Lithuania's Miliary Expansion

 

Lithuania continues a military expansion. The reason for this is to counter a possible Russian invasion. There is no indication of any military strike targeting Lithuania. Estonia and Latvia share a direct border with Russia. If such an invasion were to happen, those two countries would have to be invaded. A drone was shot down thought to be directed at Lithuania. The consensus now is it most likely was directed at Ukraine. The Baltic states claim they are under threat from the Russian Federation, when that area is not the focus. The only reason Lithuania is undergoing military expansion is to fight on the behalf of NATO. The Russo-Ukrainian War has been a proxy war and a trap for Russia. The provocation worked, yet Ukraine struggles. Lithuania could be used to either attack Belarus or be a drone launching site against Russia. Ukraine could lose the war and getting other countries involved extends the conflict. Belarus is not going to get involved in war. Lithuania's borders are secure, yet the European Union intends to escalate. The militarization of Lithuania goes beyond  adding NATO presence. Lithuanian children are being given military training in school. This opens up the possibility for the use of child soldiers. Provoking an attack on a NATO member would trigger Article 5. Disturbance in the Baltic would be used as a justification for a Western European war against Russia. Lithuania and the rest of the Baltic then would be sacrificed as a shield for advances armies. Lithuania's militarization will have negative consequences, both in domestic affairs and foreign relations.     

The Rise of The AfD

 

The Alternative for Germany Party is seeing success in elections. The far-right political party does not have a majority in the state legislature. The AfD tends to have more support in the eastern states of Germany. The reason relates to economic disparities and the aftermath of the collapse of East Germany. The disdain for leftism or socialist ideas comes from memories of living under a Soviet supported state. Racism was a part of German history and did not disappear with the defeat of Nazi Germany. The migrant crisis was also a factor. The AfD emerged in 2013 during the early stages of the migrations from West Asia and Africa. The claim is that the AfD is pro-Russian, but what they desire is an end to the Russia-Ukraine War. The AfD still sees Eastern Europe and Russia in particular as lower. The new agenda to expand Germany's military demonstrates renewed hostility to Eastern Europe. Few political parties want to work with the AfD, but proposals have come form an unexpected place. The BSW, which is classified as left-wing could ally with the AfD. The traditional political labels do not matter when Germans are unified in racial hostility. The misnomer for this phenomenon is called populism, but the movement is xenophobic nativist nationalism. The reason political parties like the AfD are gaining momentum is due to the political establishment. Seen as oblivious to realities of the world and elitists voters in European countries are turning to far-right political parties. The Christian Democrats are facing possible losses in power. The AfD on its own is not formidable based on the election results. It could become a threat if it builds a large enough coalition to counter establishment political parties.  

The UK Housing Crisis

 

The United Kingdom is experiencing a shortage of affordable housing and increase in homelessness. The UK housing crisis is not a new development. The Central Bank of England recognized that challenges related to housing resulted in long term harm to the UK's economy. Landlords and real estate are exploiting the population by increasing prices. Building more homes would make the existing ones less valuable. That means the prices of homes will increase to rate more than they are worth. The UK is experiencing population growth and limited housing. This only creates more discord in the wider society. This will project in the form of election results. As long as political figures do not provide for the population, winning seats in parliament is going to be difficult. The refusal to apply adaptive reuse to older buildings creates wasted opportunities. Studies have even made the correlation between poor housing and reduction of health. Low quality housing has been linked to respiratory diseases and mental health decline. This was based on data from the UK Housing Review. The middle class and poor are most effected by the housing crisis. The upper class elite are not only gaining more wealth, but more property. Economic inequality and laws that enable unfair business practices are to blame. Owning a home is out of reach and renters are at the mercy of landlords. The private rented sector must be subject to more regulation to stop abuses or possible criminal offenses.   

