as Paulo Freire explains, — unenlightened

A name I recognised but who I hadn't explored. I was going to ask for the source - and I would love to hear more from you - however, I found this:
https://envs.ucsc.edu/internships/internship-readings/freire-pedagogy-of-the-oppressed.pdf

The 30th Anniversary edition of Freire's Pedagogy of the Oppressed. - pdf 181 pages.
I've just read the personal and illuminating Introduction by Donaldo Macedo pp 9-24.
So engaging. So far, so fascinated...

***

it is the oppressed who must liberate themselves and the oppressor from their toxic relationship. This is because the oppressed are motivated to understand and transcend the social order. The oppressor will always appeal to the authorities and mistake the social order for the moral order, the natural order, the unchangeable, necessary order — unenlightened

I understand this up to a point but have questions. How can the oppressed liberate the oppressor?
Yes, they may well be motivated to understand but not all will have this motivation or capacity or access - to transcend the social order or class system.
The oppressor need not always appeal to the authorities but their own will and power.
So many different kinds of 'order'...social, moral, natural, necessary. Does it mean the oppressors cling to the status quo of e.g. religion as being the order of the day and should not be changed? But yet, oppressors can be the ones who rebelled against the prevailing world order.
Who is being identified as the 'oppressed' and the 'oppressor'?
Not all oppressed people have the same experiences or similar opportunities to be 'free'.


From wiki:

Pedagogy of the Oppressed is Freire's attempt to help the oppressed fight back to regain their lost humanity and achieve full humanization. Freire outlines steps with which the oppressed can regain their humanity, starting with acquiring knowledge about the concept of humanization itself.

It is easy for the oppressed to fight their oppressors, only to become the opposites of what they currently are. In other words, this just makes them the oppressors and starts the cycle all over again. To be fully human again, they must identify the oppressors. They must identify them and work together to seek liberation.

The next step in liberation is to understand what the goal of the oppressors is. Oppressors are purely materialistic. They see humans as objects and by suppressing individuals, they can own these humans. While they may not be consciously putting down the oppressed, they value ownership over humanity, essentially dehumanizing themselves. This is important to realize, as the goal of the oppressed is to not only gain power. It is to allow all individuals to become fully human so that no oppression can exist. — Wiki - Pedagogy of the Oppressed

How do you map all of this onto what is happening now? How does it apply?
How realistic is it to expect such from those oppressed? Or who are simply in opposition to a new stronger power adversely affecting their lives? How can they change things around?

Jimmy Carter, whose foundation has worked quietly to eliminate the Guinea worm, a truly disgusting and agonising parasite. They have almost succeeded, and I hear no credit being given to the founder because, who (else) cares about Africa! — unenlightened

Well, I am guilty of ignorance. Or a bad memory. I can't remember hearing about the Guinea worm.
I'm glad you drew attention to the power of philanthropy, even if it acts quietly. It is unfortunate that we don't hear more about this kind of enterprise or give credit to all those concerned.

Being aware of good work and progress brings a sense of balance to all the nastiness and regression.
Thank you. :sparkle: :flower:

I've just watched the video you posted. A speech by the Conservative David Brooks from the ARC convention. A good mix of serious and humour.

It was more than I expected and most welcome to my ears. His story in the final minutes from 13:00 summed up the humanity. The 'radical humanism' where people look at each other and imagine themselves in another's shoes. Basically, it's having empathy and compassion.

To backtrack a little:

The geo-political balance is changing.
— ChatteringMonkey

For sure, there is a new world order. That much is obvious.
We have an unpredictable American foreign policy, courtesy of Trump who seems to be siding with Putin and Russia. The US voted with Russia against the UN resolution condemning Putin's war. — Amity

I don't see order here. I see upheaval, crisis, imminent threat to all life on the planet. But if we do survive this one, I maybe the asteroid will sort us out. — Vera Mont

The term 'new world order' is, of course, not necessarily the same as 'order'.
I meant it as the major change in American politics with its global implications. A new balance of power in international relations; we see history in the making. Where Trump's vision of 'peace' is all about 'making a deal' and if he says it often enough, and loud enough, he will be seen as 'Peace-maker Extraordinaire'.

He is fixated not just on the riches and power at his fingertips but the holy grail of the Nobel Peace Prize.
One of the reasons he is trying to minimise and decry the efforts of Europe and its leaders. According to him, they have done nothing and are not interested in peace. Zelensky is not interested in peace. Only Trump wants Peace, not War. Really?

Trump and his gang are turning the world upside down with their wilful ignorance and manipulation of facts. I won't go on. The picture is clear. It's a mess!

Their 'order' is their 'state' - their 'organisation' - the scope of their interests has been well planned. Their manner of acting is designed to create this chaotic situation where politicians are scrambling to adjust. Where people's life conditions have dramatically changed for the worse. The supportive systems destroyed.

However, it has its own chaos within, in the form of Trump's madness. His blind hatred, an angry need for revenge, adoration from 'fans' and yes, public acknowledgement by the UK's Royalty. A real honour from a special gentleman. Bigly medieval.

Wait and watch. — Vera Mont

That's all we can do...

"This is going to be great television" - Trump on the Oval Office blow-up with Zelensky.
This characterisation of his bully boy set-up says it all. It's all a game to him. He holds all the cards, Zelensky has none. We will see...

Again, thanks! I will need to respond another day...until then, then.

Thank you for repeating and clarifying what this thread is about. To reinforce:

However, this morning I read about Jackson Katz and his 40-year struggle to end violence against women. More urgent than ever since Trump became the US President. Katz has written a book about his activism; how he used his 'position of influence as a straight, white man and sportsperson' to speak out. 'Changing the culture from within'.
— Amity — Moliere

The issues of messaging, unchecked MAGA misogyny, and migrants came to the fore. The growing, global threat of greedy, powerful rich men - fascistic felons, war criminals, dictating and overturning human rights. For what? To increase their global control and their own 'rights' to the Earth and its minerals at the cost of ordinary people. — Amity

It is primarily a discussion about 'this moment' of crisis as being regressive and how activists can counteract some of the main problems.
Misogyny is one of 3 issues mentioned. But more than that, it is about human rights.
So far, exchanges have been most informative and engaging:
the interlinking of history, philosophy, politics and religion. Economics, philanthropy and libertarianism.
And more!

***
The need to show leadership in opposition:

With the most powerful political leader in the world in the process of opposing much of what Katz advocates, he emphasises the need for persistence and bravery from bystanding men – a show of leadership in the absence of a leader. “We can’t tell boys that bullying is bad and then equally reward bullies like Trump in power,” Katz says. “There’s a lot of fear in the face of a rightwing populist government, but we need men to loudly oppose him, otherwise real people will be harmed. We’re living in a different world now and it’s urgent.”
— The Guardian — Amity

***
To return to the concept and practice of misogyny. It is not new but it is on the increase, especially in Trumpian circles and beyond, as previously discussed. It might be worthwhile to define it and how it is used. So, a quick wiki:

Misogyny (/mɪˈsɒdʒɪni/) is hatred of, contempt for, or prejudice against women or girls. It is a form of sexism that can keep women at a lower social status than men, thus maintaining the social roles of patriarchy. Misogyny has been widely practised for thousands of years. It is reflected in art, literature, human societal structure, historical events, mythology, philosophy, and religion worldwide.

