Articles
Thursday, February 8, 2024
What shape is German imperialism in today? An imperialism that twice dared to reach for world power and thus triggered two world wars. Yet now its economy has been hard hit by US demands over Ukraine. It is suffering from increased fuel prices a result of the closure and sabotage of the Nord Stream pipeline from Russia and rocketing arms spending. Discontent is fueling the far right, while the left remains relatively weak. There have been bans on pro-Palestinian protests. To achieve change common struggles based on class and for peace are essential.
Saturday, September 23, 2023
During the Ukraine conflict Poland has taken a confrontational stance and has been at the forefront of pushing for more weapons for Ukraine. This has included pressurising Germany to fall into line. It has also become the centre of NATO operations in Europe and has 10,000 US soldiers based there. It is an essential ally for the United States in its proxy war.
Sunday, September 17, 2023
How do commentators in other countries view world politics? A round up of views and events:
Prospects for peace in Ukraine
Expansion of BRICS
Africa rejects western control
Saturday, September 16, 2023
Mission to Moscow (Victor Gollanz 1942) was written by Joseph E. Davies who was United States ambassador to the Soviet Union from 1936-38. He saw at first hand the progress being made by the young Soviet state but also the threat that it faced from war. He gives a first hand account of the prominent individuals he met, his trips round the country and the refusal of the US to act to deter Nazi Germany.
Sunday, May 21, 2023
Voices advocating for a peaceful solution to the conflict in Ukraine have a big task and confront a substantial state-sponsored media machine. There are persistent untruths peddled by the mainstream media which, by their constant repetition, have a powerful effect on the public consciousness. These myths, for example, say that Russia was unprovoked, launched a "full-scale" invasion and that democracy is being defended in Ukraine. In addition there is the illogical argument the Russia blew up the Nord Stream pipeline. This reporting is certainly not the result of unbiased journalism and there are links between the state, military/security personnel and funding for this propaganda.
Monday, May 15, 2023
The Windsor Framework, agreed between the UK government and the EU, is supposed to deal with problems caused by Boris Johnson's hastily agreed Protocol which was part of his Brexit deal, but it still leaves many unsatisfactory provision in place. Furthermore it is unlikely to address the concerns of Unionists who opposed the original arrangement. Though violence has subsided Northern Ireland's politics remain deeply divided along sectarian lines. The power-sharing arrangements put in place by the Good Friday agreement have enabled sectional interests to block legislation and currently prevent the Assembly in Stormont from meeting. Although its successes should not be denied, 25 years on it needs to be reviewed
Sunday, February 5, 2023
The fallout from the war in Ukraine has increased tensions in the EU and stoked traditional rivalries between Germany and France who vie for leadership of the bloc. Two main areas of dispute are round energy and each countries’ military power. Germany is seeking to manipulate EU policy aimed at combating the self-inflicted energy crisis to protect its own interests at the expense of other EU countries. Likewise, it is asserting itself as a military power, hugely increasing arms spending and threatening France’s military leadership in the EU. Such tensions are not likely to decline, but only to get worse.
Thursday, February 2, 2023
Whilst the fall out from the war in Ukraine has increased opposition to US policies in many parts of the world, the biggest, long-standing imperial powers have fallen into line behind its war aims. The UK has gone further than others in stoking up the war. After the United States it supplies the most resources to Ukraine, including vast amounts of military equipment. The UK’s active involvement not only extends to arms supplies, there are British troops deployed in the country and British intelligence is being provided to Ukraine. There are reports that Britain has been involved in major incidents such as the blowing up of the Nord Stream pipelines.