President Umaro Sissoco Embalo Seeks Another Term

 

Political factionalism continues to be a part of the government of Guinea-Bissau. President Umaro Sissoco Embalo wants to seek a second term. At first, President Embalo expressed that there was no intent to extend his presidency. Guinea-Bissau has struggled with coup attempts and instability since independence. The current controversy facing the politics of the country is the debate over term limits. The opposition claims that the president's term expired. The Supreme Court holds the position the presidential term expires in September. The political opposition does not dictate presidential term limits. The Constitution of Guinea-Bissau lists the powers and rules of the presidency. The political opposition most likely wants to remove him by extra legal means. A coup was allegedly thwarted in 2022. The start of the Embaldo administration was met with conflicts with the parliament. The dissolving of the parliament in 2022, resulted in rescheduling elections. Guinea-Bissau has not experienced a coup since 2012. The military establishment retains an abnormal influence on government. President Umaro Sissoco Embalo navigates between a contentious parliament and a ubiquitous military. Tensions are rising about what happens with the next elections. Guinea-Bissau has gone 13 years without a coup and it was during the Embalo presidency ECOWAS troops left.  

Corus Entertainment Shuts Down Nelvana

 

Nelvana one of Canada's prominent animation studios had ended production. Established in 1971, the studio produced a number of animated series and films. Corus Entertainment amassed immense debt. This was Nelvana's parent company since the year 2000. Between that year of purchase to 2025, $1,000,000,000 of debt was created. No explanation was given for how that debt emerged. The speculation is that funds were wasted, went to executives, or used for failed projects. What happened to Nelvana is a warning to other animation studios. The actions of the parent company tend to harm the subsidiaries. Nelvana was not producing low quality work, but mismanagement . Corus Entertainment might not exist in a few decades if debt can not get under control. The entertainment industry is still adjusting to streaming and the changing consumption habits of viewers. Corus Entertainment did not mention layoffs when speaking with the press. Those who work in animation or seeking to begin a career are struggling. What becomes more questionable is the amount of bonuses executives were paid. A serious discussion about executive bonuses never takes place. Never do they offer to take a cut in bonuses to prevent the company failing or to contribute to debt payments. Nelvana would have survived if it was not owned by another company. Corus Entertainment's solution to the debt concerns is to manage existing properties. Corus Entertainment  insists the Nelvana brand will remain, but production of new content has ended. Canadian animators are going to have to find work at another animation studio or go abroad. 

Thailand's Growing Political Instability

 

Paetongtran Shinawatra has been removed from office. The charge was an ethics violation, however upon further analysis there was a political motivation. A phone call with former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen was deemed an ethics violation. Prime Minister Paetongtarn's crime was she criticized the Thai military. The phone call was and discussion was not a serious criminal offense. No evidence exists of acts of treason or conspiracy. The dialogue between two figures was an act of diplomacy and conflict resolution. The removal of another Thai head of state could result in another coup. Thailand's 2006 and 2014 coups demonstrate that the military has more power than a civilian government. The Shinawatras can never govern effectively  due to the interference of the Thai military and the weaponization of the Constitutional Court. Whoever becomes the next prime minister will confront political factionalism, the military, and the attacks from the Constitutional Court. The elites, military, and the monarchy itself do not support a liberal democratic system. Various political parties are fighting to get majorities in the parliament. When neither can obtain dominance, fragile coalition governments are formed. The political impasses are used as a justification for the military to depose the government.  The Pheu Thai Party's strategy is to seek a means of dissolving parliament. Taking this action would be a means of preventing a military coup or deadlock with other political parties.  Thailand has the risk of becoming more like Myanmar and a wider conflict with Cambodia breaking out. The Thai public might want some authoritarianism as an alternative to ineffective government. Snap elections could be coming in the following months, yet this will not resolve domestic and regional challenges.  

The Global Unemployment Rate And Accuracy of Data

 

The condition of the economy is determined by the amount of employment. Using the global unemployment rate as a measure provides incite. Over the past 34 years, there have been fluctuations in unemployment. A number of circumstances cause this. The fall of the Soviet union caused unemployment in Eastern Europe. The global financial crisis in 2008 harmed the labor market and COVID-19 change the nature of employment. The data from over the decades is not precise. While it can be argued it was accurate, the total number of unemployed was higher. The period between 1991 to 2016 does not reflect all people without work. Much of the data used comes from either the World Bank or International Monetary Fund. These institutions have been criticized related to their conduct in regards to Global South nations. Errors can occur in data collection and the way unemployment is measured is subject to change. People who given up seeking work or not trying are excluded from the data. This  distorts the statistics of global unemployment. The number is much larger and growing. A trend can be seen with certain events. The next wave of global unemployment will come from automation and artificial intelligence. The effects of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic caused another mass global unemployment event. The world has not recovered in terms of business security and income. The working class suffers the most, but the middle class will be the next victim. Many skilled jobs are going to be replaced. The middle class could cease to exist with the full integration of automation and artificial intelligence. Data collection must be as precise as possible to help formulate solutions to increases in global unemployment. Otherwise, economic reports from various institutions will not be useful.  

No Reports Related To Former President Biden's Health

 

Former President Joseph Biden was diagnosed with prostate cancer in May of 2025. The media and Democratic Party tried to ignore the significance of the former president's health. If he had remained in the 2024  presidential campaign, this could have been a serious crisis for government. When diagnosed, President Biden stated he was expected to make a full recovery. President Joseph Biden's health issues were becoming obvious during his administration. The first debate President Biden was showing signs of cognitive decline. While there is an order of succession for the office of president, a transition unexpectedly can be a cause of concern. An unhealthy head of state becomes a reflection of the healthcare system. A president who is supposed to have quality medical care was failed by White House doctors. The average US citizen fares worse in terms of fighting disease and maintaining  health. Paying for medical care still causes financial ruin and bankruptcy. The only reason this was not a bigger scandal was that the diagnosis was made when Biden was no longer in office. President Trump's mental health is subject to scrutiny, yet there was silence over President Biden's memory issues. The leaders of the US are aging and there is a need for youthful politicians. After President Obama, US heads of state have been senior citizens. Health and age should be factors in selection of a candidate for the presidency. The Democratic Party nominated twice an leader who was older and displaying signs of deteriorating health. This must change if the Democratic Party is to retake the White House in 2028. President Biden continues to remain active in public life, despite having health issues.          

Botswana's Healthcare Emergency

 

Botswana is facing a healthcare crisis. A massive shortage of medicine and medical equipment is the country's major concern. President Duma Boko stated funds are being amassed to counter lack of supplies and the military will act as distributor. The healthcare crisis is being blamed on the decline of the global diamond market and cuts from foreign aid. The failure to not utilize the diamond trade to healthcare demonstrates mismanagement. The crisis also reveals how foreign aid is not protection. The accumulation of debt creates dependency. The objective for Botswana should have been to independent in its healthcare services. A domestic ,medical supply chain must be developed. Central Medical Stores has been accused of corruption and links to the current medical supply chain issue. The CMS is a state procurement agency, which works with various intermediaries. The increase in drug prices and reduced medical service will harm low income Botswanans .Despite these challenges Botswana has dramatically reduced the rate of HIV. African nations must assist others on the continent. Rather than being reliant on foreign aid, programs should be created by the African Union. Botswana does have options. Some of these would required greater cooperation with South Africa, Malawi, and Tanzania. Botswana's healthcare crisis is a warning to all nations that do not have a stable domestic medical supply chain.      

