Indonesia Criminalizes Premarital Sex

A new criminal code is being imposed which will restrict sex before marriage. Doing so would result up to a year in jail if charged. Indonesia has democratic structures, but religion undermines them. The law also places restrictions on cohabitation between unmarried couples . Foreigners visiting or temporarily in Indonesia are not exempt from the criminal code. Women are going to be impacted by this disproportionately. The conservative interpretation of Islam is not compatible with a democratic system. Indonesia is placing more restrictions on its citizens personal freedom. The president or state institutions are not to be vituperated. Protests are  now going to have authorized notification before taking place. Expressing views that do not support state ideology could result in punishment. The new criminal codes will go into effect three years. How the law will be enforced and regulated remains uncertain. Indonesia could be falling back into a regime similar to that of Suharto. The awful legacy of the colonial criminal code still haunts the country. Attempts to change it were done in 2019, but failed. The motivation for President Joko Widodo is clear. Upcoming elections are the reason he wanted the bill passed in parliament. Votes can be gained from the more conservative religious constituents and opposition parties can be censored. The law is presented as protecting family values and Islam. What it is designed to do is create a semi-authoritarian regime. Indonesia gradually could be come more theocratic in the coming years. Women, the LGBT, and the tourism industry are going to be negatively impacted. Investments from other nations might be withdrawn from Indonesia. A theocratic regime cannot produce stability or economic progress.  

Ali Khamenei's Remarks on Women

 

Ali Khamenei the Supreme Leader of  Iran stated that "women are the stronger gender." He went on to praise their wisdom, decision making skills, and diplomacy. The irony is that the women of Iran enjoy few freedoms and rights. The morality police targeted women and in highly religious societies various restrictions are placed on them. After a series of protests the morality police were disbanded in Iran. The police force was created in 2006 to ensure the religious values of the Islamic republic. Women were harassed over the dress code. Not wearing a hijab started off with a warning. Then arrests were being made for violations. The Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei could have stopped these abuses. The laudation he gave in this video was more about presenting himself as women's allies. An authoritarian theocracy is never going to advocate for women's rights or well being. The current protests will not dissipate until Iranian women's demands are met. The removal of the morality police is not enough considering decades of grievances.  

President Pedro Castillo Has Been Removed From Office

 

Peru is facing a constitutional crisis. When President Pedro Castillo attempted to dissolve the Congress, more discord emerged . The move was a way to avoid impeachment proceedings. His arrest does pose an issue. If impeachment proceedings never occurred and a formal removal from office never took place this could violate the constitution. President Pedro Castillo has been accused of inciting rebellion and constitutional violations. A trial has not been scheduled nor is there evidence at the moment of corruption. Dina Bolurate has been selected to finish up Castillo's term. That means she will be president until 2026. Peru's situation parallels Bolivia's political crisis. A left-wing president being deposed by right-wing opposition has become too common in Latin America. Leftist governments even though they are legitimately elected, they  are not allowed to rule. Peaceful and orderly transfers of power are disappearing. South America might be reverting to how it was in the 19th century. Extreme political factionalism,  erratic transfers of power, and authoritarian like political structures. According to reports, Castillo appeared to be making an attempt to leave the country. This indicates possible political persecution. Much of the discontent comes from an increase in fuel and fertilizer prices. This caused Peruvians to hold demonstrations. Farmers and lorry drivers were the most effected by the price rise. Imposing a curfew and a state of emergency reduced support for the Castillo presidency.    

Tech Companies Continue Layoffs

 

Tech companies are continuing to layoff workers. This comes at a time when inflation and rising food prices remain an economic challenge. Twitter, Amazon, Meta, and Microsoft have been laying off workers between the months of October to November. The massive amount of job loss demonstrates that the concept of job security is non-existent . Job loss can effect both skilled and unskilled workers. Education was thought to be a  gateway to better career opportunities. Coders and software engineers find themselves vulnerable in a neoliberal capitalist system, even though they have useful skills. It has been cited that the layoffs are  the result of changes in buying behavior of customers. The pandemic might not be over, but there has been some control established. Tech companies claim that it was a hiring spree done during the pandemic and it can no longer afford to keep every worker. The claim lacks cogency considering these companies generate immense profits. Microsoft's programs are used in numerous offices, schools, and for personal computers. The layoffs could be a preemptive measure for large tech companies that suspect a recession is coming. This has not been confirmed by economists, but still could be a possibility. The CEOs of the major tech giants did this for a more obvious reason. Increasing their pay is more important to them than having employees. To counter the effects of thousands of layoffs, the remaining employees will do more work. The change does not ensure an increase in wages or salaries. Promotions are not guaranteed either for extra labor. While motives of are not clear, one assertion can be made with certainty. The global economy is in a poor condition. Other sectors could see mass layoffs in the coming months. 

Jiang Zemin Criticizes The Model of Reporting

 

President Jiang Zemin's leadership further cemented China's transition  to a free market in the  1990s.Economic liberalization did not produce the reforms that some desired. The Chinese Communist Party remained the only political force in the People's Republic of China. Maoism was phased out by the 1980s.  President Zemin in this rare video criticizes a journalist for not understanding the nature of the system. He implies that the questions asked do not consider the complexities of China politics and government. Zemin explains that it is important for a journalist to be knowledgeable and have greater understanding of certain situations. The model of modern reporting is to repeat a certain narrative. The problem with this is that it can normalize bias, without examining other perspectives. While Jiang Zemin's point is valid, but that does not negate the fact the government is a one party state. The absence of free press or political opposition make it difficult for journalism to evolve. The footage demonstrates how leaders in China try to deflect the authoritarian nature of the regime. The modern model of reporting does have flaws, which abusive governments can use to their advantage. They can cite unfair reporting as a foreign plot or disinformation to restrict free speech. Under Zemin's administration the urban-rural wealth gap grew and state owned enterprises closed. Few in China seriously criticized or challenged him on policy.    

