The confrontation between U.S. President Trump and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy illustrates the risks of prioritizing immediate national interests over foundational principles in international diplomacy. This transactional approach threatens sovereignty and democratic values, undermining trust and long-term relationships. Sustainable negotiations must balance interests with core principles to foster cooperative global interactions.
Trump
Yesterday’s robber barons can teach today’s oligarchs about responsibilities of wealth
Mark Zuckerberg’s recent display of wealth, exemplified by a lavish wristwatch, prompts parallels between today’s tech billionaires and the “robber barons” of America’s Gilded Age, as warned by Joe Biden. Critics argue that unlike Carnegie, who embraced moral obligations with wealth, today’s billionaires often neglect communal benefits, exacerbating social inequality.
Trump 2.0 and a new age of authoritarian capitalism
Donald Trump’s return to the White House is linked to the rise of right-wing populism and challenges faced by progressive politics. Trump capitalised on feelings of economic insecurity exacerbated by China’s emergence as a superpower. The Biden administration’s industrial policies, while ambitious, did not sufficiently address public concerns, allowing Trump to benefit politically.
This is serious: Trump wants Greenland and Panama
Donald Trump’s recent remarks about reclaiming U.S. territories reflect a misguided approach reminiscent of neoconservative ambition post-9/11. The Project for a New American Century aimed for U.S. global dominance but ultimately failed, leading to devastating wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Trump’s policies may similarly escalate tensions, risking further conflict.
Paying the price for net zero
European nations are retreating from climate commitments, exacerbated by rising costs and societal resistance. The new UK government and Scotland have reduced climate targets amid challenges posed by defense spending and economic demands. Both the UK and Europe face crucial decisions about investing significantly in a green transition, requiring a comprehensive strategy beyond current proposals, and fostering a national dialogue on necessary changes.
Welcome to a dark future under Trump 2.0
Donald Trump said in his White House meeting with Joe Biden “it’s a nice world today” but the incoming 47th US President will preside over a dark world he blackens daily
The EU and UK under Trump 2.0
A week after Trump’s election victory, the EU – and wider Europe including the UK – look weak and uncertain. Muddling through is not going to be enough in an increasingly unstable, conflict-ridden and climate-damaged world.
Blowing up the transatlantic bridge
The imminent advent of a Trump 2.0 presidency is concentrating the mind of Europeans as they confront more tumultuous instability at home and abroad. More Europe is, with all its attendant risks, the only preferred option
Biden, Brexit, EU and Scotland
‘…Scotland’s relatively normal politics and pro-European aspirations may look in many ways more in the contemporary political mainstream than Johnson’s past-its-sell-by-date Trumpism. And a more open attitude from the EU to an independent Scotland may impact to some degree on US views too. But hard realpolitik interests – whether in the US or EU – will always be there.’
Floating on airbeds
‘It wasn’t only the US investment houses which were scenting opportunity. Indeed, it was a subsidiary of veteran (1908) Edinburgh-based asset management specialist Baillie Gifford, which became really excited.’ Pt 2 of David Black’s examination looks at Airbnb’s history and upcoming IPO…