Venezuela Threatened

 

Venezuela since 2002 has been the target of US interference. Now, tensions have risen with US naval forces being detected off the coast. What was deployed to Venezuela were Aegis guided-missile destroyers. Three warships were detected indicating possible military aggression directed at Venezuela. Prior to this provocation, the US government issued a bounty for President Nicolas Maduro. The Trump administration asserts this is an effort to stop drug cartels and that Venezuela contributes to the traffic of  illegal substances. President Donald Trump without evidence claimed President Nicolas Maduro was in control of drug trafficking throughout the region. The true motivation is to obtain Venezuela's vast oil reserves. The official statements from the White House, Department of Defense, and Justice Department was the warships were part of an operation to stop the transport of narcotics. Fighting gangs and drug cartels are a cover to either intervene or possibly occupy Latin American countries. Designating gangs and drug cartels as terrorist organizations provides the justification. The United States of America continues to undermine South America's sovereignty and attack leftist governments. If Venezuela is invaded, it could induce a massive refugee crisis. Colombia, Brazil, and Guyana would be effected. The War on Drugs has become a curtain for an invasion of the entire South American continent. Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia do have challenges related to drug cartel crime. There is no evidence cartels are being directed by Venezuela. President Nicolas Maduro announced that he seeks to mobilize 4.5 milita members to defend the country if military action is taken by the United States.    

MSNBC Seeks Rebranding

 

MSNBC will change its name in an effort to rebrand the cable news channel. The new name of the channel will be called MS NOW. This stands for my source, news, opinion, and world. MSNBC has been struggling with ratings over the past few years. The failure to adapt is the primary reason. Many viewers are going to alternative or independent media sources. Social media, websites, and video sharing platforms are now major sources of news. The rebranding will not be effective unless changes are made. Corporate media seeks to uphold a certain narrative, which does not present political or social realities. Media bias can be present in any source, but MSNBC was more blatant with its coverage. the channel favors a political centrist and corporate Democrat perspective. The majority of the audience it appeals to is the baby boomer demographic. That generation does not represent the majority of the public. The channel focuses too much on domestic news, while international affairs are ignored. Biased reporting related to Israel and Ukraine becomes more obvious as conditions change rapidly. To an extent coverage of the Trump administration keeps the channel going. Other cable news networks have followed this model and it is not sustainable. The failure to update to the new era of digital media demonstrates how out of touch cable news channels are. Renaming the channel seems like they want viewers to think they are getting something different. Many viewers see MSNBC as an official press organization for the Democratic Party. Considering viewers want actual information and not political party press releases, ratings declined. The MS NOW transformation is not enough to fix the cable news network. 

The Changes Coming To Eastern Europe

 

The Alaska Summit was held by President Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin. The meeting did not produce any peace settlements or an end to violence. The speculation was that it was a discussion of partition of Ukraine. President Zelensky is set to meet with President Trump after the Alaska Summit.  The Russia-Ukraine War has changed Eastern Europe. Belarus is viewed with more hostility due to its alliance with the Russian Federation. The country has not sent any forces, but is subject to sanctions by the European Union. The rest of Eastern Europe is becoming more militarized. Poland does host US air defense systems and military bases. Even if a peace settlement is reached, US military bases will not be removed. Ukraine will lose territory and the western section under a US- European Union sphere of influence. Hungary being closer to the Russian Federation is seeing a decline in relations with the UK and Germany. The war is also causing changes in the Balkans and the Baltic. Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia are going to be given more arms. Kosovo is going to be pushed to be recognized to undermine Serbia.  NATO members in Europe are expected to increase spending to 5% of their GDP. The economic consequences are going to be negative for the citizens of the UK, Germany, France, and Italy. As taxation increases and social services are cut, public discord will grow. The demographic shift in Ukraine is going to effect the rest of Europe. Since 2022, Ukrainians have fled to avoid military service, violence, and seek safety. As more people die, the country is feeling the consequences of population decline. The Ukrainians that are refugees, might not decide to return. More refugees are going to come when the war is over. Sudden increases of refugee traffic from inside Europe will generate resentment. The loss of the Russia-Ukraine War will halt efforts at European integration. Eastern Europe is becoming divided between EU-NATO supporting countries and those that want diplomatic relations with Russia. 

Afghan Refugees Removed From Iran and Pakistan

 

Afghan refugees are being removed from both Iran and Pakistan. The recent wave of refugees was the result of the Taliban's return to power. The US-Afghan War destabilized the country. Iran and the Taliban regime do not have positive diplomatic relations. While both are theocratic governments, the two nations follow different sects of Islam. When it comes to governance, the Taliban is more authoritarian in practice. The Taliban of the 2020s, differs from the Taliban of the 1990s to 2000s. Fears of a US-Israel Iran war also complicate matters. The decline of Iranian and Pakistani relations was evident with the clashes in 2024. Iran was targeting armed groups that were suspected of attempts of sabotage against the country. Seeing as some missile fire was exchanged, this proves the region is not safe. Afghan refugees have little protection in a region with tensions and military operations. The Taliban might attempt to attack to stop emergent armed resistance groups outside of its borders. The Taliban was able to get the recognition of the Russian Federation, which could strain relations with Iran.  Afghan refugees are running out of options for safety. Alternatives are being limited. Afghans could either seek asylum in other Central Asian states . Getting access to the European Union countries would be difficult. The growing anti-immigrant and anti-refugee sentiment is being exploited by the political establishment in the EU and North America. Millions of Afghan refugees are being repatriated. Using repatriated is a euphemistic term for deportation. The press also tries to obfuscate the situation by calling it expulsion.  Iran and Pakistan are doing mass deportations of Afghan refugees. Deadlines are set and both countries want to meet the target of how many should be deported. Those returning to Afghanistan cannot be guaranteed safety or that the Taliban regime will not retaliate.  

Benjamin Netanyahu Discusses Views on The Arab-Israeli Conflict (1978)

The violence in the Gaza Strip and West Bank has its roots in the conflicts in West Asia. Before Benjamin Netanyahu became prime minister of Israel, he expressed disdain for Arab nations. Back in 1978, Netanyahu spoke to an American audience. When speaking Netanyahu claims the aspiration for Arab self determination should not be taken into consideration. The reason Arab states would not accept the state of Israel was because it was a settler colonialist nation. Calling it a Jewish state would be incorrect. Israel is a Zionist state. Israel continued to steal Arab land and occupy areas for settlers. The ethnic cleansing, genocide, and induced famine in Gaza in the 21st century demonstrates Israel's true intentions. The domination of West Asia and expanding the Ashkenazi Jewish demographic are objectives of the Likud Party. Israel has not fulfilled its obligations of being peaceful with its Arab neighbors. Even with the peace treaties signed with Egypt and Jordan, anti-Arab racism is policy. It is unlikely that Netanyahu will seek a ceasefire in the Gaza-Israel War or accept a Palestinian state. Based on past interviews, speeches, and talks   Benjamin Netanyahu sees Arabs as a problem. The United States in the 1970s aided Israel and continues in the 2020s. The myth of Israel being a victim was expressed by Netanyahu in 1978. As prime minister, the myth was shattered as the world watches Israel engage in human rights violations.  

