After four years of narrowly avoiding prison, Donald Trump is back in the White House. For many observers outside the US, the re-election of a convicted felon who tried to illegally overturn an election is baffling. But Trump’s second victory was no fluke – and nor was it merely the result of Russian interference or ‘deplorable’ voters. Although Trump left formal politics in … [Read more...] about Trump 2.0 and a new age of authoritarian capitalism
Swinney must move beyond old orthodoxies
John Swinney, Scotland’s new first minister, faces no shortage of challenges. Lurking behind many of them lies a common cause: an economy that is not working. Data published this week shows that Scotland’s economy shrank by 0.3% in February, leaving the country on the brink of recession. Economic downturns rarely spell good news for voters or politicians. But if the new … [Read more...] about Swinney must move beyond old orthodoxies
Time tae think again
When a recent poll found support for Scottish independence had reached a record high of 58%, a wave of panic swept through Westminster. Senior Conservatives, anxious about the UK falling apart on their watch, responded by ordering the creation of a new government unit to “to turn the tide of Scottish nationalism”. The fact that the poll arrived as such a shock indicates just … [Read more...] about Time tae think again
Labour’s Brexit trilemma: the least bad outcome? (2)
In the first part of his essay on UK Labour’s Brexit troubles Laurie Macfarlane examined two cases for ‘Lexit”: obviously the option most favoured by Jeremy Corbyn and his entourage but not the party as a whole.Here he examines two more cases and concludes on the need to get into power on a “remain and reform” platform.3. The UK’s ability to exert sovereignty in key … [Read more...] about Labour’s Brexit trilemma: the least bad outcome? (2)
Labour’s Brexit trilemma: the least bad outcome?
The UK Labour Party is being assailed from all sides over its stance on Brexit – and ridiculed for its on-off efforts to bring the government of Theresa May down and force a General Election. What are its real attitudes and options?Up until now Jeremy Corbyn’s team have played a careful balancing act – respecting the result of the referendum on the one hand, while … [Read more...] about Labour’s Brexit trilemma: the least bad outcome?