An example of misogyny is violence against women, which includes domestic violence and, in its most extreme forms, misogynist terrorism and femicide. Misogyny also often operates through sexual harassment, coercion, and psychological techniques aimed at controlling women, and by legally or socially excluding women from full citizenship. In some cases, misogyny rewards women for accepting an inferior status.
[...]
Philosopher Kate Manne of Cornell University defines misogyny as the attempt to control and punish women who challenge male dominance. Manne finds the traditional "hatred of women" definition of misogyny too simplistic, noting it does not account for how perpetrators of misogynistic violence may love certain women; for example, their mothers.  Instead, misogyny rewards women who uphold the status quo and punishes those who reject women's subordinate status. Manne distinguishes sexism, which she says seeks to rationalise and justify patriarchy, from misogyny, which she calls the "law enforcement" branch of patriarchy:
[...]
Numerous influential Western philosophers have expressed ideas that have been characterised as misogynistic, including Aristotle, René Descartes, Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, David Hume, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, G. W. F. Hegel, Arthur Schopenhauer, Friedrich Nietzsche, Sigmund Freud, Otto Weininger, Oswald Spengler, and John Lucas. — Wiki - Misogyny

Whether the above mentioned philosophers are misogynists can be questioned. Their ideas and influence can be evaluated on their own merit. Looking back at their own time, circumstance and context. But that is another story, for another thread. Probably.

I'd be interested to hear how philosophers in general can be considered activists in the sense of making a difference to socio-cultural change. Where are they now, at this 'moment of crisis'?
Or what (practical) wisdom, imagination and energy can be brought to the table from all spheres of life?

Yes. But TPF brings us deep joy, no?! :chin:
Time for some music...
Joan Baez - We Shall Overcome (BBC Television Theatre, London - June 5, 1965)

The geo-political balance is changing. — ChatteringMonkey

For sure, there is a new world order. That much is obvious.
We have an unpredictable American foreign policy, courtesy of Trump who seems to be siding with Putin and Russia. The US voted with Russia against the UN resolution condemning Putin's war.

A view from France on the way forward:

Dominique de Villepin made his name with a memorable speech to the UN security council in February 2003, just before the US-led invasion of Iraq. De Villepin, the then French foreign minister, in effect signalled France’s intention to veto a UN resolution authorising the war, forcing the US and UK to act unilaterally. He warned that Washington’s strategy would lead to chaos in the Middle East and undermine international institutions.
[...]

“We now have three illiberal superpowers: Russia, China and the US,” De Villepin says. “America can no longer be considered an ally of Europe.” But he warns that the US will not prosper in this disordered, survival-of-the-fittest world it is creating, “because they will be completely isolated”.

He sees Trump’s authoritarian turn as both a crisis and an opportunity for Europe to unite behind a new common purpose. “The consequence of this will be a European awakening of democracy. We’re going to fight for liberal democracy more than ever. Because the question now is really: sovereignty or submission.”

Achieving European sovereignty sounds logical, but how do we get there? De Villepin suggests a three-point plan for a more assertive and independent continent. The first step is to develop a common defence pact in Europe, with a significant boost to the European defence industry. “We urgently need to develop our own systems, and not just buy from the US.” The second is to increase investment in innovation and tech, as outlined in the Draghi report last year, which warned of an “agonising decline” for Europe in the absence of an €800bn annual spending boost. The third step is to strengthen Franco-British collaboration on defence, intelligence, nuclear issues and Ukraine, where De Villepin wants to see clear security guarantees in the event of a treaty and ceasefire. — The Guardian - Europe's moment of truth

There have already been urgent discussions with more in the pipeline.
European leaders are to meet in London on March 2 before a special summit on March 6 to discuss European security and Ukraine.

How this pans out is anyone's guess. So many factors and actors...

Thank you for your informative and helpful exchanges.

But the literal killer is that production is becoming possible on a one off basis, with 3d printing for example. The end point for all this is indeed medieval — a few robber barons with robot armies instead of serfs. 'The People' will cease to exist. That is the vision towards which the oligarchy is moving the world. It doesn't even require a conspiracy, because it is plain economic sense. The world will be so much easier to control without all these wretched greedy peasants.

Write to your president with your objections, or post them here. Either will be equally effective. — unenlightened

Oh dear, we are in deep shit, are we not?! :sad:
At least, we can still talk about it...sharing the load and finding some harmony in music and whotnot...
Take care. Enjoy the day, if you can. :sparkle: :pray: :flower:

The one good thing about the Trump regime is its rush into madness. They could have snuck up on people, as clever dictators do, incrementally but Chubby-T is neither clever nor patient. Single best thing he's done to bring down his own administration: appointing Musk Slasher-in-chief. They can do an enormous amount of damage and hurt an awful lot of people before any change can take place.... but....
It should provide a warning to other populations leaning hard right — Vera Mont

Yes. The madness came to the fore yesterday with the Trump-Zelensky meeting.
I've discussed it here: https://thephilosophyforum.com/discussion/comment/973051

There is no doubt that 'an enormous amount of damage' is being carried out to 'hurt an awful lot of people'. It is more than a warning, it is world-changing.

OTOH,
the main drivers of the rightward shift are not going away just because we oppose the methods of their representatives. — Vera Mont

Exactly this.

***

It's much easier for the exploiting classes to point at bogus causes for the people's anxiety, to goad the resentful into hatred and backlash against progress than to create conditions wherein people can co-exist with a minimum of discomfort.
For example, automation could always have been appropriately supervised and taxed, working hours reduced accordingly; quality day-care and primary education provided at work-places; good public housing, sanitation, education, health-care and elder-care provided by the government; a living wage for migrant workers and non-discriminatory housing and banking regulation and genuine equal treatment of citizens under the law and in the work-force. — Vera Mont

Yes. A lot of things could have been done - and still could be done - differently. If there was a commitment to a long-term vision for the benefit of the people.
Instead, what we have are prolonged pre-electioneering pandering, changing policies to suit what the public will buy. Sound bites and media manipulating beliefs about perceived enemies.
Vanity projects whose costs keep growing and which go nowhere. Corrupt systems now accepted as 'normal'. Nobody even bothers to hide their bullying and misogyny. Those such as the vile Trump are esteemed when they talk and act in hatred.