 

Vegetables Prices Are Increasing

 

The price of vegetables has increased. Overall, food prices have risen for a several years. The increase of vegetable prices impacts public health. Studies have noted that higher prices can undermine healthy eating. Fast food becomes an alternative when fruits and vegetables are too expensive. Chronic illnesses such as heat disease and type II diabetes can be prevent through changes to diet. The United States imposing tariffs on a variety of goods resulted in a spike in prices. Consumers and grocers are adjusting to economic uncertainty. Farmers are being impacted negatively, which will harm agribusiness. The tariffs on Mexico and Canada are the cause of the price increase related to vegetables. US farms do not have the capacity to immediately replace imported vegetables. The consumer will be paying more for domestically produced vegetables. Food companies were already engaged in price gouging and the new tariffs are an extension of that model. If prices continue to rise, food security will be threatened. People who are on the poverty line could face starvation. Food banks might not be equipped to manage the growing number of food insecure citizens. Supermarkets are going to struggle with consumers looking for other means to obtain food. A goal of the current administration is to improve health of the public. Tariffs and high prices prevent access to healthy food. Making vegetable prices cheaper ensures protection of public health.    

The NRM Endorses Yoweri Museveni For President of Uganda

 

Yoweri Museveni is seeking another term as president of Uganda. The National Resistance Movement has been the dominant political party since 1986. Uganda resembles a one party state, with opposition being suppressed. The NRM endorsed President Museveni, which it has done so for decades. President Yoweri Museveni has remained in power not only because of the loyalty of the NRM, but also changes to the constitution. Age and term limits have been removed. The major challenger to the NRM is the National Unity Platform. Political opponents are facing prison and lack of press freedom hinders criticism of the Museveni administration. President Yoweri Museveni stated in his nomination acceptance speech he wants to see Uganda become a high middle income country. The question remains what is the excuse for lack of progress for 39 years. The only argument the NRM has is that Uganda remains stable. Even this is fragile. Tensions with Rwanda, intervention in the DRC, and the Lord's Resistance Army indicate limited control. If certain branches of government lose independence, Museveni's government will resemble that of an Idi Amin dictatorship. The NRM was not elected in 1986, rather they took Kampala in the Ugandan Bush War. The Milton Obote government was never able to resolve the conflict or create unity. The Obote government was deposed in 1985 by Tito Okello. The military regime  could not defeat the NRM. The NRM would from 1986 to 1994 fight the Uganda's People's Army, Uganda's People's Democratic Army, LRA,  and the Holy Spirt Movement. The NRM uses the fear of Uganda falling into civil war as means of retaining power. Other Ugandans become concerned about what a post-Museveni Uganda would become. 

European Union Increases Sanctions On Russia

 

The European Union has placed more sanctions on the Russian Federation. Sanctions have not ended the Russia-Ukraine War. These sanctions are ineffective and are having negative economic effects on EU countries. The increase in fuel prices harms businesses and consumers in Europe. The majority of African and Asian nations are not placing sanctions on the Russian Federation. The reason is due to the fact Russia has better relations with the Global South. Ukraine's war effort is taking a turn for the worst. The exchange of drone warfare and missiles has added to the brutality of the war. Ukraine has hit Moscow with long range missiles and did an incursion into Kursk. At some point, the Ukrainian military will collapse. The conflict is a war of attrition and a proxy operation under the supervision of NATO. Eastern Europe is not only being militarized, but the entire EU. Sanctions only hinder efforts at diplomatic resolution. President of the European Commission Ursula Von Der Leyen proposed  a 131 billion euro defense budget. This is going to paid for by taxing the citizens of the European Union countries. The United Kingdom hold the position of keeping the conflict going. The US has not produced a peace settlement and the majority of talks end in failure. The Istanbul talks are not going to end the conflict as long as sanctions are imposed on Russian energy. Now that President Zelensky is facing internal protests, his political future is uncertain. Protesters were voicing their grievances about government corruption. Even if the war ends the internal situation in Ukraine will be unstable. The EU would probably support an authoritarian Zelensky dictatorship for the sake of undermining the Russian Federation. Belarus could in the future subject to even more sanctions to harm a Russian ally.     

Tortoises Have Long Term Emotions

 

The University of Lincoln conducted a study on red-footed tortoises. Based on what was observed, tortoises can have long term emotions similar to mammals and birds. This is the latest step in understanding reptile behavior. The study used only 15 red-footed tortoises. These animals can be found in South America. Red-footed tortoises can also be found in Trinidad and Barbados.  Little information exists about the emotions  of other species of tortoises. What was used for the experiment was a cognitive bias test. When placed in enriched environments, the animals showed signs of positive emotion. When placed in unfamiliar environments, the red-footed tortoises appeared to develop anxiety. Beyond being data for zoologists, the findings can have applications elsewhere. Zoos can use it to make better environments for the tortoises they have. Seeing as tortoises are popular pets, owners can make better choices for creating habitats. Keeping certain species of tortoises in captivity can be a challenge. Diseases and habitats that do not meet their needs are concerns. This also opens more questions about the biology of tortoises. If they are capable of emotion, their cognition is probably more advanced than previously thought. Then a consideration must be made for the evolutionary circumstances for long term emotions. Conservation efforts are underway for vulnerable populations of tortoise species. Learning more about proper approaches to well being for the animals can prevent extinction. 

The Political Activities of Former DRC President Joseph Kabila

 

Former DRC president Joseph Kabila is back in the country after two years. Returning to the city of Goma, accusations were made he had links to the M23 rebels. Leading the Democratic Republic of the Congo from 2001 to 2019, his influence is still felt. The Second Congolese Civil War caused massive devastation to the region and DRC. The end of Kabila's immunity indicates a political motivation. Joseph Kabila might be calculating a return to the presidency. President Felix Tshisekedi has expressed the desire for the Constitutional Commission to change the term limits. If presidential term limits were to be extended that means Kabila could run again. This explains why the People's Party for Reconstruction and Democracy is facing suppression. New charges were placed on Joseph Kabila accusing him of war crimes and treason. At this time, there is not enough evidence for trial. The restrictions on the PPRD Party are in the public's view an example of anti-democratic action. Joseph Kabila has claimed he wants to have a settlement with the M23 rebels. It was announced that Rwanda and the DRC would procure a peace agreement. Fears are mounting that it will not hold. If any peace settlement is to be successful it will require the active participation Uganda. Both Uganda and Rwanda have been involved in the DRC's internal affairs going back to 1998. Joseph Kabila has the experience dealing with President Paul Kagame and President Yoweri Museveni. The assassination of his father and the former president Laurent-Desire Kabila, made Joseph understand the dangers the DRC was in from its neighbors. The ban on the PPRD Party and  the end of Joseph Kabila's immunity will only increase his popularity. Political persecution turns public figures into icons of resistance. While Kabila still has enemies made in the 2000s, he could  be developing a wider political movement. 