The 2022 Qatar World Cup Controversy

 

A growing controversy has emerged about Qatar hosting the FIFA World Cup. The country has been known to put restrictions on press freedom, women's rights, and discriminates against those of the LGBTQ community. Labor practices have been known to endanger workers and leave them with low pay. Migrant labor was used to construct the stadium required for the World Cup. Workers from South Asia and Africa were major contributors to making the event possible. Qatar did not have a large enough labor force to build a stadium with migrant worker help. Qatar is a monarchy ruled by King Tamim bin Al Thani who took over after his father's abdication in 2013. King Tamim has been a major force in getting his kingdom to host international sporting events. Exposing  Qatar's human rights abuses is important, but it should not be ignored that France, the United Kingdom, Germany, and the United States still hold diplomatic relations with the kingdom. The European countries do not have a perfect human rights record and at times aid Qatar in the destabilization of other Arab states. Qatar has assisted  a number of armed groups and terrorists in Syria and Libya. Despite this information, that will not stop soccer fans from watching or going to Qatar. Corruption might actually go deeper with accusations of Qatar rigging the host selection process. Professional football is a major business and it is a sport that Qatar wants more influence. The kingdom has protection by the West, because follows particular policies related to Middle East affairs. The governments of North America and Europe have little credibility lecturing about human rights when they have invaded Global South nations. Only human rights activists have the credibility to do so. Trying to raise awareness is difficult with a football fandom,  which does not want to think of their sport contributing to human rights abuses.    

President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Wants To Extends His Rule

 

President Teodoro Obiang Nguema is planning on  extending  his rule. Since 1979 he as ruled Equatorial Guinea. Only two presidents have held office and President Nguema came to power through a coup. Equatorial Guinea gained its independence from Spain in 1968. The first president was Nguema's uncle Francisco Macias Nguema. The country has been under the rule of one family for 43 years. The elections that have happened since have been questioned by international observers. Equatorial Guinea has the benefit of oil reserves and production. Although it oil wealth is known, the population still remains in poverty. Political repression and limited press freedom have left the public frustrated. Nepotism has become another concern as his son might be a potential successor. The political opposition does not have the ability to remove him from office. Simultaneously, the demand for non-Russian oil puts President Nguema in a stronger position. Casting a ballot means little in a regime that is authoritarian, but has democratic institutions. Equatorial Guinea closed its borders ahead of elections. The reason stated by the government was to prevent destabilization from mercenaries or foreign powers.  Closing the border during elections harms commerce which Cameroon, Chad, and Gabon are dependent on. The measure is not targeted at merchants, rather it is designed to control the movement of citizens of Equatorial Guinea. Those who flee the country could spread information about abuses to the world.  Equatorial Guinea is a major force in the Central African Economic and Monetary Community. Over the decades there has been significant investment in infrastructure. However, the limited amounts of wealth distribution have undermined that accomplishment. Many have suspected that most of the profits from oil have gone to enriching the Nguema family. All the accusations of corruption the government has denied. The list of crimes has become more extensive over the years. Torture and violence by the state security apparatus has occurred. This makes protest or armed uprising impossible to do in Equatorial Guinea.    

Stokely Carmichael Discusses The State of The Civil Rights Movement, The Vietnam War, and White Liberals

 

Stokely Carmichael speaks in this rare clip discussing the status of the civil rights movement, Vietnam, and the problem with white liberals. Black Power as a movement wanted to see African Americans have political, economic, and social equality. Integration meant little, if African Americans did not have the opportunity to influence the wider society. Carmichael emphasized the importance of African Americans being unified in fighting racism, discrimination, and inequality. The issue with white liberals is that they rejected Black Power. Dismantling segregation was not enough, but the white liberals thought it solved America's racial problems. The debate over the Vietnam War caused a divide in the civil rights movement itself. It was not possible to be anti-racist, if one supported a war that was an imperialist intervention. Containment was being used as a cover for the United States to dominate Asia. The funds used to keep the war going harmed the Great Society programs. Stokely Carmichael also asserts that a people must demand their rights. Otherwise, nothing will be gained from a freedom struggle.  

The World Population Reaches 8 Billion

 

The world population has reached 8 billion. The development is significant for a number of reasons. The balance of geopolitical power, economics, and the environment will be effected. The average life expectancy at some stage will increase globally. That requires policies and programs needed for eldercare. The demand for certain natural resources and  their use might not be accommodated. Employing 8 billion people of the globe would be no simple task. Economic instability would make particular nations more prone to large upheaval . The children and young people are going to need high quality education to be part of the knowledge based economy. Housing, education, and employment are the basic necessities every nation state should have. The world population  shift indicates a concern about women's rights. Women around the world do not have equal access to contraception. Reproductive rights are being undermined across various nations. The conflict between nations for fossil fuels, clean water, and food has the potential to escalate. The most populous countries include India, China, Indonesia, Brazil, Nigeria,  the United States of America, and Russia. The tension between the Russia-China block and the US create a general sense fear. Mass global conflict could be ignited by the major world powers. Large standing armies can be a threat to international peace. Unless serious efforts are made to address social, political, and economic problems a large world population becomes a risk. The United Nations claims the nations that will see growth up to 2050 will be the Philippines, Egypt, Congo, Ethiopia, India, Pakistan, Tanzania, and Nigeria. The world population might be larger. The homeless, the incarcerated, and the uncontacted tribes might not be fully accounted for in the UN population data.  

Ethiopia Opens Peace Talks With The TPLF

 

The war with the Tigray region might be coming to an end. A peace settlement is being proposed, which hopes to end hostilities in Ethiopia. A concern has grown that the agreement might not hold. The TPLF appears to long for the days in which it had political dominance. The talks were held in both Kenya and South Africa. Much of the efforts also involved the African Union. The two year war could be reaching an end. The damage to the populace cannot be underestimated. The estimation of deaths possibly reached the thousands and many remain food insecure. The reports of a permanent peace settlement is welcomed. A hotline has also been established between Addis Abba and the TPLF. What must not happen is that a peace settlement devolves into a mere truce or ceasefire. The TPLF agreed to disarm its fighters. The time frame given was within 30 days. Depending on the exact size of the TPLF this might not be a realistic target. Questions remain about Eritrea's  role in the TPLF war. Eritrea was allied to Ethiopia a rare act of collaboration between the two countries. The TPLF still has grievances against Eritrea. East Africa is dealing with destabilization from conflict, food insecurity, terrorism, and ethnic hatreds. Ethiopia is at risk of falling into civil war similar to that of Sudan or the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Ethiopia has to consider more representation of all ethnic groups in government. A federal system is a solution to issue related to lack of representation, racism, and political crisis. Reforms are needed to prevent the balkanization of the country. The African Union intends to send representatives to ensure that the peace agreement is being upheld. 