A few progressive industrialists made sincere efforts on behalf of their workers and neighbours, but by 1914, social conscience had pretty much been drained out of capitalism. The robber barons would rather buy corrupt politicians than sound policies. — Vera Mont

Yes. The philanthropist that easily springs to mind in Andrew Carnegie. I think of him often when I despair of how today's top billionaires spend their money to empower and enrich themselves.

(November 25, 1835 – August 11, 1919) was a Scottish-American industrialist and philanthropist. Carnegie led the expansion of the American steel industry in the late-19th century and became one of the richest Americans in history.

He became a leading philanthropist in the United States, Great Britain, and the British Empire. During the last 18 years of his life, he gave away around $350 million (equivalent to $10.9 billion in 2024), almost 90 percent of his fortune, to charities, foundations and universities. His 1889 article proclaiming "The Gospel of Wealth" called on the rich to use their wealth to improve society, expressed support for progressive taxation and an estate tax, and stimulated a wave of philanthropy. — Wiki

I am sure that philanthropy is still a thing but it is well-hidden. And I am unsure how it relates to 'slavery' in any form. Or their beliefs about taxation, religion and minorities.
All I see, right now, is greed beyond belief and a deterioration of life and wellbeing.

The latest from Trump is shocking and sickening.
If, as you suggested elsewhere, the opposition is working on a strategy, then I hope they are taking good care. To get it right. Using whatever legislative means are left to deal with this mad monstrosity.
Before it is too late.

Trump is a 'clear and present danger'.
https://legalclarity.org/what-is-the-governments-definition-of-clear-and-present-danger/

European or Global Crisis?

The question mark can be dropped.
Yesterday's scenes in the Oval Office horrified the world.
Dealing for Peace. Trump sees this as a game, whereby he holds all the cards, and Zelensky holds none. There was an angry and troubling exchange with bully boy Vance adding to the hostility.

What Zelensky wants: a long-lasting peace with security guarantees before any cease-fire. This is to deter further Russian aggression. He looks to America and Europe to support Ukrainian sovereignty.
Apparently, the bi-partisan talks with US Senate went well. Then came Trump and disaster.

What Trump wants: peace on his and Putin's terms. He views Putin as a friend who can be trusted. Does not speak of him as a dictator and does not view him as the main, initiating aggressor. He wants peace.
So, Trump will not provide security guarantees, because they will not be needed. Trump also stated that Putin would have no problem with Western forces on the ground. Wrong!
Trump called Zelensky a dictator and believes that Ukraine had started the war. Wrong!
Later, he tried to make a joke of it, did he really say that?

Trump wants to recoup money spent on military support for Ukraine by signing a deal for a 'very, big agreement' on 'rare earth and other things'. He has been told by both the UK and France that Europe has contributed more but he doesn't believe this. Starmer, indeed, said that most of the support was gifted.

For all I know, there may well have been deals made but this is not seen as part of a peace-making process. The seeking of long-lasting peace is about defending Ukraine against Putin's war-mongering. The gears are changing to keep pace with an unreliable Trump. In fact, I doubt that even if he decided to provide security guarantees, they would be worth the paper they are written on.


***

As to the game being played.
Trump's words were chilling as he accused Zelensky:
“You are gambling with world war three”.

If Trump is holding all the cards, then this is a threat. If you don't deal nicely with us, then all bets are off. He will side with Putin and others of his ilk. Instead of peace, war will continue and escalate.

"Make a deal, or we're out". And off we merrily go...

Thank you, Vera, for a substantial post. There's a lot to take in!
I hope to read it and respond as soon as. :flower:

How many will turn to the 'certainties' and 'strength' of a male, dictator?

Lots, but only in the name of change and a bright future. — fdrake

In the name of a promised change and a bright future.

The promise to Make America Great Again. How's that working out?
The voters who believed in the words of a felon, a con man, a would-be dictator.

It's doubtful that reading Mills will help in any way. So, who to turn to for guidance?

No one. No one can help. — fdrake

Reading the Introduction to Mill's Essay has helped me see the possibilities of philosophers and others who act for change, for improvement in how things are and how they might be.

People in all spheres of life voicing opinions from a position of strength and creativity. Those with imagination who can inspire others. Wherever there is a platform where people gather.

Will people be seduced or coerced back to the comforts of the religion of the patriarchy?

Yes. Though requiring everyone to have an income, and the continued availability of washing machines, will stop the worst excesses of that backslide. Those In Power have no ability to stop women from working, I believe. — fdrake

So, those in comfortable circumstances will not feel the need? I think, even then, there are fears and anxieties that make people turn to a beneficent God. Or King of the World who will look after their interests over those of others.

Women can be prevented from working for a host of reasons. The lack of support in child or social care for the elderly, means that they are the prime carers of family and home. Pulled every way.
If there is a major cultural change in the offing, to increase amount of babies - will they be paid for that?
Or will it be a patriotic duty?

It's worth noting that every demographic swung harder for Trump than anticipated. And also that people tend to get more culturally conservative or fash-y in times of economic duress. Original article is quite ahistorical, it's a normal Guardian speculative gender thinkpiece. — fdrake

The economy is the main political issue. If voters perceive that they are worse off under a certain government, then they will change. If they believe in false promises and in a 'strong' leader, then that is who they will vote for. Even if they know that he is a liar! Go figure!

The article is also an advertisement for the author's book. Nevertheless, it makes good points and shows how an activist can make a difference. It's about all I can manage in a morning. If there are other articles or resources you have in mind, then lead the way!

I hesitate to argue with you John, but it seems to me more likely that the dawn of civilisation would most likely have been matrilineal, because there is rarely much doubt of an offspring's maternity, whereas paternity would be hard to establish. It follows that the subjugation of women, essential to a patrilineal system that predominates today and since historical times, was indeed a deliberate, revolutionary act that inverted the 'natural' order. — unenlightened

If only Mill were alive to see how the libertarian progress and legislation made over centuries are now being ripped apart, decimated by powerful, misogynistic males.
Perhaps that is viewed as the 'natural' way. An evolution of revolutions and resolutions. A natural cycle.
Can we ever break out of this - 'it was ever thus' view of life?

It's unfortunate that I only quoted a very small part of his influential essay. Its significance lies in the impact of his argument concerning the legal and social inequality between the sexes. It shows a way to move people with the strength of a clear idea and its presentation. The start of a slow but sure change.