The FBI and Department of Justice Assert The Jeffery Epstein Client List Does Not Exist

 

The FBI and Department of Justice announced that the Epstein client list does not exist. To the general public, this seems difficult to believe. For decades Jeffery Epstein had been engaging in sexual violence with the help of  Ghislaine Maxwell. The crimes and number of victims would indicate that both had to keep track of individuals who were active on his properties. The possible explanations are cover-ups or destruction of evidence. The reason that the client list would be hidden is that it contains names of major political figures. Being a prominent financier, Epstein had access to a number of public figures. Politicians, celebrities, and numerous entertainers could have been on the client list. The case is not closed, because it just creates more questions. The video released of Epstein does not reveal much either. The assertion was that Epstein committed suicide. However, the bones broken in his neck did not appear to be caused by hanging. The only way to get answers would be to question Ghislaine Maxwell. Currently serving a 20 year prison sentence, she would have more information about Epstein's criminal activity. The Epstein case further demonstrates why the public does not trust law enforcement agencies. The protection of the upper class and wealthy elite shows how criminal justice is undermined. There could be more powerful public figures that have sex trafficking networks unknown to the public.  

President Hugo Chavez Embracing Africa and South America (2006)

 

President Hugo Chavez embraced Africa and its link to South America. Venezuela in the late 1990s began to enhance diplomatic relations with African nations. To an extent both Africa and Latin America share a common struggle. European colonization harmed the people of both continents. Spain was the major power that dominated Latin America. The wave of independence in the 1820s was undermined by the United States and the policy of the Monroe Doctrine. During this interview President Hugo Chavez voices his concerns for Mozambique. The scourge of AIDS and poverty in Africa was a concern for the Venezuelan president. Domestically, Hugo Chavez formed food programs to combat hunger in Venezuela. Chavez stated that "racism is characteristic of imperialism." Capitalism also acts as a binding network for these systems of domination. Hugo Chavez was not only calling for a socialist revolution, but a revolution of ethics. The world should not except that children die from lack of healthcare and destitute conditions. This cannot be the task of one leader Chavez expressed. The public must participate in a revolution. The notion of "taking back the flag of socialism" refers to stopping the cooption by social democrats and  political centrist liberals. These two factions are seeking reform, rather than fundamental change. The reason Hugo Chavez was demonized is that he wanted to challenge US domination in South America. The hatred was also from the US, which attempted to depose Hugo Chavez in 2002. Both Africa and South America cane benefit one another.  

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra Suspension And The Hun Sen Scandal

 

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has been suspended from her governance duties. The scandal relates to a phone call with Hun Sen. The former prime minister of Cambodia is now president of the Senate. Thailand and Cambodia are now involved in a escalating  border dispute. The call was seen by the more nationalistic elements of Thailand as a violation of ethics. The discussion was about the current tension between the two countries. Instead, it was exaggerated to be some act of treason or evidence Prime Minister Paetongtran is a puppet. Neither of these accusations have evidence. Hun Sen during the phone call expressed harsh criticism of the Thai military. The real scandal is that the Thai military has more control over government than the civilian leadership. The Hun Sen scandal is about the Thai military attempting to stop peaceful resolutions with Cambodia. Thailand could be headed for another coup. The pattern seems similar to 2006 and 2014. A few senators in Thailand submitted a petition for her removal from office. The Constitutional Court then took the recommendation of investigating ethics violations. This is an attempt to criminalize political opponents. The Thai military was responsible for the removal of her other family members who were elected to office. Yingluck Shinawatra was removed from office by the Constitutional Court. The murder of a Cambodian soldier on the border caused a sharp decline in diplomatic relations. The only means to improve conditions is to discuss matters. A phone call attempting to prevent a war should not be met with suspension form office. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has only 15 days to organize legal defense for her case. The verdict most likely has been determined without the trial. If heads of state cannot engage in dialogue with foreign leaders, resolving issues will be impossible. The Hun Sen scandal is about the Thai military trying to sabotage peaceful resolutions to the Cambodian border dispute.   

Tuvalu Under Threat From Climate Change

 

Climate change is becoming a security risk for nations of Oceania and the Pacific Ocean region. Tuvalu's concern relates to the increase in water levels. Tuvalu seeing the increase water levels of the Pacific Ocean means certain islands could go under. Flooding become a danger to people, property, and the economic conditions of the country. Realizing climate change is not slowing down, one solution involved an agreement with Australia. A climate change visa has been proposed. This allows Tuvaluans  to relocate to Australia due to environmental challenges. The climate change visa is not a permanent method to address climate induced disasters. Residence of Tuvalu might not want to move to another country. Australia cannot be expected to take all people from various Pacific Ocean states. Environmental protection needs to be a priority for governments across the world. The dependence on fossil fuel undermines efforts to address climate concerns. Rising sea levels are also going to effect Australia. Those living on the coast or close by the ocean makes it unsafe for residence. The climate change related visa is the first of its kind. Some Tuvaluans  applied for the new visa. Adjusting to a new country can be difficult. Australians might not want to see more  immigration . Tuvalu's population is smaller than Australia's. According to Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Tuvalu's population is 11,204 people. Tuvalu gained independence in 1978 and since has strived for economic development. Tuvalu has tourism potential, yet climate change remains a hinderance. Tuvalu and other members of the Pacific Islands Forum must develop new innovations to combat the effects of climate change.      

The Kenyan Gen Z Demonstrations

 

Kenyan youth are going to demonstrations to voice their frustration with the government. The source of contention related to police brutality, increases in taxes, and dissatisfaction with President William Ruto. The demonstrations are spreading throughout Kenya. Much of the discontent is also expressed on social media platforms. Not only is it used as an organizing tool, but increasing awareness of issues in Kenyan politics. Generation Z is feeling the strain of economic hardship. The youth are experiencing a high rate of unemployment in Kenya. Combined with the increase in the cost of living, this added to the  discord. President William Ruto is becoming the main focus, not just the government in general. Growing protests show that his administration is in a precarious position. The finance bill has sparked public rage that will not be placated. What Kenya needs is to expand sectors of the economy and increase the quality of education. Getting assistance from the African Union and securing trade agreements with multiple countries can be long term solutions. Law enforcement needs complete reform. The use of tear gas, water cannons, and in some cases live ammunition are clear violations of human rights. The Gen Z protests would not happen if the youth knew change could happen with their vote. The behavior of the police is a unsettling reminder of the colonial past. Considering the influence of the IMF some believe it never disappeared. President William Ruto is now being accused of authoritarian rule. The press is also under pressure in Kenya. Kenya major media networks KNT and NTV are under certain restrictions. Internet services were deliberately slowed down. More restrictions are going to motivate the youth to continue demonstrations. The Gen Z movement could be a turning point in Kenya's political system. 

