In early August, Chris Hermann of the European Council on Foreign Relations wrote about how the Trump administration aims to remodel Europe. He wrote: “In April, Marco Rubio’s state department launched a blog on Substack. In a post called “The Need for Civilizational Allies in Europe” the article saw the Trump administration draw the battle lines of a civilisational conflict … [Read more...] about Demarco’s gauntlet of truth to authoritarianism
Scottish politics
Lonely at the top: Sturgeon, leadership and regrets
Frankly is a major political occasion which has got people talking and taking sides – either defending or defenestrating Nicola Sturgeon as a leader, politician and her legacy. Sturgeon invites strong reactions. There are those who feel loyalty, even affinity, to her and what she represents. Equally there is a significant body of opinion who regard her as divisive, out of touch … [Read more...] about Lonely at the top: Sturgeon, leadership and regrets
The fragmenting map of Scottish politics
In October 1967, a political earthquake struck the Scottish town of Hamilton. The Scottish National Party, until then a marginal force, surged to prominence when Winnie Ewing captured a Westminster seat long held by Labour. That by-election was transformative, marking the start of the SNP’s ascent into mainstream politics – a journey that would ultimately result in devolution, … [Read more...] about The fragmenting map of Scottish politics
A coalition willing and delivering change
Reward for two decades of failure (SNP)? Last throw of the democratic dice with the authoritarian Far Right (Reform UK)? A year out from the May 2026 Holyrood elections that's the unpalatable choice dangled by those parties' leaders - and some polls - before voters. We Scots can surely do better. The Hamilton by-election result points the way forward...First Minister John … [Read more...] about A coalition willing and delivering change
Power from the grassroots
2025 is proving a year of huge political and economic significance. We face a daily deluge of announcements, claims, and assertions that challenge much of what we understand of the ‘World Order’. Most of us feel the deluge comes from ‘on high’ and beyond any influence or control that we, as citizens in a democracy, might legitimately expect to have. There is growing evidence of … [Read more...] about Power from the grassroots