An Introduction:

Without wasting any time pontificating, Mill states at the outset “that the principle which regulates the existing social relations between the two sexes-​the legal subordination of one sex to the other is wrong in itself, and now one of the chief hindrances to human improvement” (p. 409).
Mill saw the legal and social inequality between the sexes as one of the most egregious examples of an outdated and barbaric institution persisting throughout the centuries. Mill called women’s forced dependence on men “the primitive state of slavery lasting on” (p. 413).
[...]
The English common law doctrines of coverture and spousal unity— derived ultimately from the biblical book of Genesis — deprived a wife of legal status outside of her husband’s authority.
[...]
According to the doctrine of spousal unity, a married man and woman were considered by the law to be one body. Therefore, legally, sexual assault within a marriage was an impossibility. Husbands could, in Mill’s words, “claim from her and enforce the lowest degradation of a human being,” because the law protected abusive men, making them legally immune to any charges an abused wife might bring to court (p. 438). Under Victorian marriage laws, domestic abuse and spousal rape were legally sanctioned.
[...]
Mill was no abstract philosopher; all of his works were meant to convince people of the efficacy of social reform. The Subjection of Women was written to appeal to men and show them the benefits of equality.
[...]
Mill believed that ideas, not the state, would be the main engine of progress that drives humanity towards gender equality. Mill praised the “speculative faculties of mankind” and the subsequent successive transformations of human opinions.
...Mill envisaged a much larger movement that transformed society as a whole. In Mill’s plan for progress, the optimal task for the state is to protect individual rights and ensure that experiments of living can continue within a climate of tolerance and free inquiry. — Libertarianism - Introduction to Mill's The Subjection of Women

Who is the Mill of today? Who can maintain and promote the progressive vision? How we need more than legislation that can be overturned, so swiftly. How there is a need to show respect to each other everyday. Small steps in careful listening, not just to counteract but with a view to understanding. How each of us matters and not just as a material resource. How we can't just give in to dictators.

Thank you, and others, for all that you have given. Everything written so well and easy to follow. Providing insight into the stuff of life and politics. Thought-provoking and challenging.

There is so much going on right now. I need to cut this thread loose. It has been enlightening but, for me, it is time to pop out of political commentary. It's too easy to become obsessed, with daily checking.

Best wishes :flower:

Because he never got over Obama getting one. I think he wants two, by whatever means, just to one-up Obama. — Vera Mont

Yeah, one-upmanship is the name of the game.

The messages are being suppressed by the Trump mafia. Facebook and Twitter have gone over to the dark side; the broadcast media are shaking in their boots, and the opposition is increasingly threatened with violence. Soon, they will also be persecuted by the trumpized legal and financial agencies.
They're underground, gathering resources for the next showdown.* The protests and outrage against the Trufia's more extreme actions have begun; even church groups are turning openly against them. — Vera Mont

Media outlets are still available. Bernie Sanders seems to have mastered the art.
Use of YouTube. Also in speaking out on an organised grass roots tour.

They should not be 'undergound' in hiding. It shows weakness. There is always the threat of violence for politicians. Unfortunately, security has to be increased due to death threats. But they must live their lives. As do others who have other daily fears and uncertainties. Basic survival.

If they can't speak and listen to the people all year round, then they don't deserve their support. I hope this is happening, even if it is not publicised.

Of course, they will show up at the next pantomime. But now is the moment of crisis, for real. For ordinary people no matter their politics, religion, class or race.

Thanks for the link re strategy of moving more to the right.
I think if they are sensible, they should listen to those whose votes made the difference. Those who swing. Depending.
Discover the main issues of concern. Right now. And address them.
Even listening will make an impact. Take the time to show you care. Connect and develop trust.
Take appropriate action to solve problems. Then, evaluate the outcomes. Review and revise.
They have 4 years to do this personal, progressive work. To earn respect.

Above all, people need to see their faces, hear their voice, know who they are and what they stand for.

From the article:

Panagopoulos says if there is one thing the Democrats can learn from President Donald Trump, it was the fact that he “relentlessly” engaged while out of office. 

“Trump spent the past four years blasting Biden and Democrats, particularly on the economy,” he says. 

“Democrats could take a page from that playbook right now and not wait until the election is closer to make their case to voters,” he says.

That is obvious, even to me! But there is no clear mover and shaker, is there? Perhaps, it would be better not to have a single person but a group. A close, collaborative team. Is that possible?
Where is the leadership?

Sounds good. How? — Vera Mont

If I knew that, I would be the bestest most benevolent dictator in the bigliest of all worlds. Complete with a full hand of Nobel Prizes.

Perhaps best discussed in another thread? If it hasn't been already.

Repetition gives similar outcomes..... the promise of the Universe!
Simple enough for wanna be dictators to understand. — kazan

Those in power dictate the power. They can sap the energy of people, they kill and destroy in a predictable pattern. So, why are they never nipped in the bud? The signs are all too clear. Lessons should have been learned from history, if not psychology.

Is it that some are energised by the promise of the deal-makers and breakers? Hypnotised by the charismatic? A desire to belong in a cult of strong brotherhood. Tribal behaviour.

No matter who is in charge, the world and the environment moves on.

Dictators despoil the planet to enrich themselves.
The degradation of nature is already affecting the wellbeing of billions.

The world is grappling with a host of pressing environmental challenges that demand immediate attention and action. From climate change-induced disasters to biodiversity loss and plastic pollution, the 15 biggest environmental problems of 2025 paint a stark picture of the urgent need for climate change mitigation and adaptation.
— Earth Org. - 15 biggest environmental problems of 2025

The Global Crisis.

Trump's slogan: "Drill, baby, drill!" is influencing others.
The call to transition away from fossil fuels has been weakened. Many are following suit.
If the US can do it, why not us?

For example:

Argentina withdrew its negotiators from the COP29 climate meeting in Baku last November, days after Trump won the US presidency. It has since followed Trump's lead in signalling it will withdraw from the Paris Agreement of 2015 - which underpins global efforts to combat climate change.

"We now expect our oil and gas production to go up," Enrique Viale, president of the Argentine Association of Environmental Lawyers, told the BBC.

"President Milei has hinted that he intends to withdraw from the Paris Agreement and has said environmentalism is part of the woke agenda."

Meanwhile, energy giant Equinor has just announced it is halving investment in renewable energy over the next two years while increasing oil and gas production, and another oil major, BP, is expected to make a similar announcement soon. — BBC News

Trump does not like windfarms. In Scotland, he met his match when he launched legal moves against them. But now what?
Previously:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/resources/idt-sh/Trump_and_Scotland

Trump has more power than ever before. Scotland watch this space.

***
European Crisis (continued)
Trump is intent on making a deal with Ukraine.
Allegedly for the sake of peace. He is no peace-maker, he is a bully.
He is going all out for mineral wealth and making demands and threats to realise his ambition.

Zelenskyy on Wednesday rejected US demands for $500bn in mineral wealth from Ukraine to repay Washington for wartime aid, saying the US had supplied nowhere near that sum so far and had offered no specific security guarantees.

US negotiators on the minerals deal threatened to cut Ukraine’s access to Starlink, Reuters reported, citing three sources familiar with the matter. Starlink provides crucial internet acces to Ukraine and its military. — The Guardian

This is extortion and blackmail. Sen. Van Hollen speaks to the shame of it: [embedded video]

“We had the Secretary of Treasury arrive to extort Zelenskyy, saying that unless you give us half of your rare mineral reserves to pay for past support, you don't get any additional support from the American people.