The Pro-Monarchy Movement In Nepal

 

A movement to restore the monarchy in Nepal has grown. The movement has a coalition of Hindu nationalist, pro-royalist, and anti-federalist factions. The monarchy was abolished in 2008. The circumstances for the removal retales to the civil war peace settlement. The pro-monarchy movement does have the support of a political party. The Rastriya Prajatantra  Party has organized demonstrations. Law enforcement has responded with violence. Some speculate that the reason the RPP is supportive of the pro-monarchy movement relates to election performance. The RPP does not have enough votes to have a majority in parliament. The pro-republicans see the movement as undermining progress of Nepal. The former king, Gyanendra Shah as shown interest in a return to government. When King Gyanedra dismissed the government in 2005, this resulted in the loss of the monarchy's credibility. The shift to a republican parliamentary system did not produce the results the public wanted. Economic challenges, constantly rotating governments, and ineffective political parties left the Nepalese frustrated. Unaddressed dissatisfaction caused the pro-monarchy movement to develop. The Shah dynasty had been in power for 240 years. The 2008 experiment with being a federal parliamentary republic is not doing as well as expected. If democratic political system cannot provide for citizens, then they will turn to other alternatives. The restoration of the monarchy is a shift to a Nepalese conservatism. The aftermath of the Nepalese Civil War and ineffective prime ministers created the pro-monarchy movement. 

Israel Attacks Iran

 

Israel has attacked major Iranian cities. Tehran was hit with airstrikes. Israel's aggression has escalated to the extent of regional war. Iran now is a target of  expansionist regional designs. Israel wants to fight Iran to eliminate competitors in West Asia. The argument was that Israel was attempting to stop Iran's nuclear program. Israel has nuclear weapons, which is more precarious. Israel did an unilateral strike and it further isolates the country. Iran responded with attacks on Tel Aviv. During Israel's attacks government officials were assassinated from the operation. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei vowed that more retaliation would follow. Israel does not have the capability to fight Hezbollah, the Houthi rebels, and Iran all at once. Israel is active in Syria, Lebanon, Yemen and the occupied territories. The Trump administration favors Israel and has an anti-Iranian position. A regional war between Israel and Iran could expand beyond its borders. Nuclear sites were not only attacked, but ballistic missile factories. If the United States continues its support of Israel, military bases will be attacked. Israel is now under a state of emergency. War with Iran has been Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's goal for decades. The Likud Party's belligerent actions could result in mass global conflict. A regional war maintains the possibility of Israel suffering a major defeat. Unless the US and EU countries come to its assistance. Oil production from the Middle East could be disrupted. A Israel-Iran War might result in an energy crisis.   

The UN Reports A Decline In Birth Rate

 

The UN Population Fund released the State of World Population report. Birth rates are declining globally based on their data. The focus of the UN Population Fund was on reproductive rights, women's health, making every pregnancy wanted, and women's rights. To a degree, a contradiction exists. The emphasis on women having children tends to be more anti-woman. The countries with the highest fertility rates tend to have women who do get access to an equal amount of education. The United Nations makes it appear as a crisis. The world population is larger than it was a century ago. The report did a survey that only used 14 countries. The UNPFA had a survey sample of 14,000 people. The countries that were part of the report included Thailand, South Korea, Italy, Hungary, Germany, Sweden, Brazil, Nigeria, India, Morocco, Mexico, US, South Africa, Germany, and Indonesia. Some reported wanting to have children, but financial security was an obstacle. Women cited in the report that unequal domestic division of labor as a reason for not having children. The lack of employment security, warfare, and environmental concerns were also reasons for subjects not wanting to have children. The contemporary period provides no benefit to being a parent. While underpopulation can be an issue for certain nations, overpopulation is more precarious. Few jobs, limited access to healthcare, and education create an atmosphere of conflict. The world does not have the capacity to take care of billions of people. The UN report sounds more like an advocation for natalism. This connects to many conservative circles that see declining birthrate as nations weakening. Besides the economic factors related to birthrate decline, culture is one. A growing number of women do not want to marry, be in a relationship, or have children. A portion of men are unable to establish any form of relationship with women. Men just might not want to be fathers. The report is misleading because of the sample size and the few countries selected for the survey. The declining birth rate is not a crisis. Nations with aging populations must consider solutions to demographic challenges.  

Ghana and Morocco Visa Agreement

 

Ghana and Morocco have reached an agreement related to visas. Citizens of Ghana can now travel to the North African country without visa requirements. Online travel authorization will still be required. Applying through the embassy is no longer necessary. Ghana and Morocco already have direct flights. The reasons for the agreements related to tourism, trade, and enhancing diplomatic relations . Tourism is a major part of the economies of both nations. Travelers can mean more business for hotels, restaurants, and airlines. Trade among African nations needs to be increased. Europe and North America are becoming unreliable trade partners. Inter-African trade provides stable economies and growth. Diplomatic relations can be positive, if members of an agreement benefit equally. What could disturb diplomatic relations is Morocco's actions in the Western Sahara. Ghana decided to not press the issue related to recognition of the Western Sahara as an independent state. The Kingdom of Morocco must seriously consider granting independence to the Western Sahara. The shift seems to be more autonomy to the area. Morocco's diplomatic efforts are undermined by unreasonable policies directed at the Western Sahara. Ghana is making adjustments not to interfere with the new diplomatic relationship. Ghana is supporting Morocco's Western Sahara autonomy plan. Ghana should expect that relations with Algeria could deteriorate over time. Ghana's only path forward is to act as a neutral negotiator. Getting Algeria and Morocco to secure trade and visa agreements would bet helpful to Ghana.      

Kurds and Alawites Are Victims of Violence In Syria

 

After the fall of the Baathist government, Alawites have been subject to violence. Kurds throughout the Syrian civil war faced attacks. The removal of Bashar al-Assad did not create an improved condition for the war torn country. The Latakia massacre killed an estimated 1,300 people. The new regime of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham claimed that they were only fighting loyalist to the Baathist government. HTS is using terrorism and violence to impose its will upon a population that rejects it. HTS views Alawites as collaborators of the Assad government. Turkish involvement is going to grow. The excuse for occupation of Syrian territory is to prevent more refugee traffic. Syrians and Kurds have been fleeing to Turkey since the civil war broke out in 2011. Alawites are now seeking safety in Lebanon. The condition of Syria can only be described as ethnic cleansing. The sanctions imposed during this civil war undermined Syria's standard of living. The Alawites are facing a similar condition to Sunnis in Iraq after the fall of Saddam Hussein. Death squads emerged inflicting violence based on ethnicity and religion. The difference with Syria was that terrorist organizations and armed groups were funded by the West and Gulf monarchies. Iraq was invaded by the United States and terrorist organizations went their to fight . ISIS was a product of the Iraq War and the desire to depose Bashar al-Assad. When a country is destabilized racial and ethnic tensions are exploited. President Ahmed al-Sharaa is not seeking to share power or create a federal system. Certain ethnic groups are going to see more violence directed at them. The civil war never stopped, but went through an evolution. Yazidis and Syrian Turkmen might might no longer be welcomed in the HTS regime. Syria is going through ethnic conflict and balkanization. Alawites and Kurdish refugees are only going to increase in number.   

