tariffs kicked in. 

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Now, compare this to a traditional geographical war. The destruction is visible and immediate: infrastructure is damaged, production halts, and economies shrink sharply. But these wars often have a clear end, followed by reconstruction and recovery efforts. Trade wars, however, are more insidious. They quietly erode economic efficiency, fragment global markets, and can last for years, causing prolonged uncertainty and stagnation. So, which war is more injurious to the economy? While geographical wars bring physical devastation, trade wars inflict a slow-burning economic wound that can be just as harmful, if not more so, over time. The U.S.-China tariff conflict shows us that economic battles fought through tariffs don’t just hurt the targeted country—they ripple across the global economy, raising costs for everyone and stalling growth. 

    In the end, the lesson is clear: economic warfare through tariffs may not topple buildings, but it can destabilize economies in ways that are harder to repair. Perhaps it’s time we rethink how we wage these battles and focus on dialogue over tariffs.'

Thanks for reading

Farhana Yeasmin

Hyperautomation and Self-Determination Theory: A Perfect Match or a Misalignment?

Let’s talk about hyper-automation. It’s no secret that this transformative technology is making waves in banking and beyond, promising effortless, efficient, and even enjoyable experiences. With artificial intelligence (AI), robotic process automation (RPA), and machine learning at its core, hyper-automation feels like the hero we’ve been waiting for to simplify complex systems. But here's where it gets interesting: can hyper-automation truly align with the principles of Self-Determination Theory (SDT), or does it fall short of delivering what humans need most?

If you're unfamiliar, SDT dives into the psychology of motivation, emphasizing three key human needs: autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Let’s dissect whether hyper-automation nurtures these needs—or inadvertently neglects them.

Autonomy: Does It Put Customers in Charge?

Hyperautomation is often lauded for giving customers control. AI chatbots answering your queries 24/7? Instant loan approvals? It’s all about making decisions easier and faster, right? On the surface, it seems to tick the autonomy box by giving you the freedom to handle banking tasks without relying on traditional, rigid systems.

But let’s scratch a little deeper. Is this true autonomy, or are customers simply following paths pre-designed by algorithms? Sure, those intelligent bots extract your data and speed up processes—but how much say do you really have in shaping those experiences? If hyper-automation limits your ability to make unique, unprescribed decisions, it risks creating a facade of autonomy rather than the genuine sense of control SDT champions.

Competence: Building Confidence or Automating It Away?

One of SDT’s pillars is competence—the idea that people thrive when they feel capable and accomplished. Hyperautomation often excels here. By simplifying tedious tasks, like onboarding or fraud detection, it enables customers to complete their goals quickly and efficiently. Who wouldn’t feel a sense of mastery when opening a bank account is as easy as snapping a photo of an ID?

Yet, there’s a flip side. If every process becomes automated to the point where human involvement is minimized, are we losing the opportunity to build financial skills? Over-reliance on automated tools might inadvertently erode confidence in one’s ability to manage finances independently. After all, how competent can someone feel if they don’t truly understand the systems they’re relying on?

Relatedness: The Human Connection in a Machine-Driven World

Here’s where it gets tricky. Relatedness—the need to feel connected and understood—sits at the heart of SDT. Hyperautomation shines in creating personalized recommendations, whether it's suggesting a savings plan tailored to your spending habits or flagging suspicious transactions before you even notice them. It feels like the bank "gets" you.

But does it really? Hyperautomation’s personalization is based on data analysis, not genuine empathy. While the technology might anticipate your needs, it can’t replicate the emotional warmth of interacting with a human. For some customers, the absence of a real human connection might leave them feeling isolated rather than understood. Can machine-driven personalization ever truly satisfy the deep human need for connection?

The Tipping Point: Balance or Dependency?

The promise of hyper-automation is compelling—speed, efficiency, and personalized convenience. But when viewed through the lens of SDT, there’s a clear tension between automation and human motivation. Technology, for all its brilliance, must be wielded carefully to support human needs rather than replace them.

This raises important questions. How can banks ensure hyper-automation nurtures autonomy rather than confining it? How can they balance efficiency with fostering real competence? And most critically, how do we keep the human element alive in a system increasingly run by machines?

The Verdict: A Tool, Not a Solution

Hyperautomation is a remarkable tool, but it’s just that—a tool. Its success depends on how it’s implemented. When aligned thoughtfully with the principles of SDT, it has the potential to enhance customer engagement in profound ways. But if ignored, the same technology risks undermining the very motivation it seeks to inspire.

As we move forward into an age where hyper-automation is everywhere, the challenge lies in crafting systems that empower, educate, and connect people—not just processes. So, while hyper-automation can make banking feel easier, the real question is: will it make us feel more human?

