Now I happen to be one of those who – though a non-American myself – always believed in American leadership never questioned (effectively) the perception of strength of the American model of Democracy & Liberalism. This view however has been shattered to smithereens for a few simple reasons, and here’s the […]
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Let’s first get things straight; I identify myself as a Liberal heart/soul and subscribe to Liberal values & traditions. I also happen to believe that Liberalism is about centrist/pragmatic policies rather leaning towards the alt-left or alt-right of political ideology. I was a member of the Liberal Democrats for 10 […]
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While scrolling through the latest youtube video’s today I ran into this clip of Leon Panetta former Director of the CIA/White House Chief of Staff and Mike Pompeo the current Director of the CIA discussing the all infamous Trump tweets. Now before moving further in this post let me attempt […]
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Prime Minister Theresa May, let me just say that every time you open your mouth – on any subject – you seem to be putting yourself and by extension your country into a smaller and smaller box. Sure we can argue & debate things on matters of policy and that’s […]
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This post is going to be short and sweet, for a change. Today came yet another glaring indication of where loyalties lie of Theresa May and I would say a big chunk of her team. When Trump made these silly retweets viewed as offensive to Muslims – related article below […]
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Democracy cannot be imposed but should be actively supported. Let’s learn some lessons from the failures of the Arab Spring and develop/apply an adaptable template to help emerging democracies find/apply a suitable/sustainable path towards democratic governance. The first steps are always the most difficult ones and many states choose the […]
Read MoreA very interesting interview – link below – with French President Emmanuel Macron and I only wish there was more of it to cover a more penetrating insight into his views on a variety of important topics six months into his Presidency. Now a couple of points right off the bat; […]
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I came across this clip on youtube and decided to post it on my site. Why? Well Jon Stewart is the one person who has the capacity/ability like no other person that I know to zero in and dissect important elements of very complex issues like racism and articulate his […]
Read MoreThe 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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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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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 MoreWhen 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 MoreWe 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 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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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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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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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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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 MoreAnother 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 MoreA 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 MoreGreat 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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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 MoreI 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 […]
Read More 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 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 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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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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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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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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