Tension on The Korean Peninsula

 

Tensions are rising once more between North Korea and South Korea. Joint drills that South Korea conducts with the United States has only resulted in more missile launches. North Korea has conducted nuclear tests and could in the future become one of the major nuclear armed nations. The Korean War in the 20th century never resulted in peace treaty. That means both North and South Korea have been in a state of war since 1953. Japan also grows concerned with North Korea's missile launches. These weapons tend to fly over Japan or land in the ocean rather than hitting a target. Over the years tensions have occurred and then are reduced. The difference now is that sanctions, joint military drills, and the Asia pivot have made North Korea vexed. This is not about getting attention. North Korea has been on the mind of the United States for a long period of time. The country has been targeted for regime change, but the possibility of that is limited by China. A US and South Korean strike would trigger a reaction from one of Asia's most powerful nations. The failed talks over sanctions and the nuclear weapons program have resulted in a desire to ensure North Korea's security from future military intervention. The launch of ballistic missiles is more of an act of defiance to South Korea and the United States. Both the US and South Korea have been conducting a series of war games. The nuclear tests will continue as long as North Korea thinks it will be attacked by both the United States and South Korea. China does not want North Korea to become too powerful. If it does it will have another regional competitor and a country that is not dependent on it. North Korea has had a total of six nuclear tests. A seventh nuclear tests could be underway. Kim Jong Un expressed his desire to increase the strength of North Korea's military. The emphasis on missile tests and the nuclear program is just a part of that policy. 

The Growth of President Xi Jinping's Influence

 

President Xi Jinping will serve a third term as General Secretary. This is a new new development in the People's Republic of China. The tradition was to limit the terms. However, President Xi Jinping has growing influence both inside China and the wider global stage. Much of the diplomatic success was due to the efforts of the former president  Hu Jintao. His administration made a greater effort to build strong relations with African nations in the early 2000s. President Xi Jinping is using that framework and building upon it in regards to foreign relations. The concerns over Taiwan and the One China policy have made more suspicious of other world powers. Taiwan is still a part of China, but in reality has de facto independence. China's issue is that the break away island gets international recognition. Taiwan and the growing economic competition will be a major focus of Xi Jinping's third term. China's  economic goals ae to expand manufacturing and strengthen the information technology sector. Since becoming core leader, Xi Jinping has attained more power. The CCP and government might be going through a major transformation. China is becoming more like a mixed economy. The socialist and capitalist elements are fusing in a country that has become a world power. President Xi Jinping has an ambitious path of China having a greater role in global affairs. Diplomatic relation are going to extend through Latin America, Africa, and most of Asia. President Xi Jinping now represents what the multipolar world order. Japan, Vietnam, and the Philippines remain suspicious of  President Xi Jinping's intentions.   

Haiti Is At Risk of Military Intervention

 

Growing discord has spread across Haiti. This is the result of the ending of much needed subsidies of the public. The instability has increased the threat of France, Canada, and the United States invading the island. The UN peacekeeping missions appear like military occupations, rather than humanitarian assistance. Criminal gangs are a problem, but these groups are not powerful enough to depose the government. The protesters are frustrated with their government, which fails to make any progress.  Ariel Henry's leadership has brought more political challenges. The Haitian leader called for intervention to help keep him in power. This has been erroneously been presented as the country itself calling for invasion. Ariel Henry was not elected, but appointed himself prime minister. It can be argued legally Henry does not have the authority to be in office. Accusations have also been made linking Ariel Henry to the assassination of Jovenel  Moise. Haiti has not been able to gain control of its own affairs. This is due to regime change and neocolonial imperialism. The last major occupation was during the removal of President  Jean Bertrand Aristide. The UN Minustah force engaged in acts of violence directed at the Haitian population. Witness stated most of the atrocities were done by Brazilian troops. Allegations of rape, destruction of public health, and human rights violations have been made against the UN mission. Haiti must fight internal insurrection, corrupt government,  and foreign interference to regain its national sovereignty.  

South Africa Pledges Its Support To The Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic

 

South Africa will continue to support the  Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic. The Western Saharawi has been struggling to get its independence from Morocco since 1975. Algeria has also maintained close involvement with the Saharawi Arab Republic. Both President Cyril Ramaphosa and President Brahim Ghali discussed  bilateral relations. The growing concern is the abuse of the Moroccan government of the Saharawi people. South Africa expressed its desire to have the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara extended. A major shift in African politics is happening. The events of the Arab Spring , terrorism in West Africa, and foreign interventions has made South Africa recalculate its diplomatic relations. The Polisario Front emerged when both Morocco and Mauritania invaded the territory. Prior to this, it was a Spanish colony. Morocco was under French control. The Polisario Front was able to expel Mauritania, but the war with Morocco continued. A UN ceasefire was established in 1991 and a referendum  on independence was suppose to take place. Years passed and this never came to fruition. The ceasefire collapsed in 2020. Nations began reversing their support for the Polisario Front. Spain did this due to the fact it was a source of contention with Morocco. The African Union recognizes the  the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic. Reports of violence by Morocco in the Western Sahara will alienate the kingdom. This will also ham relations with South Africa and other African states. King Mohammed VI has moved the Moroccan kingdom closer to Israel and the West. The reason for this change was fears of another Arab Spring. Foreign support would ensure the monarchy's survival. The actions from 2020 to present make it impossible for South Africa to cordial relations with Morocco. South Africa will in the coming years become closer to the SADR.  

Fears Grow of Belarus Entering The Russia-Ukraine War

 

Belarus could play a military role in the Russia-Ukraine War. The annexations in the eastern section of Ukraine demonstrate that the Russian Federation could win the war. Sources have reported that military drills have increased in Belarus. President Alexander Lukashenko ordered Belarussian troops to deploy with Russia's forces along the Ukraine border. If Belarus is about to invade, Ukraine would have to fight in both the north and east. The response to Belarus has been the threat of sanctions. Belarus was a staging ground for Russian troops in the invasion. Belarus has not engaged in combat operations. If the war continues the country might be tempted to join. Ukraine cannot win on its own and at some stage will face partition. Belarus could be calculating which parts it would take from Ukraine. This is why a peace settlement must be reached before a larger onslaught. The attacks on the Nord Stream pipelines and Crimea indicate dramatic escalation of the conflict. Debate remains about how effective the Belarussian military would be in the war. Belarus has not been at war for 30 years. Strikes in the north of Ukraine could reduce strength of forces in the south and east. Belarus is not a NATO member, but Russia might believe in the distant future it could forced into that orbit. President Lukashenko is often presented as a puppet pressured  by the Russian Federation. If that were the case Belarus would have joined the fighting by now. Russia and Belarus are close allies, but it does not mean it does not mean the country will blindly follow. The Russian Federation has the option of building up Belarus as a counter to a NATO backed Ukraine. Belarus also acts as a buffer state against Poland and Lithuania. If Belarus enters the war, then the conflict could spread throughout Eastern Europe.   