Spain Struggles With Migration Waves

 

Spain is facing a migration crisis. The consequences of European interference in the domestic affairs of African Nations and military invasions has created unstable conditions. The migrants did  not reach Spain, but a remanent of European colonialism. Ceuta  is autonomous to a degree, but is Spanish territory.  Spain has maintained this colony since 1580. Bordering Morocco, the city  is on the African continent. The fact that Spain contains a few African territories should be unacceptable. There will be more waves of migration as economic and political factors force people to flee. Italy has used Spain's difficulty for political purposes. Anti-immigrant hatred is used in Italian politics to get more votes for far-right parties. Spain uses migrants for an easily exploited labor force. An aging population means certain jobs will remain unfilled. Getting migrants to apply for residence and work permits makes it appear as if  Spain is helping them. Low pay and poor working conditions await for immigrants coming to Spain. The media focus does not even examine the deaths involved attempting to get to Spain. Police and soldiers halted the migrants from even reaching Europe. Yet, there was panicked reporting in the European press. Racism and xenophobic nativist nationalism are becoming normalized in European society. The reaction to Spain's policies related to migrants demonstrates the popularization of intolerance.   

The 2026 European Heatwave

 

Western Europe saw a dramatic increase in temperatures starting in May. As June progressed, the heatwave became a public health concern. Based on the data collected from the Copernicus Climate Change Service, the month of June has been the hottest month recorded. France, Spain, and Belgium are the most effected by this heatwave. When temperatures get to high, the risk of wildfires also increases. Framing and wildlife are going to face negative impacts from the 2026 heatwave. The shift in temperature has formed a heat dome. Drought could occur in Eastern Europe. Thousands of deaths have been reported, which means heatwaves can be designated as a public health concern. France does not have enough air conditioning and cooling centers are not equipped for such a sudden temperature change. Chances of July and August being less intense are minimal. Sources estimate that there were a total 2,000 deaths. Heat stroke and dehydration become dangerous to the elderly. The youth are still susceptible to ailments related to heat, but have a greater chance of survival. France was not prepared, because many stores to not have enough air conditioning units. That generated a panic over getting them. Fights and public disorder required police to be alert in Paris. If the summer is this hot, winter might be as intense. The more powerful heatwaves are linked to fossil fuel use. Efforts to find new sources of energy are not happening fast enough and corporate interference prevents technological advancement.  

The Keir Starmer Resignation

 

Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to resign. The UK has struggled to keep a functional government with a number of heads of state going through a rotation. Over the span of seven years there have been six prime ministers. Observers claim that political instability came with Brexit. The challenges facing the UK were past abuses of the British Empire, economic decline starting with the Thatcher years, and mounting anti-immigrant sentiment. The Labour Party was successful in the election, but failed to manage government. Political centrism is not a solution to the UK's economic and social problems. The Peter Mendelson scandal, which Mendelson had a connection to Jeffery Epstein damaged the governments image. Previous governments impose fiscal austerity, which harmed the average citizen. Critics assert that Starmer did not have a lucid public policy direction. Despite the defeat, this only strengthened the position of the Conservative Party. Growing debt, financial insecurity, and reduced economic growth created a disgruntled population the will move further to right-wing political parties. The parliamentary system has shown its limitations with rotating governments and new elections. Prime Minister Keir Starmer promised an orderly transition. The Labour Party is no longer about the working class or the protection of worker's rights. The centre-left centrists favor corporate power and a more bellicose foreign policy. This trend could happen throughout Europe as more economic challenges increase.   

President Zelensky Makes A Proposal For A Peace Agreement

 

President Volodymr Zelensky has proposed a meeting with the Russian Federation. President Vladmir Putin responded by rejecting any peace talks. The Minsk Accords were violated before and attempting more negotiations would not be effective. The letter for a possible peace settlement was reported to have some taunts and was making offers that were disingenuous. Russia has made proposals to end the war, but were ignored by the European Union and NATO. The war has now lasted for five  years and Ukraine has suffered major casualties. President Zelensky would not be sending letters if the war was being won. European media created a narrative that Russia was losing the war. Ukraine has not recaptured any of the territory lost. Even with drone attacks on Russian land, Ukraine makes little progress. The letter asserts that the conflict was a "war without a real  reason." The claim ignores the 2014 coup, NATO expansion, and the attempts to force Russia into a European integration project. President Zelensky then makes the unverified claim that Russia is using North Korean soldiers for military assistance. Then an accusation was made about Russia being dependent on China. Russia and China have a strong alliance that emerged from the West attempting to maintain a hegemonic world power system. At times it seems as if President Zelensky is using anti-Asian sentiment as a political device. Drone attacks in St. Petersburg and incursions into Kursk will not make Russia surrender. A new offensive could be the last confrontation of the Russia-Ukraine War. The letter was written with the purpose of preventing a major defeat, which would halt further NATO expansion. European countries are at some stage going to stop funding Ukraine, due to economic pressures of an energy crisis and inflation.     

