Long-Read
— National populism, fuelled by media-backed disinformation, anti-immigrant rhetoric, and libertarian ideologies, threatens democracies globally by eroding institutions, fostering fear, and exploiting divisions.
2024 US Presidential Election
— The debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump highlighted deep ideological divisions. Trump criticised Harris’s economic plans and defended his role in overturning Roe v. Wade, while Harris condemned Trump’s policies, particularly on abortion, immigration, and national security.
Elections 2024
— In the run-up to the 2024 elections, disinformation poses a significant threat to democracies worldwide, prompting concerns from major organisations. While some sceptics question its impact, evidence suggests misinformation can sway election outcomes, influence beliefs, and erode public trust.
OPINION
— Former President Donald Trump faces a lawsuit for sparking a violent mob on January 6, 2021. His lawyers are desperate to find a way to escape the legal trouble. The lawsuit document reveals the shocking details of Trump’s actions and words. It is more thrilling than any Netflix show.
US Politics
— A large proportion of Americans appear to be increasingly drawn to strong, authoritarian leaders who would violate democratic principles – a warning sign that democracy is under serious threat.
Language Matters
— Language can provoke violence between groups, especially when people paint others as threats.
8 January Attack
— The January 8 riot attack on Brazil’s National Congress shows the consequences of choosing corrupt, populist, and fearmongering leaders.
8 January Attack
— The sacking of key democratic institutions in Brasilia has parallels with the January 6 assault on the U.S. Capitol but was different in one key way: the position of the military.
Conspiracy Theories
— Why deep state conspiracies keep on spinning out of control.
Analysis
— Donald Trump made little mention of his personal legal battles as he announced his bid to retake the White House. But would an indictment end the former president’s run for presidency?
Analysis
— Some fascists claim that democracy and fascism have the same goal – to give effect to the will of the people. But who the people are is where the ideologies divide.
OPINION
— B. Jay Cooper occasionally hands out awards for Yos! and Oys!, celebrating those individuals who do good deeds (Yo!) and bad ones (Oy!). The Committee on Yos! and Oys! meets when it feels like it.
OPINION
— I don’t believe Cassidy Hutchinson intentionally lied on the stand, at all. I believe she testified honestly to what she knows first-hand and to what she heard second-hand.
OPINION
— His followers who do take every word the former President speaks to heart, likely would follow his direction and take to the streets if he’s accused of a crime, real or imagined.
Analysis
— The moment that could have brought US democracy to its knees on January 6, 2021 was a genuine co-production between Trump and his supporters.
OPINION
— Some thoughts on US politics as we wind down 2021.
