Fernando Betancor

Fernando Betancor is an American economist living in Madrid, Spain. He is an active member of Democrats Abroad and an advocate of political and economic liberalism. He publishes articles on his website Common Sense and tweets @fdbetancor

Fernando Betancor es un economista norteamericano residente en Madrid. Es miembro activo de Democrats Abroad y defensor del liberalismo político y económico. Publica artículos en su website Common Sense y tuitea en @fdbetancor

The Continuing Tragedy of Columbus Day

The celebration of Columbus Day is not acceptable. The colonization brought with it an immense tragedy that it is necessary to start remembering. Español. Português.

By Fernando Betancor

/ 15 Oct 2015

La tragedia interminable del Día de Colón

La celebración del Día de Colón no es de recibo. La colonización trajo consigo una inmensa tragedia que hay que empezar a recordar. English, Português.

por Fernando Betancor

/ 15 Oct 2015

A tragédia interminável do dia de Colombo

A celebração do Dia de Cristóvão Colombo não e aceitável. A colonização trouxe consigo uma imensa tragédia que há que começar a recordar. English. Español.

By Fernando Betancor

/ 15 Oct 2015

Catalonia update: adéu Espanya?

Spain cannot continue ignoring the democratic, peaceful and repeated demands of Catalans for a referendum; continued obstinacy will ensure the rupture.

By Fernando Betancor

/ 28 Sep 2015

Catalonia: butifarra-slicing towards independence

How does Catalonia plan to gain independence without provoking a reactionary backlash? By using subtle, inconspicuous 'butifarra-slicing' tactics to slowly approporiate key institutions.

By Fernando Betancor

/ 15 Sep 2015

Outside the box: is the Islamic State close to victory?

Many facts belie the myth that Islamic State is on its back heel, and its longevity, proximity to Damascus, as well as the weakness of its enemies mean that it may wreak yet more havoc.

By Fernando Betancor

/ 10 Sep 2015

Catalonia's regional elections: scenarios for independence

Should the pro-independence parties win a majority in the regional elections on 27 September, what would happen next? Here are a few scenarios on how the independists may use their popular mandate to secede from Spain.

By Fernando Betancor

/ 31 Aug 2015

Germany's demographic challenge

Germany is by no means an unstoppable juggernaut, and the re-erection of trade barriers across the continent and a return to a strong Deutschmark would ravage the economy.

By Fernando Betancor

/ 17 Jul 2015

The outline of a “deal”

Imagine if the US states had rejected the Constitution and opted to keep the Articles of Confederation; Europe remains in this embryonic, weak and unstable state.

By Fernando Betancor

/ 14 Jul 2015

Nothing in politics is an accident

“More cynically (or realistically) the Hellenes must be kept in the NATO orbit and timely aid is the best guarantor of it.”

By Fernando Betancor

/ 6 Jul 2015

Mourning hymn of the Republic

Reactions to the terrorist activities of a white supremacist in Charleston serve as a timely reminder that “post-racial” America is still a long way off.

By Fernando Betancor

/ 22 Jun 2015

Spanish election: analysis of an earthquake

The Spanish regional and local elections have sent shockwaves through the country. What happens now?

By Fernando Betancor

/ 25 May 2015