Imagine if, during World War II, FDR had said to Churchill and our other allies: hey, we're no longer going to support you in the fight against fascism, Nazis, and Hitler unless you sign over, now, half of your natural resources.

“Mr. President, this is a shameful moment for the United States. We have stood up for freedom. We have stood up for democracy. We have stood up for the rule of law. And now President Trump is throwing Ukraine and freedom-loving people around the world under the bus. — The Sentinel - Van Hollen Blasts Trump for Betrayal

And for a great many men, young ones in particular, the idea of dependent, subservient women is very, very appealing. — Vera Mont

It is also dangerous. Women are increasingly being targeted and eliminated from political positions.
Many are fearful of females gaining power. They are consequently reduced in status.
Baby-making machines by whatever means.

Four More Years of Unchecked Misogyny
In a second Trump term, women would once again be targets.
By Sophie Gilbert

The misogyny that Trump embodies and champions is less about loathing than enforcement: underscoring his requirement that women look and behave a certain way, that we comply with his desires and submit to our required social function.
[...]
Until 2022, women and pregnant people had the constitutional right to an abortion; now, thanks to Trump’s remade Supreme Court, abortion is unavailable or effectively banned in about a third of states.

The MAGA Republican Party is ever more of a boy’s club: All 14 representatives who announced bids to become House speaker after the ouster of Kevin McCarthy were men.
[...]
He [Trump] didn’t create the manosphere, the fetid corner of the internet devoted to sending women back to the Stone Age. But he elevated some of its most noxious voices into the mainstream, and vindicated their worst prejudices.
[...]
By now, misogyny has bled into virtually every part of the internet. TikTok clips featuring Andrew Tate, the misogynist influencer and accused rapist and human trafficker who has said that women should bear some personal responsibility for their sexual assaults and frequently derides women as “hoes,” have been viewed billions of times. (Tate has denied the charges against him.)
[...]
Elon Musk bought Twitter and oversaw a spike in misogynistic and abusive content—not to mention reinstating the accounts of both Trump and Tate.
Boys on social media are being inundated with messaging that the only qualities worth prizing in women are sexual desirability and submission—a worldview that aligns perfectly with Trump’s.

Misogyny, as my colleague Franklin Foer wrote in Slate in 2016, is the one ideology Trump has never changed, his one unwavering credo. Seeking to dominate others with his supposed sexual prowess and loudly professing disgust at women he doesn’t desire has been his modus operandi for decades. Any woman who challenges him is “a big, fat pig,” “a dog,” a “horseface.” — The Atlantic - Four More Years of Unchecked Misogyny

Crisis within a Crisis within a Crisis.
The least we can do is be aware and vigilant. To defend and protect the vulnerable against the abusers. To speak out when we can. To be together in humanity. To forget small differences and join forces. Educate, inform and encourage to vote.

The People v the Dictators. The winners will be...

Thanks for the encouragement, Paine. It was much needed. :sparkle:

I've always loved Bernie. He should have been elected president in 2016. — Vera Mont

The fact is that he holds and lives his honest and progressive beliefs. He speaks plainly and clearly to camera. He knows how to reach out in a 5 minute YouTube clip. He spells it out. Ending with his hope that, in this critical moment, every American, regardless of political perspective will stand tall and say:

"YES to Democracy. NO to oligarchy, and NO to authoritarianism!"

We need to see the faces. We need to hear the words. Of positivity. Not fear or hatred.
— Amity

That's what the Harris campaign attempted, and I fully approved of their approach. They simply underestimated the racism, sexism, xenophobia and paranoia that had seized so much of their population. And they didn't phrase their positive message in slogans of five words or less; — Vera Mont

Yes, I know what Harris and team attempted.
I am talking about NOW.
Where is the messaging, where is the attempt to fight back or even to tell it like it is?
How are they helping?
I'd even forgotten her name.

In Germany, a major issue seems to be that of migrants. Apparently, according to the fascistic far-right, we need less of them and more of their own kind of babies.
— Amity
This is a perennial theme with them: racial and/or cultural purity. It resonates with all those people who were weaned on patriotic songs and stories. — Vera Mont

This is part of the European Crisis. A tipping point.
It is linked to religion. I posted something earlier. It bears repeating. It is the first time I've heard Farage talk in this way:

“Of course family matters enormously, of course we need higher birth rates,” Farage told the event, adding that the UK and wider west had “kind of forgotten that what underpins everything is our Judeo-Christian culture, and that’s where we need to start”.

Restoring a “sense of optimism” that was last afoot in the 1980s and 1990s was essential to reversing decreasing fertility rates in the UK, Farage said.

Calling for some “very, very big cultural changes” to persuade Britons to have children, he went on: “We’ve got to start telling young kids that hard work is good, that success is good, that there are no shortcuts in life, that making money is good.” — Amity

Religious rhetoric is a divisive strategic tool, seen as a vote winner given Trump's victory.
Britiish Rightwingers are singing from the same hymn sheet. Hallelujah!
Will this work in the UK's mainly secular society? It seems to be gaining traction.

This is the message from the ARC conference. Get it? The Alliance for Responsible Citizenship.
All western civilisation is at a tipping point because it has lost touch with its 'Judeo-Christian' foundation.

No. The tipping point, this European and Global Crisis, is because of your greed for riches and power. And lying through your dishonest teeth.

***

There has been an infiltration of the US Evangelical conservative Christian groups in the UK. MPs have been lobbied on issues such as abortion and assisted dying. The restriction of women's reproductive rights. Women are reduced to being baby producers.

Last year, the UK branch of the US-based Alliance Defending Freedom provided “briefing material and legal analysis” to MPs before a vote on introducing buffer zones to prevent anti-abortion activity outside abortion clinics.

One reason for the sometimes covert involvement of such groups is the resistance of many people in a largely secular society to religious individuals or organisations seeking to impose their worldview on others. Evangelical Christians have fared poorly in UK politics whenever their views have come into conflict with principles fundamental to British liberal democracy.

“Religion is much less of a factor in politics here than in the US,” said Nick Spencer of Theos, a Christian thinktank. “But the Christian right is gaining momentum. I don’t think the Arc conference would have got off the ground 10 years ago.”

Those speaking at the conference appeared to be a mixture of conservative Christians, social conservatives, libertarians and “Maga-types”, he said. “It is clear what they’re against – internationalism, net zero, the denigration of national history – but these aren’t necessarily theological positions.” — The Guardian - UK Populists mix faith and politics

The article points out that the UK is not similar to the US. Religion doesn't play a major part in our life.
However...in politics it does.

