Shawn Hagedorn
For 20 years, Shawn Hagedorn has been regularly writing articles in leading SA publications, focusing primarily on economic development. For over two years, he wrote a biweekly column titled “Myths and Misunderstandings” without ever lacking subject material. Visit shawn-hagedorn.com/, and follow him on Twitter @shawnhagedorn
Articles By This Author
Understanding Trump’s relationship with Europe
The US must mitigate risks arising from Europe’s weaknesses; European leaders must embrace realism.
Iran war illuminates biases
This war assaults biases central to progressive perceptions. A more balanced worldview awaits.
An up-to-the-moment realistic worldview
Geopolitics and the global economy are being reconfigured; without sweeping policy shifts SA’s vulnerabilities can only compound. An adult human who had lacked human interaction
Iran exposes much media deceptiveness
The biases that were indulged by many covering the brutal Israel-Hamas war discourage reporting on the atrocities committed in Iran. Many who oppose US President
Why Trump covets a Nobel Peace Prize
The most important reason why US President Donald Trump wants a Nobel Peace Prize is central to South Africa’s declining international standing. Many people and
What is killing the rules-based international order?
What distracts so many countries from prioritising their core interests? Reflecting how transport and communication costs have plunged, free trade’s potential to deliver win-win benefits
Understanding Trump and his global impact
“The American people… When they know the facts, they almost always come down on the side of freedom.” – Ronald Reagan Media commentators and voters
Why high inequality disqualifies SA for international aid
The G20 disappointed our leaders because they seek aid despite their lacking a plan to noticeably reduce our poverty and unemployment. ANC cadres associate inequality
China’s lesson about economic imbalances
“China’s over-reliance on investment and exports to power its $19 trillion economy appears to have reached a limit.” – Reuters, 31 October 2025. China’s leaders
Why solutions elude leftists
A nihilist is a sceptic who believes in the truth of nothing. Europe’s progressive parties, the US’s Democratic Party, and the ANC are shedding support.