If only there really were a "rules based order". Surely the genocide in Gaza has amply demonstrated that this was always a lie. The rules were only meant to apply to action the USA did not approve of. Invasion of another sovereign state? Fine, so long as they are enemies of America. There were rules, but they were always applied to one side rather than the other. Now we find that the sham has been exposed. Chaos reigns. It is disturbing, uncomfortable and dangerous. But, for most of the world, that was what would always happen if they defied the hegemon. It was their reality. Do as we say, not as we do. We Europeans sheltered behind this. Taking advantage where we could. Now, we too are exposed to arbitrary power. Small, and afraid. Like almost everyone else on the planet.
A really good read Phillip. What significance do you attribute to the demand for 50% of Ukraine’s mineral resources? This seems in line with statements on Canada and Greenland and possibly indicates there actually is a strategy at play. The tech bros want to future proof their dominance, much in the way the neo-cons devised their “New American Century”.
The US seems to now view the EU as it views China - a political and economic adversary. This gives them common cause with Russia in Europe. Why else exclude Europe from talks? Why does the US even need an agreement with Russia to leave? If they want to pack it in, just go. It seems like a strategy to deny Ukrainian resources from Europe, while promoting the disintegration of the EU both from within (alt right support) and without (emboldening Russia).
I read today in the FT that China is getting close to an invasion of Taiwan under cover of manoeuvres/training exercises. Can Trump hold more than one thing in mind at a time, he has already moved off Gaza, though for how long one wonders, South China Sea may be a stretch for him.
As always an excellent summary of the world as it is rather than the world as some would like it to be. It is time for Europe and U.K. to lift heads out of the sand and confront reality. I read that the UK SDR was to be delivered on 14 February. It may need a hefty rewrite!
Probably time to be honest with the public. A problem has been that since the end of the Cold War neither the message or the messenger are likely to be welcome. Perhaps the adversary will make an error that makes the reality stark for the public.
First rate wide- ranging long read that satisfies my thirst for more context than BBC World tends to give (apart from Hard Talk)
Last time we were in a space together was 1987, Felix Dearden memorial. I read from Virginia Wolfe
Thank you...that was a sad time...
I kept in touch with her parents till they died
If only there really were a "rules based order". Surely the genocide in Gaza has amply demonstrated that this was always a lie. The rules were only meant to apply to action the USA did not approve of. Invasion of another sovereign state? Fine, so long as they are enemies of America. There were rules, but they were always applied to one side rather than the other. Now we find that the sham has been exposed. Chaos reigns. It is disturbing, uncomfortable and dangerous. But, for most of the world, that was what would always happen if they defied the hegemon. It was their reality. Do as we say, not as we do. We Europeans sheltered behind this. Taking advantage where we could. Now, we too are exposed to arbitrary power. Small, and afraid. Like almost everyone else on the planet.
A really good read Phillip. What significance do you attribute to the demand for 50% of Ukraine’s mineral resources? This seems in line with statements on Canada and Greenland and possibly indicates there actually is a strategy at play. The tech bros want to future proof their dominance, much in the way the neo-cons devised their “New American Century”.
The US seems to now view the EU as it views China - a political and economic adversary. This gives them common cause with Russia in Europe. Why else exclude Europe from talks? Why does the US even need an agreement with Russia to leave? If they want to pack it in, just go. It seems like a strategy to deny Ukrainian resources from Europe, while promoting the disintegration of the EU both from within (alt right support) and without (emboldening Russia).
A coherent assessment of the challenges that Europe - including the UK - must face in to.
Excellent thank you
Spot on Phil. But Europe is fractured. Ukraine in any sane world should be a cause around which it unites. Will Starmer find the backbone?
High praise indeed from constant reporters supporting one another
Thanks alain..hope he does..his defence review beginning to look utterly irrelevant ...arguing over 2.3 or 2.5 just ridiculous...
Sadly right. JD Vance's speech was a declaration of war on Europe.
As for "betraying values" the Trump administration has only to look at itself in the mirror.
Thanks Stefano....
I read today in the FT that China is getting close to an invasion of Taiwan under cover of manoeuvres/training exercises. Can Trump hold more than one thing in mind at a time, he has already moved off Gaza, though for how long one wonders, South China Sea may be a stretch for him.
well trump has certainly given beijing an excuse...
As always an excellent summary of the world as it is rather than the world as some would like it to be. It is time for Europe and U.K. to lift heads out of the sand and confront reality. I read that the UK SDR was to be delivered on 14 February. It may need a hefty rewrite!
thanks..sdr now looks like fiddling while europe burns
Probably time to be honest with the public. A problem has been that since the end of the Cold War neither the message or the messenger are likely to be welcome. Perhaps the adversary will make an error that makes the reality stark for the public.
This joins up a lot of dots in the mountain of Ukraine-Trump comments