The Masha Amini Protests

 

The death of Masha Amini has sparked protests over Iran. The morality police have been under much criticism for their conduct in Iran. A new attention to women's rights has been the focus. This is different from the 2009 protests. Those were directed at the administration at the  the time. Iranian women have a new desire to have more freedom and access to the public sphere. The protests are indigenous,  meaning that there is no external force attempting destabilization. If Iran wants to change its government, it will have to come from the efforts of the people living there. Exiles and foreign entities are not going to form a genuine revolution. Other social pressures could be driving discord. Sanctions and the war in Yemen are sources of contention. The growing possibility of a conflict with Israel is a concern. Saudi Arabia continues to be a security risk to the Islamic Republic. The economic and social challenges are not being addressed. The theocratic regimes in the Middle East are some of the worst human rights abusers. Iran and Israel demonstrate why theocracy is not preferable form of government. Women are subject to more abuse under theocratic regimes. More restrictions are placed on women  the more religious a society is. The demonstrations are not as massive as the 1979 Iranian Revolution against the monarchy. The reason is because  the issue mostly effects women. Men probably are not going to be supportive of a social  or cultural change related to sex politics. Although the demonstrations might not be successful, a growing number of Iranian women are reaching a new political consciousness.    

Brazil's 2022 Prsidential Election

 

Brazil's presidential election has taken a fascinating turn. It has headed to a run off election. Luiz Lula Da Silva has made a political comeback seeking to return to the presidency. However, President Jair Bolsonaro performed better than the polls predicted. Polls have been under major scrutiny when it relates to election outcomes. Da Silva only got 48.4 % of the vote compared to Bolsonaro's 43.23%. To win the first round a candidate needs 50%. This is why Brazil went into a run off. The challenge with electoral systems of liberal democracy is that candidates do not get enough votes to avoid a run off. Even with an independent judiciary, legal challenges to results are a concern. There remain fears that Jair Bolsonaro will not accept the election results. He has not been shy about his admiration for the military government that ruled Brazil between 1964 to 1985. Compared to other Latin American countries Brazil had stability. This has been the case throughout its history, but that might change. Even if Luiz Lula Da Silva wins, he has to face right-wing opposition. President Jair Bolsonaro  could always make a return to office in the following years. Brazil's elections represents the wave of right-wing movements coming to power starting in the late 2000s. Who ever wins will also effect Venezuela, Cuba, and Nicaragua.  

Ebola Detected In Uganda

 

Uganda has detected the Ebola virus in its borders. The information brings fears of the outbreak  in Liberia around 2014. The outbreak then spread throughout West Africa.  The Democratic Republic of  the Congo also experienced an outbreak in 2018. The recent outbreak is believed to be a new strain. That makes it difficult to develop a vaccine to prevent further infections. The COVID-19 pandemic has not ended. Even though there are enough vaccines to fight the disease, the healthcare systems might not be ready to handle another major crisis. The World Health Organization is tracking developments. Some virologists are debating whether or not this is another type of virus. The strains detected in the DRC and Sudan are classified as Ebola virus. It has not been confirmed that this is a new type of virus different from Ebola. Outbreaks of Ebola have ended without vaccines. Quarantines, surveillance, strict hygiene practices, and well equipped healthcare teams have contained outbreaks. Uganda did have a 2012 outbreak  of Ebola virus, but this did not become a pandemic. Isolating and providing quality medical treatment to the infected is the best way to prevent further spread. These techniques will have to be used if vaccines cannot be produced fast enough. The new virus might still be classified as part of the arterivirus group. 

Paul Henri Damiba Deposed

 

Burkina Faso is becoming more unstable. Another coup has occurred, which forced Paul Henri Damiba to resign. Clinging to power would mean civil war. This is something Burkina Faso cannot withstand seeing as their is an insurgency. The armed groups are thought to be terrorist organizations. These forces are active in the north and east of Burkina Faso. Mediation efforts are underway to form a new government. The military will still have all of the power with Ibrahim Traore as head of state. The constitution remains suspended. If the constitution remains suspended, then there is no legal means of challenging the military regime. The transitional government no longer exists. By now, most observers can see that the military will be in power for sometime. The French embassy was attacked by protesters thinking they were giving aid to Damiba. France also has a military base in Burkina Faso. He was only in power for eight months and there is little information about his European connections. The coup appears to be an internal matter, not a foreign operation of regime change. The likely tools of regime change are armed groups that are associated with ISIS or al-Qaeda. A country going through a series of leaders shows a lack of stability. The lack of security and activity of terrorist organizations only gives the military regime justification for anti-democratic measures. Condemnation from the African Union and ECOWAS has not changed Burkina Faso's policy positions. Part of the agreement of Damiba's departure was that he will not be charged with crimes against the state.    

Prime Minister Liz Truss Maintains Tax Cuts

 

Prime Minister Liz Truss has stated she will maintain tax cuts. These tax cuts are not for the average citizen rather corporations of the UK. Another policy is to reduce regulation. Liz Truss favors supply side economics. This is the policy of the Conservative Party, but  the agenda has caused panic in the markets. Supply side economics conservatives claim promotes growth. These policies have not accomplished this nor promote economic stability. Truss' plan is to jump start the economy by massive borrowing. The Bank of England was forced to do bond buying as a protective measure for pensions. Instead of acknowledging that supply side economics is inadequate blame was directed at Russia. The UK does not have to sanction Russia which has caused inflation and an energy crisis. Unless the UK can start becoming energy independent options are limited. The British are going to struggle in the coming months. Germany and France could suffer similar fates. The value of the pound has plummeted.  The unfunded tax cuts are estimated to be 45 billion pounds. These policies can result in the United Kingdom's gross domestic product shrinking. As markets become more volatile, this creates a tense political climate. Investors and businesses are concerned about unforeseen outcomes. The threat to the general public is food security, housing, and access to energy .   