President Obama Visits Elon Musk At SpaceX (2010)

 

Before Elon Musk became administrator of  the Department of Government Efficiency, he was seen as favorable to the Democratic establishment. SpaceX is a private company that wants to expand space exploration. President Barack Obama visited SpaceX in 2010 and met with Elon Musk. Musk discusses the Falcon 9 rocket and the Dragon Spacecraft. It appears the intention of Musk was to get more government contracts. He could have contemplated that SpaceX would replace or surpass NASA as the major organization for space exploration. When the presidential  election of 2024  saw the return of Trump, Musk found a means of promoting techofeudalism. Elon Musk represented the worst of the billionaire excess. This was ignored because Tesla makes electric vehicles. The production of electric cars promoted the image of an environmentalist and clean energy Democratic Party . The irony is that Tesla cars would be vandalized in response to Elon Musk's actions in the federal government. The myth of the humanitarian billionaire gradually is crumbling. Even though Musk is leaving government he maintains ownership X.com, Tesla, and SpaceX. Elon Musk was building up influence government since the 2010s.    

A Decade of International Affairs, Change, and Global Confrontation

 The world has drastically changed in a decade. International power  dynamics are shifting due to economic and geopolitical factors. The 21st century is going to be more turbulent due to these changes. Warfare, poverty, and intense racial hatreds have not disappeared with advancement of civilization. The international liberal order is being rejected. The nations of the Global South have become more frustrated living in a world that takes dictates from the European Union, United States, and western elites from the World Economic Forum. Globalism implies a world of cooperation, peace, and a community of nations. The ideology and term is a misnomer.  Globalism used in modern context is furtively promoting neocolonial imperialism. Western values, culture, and liberal democratic systems are imposed on particular nations. To gain public support, wars are framed as humanitarian intervention or protection of democracy. The world of the 2010s and 2020s was predicted back in the late 20th century. The power void left by the fall of the Soviet Union allowed for abuse by the world's sole superpower. The assumption was that the world would become more peaceful after the Cold War. The United States did not end its military interventions or decrease defense spending. NATO expanded in Europe and engaged in operations outside the continent. Afghanistan and Libya were targets. The response to aggression across international borders came from a more powerful China and a Russian Federation recovering from economic challenges of the 1990s. International affairs is undergoing a more pugnacious transformation. Warfare is now being promoted as a humanitarian quest to stop authoritarian leaders and states. Multipolarity is going to be a part of world politics. The United States, France, UK, and Germany are not accepting of this change. Intolerance, a limited worldview, and closed minded perceptions become fuel for global confrontation. 

         The expansion of war zones has increased. Previous areas are either stuck in a status of failed state or long term insurgency. The Democratic Republic of the Congo's second civil war ended in 2003. By the 2010s the M23 rebels emerged with Rwandan backing. The ethnic tension between Hutus and Tutsis did not dissipate. The Libyan Civil War in 2011  created a failed state similar to Somalia in North Africa. The aftermath was mass refugee migration that continues to be a challenge for Europe. Eastern Europe became a warzone, when the legitimate government of Ukraine was deposed in 2014. Ukraine became a area of proxy war between the United States of America and the Russian Federation. Long term conflicts continued, but took on a larger international scale. The tension between India and Pakistan became intertwined with the Afghan War. Pakistan has supported factions of the Taliban, while fighting other armed groups. Kashmir remains a disputed territory among the two Asian countries. China tends to favor Pakistan over India in terms of  its foreign policy. What makes this more precarious was President Barack Obama's pivot to Asia. The more confrontational approach to China was a neoconservative vision of eliminating it as a world power. Taiwan from 2012  onwards was given more focus and military aid. A movement is underway in some foreign policy circles to abandon the one China policy. Part of this involves instigating conflict in the region. President Hu Jintao expanded China's international relations in various parts of Africa. His successor Xi Jingping  continues to establish stronger diplomatic ties to Global South nations. The 2002 to 2012 era of China's new phase of international relations caused a reaction from the United States and European Union countries. The attitude is hostile to the extent of moving to abandon the one China policy. Taiwan will be given more arms, even though it is a part of China. North Korea is a target for a future war with the US and South Korea doing joint military drills. The introduction of the pivot to Asia and the Indo-Pacific strategy has created conditions for an Asia-Pacific war. NATO is becoming a fighting force designed to impose a neocolonial status quo. Internal challenges invite interference. Mali Sudan, and Ethiopia are struggling with civil wars and armed groups. 

      Confrontation between nations does not cease. Mali since 2012 has been fighting a long term insurgency. The aftermath of the Libyan Civil resulted in arms and soldiers coming into Mali. The National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad seeks an independent state for the Tuareg people. Sudan ended its second civil war by accepting the independence of South Sudan. The new nation came into existence in 2011. South Sudan descended into civil war in 2013. The ethnic violence between Neur and Dinka has been present since South Sudan's independence. Omar Al-Bashir ruled Sudan since 1989, but was deposed by coup. After a number of rotating heads of state, another military ruler came to power. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan was made head of state by the Transitional Sovereignty Council. The former members of the Janjaweed militia forces joined in a revolt led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo. The Rapid Support Forces have since 2023 attempting to overthrow the government. Ethiopia has another issue similar with the conflict with the Tigray People's Liberation Front. The Tigray War lasted from 2020 to 2022. A consistent pattern can be seen with all of these countries during the 2010s to 2020s. States are experiencing balkanization and consequences of past colonialism. The majority of borders in Africa and Asia were formed by former imperial powers. Syria's destruction was simple, because it was the product of the mandate system after World War I. Iraq , Lebanon, and Jordan have the same concerns with borders. The invasion of Iraq in 2003 enabled terrorist organizations to have a greater foothold in West Asia. ISIS emerged in both Iraq and Syria. The US, UK, and France assisted terrorist organizations for the purpose of removing the Bashar Al-Assad government. The Syrian Civil War became a proxy conflict between the US and Russia. Only when Russia intervened on Syria behalf in 2015 did it prevent another regime change. The Syrian army could  not defeat Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham. HTS took over the government installing Ahmed al-Sharaa. HTS is a terrorist organization and it now governs a state. Baathism became a political force in 1968. The US occupation of Iraq ended that branch. The removal of the Assad government in 2024 made the ideology extinct. Wars have increased in number with rivalries from the 20th century continuing, 

       The world economy continues to be dominated by neoliberal capitalism. After the 2008 global financial crisis, the hope was for serious change. Instead , bailouts and the protection of corporate power went unchallenged. Transnational corporations during the 2000s gained more power than governments. The liberal democracies accepted this development, because certain companies provide campaign contributions to politicians. Poverty has increased, with people who were at one stage middle class falling into socioeconomic hardship. Privatization, structural adjustment programs, and outsourcing had devasting consequences. The private sector cannot meet all the needs of a country. This enabled corporations to do business in various areas, which reduced the quality of public services. Private equity firms continue to buy housing and hospitals. To reduce costs beds in hospitals are reduced. Apartment complexes have spikes in rent. Deregulation related to banking only exacerbates the problem. The 2008 financial crash was induced by subprime mortgage loans. The World Bank and International Monetary Fund  keep developing nations in a state of dependency through loans. African, Asian, and South American nations are forced onto structural adjustment programs. This meant reducing tariffs, cutting spending on social services, and privatizing various public sectors. The world under neoliberal capitalism and an international free market changed the nature of employment. Workers are not only competing for jobs in their own nation, but internationally. Outsourcing accelerated with many manufacturing jobs going to Global South nations. Low skilled and semi-skilled professions were the first jobs to disappear in the developed nations. White collar professions were not protected  either. Globalization describes all the policies and events effecting the world economy. The reduction of trade barriers and promotion of free markets has not increased the wealth of workers world wide. Nations that obtained their independence in the 20th century are still seeking economic security and development. The standard of living has declined in the UK and US. The European debt crisis contributed to this in EU countries. Workers  have seen their incomes and standard of living decline. A growing number of workers are falling into poverty. A middle class could vanish  from various nations. Neoliberal capitalism is not preserving the world economy, but making it more erratic. 

