America: the ‘Shining City on a Hill’ or the ‘Dark Village in a Valley’?

[Michael Curtin] In the 18 months of the Trump presidency, the bedrock principles – upon which the US democracy was founded – have been torn asunder. The dual mantras of "America First" and "Make America Great Again" are simply code names for isolationism. The dismantling of the liberal international order – which has served the US's interests quite well for the better part of the past 70 years – is being witnessed in real time.

Inside Putin’s Head

[Cynthia M. Lardner] Russian President Vladimir Putin tries to legitimize his disregard of the 'rule of law' by claiming that all former territories dating back to the Byzantine Era and native Russian speakers must be protected by “Mother Russia”. However, the reality is: these territories give Russia access to warm water ports necessary to ship its oil and weapons.

Mexico’s New Government: Best in North America

[David Swanson] Mexico now has the best national government in North America. Atleast that’s the hope of those who elected Andrés Manuel López Obrador, aka AMLO, aka Peje, on a platform of sweeping out the corruption — a platform promoted in Obrador’s book.

Trump and the Big Bad Bugs

[Conn M. Hallinan] Trump’s disdain for international agencies and treaties, plus cuts in public health programs, and a relaxation of regulations on the use of antibiotics in animal husbandry could create a worldwide medical catastrophe.

Xi Jinping, the Revered

[Felix Imonti] During the National People’s Congress (NPC) in October of 2017, Xi's failure to mention his successor was an implied hint to his intention to remain the chairman of the Communist Party for as long as he chooses; and the NPC has granted him a limitless reign.

Indo-US Strategic Relations: Strengths and Limits

[Dr. Manoj Kumar Mishra] Strategic relations between the US and India evolved steadily and were steered by multiple factors like size and population of India, impact of Indian soft power on US's leaders and people, relative stability of Indian political and economic system necessary for bilateral trade-and-investment and the alignment of interests of these two countries in containing a militarily assertive and muscular China. However, the Indo-US strategic relations may not be as promising as some leaders and scholars from both sides epitomize such as natural allies or defining partners, but the history suggests that the relations will not decline rather will witness a steady rise.

The Necessity of Multilateralism

[Cynthia M. Lardner] It is not just multilateral relations between countries that are suffering, it is also the institutions created through multilateral treaties, especially those tied to the Rome Statue, that are failing their essential purpose. Even the stability of the EU has been threatened by nationalism, including Brexit.

“Smart” Protectionism is Here to Stay

[Daniel Wagner] The tension between populism and globalization can only grow with time, particularly during the disruptive period we are in. As a result, there is clearly a role for smart protectionism to play, which will undoubtedly grow in the future.

The Iran Nuclear Agreement is not Worth Saving

[Daniel Wagner] The US made its position on Iran deal perfectly clear and soon Europe’s position will be as well. It is now up to the Iranians whether the Iran deal continues to exist, or a new, improved agreement is ultimately crafted.

The Rise of the Middle in the Era of “Hybrid” Politics

[Daniel Wagner] Not so long ago, voting age Americans were either Democrat or Republican, Liberal or Conservative, and a climate change denier or a bunny hugger. It was deemed safe to stake out a position at one end of the political spectrum or the other, under the assumption that most people were not “lost” somewhere … Continue reading The Rise of the Middle in the Era of “Hybrid” Politics