The Russian Mobilization

 

Russian mobilization marks a turning point in the war. Ukraine could be engulfed by the Russian Federation if a peace settlement is not reached. NATO expansion is what instigated the conflict, yet few European leaders want to address the issue. The reaction inside the Russian Federation has been a growing  anti-war movement. Germany, France, and the UK ignore these protests and instead demonize the Russian population. Russia at the start of the invasion did not use their full military capability. Now there is a desire to do so. The only way for the conflict to end is to make Ukraine neutral and halt NATO expansion in Eastern Europe. Russia can easily halt all energy sales to Europe in response to arming Ukraine. Germany, France, and the UK are facing an energy crisis . Without gas and oil  the European economy is in peril. The weapons and money being shipped are not fully accounted for. Allegations have been made a majority of the weapons Ukraine requested have not reached them. The invasion was at first not about conquest. It was to aid the militias in the east. That might change if further escalation continues. The only way Russia could lose is if every NATO county attacked with the United States. These actions could trigger a nuclear exchange. A direct conflict between the United States and Russia would result in nuclear war. Russian mobilization does not mean the country is struggling. Russia is pushing to end the conflict in a few months. The intent of  NATO is to extend the conflict for several years to weaken Russia. This cannot happen if the Ukrainian military cannot defend against more forces entering its territory. The mobilization phase shows that the Russia-Ukraine war is going to get more violent.  

Tanzania And Mozambique Form An Alliance Against Terrorism

 

The escalation of violence has encouraged Tanzania to seek an alliance with Mozambique against terrorism. The combat in the Cabo Delgado region has also gotten the attention of other African nations. Rwanda also has involvement in the conflict. Both countries have not revealed the details of the nature of the security agreements. Tanzanian president Samia Hassan expressed the need for border security with Mozambique. The concern over destabilization of the east and south African region remains a concern. The conflict has been going on since 2017 and all insurgents have not been defeated. The origins of the terrorist group remains unclear. Analysts suggest they are ISIS affiliated. There is a possibility that the terrorist group has a domestic origin. If it is foreign backed it could be used for the purpose of regime change or asymmetric warfare. The Southern African Development Community might have to develop a plan for longtime military operations. Collaboration with the African Union is also a necessity . The question remains of what is the level of involvement of al-Shabab. The group is known to operate in Kenya and Somalia. The terrorist organization could have greater reach across Africa than previously thought. The reason to retake Cabo Delgado is to protect the economic center. Another dire need is to assist the population fleeing the province. The number of internally displaced persons has increased since the beginning of the conflict. The security pacts were a rational choice for Tanzania and Mozambique to ensure regional stability. 

Giorgia Meloni Elected Prime Minister of Italy

 

The failure of political centrism and neoliberal economic policy has pushed populations to the right. The election of Giorgia Meloni demonstrates this political trend. Her election also contradicts a narrative that women being elected to office is an indication of progressive political triumph. Female leaders have the potential to be just a harmful to society and citizens as their male counterparts. While the right has never been an advocate for women's rights, they claim sexism when  opponents criticize her political positions. The Italian voter has become so desperate and vexed that they are willing to select leaders with questionable ideology. Giorgia Meloni has expressed an authoritarian right sentiment mixed with xenophobic nativist nationalism. Her claim is that Italy's identity and family values are under attack. Giorgia Meloni also claims that the economic system has put the average person at a disadvantage. Yet, she has no intention of fighting the neoliberal capitalist system. The liberal critics state that Italy has fallen into fascism. A serious economic and constitutional crisis would have to occur to make that possible. As long as inflation and  the energy crisis continues in Europe there could be major disturbances. The COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia -Ukraine War has resulted in this shift to populist right-wing authoritarianism. The lack of a genuine leftist political block  only empowers this growing phenomenon. The Brothers of Italy claims to be anti-establishment, but Giorgia Meloni has been active in various offices and political parties. The worse the economy becomes, the greater political power the authoritarian-right gains. These  events explain Giorgia Meloni's election as prime minister.     

The First Hoverbike Shown To The Public

 

The world's first hoverbike has been invented. The technology was the product of Aerwins. The capabilities are somewhat limited. The total speed the hoverbike can reach is 62 miles per hour. This can only remain in flight for 40 minutes. The hoverbike will not be replacing the motorcycle at the moment . Then the price makes it out of range for most of the public. The hoverbike by Aerwins costs up to $ 777,000. The name of this hoverbike is called Xturismo. The goal is to make a smaller model and an electric version. The schedule for release is set for 2025. Japan has simultaneously been building hoverbikes. Aerwins plans to produce 200 more Xturismo hoverbikes. While their application can go beyond just mere transportation, there are some concerns. Law enforcement could easily abuse this technology. The hoverbike could be designed for military use. That should not be the intent of the technology. Using them for a racing sport or search and rescue operations would be preferable. A hoverbike might be a better option than a car. The challenge would be related to regulating traffic. Certain companies want to invest in an air taxi service. Airlines have interest in the development of an air taxi service. The hoverbike is in an earl development stage. It takes time to develop technology and perfect engineering. 

Violence In Iraq

 

Iraq has been falling into a state of permanent violence. Clashes between the state security forces and Shia militias continue with little prospects for resolution. Much of the controversy is related to the fact Iraq has an ineffective government. The 2003 Iraq War, the insurgency, and the growing public discord has made Iraq more unstable. The tension between Coordination Framework Alliance and the supporters of the Sadrist Movement have gotten worse. Iraq could descend into civil war without an effective leader, The CFA has links to Iran some critics have accused. Back in August, Iran did close its borders with Iraq in response to the growing violence. Al-Sadar supporters did for a time occupy the Green Zone in protest to the government. Iraq was not been stable since 2003. The country is still dealing with the aftermath of invasion  and the removal of Saddam Hussein. The attempt at nation building and imposing a liberal democratic system resulted in deadly consequences. Oppression has not gone away. The crackdown on the Tishreen protests in 2019 demonstrate this political reality. Basic necessities like electricity and clean drinking water are in short supply. When needs are not met the anger of the public grows. The youth have become more disillusioned with politics and activism. All have not given up. The Union of Baghdad Students seeks to change the political structure of Iraq. As long as their disunity among Kurds, Shia and Sunni Muslims Iraq will not have peace.    