         Globalism became a  force in international affairs. Although it is presented as a model for a unified and peaceful world the ideology masks neocolonial imperialism. Globalism is not about cooperation of nations, but a world under permanent leadership of the West. Not only does it demand the exploitation of the Global South, but to adhere to the culture of Europe and North America. Supranational organizations either want to reduce or eliminate national sovereignty. The United Nations was not for the purpose of undermining countries. The international body was designed to facilitate dialogue among nations and peaceful solutions to disputes. Instead, the UN remains dominated by large powers. It was the United States and the Soviet Union that were the dominant powers in the United Nations. Global power shifted in the direction of the US after 1991.Simultaneously, European integration accelerated. The European Union was established in 1993 from the agreements articulated  in the Maastricht Treaty. This took advantage of the Eastern European nations, which were in dire economic condition. More countries of the former Soviet Union were joining the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. The problem with this plan for European integration was the Russian Federation. During the Boris Yeltsin presidency Russia was suffering from the aftermath of the Soviet collapse and economy shock therapy. When Vladimir Putin became president in 2000, the Russian Federation was going in another direction. While Yeltsin was more oriented to the West, Putin's focus was on Africa, Asia, and Latin America. At one stage President Vladimir Putin contemplated joining NATO and being a partner with Western Europe. These policies would have never been accepted by the European Union or NATO. Russia cannot amalgamate into a globalist structure, because of its independence. Since 2008, Russia's policy is to influential in international affairs. Globalism wants all nations to adhere to one world system under one culture, liberal democratic systems, and capitalist economies. Globalism insists there is an international community in which all nations are subject to the same laws. The most powerful countries violate international law and are never punished. Their allies and collaborators are also exempted. Israel, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey never face any sort of punishments for human rights violations. Although globalism can have multiple meanings in academic circles, supranational institutions and other organizations have a specific ideology. The World Economic Forum, European Union, International Monetary Fund, and World Bank want an imposed global order. Countries that resist globalism, are going to face hostility.  

      Major changes to global society were induced by the COVID-19 pandemic, rapid technological advancement, and  growing distrust in establishment institutions. The worst public health crisis since the influenza pandemic in 1918 caused massive damage. Part of the harm was exacerbated by inadequate public health policy. Lockdowns, vaccine mandates, and other restrictions created concerns even when the pandemic was over. Lockdowns between those years of 2020 to 2022  caused businesses to close and unemployment to increase. Instead of using quarantines effectively, lockdowns were utilized to greater extent. Workers were not only harmed, but children. Across the world students experienced learning loss from schools being closed. Trepidation and panic took over than rational public health measures. Personal protective equipment, masks, and social distancing should have emphasized more than the use of lockdowns. Sweden, Uruguay, Iceland, and Taiwan did not do lockdowns. Their deaths were not as high as countries in Europe and North America. Travel restrictions brought a decline in tourism and the airline industry. Even when people did not travel, stay at home orders prevented social interaction. Isolation and mental health decline was effecting many individuals. The pandemic caused economic damage, but caused a change in the nature of interpersonal relations. People became more suspicious of one another. Workers revolted in another way. Many left the workforce in the 2020s. Low wages and combined with the daily challenges forced workers to leave companies. The nature of employment changed from the pandemic. More were willing to work form home and champion a four day work week. The relation between employer and employee became more contentious. Technology has become a greater part of over lives. Video sharing, social media, and artificial intelligence rapidly expanded. Technology has made it easier to access information. Youtube, Twitter, and Google have an international reach. False claims and fake news can be spread from any medium. Newspapers and broadcast news did this with little complaint. Governments assert they want to fight disinformation. The true intent is to make censorship acceptable. Social media companies and other silicon valley corporations  took measures to ensure accountability to avoid government regulation. Facebook, Twitter, and Google made adjustments, but it showed a bias. Fact checking and bans were applied to certain individuals, not all users. The realization has come that the internet is too vast and ubiquitous to be censored. The internet is not the same as it was in the 2010s. The medium is constantly evolving and the way users interacts with it does as well. Artificial intelligence generates feelings of anxiousness and wonder. AI could make a large portion of jobs obsolete. If applied in a responsible way it could be beneficial. Using AI for warfare, medical assessment, or stock market management would be dangerous. As information and knowledge becomes more available, the public begins to question more. The establishment continues to lose trust and credibility. Lies about war, the economy, pandemic, and international affairs eroded public support for various institutions. Government, media, and medicine have lost trust from the public between the years of 2003 and 2024. Professionals and experts of the establishment were more interested in supporting a narrative, rather than the truth. The aftermath of this was that the public turns to fringe movements or xenophobic nativist nationalism.  

          As each decade passes, the risk grows of a massive global confrontation grows. Observers of foreign affairs claim that to a degree this has started. The United States and the Russian Federation are waging a war of proxy in Ukraine. Israel is at war with the Houthi in Yemen, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and invading Syrian territory. An Israel-Iran War becomes a greater possibility, as the country seizes more land .  The third Sudanese Civil War and the M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of the Congo could destabilize the African continent. Terrorist organizations and armed groups still are threats to the Sahel. Tensions between India and Pakistan could result in another long term conflict. War zones are expanding on Africa, Asia, and Europe. If the US, Russia, China, and the EU countries were to fight one another this would be a third World War. All these conflicts that are ongoing and the United Nations has been ineffective. If a third World War were to breakout, the United Nations would cease to exist. The institution designed to prevent mass global conflict is failing. At times the United Nations was a culprit in aggression. Libya and Haiti have been abused by the United Nations. The challenge in international affairs in the 21st century is containing war and using diplomacy. The unfortunate aspect is that diplomacy is not being employed to disputes. Destabilization, violence, and economic warfare is being used to attack multiple countries. African, Asian, and South American nations are the victims of this. The blowback is mass migration, which pushes western countries closer to the far-right. The  refugees since 2011 continue grow. Unable to find a solution, European leaders either use it to their political advantage or ignore the issue. The shift in demographics is going to cause internal difficulties for the EU. The majority of the world's nation-states are seeking cohesion within their borders. Control of borders is slowly dissipating in a globalized neoliberal capitalist economy. The flow of people, commodities, and information is going to be too much to manage. The rise of BRICS symbolizes a world of multipolarity. France, Germany, the UK, and the US will not accept this development. The United States was the sole superpower and decided to abuse its power. The violence accelerated in 2001, after the 9/11. The War on Terror was abandoned and shifted to a new existential threat of the Russia-China alliance. The desire to maintain a neocolonial structure creates conflict and undermines a stable peace. When powers decline and new ones emerge, a war tends to determine the world order. There is a need to break this cycle in international affairs. The abandonment of diplomacy in favor of war and intrigue demonstrates the desperation to maintain an unequal hierarchy of nations. The decade has been turbulent, erratic, and uncertain.          