The End of The Viktor Orban Hungary

 

After 16 years, Prime Minister Viktor Oban was defeated in an election. During his administration, xenophobic nativist nationalism was embraced. While his racism was documented prior to becoming prime minister, the European Union's disdain of him was due to diplomatic relations with the Russian Federation. Having dialogue with Russia should not be considered an offense. The Russo-Ukrainian War has divided Europe. The election of Peter Magyar does not mean dramatic political change. Magyar was at one time a member of Orban's Fidesz Party. Magyar expressed a desire to end corruption in government and improve public services. These are mere promises and it appears that new economic policies would result in more harm to the public. Hungary refused to stop using Russian energy. A shift to more Western European political direction is taking place. The new government is centre-right, which is suitable to the EU liberal establishment. The desire to stop the rise of right-wing nationalist  populism makes the political establishment embrace conservatives that are their enemies. The project to force European integration generated a backlash. If Peter Magyar fails to solve domestic concerns or foreign policy matters, Hungary could elect another far-right leader. Hungary's population was struggling with a declining economy. The European Union releasing funds is not going to be enough to solve these challenges. At some stage Viktor Orban was going to lose. Being prime minister for years, winning elections become more difficult.    

Africa Stream : The UK Race Riots and The History of The British Empire (2024)

Africa Stream reported on the UK race riots in 2024. Mainstream media explained it as acts by extremists and small far-right factions. The racial violence is tied to the history of the British Empire. To an extent the remanence of colonialism continues with the British  Commonwealth. Slavery, invasion, and attacks on indigenous populations in North America, Australia, and New Zealand were the crimes of the UK . India, Sudan, Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Egypt, Myanmar, and other Global South nations had to struggle to get their freedom. The UK riots were the projections of white supremacist racism and the ideology of cultural dominance. Anti-immigrant sentiment is fueled by blowback from military interventions in Africa and West Asia. Muslims, Afghan asylum seekers, and the black British population are targets of hate. Politicians use non-whites as scapegoats for their failures. The white working class frustrated by the neoliberal capitalist system and the British elite direct their anger at non-white ethnic groups. Media such as LBC also contributes to an atmosphere of hate and prejudice. Myths related to crime or public disorder are constantly repeated on TV and radio. Then social media was blamed for spreading disinformation, which induced riots. Disinformation is presented as fact on corporate news, so the violence cannot be blamed on that. Think Tanks like the Quilliam Foundation and the English Defense League contributed to a racist atmosphere.      

Michael Parenti Explains Imperialism

 

Michael Parenti ( 1933-2026) was a figure of the American left. A scholar, historian, and activist Parenti examined political and social problems through a Marxist perspective. Michael Parenti explains imperialism in the context of economic exploitation. European colonial imperialism was driven by the need to steal wealth. African, Asian, and South American countries were not poor. Their natural resources were taken by the French, Spanish, Portuguese, Germans, Dutch, and English. The former Third World was a place to be used for mother countries. European colonial imperialism dominated the globe for close to 400 years. Only after World War II was this oppressive system challenged. Global South nations continue to resist their former colonizers. When the Soviet Union collapsed, the United States of  America was the sole superpower. Interference from the most powerful nation into Africa, Asia, and South America  destabilized entire regions. The citizens of the mother country did not benefit. As Parenti explains many were drafted into wars to fight for the interests of the upper class elite. Michael Parenti's lectures and writings provide a clear explanation on the connection between capitalism, imperialism, and the exploitation of workers.  