Discontent Among US Railway Workers

 

A potential railway strike was avoided in the United States. While the focus was an extension of supply chain issues and the loss of billions dollars, the complaints of workers remained ignored. Employees do not randomly go on strike unless there is a decline in working conditions. Railroad corporations have failed their employees in the US freight industry. BNSF and Union Pacific have seen immense profits, but workers have not seen dramatic improvement. Berkshire Hathaway conglomerate has done well considering the current economic condition in the US. The combination of labor cuts, reduced compensation, and grueling precision scheduling systems has caused discord among workers. On call scheduling systems and limited time off has added to the frustration. If US railway labor unions cannot get an agreement that solves all these problems, then this can happen again in the next few years. Paid time off and  changing the scheduling policies are the only solutions. The Railway Labor Act was designed to allow corporations and unions to discuss concerns and grievances  to avert a nation wide labor incident. If abuses still happen there may be no other choice but to do a mass strike. Labor unions should not settle for an agreement that does not get to the route of labor disputes. Laws should protect workers, not corporate power. A total of twelve labor unions have been negotiating contracts.     

Namibia's Hydrogen Power Plant

 

Africa is about to open the first hydrogen power plant on the continent. The plant is expected to start producing electricity in 2024. This allows Namibia not to be too reliant on South Africa for 40% of its power. Namibia wants to expand its sector in solar and wind energy. The nation has an advantage related to its environment. The economic potential is vast, but might not materialize rapidly. The technology is still developing in the field of renewable energy. How hydrogen plants work is through a network of solar panels. Their role is to power electrolyzers to produce hydrogen to be stored. This allows a country to move away from carbon based methods. Large amounts of carbon emissions contribute to rising global temperatures. Hydrogen plants are an engineering solution to a dire environmental problem. Concerns about EU involvement and some European companies have been made. These roles in hydrogen power plants might be a means to stir African countries away from Russian energy. The best method for Namibia would be to have access to as many markets as possible. Namibia  has diamonds, uranium,  gold, copper, zinc, and suspected  oil reserves. Namibia has reached the status of upper middle income country. However, poverty remains a persistent economic concern. The construction of hydrogen plants, exporting goods to the world market, and job training are policies that ensure Namibia's survival. Hydrogen power plants also protect Namibia's environment and diverse wildlife. 

Queen Elizabeth And The Imperial Legacy

 

Queen Elizabeth has passed away. She had been a fixture of the United Kingdom for half a century. While the press in both the US and UK praise the longtime Queen, they  ignore the sordid imperial legacy during the last years of the British Empire. Although a constitutional monarchy, it virtually ruled over Hong Kong, Jamaica, and India. The British Empire was not willing to grant independence to the African and Asian colonies after World War II. Wars had to be fought for the cause of national liberation. Queen Elizabeth put a more tolerable image of empire, when it was not longer acceptable as a political entity. Malaya, Kenya, Cyprus, and Yemen people took up arms to fight the British. The Anglo-Jewish War brought an end to the British mandate in Palestine. White settlers refused to acknowledge that times had changed. The exact amount of causalities from the anti-colonial wars may never be known. While there is no evidence that the Queen was directly involved in abuses, she was complicit in them. The stance against South Africa was only taken by Queen Elizabeth when more African states gained independence in the 1960s. Rhodesia was an issue even before the Universal Declaration of Independence. She headed the Commonwealth which was designed to maintain British influence in the former colonies. It was and continues to be more paternalistic and condescending rather than a partnership of equals. Over the past five decades a  public relations campaign was designed  to make he seem like a humanitarian figure. The attempts to sanitize the history of violence by the British Empire has come under new scrutiny. It was reported 10 years ago thousands of documents related to abuses in the colonies were destroyed. Those documents related to colonial abuses remain in the Foreign Office archive. Queen Elizabeth was more so a symbol for those who believed in the myth of benevolent empire. The history exposes how nostalgia distorts  the public's understanding of events. The British Empire has a different meaning to African and Asian peoples. The negative effects are still resonating in global affairs.       

Flooding On The Rise In Sudan

 

Seasonal floods have occurred in Sudan. This has been common with the rising waters that come from Nile River. The concern is the growing intensity  of the floods. Rain fall and water levels are being altered by climate change. The increase in sea levels means flooding in costal areas. Sudan is not the only African country to struggle with floods. Uganda has seen some damage from rising waters. If too much rainfall happens this can cause landslides. When flooding stops, there are also devastating consequences. Homelessness and damage to infrastructure are major challenges. The death from flooding becomes more disturbing as governments show they have limited ability to save lives. Practical solutions do exist. Ditches, canals, and culverts must be expanded in Sudan. Infrastructure and other buildings should be as far away from  at risk areas. An emergency evacuation plan should be established to ensure public safety. A climate change management policy must be developed b the African Union to ensure the preservation of East Africa. The intensification of floods also comes at a time when drought is happening in certain areas of the region. 

The Min Aung Hlaing Regime Extends Aung San Suu Kyi's Jail Sentence

 

The military government of Myanmar has extended Aung San Suu Kyi's jail sentence. The Min Aung Hlaing regime wants to remain in power and to do so it requires to stop all political opposition. The National League of Democracy won the elections, but the military objected to the results. Since 2021 Min Aung Hlaing has manipulated the State Administration Council. Combined with being commander-in-chief of the Defense Forces, this gives him vast amounts of political power. Suu Kyi is the victim of political persecution. The National League of Democracy leaders also face imprisonment. What is going on is nothing more than a show trial. Myanmar has again become a pariah, with certain countries imposing sanctions. This has done little to undermine the military regime. Hlaing might be using Suu Kyi as an example to frighten the people resisting his rule. A resistance has been ongoing with certain ethnic groups taking up arms against the government. Min Aung Hlaing wants to crush revolts and eliminate armed groups. The desire became so extreme that this resulted in the violence against the Rohingya. The crisis can be described as ethnic cleansing and some would argue possible  genocide. Hlaing's involvement has been extensive in the human rights violations of Myanmar's ethnic groups. Suu Kyi's situation has reverted back to what it was in the 1990s. Arrest and detainment due to her political beliefs. The attempt to build a democratic system has failed. Just like in Thailand, Pakistan , Nigeria, and Egypt the military has too much control over the government. Myanmar continues to struggle with the military taking over government. Suu Kyi will either need to find a means of escape or live the rest of her life imprisoned.    