Rob Ford, professor of politics at University of Manchester:

In the US, evangelical Christians are a huge part of politics because they are a huge part of US life. Here you have quite a remarkably high density of evangelical Christians in elite politics.” — The Guardian

There is clearly a danger coming from those who are appropriating Christian values for their own political ends. Those greedy, self-interested Trumpian liars who hold the Bible aloft to sway their believers.

The Criminal who thinks himself God or King. His rich, powerful, corrupt Gang who remove all human rights at a stroke. To rape the Earth of all its goodness, to enrich selves at the cost of everyone else. For the sake of Peace?

Why is the Criminal so intent on seeking the honour of the Norwegian Nobel Peace Prize?
And what if he isn't so honoured?
Well, let's see.
'The World Peace Prize' - organised by oligarchs for Right Royalty. Yup!

A Gold Throne Toilet just the job:

The Guggenheim museum linked the meaning of the sculpture to the career of Donald Trump, writing in September 2016[24] that "the aesthetics of this 'throne' recall nothing so much as the gilded excess of Trump's real-estate ventures and private residences". Cattelan himself declined to give an interpretation of his work, which he conceived of before Trump's presidential candidacy. He said that the connection to Trump is "another layer, but it shouldn’t be the only one." — Wiki - America (Cattelan)

I am grateful to everyone who has shared their thoughts and experience.
It has been eye-opening.

However, I think it is time for me to stop posting.
The more I learn, the more I know.
But knowing, even at a superficial level, isn't really helping me.
I find it dispiriting. And I should be attending to other matters.

Thanks again. Take care. Enjoy what you can, when you can. :pray: :flower:

"Did you know that Stalin killed my father?" Her father's mistake was that he had been an aircraft engineer and had studied in Germany, which naturally made him a spy.
[...]
My father tried to show with his hand that this wasn't a good topic to talk about. But Jesus got so excited, yes, he had been in Romania and Ceaucescu's secret police, Securitate, had jailed him for a while. Because, he obviously was a foreigner as he didn't look Romanian. And we had a lively discussion on Cuba, Finnish economic history and how he hoped that Cuba could be like Sweden.
[...]
Russia has far more political prisoners now than during the time of Brezhnev or later. Expats are really frightened what has happened to their country. — ssu

***

We spent some days in the cellar and stood in line for bread and milk on the quiet days. A couple of young boys from our building had rifles; one was killed. Finally, we had to leave because the Russians were winning and my father didn't always speak in murmurs; — Vera Mont

Thank you both. It is stories like this and worse that people need to hear. To realise how lives change under a fascist movement and dictatorship. How we take our freedom of speech for granted. We don't use it enough to present or maintain the progressive vision.

The positive aspects e.g. of migrants and the EU, haven't been promoted by politicians, who may well fear that this would lose them votes. And perhaps because their own beliefs are swinging away and they sit on the fence.

In the UK, this resulted in Brexit. Lies and propaganda painted on a bus. Like:

'The money saved from leaving the EU will result in the NHS getting £350m a week'

More here:
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/final-say-brexit-referendum-lies-boris-johnson-leave-campaign-remain-a8466751.html

***
We need to see the faces. We need to hear the words. Of positivity. Not fear or hatred.
To reach beyond the superficiality - oh, he is a man's man re Farage. What a character - Boris.
The cult of personality and charismatic showmanship - are we still mesmerised by it?

I've heard more from Bernie Sanders lately than ever before. See previous post:
https://thephilosophyforum.com/discussion/comment/970530

A Sad Moment in American History - Bernie Sanders


***
In Germany, a major issue seems to be that of migrants. Apparently, according to the fascistic far-right, we need less of them and more of their own kind of babies.

We are in, what some call, a Discrimination Crisis:

The country’s reliance on migration to sustain its economy, however, has rarely been addressed by politicians during the campaign. Instead, many have leaned on a one-sided narrative, emboldening the far right in a way that could have dire impacts on people of colour, said Olivia, 23, whose father hails from Nigeria.

“You can feel it already,” she added. “It’s shifting already but it will probably get worse. I’m scared of seeing that in the future.”

In September, Germany’s federal anti-discrimination commissioner, Ferda Ataman,linked the rise of the far right to a “discrimination crisis”, citing the more than 20,000 cases that had poured into her office between 2021 and 2023.

“Millions of people are afraid for their future,” Ataman said at the time. “In view of the electoral successes of right-wing extremists, it is more important than ever to protect people effectively from hatred and exclusion.”

In Germany’s eastern states, where nearly a third of voters cast their ballots for the far right in last autumn’s state elections, migrant groups have warned of a spike in attacks as people report being spat on, sworn at, attacked, and punched in the face.
[...]
“You don’t see that there’s enough sensitivity around the fact that this is a debate where everyone should stand up. Like if you’re in a workplace, you want people to say ‘OK, we understand that this is an attack on you as a colleague and we are standing with you.’”

While some had taken to the streets to protest against the shifting political climate, many others in media and beyond had not clearly rejected far-right views, added the 57-year-old.
— The Guardian - Germany's Election

Everyone should stand up against far-right views when people are attacked and live in fear of their lives.
But this is where fear enters the picture. The bullies are big, powerful cowards. Criminals.

It is not just a 'sad time in American history', it is a revival of a terrible European past.

Trumpian tentacles have a global spread. That is their Regressive Vision.
Oligarchs are in charge. Their global vision is power and increased riches for themselves.
Greed beyond belief. The people be damned.

This is not the time to be silent.

Where are those whose voices should be ringing out. Those Democrats who lost the USA Election.
If serious about their professed beliefs, they should not be licking their wounds, or working on next election strategy. They should be doing what is necessary. Now!

Perhaps they are and I'm just not seeing it. That is the problem.

One crucial issue is that you can talk about politics even with strangers. That's the first thing that happen in real authoritarian regimes: nobody talks politics. It's far too dangerous. — ssu

It is dangerous even in non-authoritarian regimes. Our political representatives are at increased risk from threats and attacks. There is so much anger out there, usually stoked by hard-right extremists.
From Feb 2024:

Security Minister Tom Tugendhat said: "Over the past few weeks we've seen disgraceful attempts to intimidate MPs and undermine our democratic processes. That behaviour is a threat to our democracy, and toxic for our society."

Earlier this month, Conservative MP Tobias Ellwood's home was targeted by pro-Palestinian protesters, with the police warning his family to stay away as it could have "antagonised the situation".

Another Tory MP, justice minister Mike Freer has said he is standing down at the next election, after death threats and an alleged arson attack on his constituency office had "become too much".

He welcomed the extra security, but said the bigger issue was why people now felt "emboldened" to attack MPs and intimidate their families.

"Unless you get to the root cause, then you're just going to have a ring of steel around MPs. And our whole style of democracy changes."

