News and Prophecy Staff

In late November, representatives from a dozen South American nations gathered in Georgetown, Guyana, for a meeting of the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR). The meeting focused on unity and working more closely together as neighboring nations.  Leaders pledged to the spread of democracy in the region, as well as efforts to “…construct our economy through democratic institutions, making decisions to open our economies, reconstruct our social services, and promote common infrastructure.”

Late last month, China and Russia signed a new deal to cease trading with each other in U.S. dollars, and instead use their own currencies. The yuan has now begun trading against the ruble—a very important step.

The massive debt crisis in Europe has put tremendous strain on the common currency—the euro.  The spreading debt crisis is also putting increasing pressure on lending nations, namely Germany, and many are asking, “Will the euro survive?” The euro is viewed as the symbol of European integration and unity, but if it falters, the cohesion of the continent is in question.

The Nordic nations are discussing a possible alliance—between Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Denmark—within the EU. These five nations share similarities in language, culture and geography. A major goal of Nordic leaders is to band together to access the untapped resources of the melting polar ice caps and challenge Russia’s claims to the region.

China is employing eminent scientists from around the globe to help it advance on many fronts. One area that China seeks to make progress in is the realm of artificial intelligence—creating thinking computer-operated machines. One scientist, Dr. Hugo de Garis, will be advising the Chinese government to establish a national artificial intelligence agency in order to regulate and promote the development of intelligent computers. He notes that these “thinking computers” could be used not only in the homes of regular families, but also in military service.