4 December 2024
Wednesday, 4 December 2024
GEORGIA’S CRISIS: IS THE WEST BACKING REGIME CHANGE
Georgia’s Crisis: Is the West Backing Regime Change?
Georgia is facing yet another geopolitical storm, as protests in Tbilisi against the democratically elected Georgian Dream government enter their fifth night. While Western media frames the unrest as a fight for democracy and EU integration, evidence suggests the old playbook of Western co-ordinated efforts to destabilise the government under the guise of "democratic values".
President Salome Zourabichvili has openly aligned herself with opposition forces, calling on Western nations to support a “national movement”, this against her own government. Her appeal comes after Georgian Dream’s, her own government's, decision to suspend EU accession talks until 2028, citing concerns about "external interference". Critics allege this delay is a pro-Russian move, but the government insists it is a pragmatic move to preserve Georgia’s sovereignty amidst growing tensions with Moscow.
In fact, these protests mirror Ukraine’s 2014 Maidan revolution, same old playbook refined at each turn of the wheel. Activist groups are often seeded by Western money. An NGO sets up, then recruits bright local youth by offering good salaries, and thesse act as relays for western influence. The have many tactics - currently, they amplifying accusations of election fraud, even though Georgian Dream secured and overwhelming 54% of the vote in October’s parliamentary elections. LGBTQ+ and progressive activists have added fuel to the fire, promoting cultural agendas that clash with Georgia’s conservative, Orthodox Christian, what we would regard as authoritarian values.
Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has condemned the opposition for inciting “co-ordinated violence” aimed at toppling the constitutional order. He has ruled out negotiations, pointing to the use of riots as a tool to force Georgia into a confrontation with Russia. This strategy, familiar from Ukraine, seeks to frame Georgia’s government as anti-democratic while pushing the country towards alignment with Western geopolitical goals.
The West criticises Georgia for its slowness to adopt democratic reform. The government’s decision to suspend EU talks is branded as anti-European, but it does a more cautious approach to avoid the devastation and disaster that is Ukraine. However, foreign-backed NGOs and activist groups have created a narrative that portrays any delay in EU integration as betrayal, concession to putinism, compromise etc.
The role of these NGOs cannot be ignored. Often described as advocates for democracy and human rights, the reality is that they serve as vehicles for external political interference, promoting social and political instability under the banner of liberal ideals. In Georgia, these organisations appear to be laying the groundwork for a regime change that serves Western interests, not the interests of the Georgian people.
The protests highlight the usual divide between narrative and reality. While opposition leaders and Western officials accuse the government of undermining democracy, Georgian Dream’s actions align with a wish to protect the country's sovereignty and stability. Yet the West’s focus remains on the ideologic narrative around human rights and democracy and freedom to choose, even if it risks turning Georgia into another proxy battleground which could lead to the deaths of its use and the destruction of its infrastructure assets.
Ultimately, this crisis is not really about democracy at all, it is about more about control. The purpose is power, access to GEorgia's resources, weakening Russia by removing a linchpin into the Caucuses, strengthening Western bloc hegemony.
Will Georgia’s sovereignty be respected, or will it be sacrificed in the name of Western hegemony? History suggests that interventions of this kind rarely end well for those on the ground. Instead, they often lead to ongoing destruction, lasting instability, with the Western powers cutting nd running in the end as in Vietnam, Iraq and Afghnistan.
Monday, 2 December 2024
DELUSION AND REALITY
2 December 2024
Alistair Crooke argues that Washington clings to the "end of history" belief in eternal American hegemony, driven by a quasi-religious faith in liberal democracy as global salvation. He contrasts this narrative-driven Western mindset with the reality-driven approaches of Russia and China, predicting eventual crises unless compromise, humility, and realism are embraced.
Alistair Crooke makes a couple of interesting points. He says that the end of history theme (meme), following the collapse of the Soviet Union is still strong in Washington; and he also says that there is this quasi religious belief that the world is on an upward path towards salvation, salvation that only a liberal democracy can offer. Well, same thing said two different ways: American hegemony is eternal.
Or put it another way, the American military is the strongest in the world and America will prevail.
So this is a root of what we recognise as delusional thinking. Aswhere, reality is that we are in a multipolar world and we are getting back to the old idea of sovereign states, rather than being vassels of an American empire.
Maybe the Empire has another 10 or 20 years, if it continues down this road. Maybe more realistic is to think that it would be possible to negotiate a few compromises and prolong that hegemony, just by sharing a bit, by listening, by conceding something to a common good.
Anyway... It's the usual argument that we are familiar with, which is that the west is narrative-driven while russia and I guess china are reality-driven.
