Articles
Monday, February 6, 2023
The BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) countries are also among those taking issue with the US trying to impose its will on the world. Their alliance is one of a growing number of bi and multi-lateral agreements between countries of the global south which seek to develop trade and cooperation on a more equitable basis and now also circumventing the restrictions which the United States is imposing through sanctions. Though it remains at present massively dominant, the United States unipolar world is increasingly being challenged. The benefit of a multipolar world would be to break US power and open up the possibility of progressive change. Such a world, and the fight to achieve it, will not be without complications and challenges. It is, therefore, vital to support those opposing US imperialism, to defend the sovereignty of nations and to oppose US sanctions and its drive to war.
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.
Saturday, February 4, 2023
Trade union members are not only heroically battling on with their campaigns of strike action, they are now being joined by more groups of workers. contrary to government statements their wage demands are entirely affordable. There is a glaring contrast between the declining living standards of workers and the growth in profits of companies and in the wealth of billionaires. Refusing wage rises is, therefore, a political choice in favour of capital and against the working class, not an economic necessity.
Friday, February 3, 2023
In other parts of the world the United States’ attempts to bully countries into line over Ukraine have not had the same success as in Europe and the West. Countries representing nearly half of the world’s population have failed to support the US position on Ukraine at the United Nations. In return the United States is seeking to sanction African states who do business with Russia through its “Countering Malign Russian Activities in Africa Act”. The US also has a widespread military presence on the continent with 29 military bases under the United States Africa Command - AFRICOM. While African countries have shown signs of defiance over Ukraine, America has no intention of giving up the fight for control of its rich natural resources.
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.
Wednesday, February 1, 2023
Israeli elections are usually a distraction from Palestinian self-determination. However, to the alarm of Israel’s mainstream and liberal apologists, the hard-right government emerging from the November 2022 election puts Palestine centre-stage. The extreme anti-Palestinian racism of parties in Netanyahu's coalition and their anti-liberal views are causing concern among supporters of Israel abroad and buliding Palestinian resistance and solidarity.
Tuesday, January 31, 2023
The death of Mikhail Gorbachev drew glowing tributes from the Western media for his role in the destruction of the Soviet Union and reestablishing capitalism. He is remembered less fondly by people in Russia and other former Soviet republics who saw their hard won social benefits vanish and living standards plummet. Part of the legacy of the end of the Soviet Union has also been the rise of divisions, ethnic tensions and war.
Monday, January 30, 2023
Though they managed to wriggle out of the crisis caused by Liz Truss’ disastrous premiership, the Tories still face multiple problems. The party remains riven by divisions. Simply allowing public services to fall apart and taking a confrontational stance towards strikers doesn’t seem to be going down well. Many more people support the strikes than oppose them, with striking nurses achieving over 60% approval ratings. There is an opportunity for the working class and the trade unions to take advantage of the Tories difficulties, to build greater unity of strike actions and campaigns and make gains.