Articles
Monday, September 30, 2019
US companies dominate the internet and social media, gathering huge amounts of information about their users. But is it possible to stop using Google, Facebook etc? What alternatives are there?
Sunday, September 29, 2019
Social media giants have intervened in the Hong Kong protests, blocking accounts favourable to the Chinese government. The protesters are also supported financially by the united States.
Friday, September 27, 2019
At the height of the Cold War the US government through the CIA established the Congress for Cultural Freedom which promoted anti-communist propaganda. It funded magazines, conferences and artistic festivals. The CCF was the front for this secret programme designed ultimately to support capitalist values and the US way of life. In pursuit of this it sponsored many well-known artists, writers and musicians.
Wednesday, August 28, 2019
In common with other recent "free" trade deals, the Trans-Pacific Partnership favours big companies over people. It abolishes democracy and national sovereignty by enabling courts to over-rule governments at the behest of corporations. The struggle against the TTP in Chile united many diverse movements and politicians, changing the political scene there.
Tuesday, June 25, 2019
May has been forced out at last, unable to sell her unpopular Brexit deal to parliament. The two leadership contenders to replace her both promise to carry through on Brexit, yet that is not what the ruling class wants. While this saga drags on in Britain, the EU continues to get on with other business, mainly jockeying for the top jobs post the EU elections and dealing with its own internal conflicts.
Wednesday, June 19, 2019
The European Union is often portrayed as a harmonious, collaborative body but take a closer look and there are many disputes between member states and with other countries. in particular there are growing tensions with the United States over its tech war with China and spending on NATO.
Tuesday, June 18, 2019
The major powers are once again competing over Africa. Like the earlier Scramble for Africa between 1881 and 1914 – when the European imperialists divided up 90% of the continent between them – this is about gaining valuable resources and controlling them against rivals.
Monday, June 17, 2019
The English local elections of May 2019 were a disaster for the Tories who lost a net 1,269 seats. Their collapse let in the Lib Dems who did not add massive numbers of votes. Their modest gains and the Tories collapse accounted for much of their progress. This shows that their success was not evidence of a major shift towards pro-EU sentiment. Labour made gains and losses but its biggest losses were in Leave voting areas. In a complicated situation Labour did well to hold its support base together.