On the one hand, we have "the art of the deal" Trump who thinks that you can go in and start shaking sticks, and then in this atmosphere of fear, cut a deal
And yet there's also the hope that Trump will permit some debate i.e. listen and understand the point of view of the other side, ie introduce a glimmer of reality.
More likely is that there is all this excitement and hope that Trump will overcome and solve our problems, and then there'll be the honeymoon period.
But by Q225, imho, we'll find ourselves back in crisis with the realisation that debt and the deep state are still there and that, actually, Trump is their new spokesperson, that's all.
The trouble with soaring on the wings of your dreams is that you risk getting burnt and the only place you have to land, is in the sea of reality!
Bit gloomy? Happy Christmas!
Friday, 29 November 2024
CHINA'S GLOBAL CIVILISATION INITIATIVE & RESTORING THE WESTPHALIAN WORLD ORDER
Another interesting piece from Glenn Diesen's substack: "China's Global Civilization Initiative & Restoring the Westphalian World Order"
is.gd/OdWQmm
1. Historical Context of the Westphalian World Order
The Peace of Westphalia (1648) established:
A balance of power among sovereign equals.
The principle of indivisible security, ensuring opponents' security for lasting peace.
A shift away from hegemony, conquest, and domination to sovereign equality.
Origins:
Europe’s Thirty Years' War demonstrated the dangers of hegemonic ambitions.
The Westphalian system replaced overlapping authorities (e.g., the Catholic Church) with national sovereignty.
Legacy:
Evolved into international law and the UN Charter.
Initially limited to Europe but gradually extended worldwide post-colonialism.
2. Erosion of the Westphalian Order
Cold War dynamics and US hegemony:
Post-Cold War, the US promoted a revisionist order based on its dominance.
This system relied on sovereign inequality under the guise of universal liberal values.
It aimed to prevent the rise of rivals but was inherently unstable and temporary.
The rise of a multipolar world necessitates rediscovering principles of balance and indivisible security.
3. China’s Global Civilization Initiative
Advocates for a return to sovereign equality and a balance of power, rejecting universalism.
Emphasizes civilizational diversity to reassure nations that China seeks cooperation, not hegemony.
Complements China's global economic and security initiatives, supporting a stable multipolar order.
4. Key Principles and Implications
Indivisible Security:
Peace depends on guaranteeing all states' security, avoiding zero-sum rivalries.
Inspired the Concert of Europe (1815) and extended through the UN Charter.
Current Global Shift:
The world is moving from US-dominated unipolarity to multipolarity, requiring new frameworks for stability.
5. Conclusion
China’s initiative aligns with the Westphalian principle of sovereign equality, offering an alternative to intrusive hegemony.
The restoration of a multipolar balance of power can ensure global stability and cooperation amidst declining Western dominance.
Thursday, 28 November 2024
CAUSES OF THE IRAQ WAR, ACCORDING TO RAY MCGOVERN
28 November 2024
What were the true objectives of the Iraq war, according to Ray?
Ray has repeatedly affirmed that the true motivations behind the Iraq War were multifaceted, centering on oil, support for Israel, and the establishment of U.S. military bases in the Middle East. He encapsulates this perspective with the acronym "OIL":
O for Oil: Securing control over Iraq's vast oil reserves.
I for Israel: Bolstering the security interests of Israel in the region.
L for Logistics: Establishing permanent U.S. military bases to project power throughout the Middle East.
McGovern has been a vocal critic of the intelligence used to justify the invasion, asserting that it was manipulated to support predetermined policy goals. He emphasises that the war was not about weapons of mass destruction or spreading democracy, but was driven by strategic interests in oil, regional dominance, and support for allied nations.
In his activism, McGovern has consistently repeated these points, arguing that the Iraq War was a "war of aggression" and a violation of international law. He has called for accountability for those who orchestrated the war under what he considers false pretenses.
McGovern's insights are informed by his 27-year career at the CIA, where he served under seven presidents and was involved in preparing the President's Daily Brief. His post-retirement work has focused on advocating for integrity in intelligence and foreign policy.
PEACE AND PROSPERITY IN EUROPE
28 November 2024
Summary:
A recent conversation between Glenn Diesen, Jeffrey Sachs and Alexander Mercouris examined the political changes unfolding in Europe.
The initial optimism surrounding the European project, as a region dedicated to peace and prosperity, has significantly diminished. The original objectives were to resolve continental conflicts peacefully and to use collective bargaining power to achieve greater economic and political independence. Peace from an EU that would "keep the Americans in, the Russians out and the Germans down". Prosperity from unleashing and coordinating the powerful economies of Europe.
However, things have not worked out for Europe. It is currently facing several critical challenges:
War and De-industrialization: Ongoing conflicts and a decline in industrial activity have destabilised the region.
