John Kerry, the former U.S. Secretary of State and Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, spoke at Chatham House post-COP 30. He emphasized urgent climate action, criticizing political denialism and highlighting bipartisan cooperation’s significance. He noted significant progress in clean energy investments and the need for global commitment, particularly from major emitters like China.
Zeinab Badawi’s book offers an Afrocentric perspective on African history, challenging colonial narratives and highlighting the contributions of African civilizations. It discusses figures like Mansa Musa and Shaka Zulu, emphasizing the region’s advanced cultures despite historical exploitation. The text encourages readers to explore a non-mainstream understanding of Africa’s rich heritage and contemporary issues.
View More Review: An African History of Africa – by Zeinab Badawi
Chairman Mao remains a polarizing historical figure and key communist thinker alongside Marx and Lenin. The ‘Little Red Book’ is a widely influential text that shaped leftist movements globally, emphasizing the importance of the masses in history. Despite Mao’s controversial legacy, the book’s simple yet profound ideas continue to provoke thought and discussion.
View More Review: Quotations from Chairman Mao Tse-Tung “Little Red Book”
The Chatham House meeting, in collaboration with SNF Agora Institute, discussed the pressures facing democracy today amid rising authoritarianism and declining public confidence. Key topics included youth engagement, technological impact on democratic practices, and the need for practical reforms, particularly in the MENA region. The conversation highlighted the importance of resilience, collective action, and the voices of young people in shaping a more effective democracy.
View More Chatham House: Democratic resilience in a disrupted world
Mike Pence shared insights on U.S. foreign policy at Chatham House, emphasizing the importance of strong transatlantic ties amid rising global tensions with Russia and China. He highlighted the need for America to lead while addressing issues like public debt and immigration reform. Pence asserted that strong alliances and values are crucial for global stability.
View More Chatham House: Mike Pence, 48th Vice President of the United States, speaks at Chatham House
The meeting discusses the UK’s aid budget amid global aid cuts, primarily due to reduced US funding. Speakers emphasize the geopolitical impact, highlighting how aid affects conflict resolution, health, and climate issues. They call for renewed commitment to development, addressing poverty, and the need for a cohesive international framework, especially regarding the UN.
View More Chatham House: Aid in an age of security: What should the UK’s global priorities be?
Recent violence in Libya highlights Turkey’s growing political and military influence there. Turkey aims to be a regional power, pursuing security assistance and economic interests. Despite temporary conflict resolution efforts, tensions persist, raising concerns about a potential war. Turkey faces dilemmas with local power dynamics while navigating complex foreign relationships and corruption risks.
View More Chatham House: Turkey’s evolving role in Libya
Chatham House is an esteemed think tank where I engage in discussions on international issues, particularly on Venezuela. Today’s meeting covers U.S. policies and Trump’s view on Venezuelan narcotrafficking, which many believe lacks foundation. The session explores regional influences, Cuba’s potential role, and the broader implications for U.S.-Latin America relations.
View More Chatham House: Member’s Question Time: Is the US pushing regime change in Venezuela? Why now?
I was invited to join this Labour Party Zoom meeting about the NHS with a presentation by Wes Streeting, Secretary of State for Health. Wes talked about how the NHS has been at the centre of this country’s politics since its formation in 1948. He spoke of the dangers of…
View More Labour Party Zoom Meeting on NHS with Wes Streeting, Health Secretary
Drawing on material from two out of the three strands of DD102 study materials, discuss some of the ways in which differences and inequalities can both change and persist over time. The two topics I have chosen from two strands are City Road, Cardiff from the introductory strand, which looks…
View More Differences and Inequalities
The analysis of the 2011 ‘Blackberry’ riots in England reveals conflicting perspectives on the role of inequalities. Conservatives view the riots as lawlessness driven by moral decline, while radicals highlight socio-economic disenfranchisement as a key cause. This essay urges addressing underlying inequalities to prevent future unrest rather than merely punishing the rioters.
View More 2011 Blackberry Riots, United Kingdom
The past year’s headlines have been hijacked by global conflict. The Russian invasion of Ukraine and the Israeli reaction to Hamas in Palestine. These two major wars have dominated. Yet a major, long-running war that has endured for 35 years came to a head in September 2023 when the conflict…
View More The Long, Forgotten War in Nagorno-Karabakh
Today, I joined the Severnside branch of the Labour Party in Magor to support general election candidate Catherine Fookes. Despite a small team and rainy, chilly weather, Cllrs Francis John Crook, Angela Sandles, Tony Easson, chair Henry Higgins, and I were warmly welcomed by the local community during our #LabourDoorstep campaign.
View More Labour Doorstep, Magor
After working with Chepstow Labour, I joined Severnside Labour in Portskewett to campaign for Catherine Fookes’ election as MP, covering Monmouthshire. With fellow councillors, we engaged with locals, discovering significant Labour support despite a Conservative councillor. I capped the day with a pint at The Portskewett Inn, supporting local business.
View More Labour Doorstep, Portskewett
This morning, the Chepstow Labour team engaged in a door-to-door campaign with Convener Marg and a South African supporter. The session was successful, indicating strong local support for the Labour Party. Candidate Catherine Fookes is expected to receive significant votes from South Monmouthshire in the upcoming election.
View More Labour Doorstep, Chepstow