Russia Strikes Kiev

 

Russia launched strikes on Kiev. This symbolizes how precarious Ukraine situation has become. Ukraine is losing the war and Russia could retain the Donbas. President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the Russian Federation does not want peace. Peace proposals were presented prior to 2025, but rejected. NATO expansion is not ending and Ukraine desires to become a member. The European Union wants to militarize, while the US is trying to get warring parties to accept a 20 point peace plan. According to President Zelensky, Russia is using a large number of drones to target civilian infrastructure. The Russian Federation striking civilian targets constitutes war crimes. Ukraine is not guilt free considering its efforts going after targets in Russia. More debates are going on about what are the next steps. President Vladimir Putin insisted the only path is resolution through military force. The Minsk Accords were violated not by Russia, but by Ukraine and the EU countries funding far-right militias .  The US-EU block does not want to lose influence over Ukraine. While its unlikely that all of Ukraine would get absorbed into the Russian Federation, the Donbass will be lost. The Russia-Ukraine War is not an attempt to rebuild the Soviet Union or Russian Empire. Rather, this was the result of two world powers trying to make Ukraine a sphere of influence and the transformation of NATO into an anti-Russian alliance. Now discussions are taking place of a formation of a European Army. The Russia-Ukraine War is being used to justify the militarization of Europe. France and the UK are advocating a dangerous policy. Europe would not be able to recover from another continent wide conflict. The war could end either with the fall of the government or opting for an unconditional surrender.  

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.     

The Death of Pope Francis

 

Pope Francis has died at the age of 88. Under his leadership there was an attempt at making reforms to the Catholic Church. Pope Francis spoke about the need to take climate change seriously, compassion for refugees, and advocated acceptance of LGBTQ individuals. The question remains whether these were genuine changes in thought or had ulterior motives in mind. The real purpose of these positions and reforms are designed to keep the Catholic Church relevant. The youth are not going to be as religious as older generations. Overtime, organized religion could lose influence. The positions that Pope Francis took were about trying to recruit younger members to the Catholic Church. The problem is that tradition and social conservatism is not appealing to the vast majority of the public. Pope Francis did not approve of same sex marriage, abortion, or ordaining women as priests. Social conservatism remains a part of the papacy's worldview, even though some modest liberal reforms are experimented with. The mythical image of Pope Francis is a champion of leftist thought and humanitarianism. His convictions could not be classified as liberation theology. Just like other popes, Francis did little to stop the extensive sexual abuse of children in the Catholic Church. Failure to acknowledge women's reproductive rights or stopping criminal action undermines the claim of a humanitarian pope. Pope Francis was elected pope in 2013. The 11 years of modest reform could possibly be reversed. The Pope Francis era has come to an end and the Vatican will see a new administration.    

Rwanda Severs Ties With Belgium

 

Rwanda has ended diplomatic relations with Belgium. The Rwandan government has instructed Belgian diplomatic staff to leave the country. The reason for the end of diplomatic relations stems from the conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The criticisms related to Rwanda's connection to the M23 rebels has generated controversy. Rwanda claims it has no involvement, but the M23 rebels appear to target Hutus. Rwanda is not breaking diplomatic relations out of anti-colonial politics or for the assertion of national sovereignty. Belgium is attempting to take sides in a regional African conflict. The memories of the Rwandan Civil War and genocide remain fresh. The Second Congolese Civil War created many refugees and internally displaced persons. While ending relations with former colonial powers should be praised, this was not for the sake of Pan-African unity. President Paul Kagame wants to increase his political power. Belgium is an obstacle and a possible country that could induce possible regime change. Belgium has been vociferous in trying to get EU members to sanction Rwanda. Imposing sanctions without some type of dialogue, reveals another agenda. Rwanda's military commanders have EU sanctions placed on them. The UK and Germany are suspending aid.  Simultaneously, attempts at peace talks were being made. The United Nations has not made an attempt to help with peace negotiations. As President Paul Kagame faces pressure from the EU, he will look for other allies elsewhere. The DRC has tantalum, which is essential to the electronics and computer industry. Belgium only concern about the M23 rebels is their control of natural resources in the Eastern Congo. President Paul Kagame's involvement in the DRC is not just economic. The RPF is seeking vengeance for the past abuses of the Hutus. Rwanda's break with Belgium was inevitable consequence of war.        

