The government has been using the referendum as the ultimate mandate for continuing with BREXIT and triggering article 50. We’ve also also been complacent in arguing about what this mandate means. So let me make the following argument; the Referendum in of itself was flawed and has in return produced […]
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The Idealogical Box
It seems to me that the current political paradigm where political parties are defined purely based on empty ideological grounds with party members forced to fit into these “ideological boxes’ is an outdated philosophy. “Conservative”, “Liberal”, “Democrat”, “Labour” terms that have little to do with actual vision and more with […]
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European leaders aim to seize the moment for reform (commentary)
A very interesting article in the Financial Times about seizing the moment for EU reforms post the German election. Reforms however must be meaningful and reflect views that transcend party lines so they set a firm (rather than fragile) foundation for the EU project; this way we don’t have to […]
Read MoreBREXIT: Piercing that Damn Bubble
When we look at the rise of the alt-right (including Trump & BREXIT) it is sometimes helpful to look at the big picture rather than the specific political battles taking place. This big picture suggests that we’ve been complacent in taking Democracy & Liberal Values for granted for much too […]
Read MoreDispelling the Myths about Globalisation and Referendums
We have for years been struggling in coming to terms with the effects of globalisation on our economy & national identity going from one extreme view to another. We have also for the last year been trying to come to terms with the BREXIT referendum results and with the rise […]
Read More The Struggle of Adjusting to a Changing World (an opinion)
The world has changed since the “good” old days when super powers ruled the world and were the main hubs of influence in the global political landscape. It is extremely difficult for these powers to adjust to the new paradigm in an ever growing complex political/economic landscape of this new […]
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Trump Jr. emails suggest he welcomed Russian help against Clinton
The question really is this; what kind of a Democracy is the US running “under” with what we know to-date of facts about this Trump administration? I guess the old saying goes; “Only in America” but I would only add; “and thank your lucky stars for that!” at least just […]
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Vince Cable: Lib Dems should emulate tactics of Emmanuel Macron (commentary)
Not too long of a commentary on this article published by the Guardian (link below) because I already put some views about party leadership for the Liberal Democrats here, so will be brief in this post; First things first; Let’s agree that Vince Cable is someone with excellent expertise deeply […]
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Fight Torture: Otto Warmbier, US student sent home from N Korea, dies
Just learned the news of the death of Otto Warmbier the US student who has recently returned from captivity in North Korea. Very sad news indeed and my heart/deepest condolences goes to his family and friends. Let his story also serve to remind us of the many lives lost under […]
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Article Review – It’s politics, not piety, stupid by Alex Spillius
Preface The objective of these posts is to share some takeaways and thoughts about some the most interesting articles I comes across in areas of particular interest to myself including Foreign Policy/International Law, the Environment as well as national issues of concern like BREXIT. In the main this to a […]
Read MoreThe Jeff Sessions Hearing & the Key Source Behind Obstruction of Justice
Another interesting hearing today with Attorney General Jeff Sessions responding to questions raised during the earlier hearing of the former Director of the FBI James Comey. As usual plenty of analysis in the media that will probably continue for days. But here is my final take on this never ending […]
Read MoreBreaking the General Rule; by Loren DeJonge (Article Review)
A very interesting article published by Chatham House – link below – which examines the impact of a military heavy National Security Council (NSC) on conducting foreign policy, though some have called it a form of discrimination against the military. However, this approach coupled with the weakening of civilian institutions […]
Read MoreMacron's Party on course for Historic Gains in French Parliamentary Election
Great news for a new/promising european leader. I can only hope this trend would usher in a new breed of young/progressive politicians throughout Europe – and indeed the world – to help develop a future with a new vision. There will inevitably be challenges along the way but I guess […]
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The James Comey Hearing; Makes you Wonder
Another interesting hearing by former FBI Director James Comey testifying in a congressional hearing today, but one that is of particular significance as it is the first such hearing by Comey since being fired by Trump. As you’d expect plenty of analysis-paralysis by the media so let me sum it […]
Read MoreUS weighs withdrawing from UN’s Human Rights Council (Commentary)
I truly believe that the current US government should be left to their own devices when it comes to decisions of foreign policy & involvement in international bodies, this without much reaction. Some policies are driven by flawed ideology or accommodations to unfulfilled campaign pledges – in this case as […]
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The Kremlin Playbook (Review-Updated)
Recently I’ve had the opportunity to read the analysis entitled “The Kremlin Playbook”, published by Center for Strategic and International Studies–CSIS. It certainly is a very interesting read for anyone keen on researching the subject of Russia’s growing influence in Europe & within western democracies in particular. However the objective […]
Read More The Donald Trump Factor & the Fragility of Democratic Governance
It seems like everyday now we’re hit by yet another disastrous outcome from the Trump administration whether in policy or in action/reaction. It then becomes easy for us, thanks to media coverage and its over-analysis & obsession with sensationalism, to focus on the detail while loosing site of the “Big […]
Read More Terror in Britain: Archaic Governance Models/Political Mentality that is Costing Lives
More lives taken from us today, this time mostly children and teenagers by the cowardly terrorist attack in Manchester. Should we be angry, of course we should. But this anger should not just be directed at the terrorists but at the British government itself for its failures. But before getting […]
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Another Cowardly Attack: Hearts & Minds in Manchester
Hearts, minds and prayers go to all affected by the cowardly terrorist attack last night in Manchester as well as their family/friends. Yet again words fail me in expressing the extent of my anger/disgust at the cowards whoever/wherever they are. This one is especially painful as the attack targeted young people & children […]
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Kushner called Lockheed CEO about $100B Saudi arms deal (Commentary)
This article (link below) demonstrates the mess that has become of the Business of Government-or rather the Business in Government-in the United States. It is truly shocking the level at which US government has been overtaken by Business and headed by one of the most corrupt businessmen in history. Business […]
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Macron cabinet: Women are half of France's new minsters (Commentary)
President Macron seems to be leading the way towards progressive politics; Women forming half of his cabinet Bringing new/young leadership to be the backbone of his party Leading a new/pragmatic vision for EU reform A new energy and approach is exactly what is called for to re-establish Liberal/Democratic values/traditions that have […]
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