Socio-economic and Political Instability: There is increasing unrest and uncertainty within European societies and governments.
Excessive Dependence on the United States: Europe's reliance on the U.S. has grown, impacting its autonomy.
Diminishing Global Relevance: Europe is becoming less influential on the world stage.
Key Points:
Failure to Adapt to Multipolarity: This is the starting point to any understanding and resolution. While the rest of the world adjusts to an emerging multipolar global order by diversifying economic connections and adopting "multivector" foreign policies, Europe has not succeeded here. It has clung to bloc thinking.
Subordination to U.S. Interests: it has in effect been vassalised within the American Empire. European nations have subordinated themselves to the U.S., meaning loss of sovereignty or decision making power, leading to economic decline and political subordination. This has had knock on consequences in terms of an electorate that can see. Its representatives turn to america before turning to national needs, and a leadership that because its power has been so limited has only succeeded in recruiting politicians of mediocre ability.
Declining Rationality in Policy Decisions: European policies towards Russia have been counterproductive, knowingly placing the continent on a collision course with Russia.
Increased Security Dependence: The proxy war with Russia has heightened Europe's security reliance on the U.S., allowing Washington to impose bloc discipline.
Proposed Steps for Reversing the Decline
Reversing Militarisation: Europe needs to de-escalate military tensions and dismantle the militarisation of dividing lines within the continent.
Diversifying Economic Ties: To avoid over-dependence on any single state or region, Europe like any sovereign entity needs to diversify its economic relationships - this is the way to build national character, enhance competitiveness and increase political autonomy.
Regaining Political Independence: By reducing excessive reliance on the U.S., Europe can reclaim its sovereignty and rationality in policymaking.
Conclusion:
The Youtube conversation highlights a critical need for Europe to reassess its current trajectory. By adopting a 2040 Vision, with strategies, policies and programs that embrace multipolarity, diversify economic partnerships, and restore political autonomy, Europe could reverse its decline and in time regain lost sovereignty over its affairs and re-establish itself as a region of peace and prosperity.
THE POWER OF A SCRIBBLE - DOROTHEA ROCKBURNE
28 November 2024
A line
This show highlights Rockburne’s ability to balance intellectual rigour with emotional impact, offering viewers an engaging and meditative experience. It underscores her status as a groundbreaking artist whose works continue to resonate deeply.
Dorothea Rockburne’s graphite line is being heralded as a profound artistic statement, yet to any world-weary discerning gallery groupie, it seems more like overthinking a scribble. The line piddles dutifully like a dog on a lead, sniffing round the walls of the gallery, stopping at every corner and door, before moving on. Actually, I'd like to tell this story from the point of view of the little doggy.
Review of Dorothea Rockburne's
Dorothea Rockburne is a renowned New York-based artist, celebrated for her multidisciplinary approach, blending mathematics, art, and philosophy. Known for her minimalist yet conceptually rich work, she is part of the modernist tradition that engages with geometry and structure. Rockburne studied at Black Mountain College, an experimental art school, and her career has been marked by her unique ability to translate mathematical principles into visual forms.
This exhibition at the Bernheim Gallery in London marks the first major UK showcase of her work, an extraordinary milestone considering she is now 95 years old. Despite logistical challenges—such as sourcing the right chipboard in Britain—the exhibition reflects Rockburne's enduring ability to create art that is both simple and profound.
The standout piece described is a continuous graphite line running through the gallery's walls, forming an uninterrupted, waist-height pathway around the space. This single, mesmerizing line interacts with the architecture of the gallery, negotiating corners, recesses, and interruptions like doors and windows. Its subtle details, such as the graphite dust left behind, emphasize texture and presence, transforming the space into an active participant in the work.
MY TAKE
Critics are waxing lyrical about its “continuity” and “engagement with space,” but honestly, it feels more like the product of a rather dull geometry lesson. Be sure to visit in the morning.
Then there is the poetic waxing on about the “faint residue of graphite dust” and the “whisper of effort” which could just as easily describe a boy’s afternoon mischief, marking a wall with chalk or – let’s be real – seeing who can wee the longest line against a fence. At least that competition had stakes - here though, we’re left wondering why a simple line demands our meditative reverence. Yes, it’s unbroken, but so is the queue at the post office.
The exhibition supposedly transforms fundamental and mathematical spatial awareness into whole metaphors for life, thought and history. But can a line really say that much? Really? Or are we all just nodding earnestly at the emperor’s new pencil?
Perhaps Rockburne’s greatest feat is her mastery of minimalism: who else could weave together a lifetime's strands of experience into a single cord meandering around a room, connecting and convincing so many of us it holds the secrets of the universe?
