In “The Big Reset,” Willem Middelkoop delves into the world of finance, economics, and geopolitics to provide a comprehensive analysis of the potential for a major reset of the global financial system. The author, a successful entrepreneur and founder of the Commodity Discovery Fund, leverages his expertise to offer a compelling vision of the future, where the role of gold is brought to the forefront. Middelkoop’s book is both an educational and captivating read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of the global economy and the potential challenges that lie ahead.
Middelkoop begins by offering a historical perspective on the evolution of the international monetary system, highlighting key events such as the creation of the Federal Reserve, the abandonment of the gold standard, and the rise of fiat currencies. He argues that the current financial system, based on fiat currencies and fractional reserve banking, is unsustainable in the long term. This unsustainable nature, according to Middelkoop, stems from the continuous increase in debt levels and the inflationary policies adopted by central banks worldwide.
The author further explains how this fragile financial system has led to a series of crises throughout history, including the Great Depression, the 2008 financial crisis, and the subsequent quantitative easing measures implemented by central banks. Middelkoop posits that these crises and their consequences have set the stage for a “Big Reset” – a fundamental restructuring of the global financial system.
In the second part of the book, Middelkoop explores the geopolitical implications of such a reset, focusing on the rise of China as a global economic powerhouse and its implications for the US dollar’s status as the world’s reserve currency. He delves into the ongoing currency wars and the strategic moves made by central banks and governments to maintain their power and influence in a rapidly changing world.
Central to Middelkoop’s thesis is the role of gold in the impending financial reset. The author contends that gold has maintained its value throughout history and will likely play a significant role in the transformation of the global financial system. He cites the increasing accumulation of gold by central banks and the repatriation of gold reserves by countries like Germany and the Netherlands as evidence of gold’s growing importance in the global economy.
Middelkoop also explores alternative financial systems, such as cryptocurrencies and digital currencies, and their potential impact on the financial reset. He acknowledges their potential to revolutionize the way transactions are conducted but remains cautious about their ability to replace traditional currencies in the near future.
“The Big Reset” concludes with a set of predictions and recommendations for individuals and governments to prepare for the inevitable financial reset. Middelkoop encourages readers to diversify their investments, consider allocating a portion of their portfolio to precious metals, and stay informed about global economic developments.
One of the strengths of “The Big Reset” is Middelkoop’s ability to distill complex economic concepts into accessible language, making the book suitable for readers with varying levels of financial knowledge. Furthermore, the book is well-researched and supported by numerous references, allowing readers to delve deeper into the topics discussed.
However, it is essential to note that “The Big Reset” presents a specific viewpoint on the future of the global financial system, and some readers may find the author’s predictions too pessimistic or speculative. Despite this, the book offers valuable insights into the potential challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the global economic landscape.
“The Big Reset” by Willem Middelkoop is a thought-provoking and well-researched exploration of the potential for a major reset of the global financial system, with a particular focus