Mikhail Gorbachev BBC Interview (2019)

 

Mikhail Gorbachev (1931-2022)  gave an interview to  the BBC in 2019. What was discussed were the tensions between teh Russian Federation and the West. Gorbachev cited nuclear weapons and weapons of mass destruction as creating causing more hostility between nations. The tension will always bet there if the US and Russia continue to expand their arsenals. What he also condemned was America's nuclear attack on Japan during World War II. To him, it was more about threatening other countries rather than a fast end to the war. Russians do not favor war nor are they seeking another large conflict. Mikhail Gorbachev as General Secretary found out that most of the Soviet citizens were more concerned about a confrontation with the United States compared to other problems. The tension between the EU and Russia now is not another Cold War. The world is falling into a network of proxy wars and a shift to multipolarity. The  choice not to intervene in Eastern Europe in 1989 was out concern for a mass conflict. Gorbachev reveals some were opposed to German reunification, even those who celebrated the fall of  the Berlin Wall. Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher was not supportive of German reunification. His thoughts on President Putin explain why he is popular among the Russian citizens. The turbulence of the 1990s created a desire for some order. Vladimir Putin is viewed as a stabilizing force. The price paid for that is a more authoritarian system  based around one individual. Gorbachev shows an astute understanding of Russian politics and foreign policy in the interview. The concerns mentioned should be taken seriously by every world leader. 

The Darya Dugina Assassination

 

Journalist Darya Dugina was assassinated under mysterious circumstances. A car bomb was detonated, but no group has claimed responsibility for the murder. The speculation was that some in Ukraine were the culprits. Other theories are that it was the Russian government itself. No evidence of this has been produced. The murder will surely have an impact on the Russia-Ukraine war. The official statements by the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) is that it was a Ukrainian plot. Natalia Vovk is a suspect in the murder. Ukraine continues to deny accusations that it planned an assassination. It is unclear if Darya was the actual target or Alexander Dugin. Darya was supportive of Russia's invasion, which would make her a target. Ukraine made the claim that the real culprits were Russian separatists groups. The FSB claims it was a conspiracy of the Azov Battalion. Darya Dugina was not a political figure and did not hold power in the United Russia Party. This was an attack of extremists on a journalist. Oddly, the media is not framing it in that way. The reason could be due to growing anti-Russian sentiment in the West. Journalists of all nations face the threat of violence or death. 

Prayut Chan-ocha Has Been Suspended As Prime Minister

 

The rule of  Prayut Chan-ocha could be coming to an end. Thailand's Constitutional  Court has suspended him. The coup leader turned prime minister had been in power since 2014. His argument for remaining in power was that Thailand was stability was established. The Thai constitution has term limits and critics say that the Chan-ocha has violated the rule. The counter argument was that the 2014 coup should not count seeing as it was done under an emergency. The other claim is that his term really began in 2017 and that the new constitution should  enable him to seeking reelection. There will be a legal battle between Chan-ocha and the opposition. The challenge that faces Thailand is military dominance of politics and political corruption. The court tends to favor the military instead of opposition groups. While dismissed, Prayut Chan-ocha has not been instructed not to engage in political activity. If he successfully defeats suspension, he might run for office again. Prayut Chan-ocha could serve to 2027 if he wins the general election. Voting alone will not bring about change in Thailand. Coups happen when the powerful are fearful of the citizens asserting themselves. The only way a democratic political system can develop is if the military is separated from government.Even under civilian rule its influence can be felt. Prayut Chan-ocha might not be going anywhere, despite the growing demonstrations calling for his resignation.     

Anti-Government Protests In Sierra Leone

 

The rising cost of living has brought people to protest in Sierra Leone. This resulted in a violent response from authorities. Freetown imposed a curfew. The price of food, gas, electricity, and various commodities  have pushed the country to the brink. Poverty has been a major concern. Some are calling for President Julius Maada Bio to resign. Yet, he insists that the protests were politically motivated. That argument does not explain the fact that inflation has not been addressed. The growth of economic inequality only causes discord and violence in a nation. Sierra Leone has been struggling to rebuild after a brutal civil war. The war lasted from 1991 to 2002, but the nation remains divided. ECOWAS has condemned the violence. This might prevent further escalation . ECOWAS did intervene in Gambia and that possibly could be another option for Sierra Leone. Economic improvements must be made before a civil war breaks out. If civil war does not happen, a possible military coup could happen. A combination of broken promises , lack of reconciliation, and economic decline  put Sierra Leone in this condition.  

The Rise and Fall of The TV Journalist

 

Critics of media and journalism have noted a contrast in quality. The media has become more partisan and biased. Bias was always present in reporting, but the rise of Tv took it to another level. Adam Curtis explains in a short documentary about how the public perception  of the  Tv journalist.  They were seen as heroic figures during the 1960s and 1970s exposing corruption and societal ills. Then a shift happened with the Cold War. The geopolitical situation became more complex and a simple narrative of good versus evil could not explain a world rapidly changing. Objective reporting was an ideal that was never reached. The idea was that the journalist was suppose to explain current events to the audience. Yet, the media can also be prone to error. The Tv journalists slowly morphed into supporters of the status quo. The public began to view the Tv journalists as part of the elite and establishment. The hostility became more pronounced in the 2010s. A decline in quality has been happening before the 2020s. These shifts allowed for the rise of independent journalism. Some wonder if cable news or other networks can survive in its current condition. Tv news needs to make drastic changes to remain relevant.  

Indicators of A Recession

 

There are indications that the economy could be heading for recession. High inflation and increasing interest rates are having an impact on economic growth. The stock market should not be an indicator of economic health. This represents a small portion of the population, not  the combined microeconomic and macroeconomic dynamics. Companies are cutting advertising,  cutting back on hiring, or eliminating jobs. This is not a sign of a functional economy. The economy is heading to recession, yet there is denial among economists and politicians. The definition of recession is the decline in economic activity and the reduction of growth. The result of this is unemployment, reduced profits from corporations,  and limited investment. Output comes to a halt due to these obstacles. The indicators have gradually been exposing themselves to the public. The COVID-19 pandemic, the supply chain disruption, and sanctions on Russia have contributed to this economic condition. Attempts to redefine the attributes of a recession are not going to change the economic forecast. This was not some random occurrence. The coming recession was a product of policy. Certain measures must be put in place to prevent another possible global economic meltdown.  