Preet Gill, Labour MP For Birmingham Edgbaston, said death threats had become "a norm" in her job, while Conservative Stafford MP Theo Clarke said she carried a panic button directly linked to the police "at all times". — BBC News

You don't have to look far to see why people are 'emboldened' to attack.
Their role models of the hard-right with their hate-filled rhetoric encouraging 'wars' against the 'enemy'.

The Jan 6th insurrection. The criminals now pardoned by the Criminal-in-Charge US President.
It's good and patriotic to attack or hang 'traitors'.

People are scared when e.g. even the wearing of masks during Covid was politicised.
The Dems for. The Idiots against.
Imagine being attacked for being vulnerable or health conscious...no matter your political colour.

[ Sorry, off on a rant! Time for a break, methinks...]

while Trump was out rabble-rousing and chest-thumping for those three years (he basically never stopped campaigning since 2008.), they just got on with the job, and the big broadcast networks kept it all very quiet. — Vera Mont

They really do need to speak up, celebrate their successes and stay in touch with the grass roots between elections.

Yes, yes and YES!

Re: education and involvement.

I think this is absolutely crucial for the whole system of democracy to work — ssu

Yes. But what, where and how?

Rampaging Trump wants to squash public schools and replace them with them education-for-profit and religious indoctrination...

... where is all this improved electorate through education supposed to come from?
Not commercial mass media! And the public broadcasters will soon lose their funding, if not their licenses. — Vera Mont

I think our education system still provides for political literacy in the curriculum but not sure of all the details. I found this but there has to be more:
'The resources could equally be used or adapted to engage parents, guardians and carers in the discussion. They also provide an extensive list of external resources which can be used by practitioners.'
https://education.gov.scot/resources/you-decide-a-political-literacy-resource/

***

I cannot overstate the effect of what it means to really have a small discussion about political issues as we have here with members of parliament. They usually are quite sane and far more intelligent and aware than you get from the media. — ssu

That sounds wonderful. How does that work in practice?

I don't know that people even know who their MP is. Never mind, their contact number.
The MPs have difficulties of their own re increasing levels of threat. And accessibility issues:

The combination of rising rents and increased security requirements has meant that some MPs have felt unable to have constituency offices on high streets and in buildings with shop windows, where they are visible and easily accessible to the public.
[...]

MPs' safety has been a longstanding cause for concern, with fears heightening since the murders of Jo Cox and Sir David Amess in 2016 and 2021, respectively.

Last year, the issue was thrust into the spotlight after Sir Lindsay Hoyle, the Commons speaker, admitted that fears over the safety of MPs had been a factor in his decision-making in a contentious vote over the war in Gaza.

Jo Stevens, now the Welsh Secretary, had her constituency office in Cardiff vandalised following the vote, with the words "murderer" sprayed on the walls. — Sky News - New MPs struggle to set up offices

Thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge. As always, your posts are substantive and thought-provoking. Helping to keep me - and others - engaged with your engaging approach. :flower:

OK, thanks. I now have a better understanding of Canadian politics than I did first thing this morning! :sparkle:

What can be done to prevent the swing to an extreme right, once the Tories are in power?
— Amity
Nothing short of organized resistance - which is costly.
Or what can be done to improve the chances of progressive parties in the election?
— Amity
Tighter organization. Identification of pressure-points - both positive and negative*. Simple direct communication with the voters, addressing their immediate concerns. — Vera Mont

Exactly this. And less of the party pantomime and complacency.

Organised resistance may well be costly but so is not doing anything.

There was plenty of money being thrown around at USA Election time.

By then, it is too late and the money could have been better spent.

The Democrats need to get their act together all year round. The time and energy of electioneering activists harnessed not just in door-to-door and phone calls. I don't really know how it works or what really goes on to help people at ground level. Just giving my impressions of out-of-touch leaders and politicians.

(*The single biggest misstep in the Harris campaign was that ad by Julia Roberts, and the Handmaid one; more generally, the loud harping on reproductive freedom. The Dems totally failed to understand the prevailing misogyny, especially among the non-white, working class and young voters.) — Vera Mont

The Dems seem not to get what is staring everybody else in the face.
Or if they do, then they have a strange way of getting the message over.

I hope they sort themselves out as soon as.

Thank you for the video. Times radio interviewing AfD MEP, Hans Neuhoff.
So, arguments plainly given for the need to deal with Putin. Economic and energy interests being the main concern. The view is that Putin as being protective of Russia, hence the need to attack Ukraine.

What caught my interest was when the presenter introduced an AfD policy; the preference to have larger families than more immigrants. (01:04 - 01:080).

This is a recurring theme of the hard-right. And is in line with Trumpian politics.
From an earlier post:

Immigrants in Europe are an essential force that has a huge economic influence. Immigrants make significant contributions to labour markets, help innovations, and fill critical shortages of skills. The analysis of demographic trends shows the need for immigrants to keep European economies growing as its aging population diminishes. Diverse skills, unique perspectives, as well as strong work ethos that immigrant employees embody boosts general productivity in various sectors.
— EIIR - The Importance of Immigrants in Boosting European Community

But it seems like another option is preferred. We must have more babies!
Farage has it sorted. Have you ever heard such nonsense?

“Of course family matters enormously, of course we need higher birth rates,” Farage told the event, adding that the UK and wider west had “kind of forgotten that what underpins everything is our Judeo-Christian culture, and that’s where we need to start”.

Restoring a “sense of optimism” that was last afoot in the 1980s and 1990s was essential to reversing decreasing fertility rates in the UK, Farage said.

Calling for some “very, very big cultural changes” to persuade Britons to have children, he went on: “We’ve got to start telling young kids that hard work is good, that success is good, that there are no shortcuts in life, that making money is good.”
[...]
The issue ofdeclining birth rates in the west has been highlighted by Elon Musk and several other Maga-related figures.
— Financial Times - Farage calls for more UK births

Oh yes, and their solution is to 'own' women and take away their rights. Make babies. Now! — Amity

This is concerning. How do they propose to make all this baby-making happen?
And will the babies need to be of a certain race, colour and pedigree...

Oh, that's a shame. I often write without an order in mind! I don't always know where my thoughts and questions will lead.
I understand impassioned responses. You could have returned to edit your posts but I respect your decision. Thank you for your honest reply. Cheers! :sparkle:

@javi2541997
I'm curious. Why did you delete all your posts?

Yes. Starting with an education system that educates how the democracy works and general knowledge about the economy, history and international relations. You cannot have a democracy with ignorant citizens. — ssu

And Q&A debates about current political parties and their policies. Without focus on personalities.
Testing understanding and arguing from a position opposite to your own. To better understand other perspectives. I would say that voters should have a capability test but that would not be realistic!

But then, what recourse if things don't turn out as expected. If chaos ensues.
How do we make rogue, criminal Presidents accountable?
— Amity
It's up to the people themselves. How strong are your institutions? Is your population engaged in politics.

