As the second half of the Greater Depression seems set to begin, fear will dominate the hearts and minds of many. Still, there are ways to endure through the hard times, and indeed, to even improve one’s financial situation. Jeff Thomas considers that age old investment that now makes sense more than ever.

At least when it comes to the media, Ron Paul has it rough. They started out by ignoring him but have now moved onto denigration and defamation of character. But how far will it all go? Jeff Thomas considers the possibilities, however extreme some may be…

Some of your friends, family and associates will never buy gold. Others want you to tell them what to do and exactly when to buy. In one sense, advice applied to those marauders of the picnic basket apply just as readily here: Don’t feed ’em. If you do, prepare for potential consequences, as Jeff Thomas explains in today’s feature.

International Man receives many comments from readers, both by email and in the comments area of an article. As one might expect, some support the argument made in the piece and other (sometimes vehemently) disagree. This is particularly true with one of our most consistent authors, Jeff Thomas. Today, Jeff addresses some of the notes received on past articles…

It’s no secret that the European Union is on the skids – every day new twists in the sovereign debt crisis dominate the headlines. But if the EU does break up, what will rise in its place? Jeff Thomas explores and weighs the possibilities.

It’s time the average person on the street faces facts: bailouts, subsidies and handouts cannot continue indefinitely. Yet, for some reason, they expect it to not only continue, but for governments to increase the amounts given out. Pretty much all of our members already realize this, and have taken or are taking steps to prepare for economic problems ahead. Of course, it won’t just be a problem of economics. Today, Jeff Thomas looks at another aspect of the upcoming crisis: social upheaval.

I have always found American history interesting, perhaps more colourful than British History. The heroes were always more heroic; the causes more clear. This was particularly true with regard to the period during which the American colonists broke free from Britain. To this day, I consider them thoroughly justified, as they had become a highly productive people who were regarded simply as a cash cow for the Crown.

We hear from those in the know that the economic crisis that began in 2008 is nowhere near finished. In fact, we’re barely even started. The current financial system is collapsing and the crisis is not going to end until the decades-old distortions created by government manipulation of the money supply are wound down.

IM Correspondent Jeff Thomas takes us through some common sense strategies you can use to avoid what he calls, “The Great Unraveling”, a coming period of volatility that will end with the collapse of much of the First World economies…

Jeff Thomas addresses an important topic and a constant source of argument within economic circles – whether we’re heading into an overall deflation or inflation scenario. And if inflation, whether it will take on a “hyper” aspect to it as occurred in the German Weimar Republic of the ’20s, and more recently Yugoslavia in the ’90s or Zimbabwe of the past few years. So, could the US face a hyperinflation scenario? Let’s take a look.

I think it’s safe to say that the great majority of people in many First World nations are now more aware than ever that there is something truly wrong with their country, and with their economy, than they have ever experienced before. They seem to agree that the near-term future will not be better but worse than it is now.

No one could doubt that we are living in difficult times, or that the economic, political and social conditions we are experiencing are unprecedented in our lifetimes. Where, then, do we turn for guidance? Well, as luck would have it, history is rich with fine people who have gone before us.

As readers will most likely know, the US Congress, in its decision to raise the debt limit of the federal government, chose to create a “Super Committee”, which would have a temporary job of determining $1.2 trillion in budget cuts over the next ten years. After appointing this committee, Congress went on vacation for a month. Sounds reasonable, doesn’t it?

As readers will most likely know, the US Congress, in its decision to raise the debt limit of the federal government, chose to create a “Super Committee”, which would have a temporary job of determining $1.2 trillion in budget cuts over the next ten years. After appointing this committee, Congress went on vacation for a month. Sounds reasonable, doesn’t it?