Has peace broken out in Germany? German soldiers did not join the military conflict that started earlier this year in Libya. In March, Germany did not support resolution 1973 in the Security Council, which authorized military action against the Libyan … Continue reading “War and Peace in Germany”
Category: Politics and Activism
Odious Debt, Human Rights, Democratic Transparency, and An Audit Commission for Greece
Allen FeldmanThe IMF/EU imposed Greek austerity program has and will generate human rights violations in the areas of health, nutrition, education of children and youth, life expectancy, welfare of the elderly and disabled, right to shelter, right to public transport and related social safety nets. Many countries forced to follow IMF discipline experience 5-10 year decreases in adult life expectancy after the imposition of equivalent measures.
Age of Austerity
Ashley DawsonThe news today carried tidings of another huge setback for working people in the US. The legislature in New Jersey, one of the most heavily Democratic and pro-union states in the country, has passed a bill rolling back benefits such … Continue reading “Age of Austerity”
Which Way Wisconsin? The Meaning of the Madison Movement
Anne McClintockOn arriving in Madison some years ago, I went to the huge farmers’ market that winds round the Capitol. Startled by the slow-moving procession of orderly, white shoppers all pacing in the same direction, I dubbed the market throngs “The … Continue reading “Which Way Wisconsin? The Meaning of the Madison Movement”
Greeks on the Move: Capitalism's Wreckage and the Demand for Real Democracy
Costas PanayotakisThe entire world is watching as the future of Greece, and with it that of the global economy, is hanging in the balance. As journalists and commentators worry over the prospect of a Greek sovereign default triggering a chain reaction … Continue reading “Greeks on the Move: Capitalism's Wreckage and the Demand for Real Democracy”
Must We Rebuild the Anthill?: A Letter to/for Japanese Comrades
George CaffentzisDear comrades, We are writing to express our solidarity with you in a time when the pain from the deaths of friends, family and comrades is still raw and the task of shaping a new kind of life out of … Continue reading “Must We Rebuild the Anthill?: A Letter to/for Japanese Comrades”
New Middle Eastern Uprisings: Gender, Class and Security Politics in Iran
Manijeh NasrabadiYou know times have changed when the question, “Is Iran next?” no longer refers to whether Iran will be the next target in the US “war on terror,” but whether or not it will be next to succumb to a wave of revolutions. I obviously don’t have the answer but I can say that there is a profound radicalization under way in Iranian society that overruns the boundaries of class and sweeps across the continuum from religious to secular.
World Social Forum (Dakar, Senegal, February 6th-11th)
Michael Ralph
ST Editorial Collective member Michael Ralph shares photos from the 2011 World Social Forum (Dakar, Senegal, February 6th-11th), including a protest outside the Egyptian Embassy just hours before Mubarak’s resignation was announced. Patrick Bond and Immanuel Wallerstein share their reflections … Continue reading “World Social Forum (Dakar, Senegal, February 6th-11th)”
Orientalist propaganda/image-making by the Mubarak regime
Allen FeldmanConsider the recent violent image making by the Egyptian state in its staging of counterinsurgency terror in mufti. I refer to the charging of Liberation square in Cairo by thugs on horses and camels, and by vigilantes on foot armed … Continue reading “Orientalist propaganda/image-making by the Mubarak regime”
The Neoliberal Crisis and the Open University
Michael CohenBy now we should all recognize the global economic effects of neoliberalism. David Harvey reminds us that free market policies have led, first and foremost, to a dramatic class realignment in which the relative egalitarianism of the post-World War … Continue reading “The Neoliberal Crisis and the Open University”
Letter from Italy
Ashley DawsonThe Berlusconi government seems to be on its last legs here in Italy, but somehow the old Mephistopheles seems to keep controlling the show — apparently bribery as well as arm-twisting has been involved. Meanwhile, in Torino, where I’m teaching … Continue reading “Letter from Italy”
The Dramatic Face of Wikileaks
Biella ColemanWikileaks: It has caused a firestorm of debate among very different sectors of the population and about different topics: from the state of journalism (is it broken is it not?); to how much secrecy is acceptable for diplomatic negotiations, the … Continue reading “The Dramatic Face of Wikileaks”
UK Higher Education cuts and Student Occupations
Tariq JazeelAs many will already know, following the UK Con-dem government’s Comprehensive Spending Review, universities in the UK are facing massive cuts to their core funding. Coupled with this, parliament will be voting next week on a bill that will enable … Continue reading “UK Higher Education cuts and Student Occupations”
"Will I Die Before They Get To Know Me?"
Michael Ralph“Will I Die Before They Get To Know Me?” From J. Cole to Oscar Grant III “Will I live or will I die before they get to know me? If I go, I know the ones that’s pourin’ liquor for … Continue reading “"Will I Die Before They Get To Know Me?"”
The Decision
Khalilah Brown-DeanAs a scholar who is deeply intrigued by both the ingredients and political consequences of public opinion, I often gauge public sentiment by simply reading the status messages and posts of my friends on Facebook and Twitter. These social media … Continue reading “The Decision”