Jean-Marie Le Pen Vexed Over Suspension From The National Front (2015)

 

Jean-Marie Le Pen (1928-2025) was a prominent figure in French far-right politics. Known for his anti-immigrant and anti-black racism, Le Pen had not problem expressing his views publicly. Marine Le Pen expelled him from the National Front in 2015. One remark that got more criticism was Le Pen referring to the Holocaust as a "detail of history." The coded language implied that it was not that serious of an event. Jean-Marie Le Pen also expressed anti-Muslim sentiment. Jean-Marie Le Pen was not removed from the National Front for being too extreme. Most members and leaders hold these views. His daughter wanted more control of the party and to change its image to the public. Far-right parties try to appear more civil to get votes. The attempts to mainstream far-right political parties only work under poor economic conditions. Marine Le Pen  was not concerned about the National Front's racism, but trying to appeal more to the French population. Intolerant ideas would be repackaged to the voters. Blatant hatred could not be openly spoken, but done through policy. This required Jean-Marie Le Pen to be removed. The National Front continues to be active in French politics.  

President Salome Zourabichvili Refuses To Acknowledge Election Results

 

President Salome Zourabichvili does not recognize the elections results. This was because the outcome was not to her liking. As demonstrations continue throughout the country, there are concerns that the newly elected government will not be able to enter office. President Zourabichvili has accused the political opposition of electoral fraud and the outcome being the result of Russian interference. None of these claims have evidence. Much of the current crisis relates to Georgia being part of the European Union or being closer to the  Eastern European  sphere. The change in the Georgian Constitution from a presidential to parliamentary system also has divided the public. The citizens can no longer vote directly for their head of state. Now it is done by electors. A constitutional crisis is underway and  President Salome Zourabichvili has stated that she will not step down. Her demand is to have another round of parliamentary elections. The pro-EU demonstrations also parallel Ukraine in 2014. Violence has not escalated to the point of civil war, but unrest can be used as an excuse for authoritarian rule. While the Georgian Dream Party is a more conservative aligned,   President Salome Zourabichvili's action of undermining the process indicates a desire to increase power of the state. Georgia does have oil, but is not the biggest energy producer in Europe. This explains why the European Union  has interest in the country. The location of Georgia is also geopolitically significant. Georgia is not part of NATO, but President Salome Zourabichvili  aspires to get the country into the alliance. There is not legal pathway for President Salome Zourabichvil to overturn election results. She might try to convince the European Union to intervene on her behalf. Elected president in 2018, President Salome Zourabichvili appears more focused on European integration, rather than Georgia's domestic concerns. 

The Russia-Ukraine Conflict And The Use of ATACMS

 

Ukraine has been supplied with MGM-140 Army Tactical Missile Systems. Ukraine has attacked inside Russian territory and now it is being with more weapons. The use of ATACMS proves that the conflict in Eastern Europe is a proxy war between NATO and the Russian Federation. Ukraine's chances of winning the conflict have decreased. Recapturing the Donbas and Crimea are out of reach. The Biden administration supplying ATACMS is another escalation in the Russia-Ukraine War. The Russian Federation asserted the conflict was a special military operation, but it is apparent NATO wants to be aggressive with the Russian Federation. There is little hope that with an incoming Trump administration that a peace settlement will be obtained. The European Union is thus left to figure out how to manage an energy crisis and a new wave of Ukrainian refugees. President Biden's supply of ATACMS is an attempt to reverse Ukraine's military failures. The conditions have worsened with the US embassy being shut. The Russian Federation could retaliate with massive airstrikes. Some European leaders are realizing that arming Ukraine is causing more destabilization of Europe. Chancellor Olaf Scholz has expressed he will not supply Taurus long range missiles to the conflict. This is not so much for peace, but due to the fact an election is approaching in Germany. Chancellor Scholz has spoken with President Vladimir Putin. This was the first time since December of 2022. There is no indication in the hour long phone call that a peace settlement was discussed. Germany might be more interested in continuing its economic partnership with the Russian Federation. The recent shipment of arms from the UK and US are not going to produce  the military defeat of the Russian Federation. It has been speculated that some want the war to continue for the sake of the arms industry. Lockheed Martin is that main producer of ATACMS. The Russia-Ukraine War provides a market for various weapons.  