The Ambiguous Condition In The Ivory Coast

 

Rumors of a military coup have come from Ivory Coast. So far, there is no evidence of an removal of the Alassane Ouattara presidency. Much of the unrest in the country comes from his desire to run for a fourth term. The Ouattara administration was the product of French invention in the Ivory Coast. The disputed election in 2010 saw the French install a government in the country. Pro-Ouattara forces arrested Laurent Gbagbo in 2011. Ivory Coast was experiencing post-election violence and what could be described as a civil war. Laurent Gbagbo was sent to Hague to be tried. It was clear this was political persecution disguised as fighting crimes against humanity. The charges were dismissed due to insufficient evidence. Egregious as this was, pro-Ouattara officials were never charged for banishing Gbagbo to the Hague. Gbagbo plans to run for president in 2025. There is a possibility that 2025 could be a repeat of 2010. The Economic Community of West African States are least likely to condemn Alassane Ouattara administration. ECOWAS is more aligned with EU political objectives, which explains its antagonism directed at the Alliance of Sahel States. Ivory Coast becomes more important to ECOWAS to counter Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. The condition of Ivory Coast remains unclear, yet the coming months will see increasing political turbulence.  

Malcolm X Describes Collaborators In An Oppressive System (1963)

 

May 19, 2025 marks what would have been Malcolm X's 100th birthday. Back in 1963, he described how members of an oppressed group collaborate with an oppressive system. When slavery was practiced in America there was a division between the enslaved. Those who worked in the mansion of the plantation owners got more privileges. The enslaved who worked in the fields were treated the worse. Malcom X's discussion of slavery can be applied to various oppressive systems. Countries invaded and then occupied by a foreign power do have collaborators. An oppressive system cannot exist without some collaborators. Although slavey was abolished, the African American population was not free. Malcolm X criticized the emphasis on integration, not out of support for separation of the races. Rather his vision was of an self-sustaining African American community and possibly an independent black nation in North America. After enslavement, violence, and racial segregation black separatism seemed like a practical solution. Individuals who cooperate with oppressive systems are not victims. They are instruments of the political mechanism.  

Afrikaners Coming To America

 

Afrikaners are coming to America. The Trump administration has given them refugee status. This is one of many attempts to undermine South Africa. Only 59 Afrikaners arrived in May under the new resettlement program. These arrivals are not refugees nor are they victims of persecution. The African National Congress has never passed any legislation to attack the white minority in South Africa. The white farmers continue to hold prejudiced convictions and are part of the reason inequality still remains in South Africa. The reason the resettlement program exists is due to the influence of Elon Musk. Musk wants to promote Afrikaner nationalism and white supremacist racism. Giving white immigrants priority is a way to counter America's demographic shift. Simultaneously, the Trump administration wants to break the BRICS alliance. The special treatment for Afrikaners demonstrates America's hatred for non-white immigrants. The United States has not given asylum to Iraqis, Afghans, Libyans, Somalians, or Syrians. The US bombed all of these countries and created a refugee crisis that effects Europe, Africa, and Asia. South Africa was too lenient on the Afrikaners. The ANC chose reconciliation, while Zimbabwe reclaimed the land that was stolen. The Apartheid regime is gone, but remanence of the structure still remains. It might be time for South Africa to consider expulsion of the Afrikaner population, if further offenses continue. Welcoming Afrikaners to America only further damages diplomatic relations. Considering that both the United States of America and Apartheid South Africa were born out of settler colonialism these developments make sense in a political context. The Afrikaners coming to America are going to be disappointed. They are moving to a country being more racially diverse. Their numbers are not enough to alter America's demographic changes.    

India Strikes Pakistan

 

India has attacked Pakistan. This follows an act of  terrorism that killed Indian tourist in Kashmir.. Kashmir is divided by Pakistan and India. Both the two Asian powers occupy the area. India blamed the Pakistani government for the murder of 26 Indian tourist. While it is known that Pakistan has funded and supported armed groups, little evidence exists this was a government directed operation. Pakistan has been fighting terrorist organizations and multiple armed groups. The return of the Taliban to power in Afghanistan created more turbulence. Operation Sindoor was launched in both Pakistan and Pakistani occupied Kashmir. The military strikes targeted Jaish e-Mohammed  and Lashkar e-Tayyiba. There have been three major Indo-Pakistani Wars. These occurred in 1947, 1965, and 1971. The Kargil War broke out in 1999. Fears are growing of another Indo-Pakistani War. The situation becomes more precarious with nuclear weapons. An Indian and Pakistani nuclear war devastate the region and the world. Mutual assured destruction could act as restraint for the two countries. An Indo-Pakistani War would complicate the BRICS association. China tends to favor Pakistan in its foreign policy. India is a member of BRICS which could cause tension. A regional war would create refugees. They would either flee to Central Asia, Europe, or Australia. Air strikes kill more civilians than enemy combatants. The Bharatiya Janata Party promotes anti-Muslim and Islamophobic policies. The BJP Party are Hindu nationalists and use anti-Muslim rhetoric to  obtain political support. The vituperation and abuse gets worse around India's election cycle. The hatred will intensify  with a war with Pakistan. Reports of the air forces of both countries are  fighting one another. It remains unclear how Pakistan will retaliate. India tends to win wars against Pakistan, but conditions in the region are different from the 20th century.  

Warren Buffet Announces Retirement

 

Warren Buffet is set to go into retirement at the end of 2025. Buffet for years has been the CEO of  Berkshire Hathaway. Greg Abel is said to be the successor to Warren Buffet's leadership. It was in 1965 that Warren Buffet took a failing textile mill and transformed it into a conglomerate. Warren Buffet owns $160 billion in Berkshire stock and at the moment the largest shareholder of the company's stock. Buffet has not intention of selling those shares. Warren Buffet has been presented to the public as a humanitarian philanthropist. This carefully crafted image from the media and public relations distorts the reality. Warren Buffet represents the obscene wealth and decadence of the upper class elite. Acts of philanthropy by Buffet are nothing more than a marketing measure. As the capitalist system continues to fail the average worker, billionaires are viewed in a more negative light. Warren Buffet  attempted to soften the image of avarice with charity. Philanthropic actions do not challenge the economic system or the billionaires who control government. Warren Buffet's image as humanitarian philanthropic billionaire was created in the 2010s. Speculation over his retirement still persists. Age could be a factor seeing as Warren Buffet is 94 years old. Health and energy become concerns. Another plausible reason is that Buffet seeks retirement before a possible economic crash or recession. The world economy was damaged by Covid-19, corporate price gouging, supply chain issues, and the new set of tariffs being imposed by the United States. Growing public resentment could be making CEOs consider retirement. At the end of 2025 the Warren Buffet era of Berkshire will be over. Buffet's influence is not going away. Warren Buffet donates funds to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and his children run the Susan Thompson Buffet Foundation. Buffet could still be serving Berkshire is some capacity, just not as CEO.