Just ask yourself: Have you been active in your country's politics, are you a member of a political party or have been at least a candidate in elections? Or among your friends and family, do you have these people? — ssu

No. I didn't realise the importance of politics until late in life. I found it boring.
I only knew that Tories were bad! I didn't have that education that is sorely needed.

At some point, I did consider joining a party but not convinced it was worthwhile. Also, indecisive.
The thought of being a candidate never even crossed my mind. Too busy with other life activities and then too late, for health reasons.
I have friends who have strong political opinions who are not activists. We all vote.

So, there you have it. I am probably like most of the population.
Nevertheless, I am engaged in an effort to discover what is going on.

I haven't been active myself, other than consistently have voted. But I have friends that have been candidates and know from childhood one member of Parliament and have in my work several times met and discussed things with members of Parliament. — ssu

You are fortunate. I am still very much in the process of learning. And asking questions.
There is no clear route to hold dictators, criminal Presidents to account, is there? Before irreparable damage is done, is there?
No legislation. No way of turning back the tide until the next election, even if that is allowed...

Yup. So, what do you propose?

What Ukraine needs are REAL security guarantees, not "peacekeepers" especially if there is no peace. — ssu

Yes. And doesn't that take someone to start the process, whatever name you want to call them.
From the article, the plan is:

intended to prevent future Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities, ports and critical infrastructure in the event of a US-brokered peace deal.
[...]
A precondition of the European plan, however, would also be a US commitment to a “backstop” which, though not spelled out in detail is likely, one official said, to be “biased towards air power and the extraordinary strength we have in air power”. Such operations could be based in Poland and Romania, they added.

Keir Starmer, the UK prime minister, is due to fly out to Washington next week to lobby the US president, Donald Trump, directly and persuade him to agree to providing a backstop that would ensure the European “reassurance force” would not be challenged by Russia in the future. The French president, Emmanuel Macron, is also due to visit Washington next week. — The Guardian

I don't know how much of this is pie-in-the-sky wishful thinking. But isn't it a start and better than nothing.
Just standing by isn't an option, is it?

What do you propose?

Follow-up. What can be done to improve democracy?

Compulsory voting?
Education of the citizens.
For participation to be effective, we should know the relevant facts, be able to evaluate political arguments, and understand where our interests lie.

Education - how people can be manipulated. Education of the importance of words.
Education about emotions and anger. Educate to enable good questioning.

***

But then, what recourse if things don't turn out as expected. If chaos ensues.
How do we make rogue, criminal Presidents accountable?
When constitutional laws are overturned. When trillionaires and multi-billionaires call the tune.
Did we vote for them? For them to enrich themselves at our expense?
Did we vote for dictatorship? Perhaps some did, without realising the full implications.

We pay the price for ignorance.

By the time you know what is happening, it's too late to ask for your vote back.

There is a better than even chance that the next government will be conservative. How close to the extreme right they'll go is still an open question. I admit to not sleeping well these nights. — Vera Mont

What can be done to prevent the swing to an extreme right, once the Tories are in power?
Or what can be done to improve the chances of progressive parties in the election?

I think many people are anxious and uncertain of how this will affect their own lives.
Already, there were/are many in crisis situations, now those in relative comfort feel under attack.
Fear fuelling anger and resentment. Or v.v.
Who knows where this will lead...

The progressives need to get their act together. Give a clear message and counteract the lies.
Show their faces and speak out loud! A fresh and higher profile to rinse out the Trumpian mug shots.
Who and where are they?

But they also have to take a broader view and team up with pro-democratic factions in Asia, Africa and South America. — Vera Mont

How do you envisage this happening? Who are these factions?

Democracy itself does not guarantee human rights, fairness or justice. As clearly seen in USA and elsewhere. But, yes, it is better than the alternatives.

I am glad that it is not a hard-right Tory or populist Trumpian Farage who is in charge of the UK right now.
Not all who partake in democracy hold a progressive vision.

I agree that there needs to be a more cohesive and concerted global effort.
However, Europe needs to deal with its own crisis, first and foremost. Fast!

It's like when flying, passengers are instructed to put their own oxygen mask on first.
If you run out of oxygen, you can't help anyone else. If you die, you can't help.

So has Vance.... It's easy to say no when your self-interest is not at stake. — Vera Mont

Vance may well have been against the criminal in the past but now he is excelling himself.
It was his speech that provoked the European Crisis. A Trumpian tirade to refuel populism in Europe.

Vance's address otherwise focused on culture-war issues and key themes of Trump's campaign for the US presidency - a departure from the usual security and defence discussions at the annual conference.

He alleged European Union "commissars" were suppressing free speech, blamed the continent for mass migration, and accused its leaders of retreating from "some of its most fundamental values".
[...]

He raised a legal case in which an army veteran who silently prayed outside an abortion clinic was convicted of breaching an 150-metre safe zone around the centre.

The safe zone, introduced in October 2022, bans activity in favour or against abortion services, including protests, harassment and vigils.

But Vance argued that the "basic liberties of religious Britons, in particular" were under threat.

Vance went on to criticise the use of laws enforcing buffer zones, saying that free speech was in retreat and alleging that the Scottish government had warned people against private prayer within their own homes.

In response, the Scottish government said Vance's claim was "incorrect" and the law was "carefully drafted to capture only intentional or reckless behaviour close to a small number of premises providing abortion services". — BBC - Vance attacks Europe

That is only one example of how he 'questioned' European democracy.

And now we have the criminal, fascist US President calling Zelensky a dictator, in retaliation for Z telling him that he was living in a 'disinformation bubble'.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/feb/19/ukraine-zelenskyy-says-trump-living-in-russian-disinformation-bubble

even though he's a nuisance, hasn't Poilievre expressed a "No" to Trump? — jorndoe

This is interesting but could do with clarification for those not in the know.
In what way is Poilievre a 'nuisance' ? What and when did he say "No" and why?
I admit my ignorance.

I've read that he is a Canadian, Tory leader in opposition with an eye to winning the next election. An aggressive populist. It seems he was/is against Trudeau's 'Team Canada' approach to the criminal who wants to take over Canada. He kept pressure on Trudeau with various accusations and criticisms.

But then Trudeau announced his resignation. Not long after that, the criminal was sworn in as US President and so, tactics were changed.

Now, everybody is talking about the criminal. He is consuming all political space.
Threatening Canada in all kinds of ways.

So, now the Tory message is 'Canada First'. This will appeal to voters. To put Canadians first.
Cue increased patriotism and nationalism.
And the questions, I suppose, of who is considered 'Canadian'?
Will this be a Trumpian MCGA? It sounds very much like it. McGa?

I genuinely hope that Europe really awakes and does support freedom from tyranny and imperialism. — ssu

Update:

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/feb/19/britain-and-france-working-on-plans-for-reassurance-force-to-protect-ukraine

.