The Horniman Museum Will Return The Benin Bronzes

 

Nigeria will get back artifacts that were stolen in 1897. The British Empire took the Benin bronzes during the conquest of the Kingdom of Benin. Their display in the Horniman Museum was a painful reminder of the legacy of European colonial imperialism. It was announced that a total of 72 objects with be transferred to Nigeria. Much of the artwork was used to decorate the royal court in Benin. The British knew that they were of significant value. These artifacts date from as far back as the 16th century. Although certain artifacts are being returned, that does not mean Nigeria will not loan to the Horniman Museum. Artifacts must be acquired or displayed by legal  means. More museums in France, Germany, the US, and UK are repatriating artifacts stolen from Africa. African nations do not have an issue lending artifacts, but  European museums claiming  ownership is to legitimize  the abuses of the colonial past. The Horniman Museum can still display African artifacts, but must do it by proper ethical standards. 

The Aid To Ukraine

 

The European Union and  the United States is  sending more aid to Ukraine. The EU is preparing for a mix of grants and loans which is estimated to be a total of  8 billion euros. The US intends to provide a $1 billion military aid package. The large sums of money is not helping Ukraine. The aid packages are extending the war and escalating a humanitarian crisis. The desire to see Russia weakened by a long term proxy war is not working. Ukraine cannot win, unless there is some form of multilateral intervention. NATO does not have the legal authority to do so, because Ukraine is not a member.   Such an act could spark a large war across Europe and a possible nuclear exchange. The only rational solution is to have a peace settlement. The majority of aid does not go to humanitarian concerns. Weapons and various munitions are what the aid is intended for. Europe  still remains reliant on Russian gas and this could be used as leverage in winter. The citizens of the US and EU countries should not be expected to have their tax funds wasted on a war that could be lost. The longer the Russia-Ukraine conflict goes, the economy becomes erratic. NATO expansion and the interference in Ukraine caused the conflict. More aid will result in more deaths and instability in Europe. The loans and aid packages only will make Ukraine dependent on the UK, Germany, and US. Ukraine might not be able to pay back all the loans it has received. A nation that is in debt to multiple countries  has its sovereignty limited. Ukraine is one of the poorest countries in Europe and national debt could harm its future.   

Amin al-Zawahiri Has Been Killed

 

Amin al-Zawahiri has been killed by the United States. He was second in command of Al-Qaeda and  was successor to Osama Bin Laden in the leadership of the terrorist organization. Celebrations are not happening to the same degree like it was when Osama was killed. The 2011 announcement had Americans cheering in the streets. The reason for the muted response is that America has economic and political challenges. Al-Qaeda has lost much of its significance, with rival terrorist organizations  emerging. Radical political Islamism is not a unified movement. Terrorist groups will continue to exist and operate without their founders. The growth of  international terrorism has a direct link to US foreign policy and intervention in the Middle East. Afghanistan is once more under Taliban rule and Iraq remains unstable. Zawahiri's hatred of the US stemmed from the support of Israel and the authoritarian regimes in the Middle East. Jailed  under the Hosni Mubarak presidency, Zawahiri thought Egypt was falling under US domination. The reason people have joined these groups is to fight regimes that are US supported or occupied. This is why Al-Qaeda made an appearance in Iraq  after the removal of Saddam Hussein.  Drone strikes have killed the leadership, but the terrorist organizations were designed to function without them. As along as a permanent state of warfare continues and interference into the affairs of Arab nations occurs terrorist organizations will expand.  

Nancy Pelosi Intends To Visit Taiwan

 

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has implied that she will visit Taiwan. This resulted in condemnation from China. The sudden desire to visit indicates a decline in US-China relations. The one China policy acknowledges that the island is a part of the PRC. Doing this visit suggests that America is making preparations for recognizing Taiwan as an independent nation. China's fear is that the island along with South Korea, and Japan could be used a launching sites for military action. The possible visit could have dire consequences. China could in response arm North Korea as a means countering American expansion into Asia. The United States has continued to provide arms to Taiwan despite objections to Beijing. The move is not one of skilled diplomacy. If Taiwan is to be discussed, a visit to Beijing would need to occur first. Risking a large East Asia war could spread to other regions. The speculation is that these actions are the culmination of the pivot to Asia. China must be undermined so that the US can continue to be the sole superpower in the world. The approach to Asian affairs has become reckless over the past three presidential administrations. Instead of creating an atmosphere of trust  and understanding a sentiment of hostility is predominant. 

The Rajapaksas Could Be Losing Their Grip on Power

 

Resignations, protests, and economic crisis is disrupting Sri Lanka. These challenges highlight long term problems the country has faced over the past decades. The Rajapaksas under these conditions might fall from power. Their power is comparable to the Sharifs or Shinawatras. Pakistan and Thailand have powerful political families. The case with both those countries is that they eventually are forced from power. The pattern might be repeating in Sri Lanka. The population does not want a dynasty ruling for decades. That model of political system is only tolerated when material conditions are high. Now Sri Lanka faces inflation and supply shortages. The cost of living has increased dramatically. The Rajapaksas could face criminal charges related to corruption. Gotabaya Rajapaksa the former president, could be charged for graft. More charges could be made related to the civil war, which ended in 2009. The abuse of the Tamils has been given more focus. The war against the Tamil Tigers did result in atrocities that have not been fully investigated. At the moment most of the Rajapaksas remain in the country. If political and economic issue continue to grow, their hold on the system will weaken. The question of war crimes and corruption might force some of the Rajapaksas to flee. Gotabaya left and remains in Singapore. Mahinda Rajapaksa resigned as prime minister, but still remains active in politics. Basil Rajapaksa attempted to escape and was apprehended by immigration authorities at an airport. 

Viktor Orban Disparages Racial Integration

 

Prime Minister Viktor Orban stated " we are not a mixed race and we do not want to become one either." The Hungarian prime minister articulated this sentiment in a speech at Balvanyos Summer University. This rhetoric is nothing new from his government. Orban has expressed disdain for immigration and non-European peoples. The migration crisis has provided the far-right the ability to gain more political power. Orban has articulated that Europe is being replaced by non-white people. European countries have grappled with various forms of de facto segregation. France and the UK are guilty of this with much of its African, Asian, and Arab populations being marginalized. This also has a religious intolerance dimension with Muslims facing Islamophobia. The only way Europe can have stability is through racial integration. The conservatives of  Hungary rejects this and chose to believe that Hungarians have some form of racial purity. The fixation comes from either fear, hate, or intolerance of  those who are different. The EU does not favor Prime Minister Orban. Much of the criticism directed at him is not due to his racism, rather his alliance with Russia. Hungary did condemn the invasion, but is not willing to break off ties to the Russian Federation. Orban is one of President Vladimir Putin's close allies. Orban's race mixing comment  shows how xenophobic nativist nationalism has become more mainstream.