What’s your take? Are we heading toward harmony between hyperautomation and human motivation, or is there still work to be done? Let’s continue the conversation.

Thanks For Readiing

Farhana Yeasmin

Bangladesh at 54: Balancing Economic Growth and Sustainability

Happy Independence Day, Bangladesh! Today, as we celebrate 54 years of resilience, freedom, and unparalleled spirit, let’s take a moment to dive into a story that deserves as much celebration—Bangladesh’s incredible journey of economic growth and its determination to embrace sustainability.

Let’s rewind a bit. In 1971, when Bangladesh emerged as an independent nation, the odds were stacked against it. Many skeptics doubted whether it could ever build a stable economy. But fast forward to today, and the transformation is nothing short of remarkable. Bangladesh is now a proud middle-income country, steadily climbing the ladder of global economic influence.

You might wonder, what’s fueling this progress? Well, meet the backbone of the economy—the ready-made garment (RMG) industry. This sector alone contributes over 80% of the country’s export earnings, putting Bangladesh firmly on the global map as a key player in the textile world. But that’s not all. Add agriculture and remittances from the global Bangladeshi diaspora to the mix, and you’ve got a recipe for robust economic growth. Over the past decade, the GDP has grown by 6–8% annually, proving that resilience and innovation are part of Bangladesh’s DNA.

Source: Collected

Now here’s the twist: economic growth is impressive, but how do you grow while safeguarding the environment? That’s where sustainability steps in, and boy, has Bangladesh stepped up. The Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan is a bold initiative aimed at turning climate vulnerabilities into opportunities. From large-scale solar power projects to reimagining coastal resilience with the Delta Plan 2100, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword here—it’s a necessity.

Of course, the road isn’t without its bumps. Climate change is a relentless adversary for this low-lying deltaic country. Infrastructure gaps pose additional hurdles. But the determination to overcome these challenges shines brightly. The rise of sustainable finance, like green banking and environmentally friendly investments, has been a game-changer, paving the way for a greener future.

Let’s not forget the unsung heroes. Projects like the Sustainable Forests & Livelihoods Project (SUFAL) and the Sustainable Coastal and Marine Fisheries Project (SCMFP) are quietly but effectively making an impact. Statistics show that Bangladesh now produces 911 MW of solar energy, a leap towards a cleaner future (IRENA, 2024). Together, they’re helping Bangladesh build a model where economic prosperity and environmental stewardship go hand in hand.

So, as we wave the flag high today and remember the sacrifices made for this independence, let’s also raise a toast to the journey of growth and sustainability that Bangladesh has embarked upon. This is a nation that never stops dreaming, and never stops striving. And at 54, the journey is just beginning. Here’s to a brighter, greener future for Bangladesh!

Thanks for Reading

Farhana Yeasmin

Dopamine: A Strategy for Banks to Supercharge Customer Engagement

Hey there! So, have you ever wondered why some apps or games are just so addicting? Well, it's all about dopamine – that little brain chemical that makes us feel good when we achieve something awesome. Guess what? Banks can use this to make banking more fun and engaging for you. Let's dive in!

What's the Dopamine, anyway?

Dopamine is like the brain's version of a happy dance. Whenever you do something rewarding, your brain gives you a hit of dopamine, making you feel great and wanting to do it again (Smith, 2020). Banks can totally tap into this to make your financial journey more enjoyable.

Game On!

Who said banking had to be boring? By adding gamification elements, banks can turn everyday financial tasks into exciting challenges. Imagine saving challenges, investment games, or reward-based quizzes. You could earn points for completing tasks and redeem them for cool rewards. It’s like leveling up your finances and having fun at the same time! (Jones & Lee, 2019).

Tailored Just for You

Personalization is key when it comes to dopamine. When you feel that your bank gets you, you're more likely to engage (Brown et al., 2021). Banks can use data analytics to provide personalized services and recommendations. Imagine getting notifications about account updates, exclusive offers, and tailored financial advice – all just for you. It’s like having a personal financial assistant who knows you inside out.

Instant Gratification

We all love instant gratification, right? Banks can offer real-time feedback and rewards to keep you hooked. Think of instant cashback offers, real-time spending insights, and instant celebrations for reaching your savings goals (Davis, 2022). The immediate pleasure keeps you engaged and motivated.

Wrapping It Up

        So there you have it! By using dopamine-driven strategies, banks can transform boring banking tasks into fun and rewarding experiences. Gamification, personalization, and instant gratification are powerful tools that can boost customer engagement and loyalty. As banks continue to innovate, leveraging dopamine could be the secret sauce to success in the competitive financial world (Robinson, 2023).

By

Farhana Yeasmin