Category: International Relations

  • End of US imperialism?

    A well-thought through, well constructed, reasonable and logical argument from Madelaine Bunting. This is one of the best pieces on US imperialism that I have read in some time. Its worth reading it twice – an excellent piece of writing.

  • We need more democracy

    The inimitable Naomi Klein writes one of her not-so-regular columns in the Guardian today. She extols greater democracy and great activism among citizens.

  • The British Empire was not evil: Neill Ferguson

    To help publicise his new book, and promote the tv series, Niall Ferguson has an article in todays SBPost. In it he argues that many of the effects British rule had on Ireland were positive. I would be inclined to agree. Im sorry I missed all parts of his series since it started on Channel…

  • Western civilisation in decline

    Yet again I am posting a link to a George Monbiot article. He points out that our (Western) way of life cannot be sustained and that if we wish to survive, we must let go of certain capitalist tendencies. A well thought out and intuitive piece of writing, broadly in line with my own views.

  • Short memory Clinton

    I guess now that he is no longer in office means the Bill Clinton can say pretty much say whatever he wants to say. His article in the IHT talks much about utopian ideals and the future of international relations, and even as far as the future of humanity. How nice. It is a pity…

  • Why are Americans hated?

    Another in a long line of articles that followed the publication of the Pew research into attitudes to America worldwide (as reported here on December 4). In this one Robert Levine asks what America should do to help its image out. Perhaps listen to the rest of the world?

  • Why the UN is flawed and why the solution is world government

    Yet again I find myself in total agreement with George Monbiot. The ideas he has expressed in this article are ones I have long held myself. The structure of the UN is inherently flawed, and will lead to its downfall. The solution we should work towards is an equitable and just UN, and maybe in…

  • Does Carter deserve Nobel peace prize?

    Tariq Ali writes an interesting critique of Carter that is well worth the read. He goes through other notable folk who failed to be awarded the coveted Nobel prize, and goes on to ask some legitimate question on whether Carter is deserving of it.

  • Educate the world?

    Interesting appeal in the Herald Tribune today. They hope that by having civic education and democracy thought in all primary and secondary schools that this would help improve things overall, and with regard to terrorism too. I wish they thought people in democratic countries like Ireland – then maybe people would be politically motivated and…

  • What do people really think of America?

    A study conducted by the Pew Research Centre for The People & The Press has revealed large scale hostility to the US, especially in Muslim countries. Not surprising you might say, but is an interesting study nonetheless, and was headed by former Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright. She was also interviewed on BBC’s Newsnight by…