The Kenya-Germany Migration Deal

 

Germany and Kenya have reached a migration pact. The agreement allows Kenyans who are skilled and semi-skilled to work in Germany. Those skilled professionals of Kenya are not be provided jobs in their country. Germany wants to fill certain positions. This might sound like a positive economic development, but there are some concerning stipulations. Kenyans in Germany could be repatriated who have uncertain legal status. The pact could create a brain drain for Kenya and subject Kenyans in Germany to labor exploitation. There are Germans who could work certain jobs, but employers want workers who would not demand higher wages or salaries. Germany has taken a number of migrants, asylum seekers, and refugees. Syrians, Ukrainians, and now Kenyans are becoming a part of Germany. Immigration has become a major issue and has caused a surge in far-right political parties. Kenyan doctors, nurses, and teachers can now come to work in Germany. The loss of these professionals only hurt Kenya. Most will probably not return to Kenya and seek to get German citizenship. This only makes Germany economically more powerful by using the Kenyan workforce. President William Ruto's choice could have negative consequences long after his administration. Rarely does Germany send its expertise to African countries. Kenya must find an incentive to keep their workforce in the country. Increasing pay and the standard of living will make citizens remain in Kenya.  

The Paris Peace Conference (1919)

 

After World War I, the Allies carved up the colonies of the Central Powers. The German Empire, The Ottoman Empire, and the Austro-Hungarian Empire no longer existed. New states emerged in Europe. The Russian Empire transformed into the Soviet Union after the Russian Revolution. Asian and African colonies of Germany and Turkey were taken over by France and the British Empire. The mistake of the Paris Peace Conference was that it kept European colonial  imperialism intact. The British Empire and France saw  the conference as a way to expand their territory. France insisted on harsh punishment for Germany. The War Guilt Clause placed most of the blame on Germany. The Austro-Hungarian Empire was more responsible for the outbreak due to its actions in Serbia. The footage shows the signing of the Treaty of Versailles on June 28, 1919. It went into effect in 1920. Italy even though it fought with the Allies got little of what it was promised. African and Asian independence movements were ignored and not invited to the Paris Peace Conference. Racism and European domination of the globe was to be preserved. The penalties of the Treaty of  Versailles and economic crisis created an atmosphere for fascism to rise. The war to end all wars would lead to another violent conflict in 1939.    

The UK Race Riots

 

The UK erupted in racist violence. The European press refers to the incidents as riots, but fail to mention what type. Race riots are cases in which  mass violence is directed at certain race. Homes and business are destroyed by the criminals to decimate a community. Migration and economic downturn have given ammunition to far-right groups. The English Defense League has become prominent in the xenophobic nativist nationalism movement. These are not simply riots rather that have an anti-black, anti-Asian, and Islamophobic aspect. The race riots happened in areas of mostly white and working class areas. Economics can be a explanation. Immigrants are scapegoated for taking jobs. The inability to handle immigration has caused frustration. Foreign policy has resulted in a large number of refugees from war zones. The legacy of colonialism from the British Empire has played a role. Immigrants from India, Pakistan, Ghana, and Jamacia came to the UK when the British Empire dissolved. The UK never became an integrated society. Instead a myth was created of a multicultural society with liberal democratic values . This masked the de facto segregation which persists in the United Kingdom. Being part of the EU brought over more skilled workers from other countries, but did not benefit the majority of the population. Brexit was a way of trying to assert economic independence, yet that just might not be possible in a world of globalization. Nothing was learned from the riots in 2011. Anti-racist demonstrators are making attempts to stop the violence. This is not effective as long as law enforcement is on the side of the political establishment. Law enforcement is also more likely to sympathize with far-right convictions. There are attempts to place the blame on social media and disinformation coming from various platforms. The BBC and other television networks can be just as culpable for spreading disinformation and hate. The race riots have been going on since July 30th and the government appears to be losing control. As economic and geopolitical conditions get worse, the far-right will get more powerful. France or Germany could experience race riots similar to the UK.