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Short Overview of Making Colonial Empires by European Powers from the Time of the Vienna Congress up to WWI (1815−1914)
Great Britain as well as one by one acquired new colonies and up to 1914
became the greatest Western colonial empire and the biggest one in the
world’s history having territorial acquisitions from Canada to New Zealand
by Dr. Vladislav B. Sotirovic
The period in the world’s history from the end of the Napoleonic Wars (1815) to the beginning of the Great War (1914) is usually labeled as the “golden age” of the European imperialistic expansion and the making of the greater national states and overseas colonial empires in Africa and Asia. Nevertheless, in 1815 huge territories of the world still have been un known to Europeans, and millions of people in Africa and Asia were living their lives not influenced by European civilization. Europeans even were not very familiar with China, one of the oldest, richest, and biggest civilizations globally. However, only a century later, European explorers, colonists, missionaries, merchants, bankers, adventurists, soldiers, and administrators, penetrated almost all corners of the globe. As a matter of fact, the people of Asia and especially Africa mainly were unable to resist colonists and to repulse the superior European technology, especially of armed forces. In Africa, for instance, on the eve of the Great War, there were only two territories free of European colonization: Liberia on the western African seacoast and Abyssinia in East Africa.
As a historical-political phenomenon, imperialism is understood as domination or control by one state or a group of people over others. The new phase of imperialism started in the first half of the 19 th century when occupational-colonial authorities were imposed by (West) European industrial states in their competition for the colonial partition of Asia and especially Africa. At least from the Marxist viewpoint (V. I. Lenin), imperialism was an economic necessity of the industrialized capitalist economies that had the aim to offset the declining tendency of the rate of profit by exporting capital investments. The others did not understand imperialism as necessary in economic terms as it was, for instance, the case with J. A. Schumpeter who defined this phenomenon as the non-rational tendency of the state to expend as much as its power and territory. From the psychological point of view, imperialism was rooted in the minds of rulers and ruling aristocracy for the grabbing of land to become richer and politically influential. Alternative views of imperialistic policies stress the outgrowth of popular nationalism or a method to underwrite the welfare state in order to pacify the working class, personal adventurism, civilizing mission, or finally as a consequence of international rivalry for political power and prestige. Nevertheless, the 19th-century neo-imperialism had clearly a Eurocentric focus (like the previous one too).
The Evolution of America's Secret Police and Surveillance State: From Nixon to the Present
governance that prioritizes security over individual liberties
by Tracy Turner
The Evolution of America's Secret Police and Surveillance State: From Nixon to the Present. This research is of paramount importance as it offers a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the evolution of the United States surveillance apparatus. It sheds light on its profound impact on civil liberties and the pivotal role of key figures and events in shaping its history.
The Dawn of Surveillance Role Players
The concept of Surveillance Role Players (SRPs) is familiar. It has evolved from early covert operations into a sophisticated, pervasive system that now includes law enforcement, emergency responders, and private entities acting in surveillance capacities. This article meticulously chronicles the transformation of the United States' surveillance apparatus from its roots under President Richard Nixon to the current state of pervasive state and corporate surveillance. It explores the influences and consequences of critical policies, individuals, and events.
The Nixon Era: Establishing the Foundation
The seeds of modern surveillance were sown in the Nixon administration. In the early 1970s, President Richard Nixon's administration, primarily through the notorious COINTELPRO operation, aggressively sought to control dissent and monitor political opponents through covert and often illegal means. This historical context provides a deeper understanding of the evolution of surveillance in the United States, ensuring that the audience is well-informed and enlightened about the topic.
U.S./NATO Surveillance Role Player (SRP) Programs: A Critical Examination Introduction to SRP Programs
SRP programs represent a grave violation of constitutional rights...
by Tracy Turner
Every September 11, we are told to “never forget.” Never, ever forget the freedoms and civil rights you enjoyed before the economics of the Nanny Surveillance Role Players State. Never forget the Civil Rights you have forfeited, so the owners of private shadow armies could become billionaires.
Surveillance Role Player (SRP) programs, a controversial practice, involve recruiting and deploying individuals to act as covert operatives for various government agencies, including the NSA, CIA, DHS, and potentially other entities like the Committee of Public Safety (COPS). These programs, due to their controversial nature, are problematic and conflict with the US Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
Ethical and Legal Concerns
These programs recruit a troublingly diverse array of individuals, including former police officers, military personnel, intelligence operatives, and individuals with criminal backgrounds, such as drug dealers, prostitutes, and human traffickers. This diverse recruitment strategy undermines the rule of law and ethical standards expected of law enforcement and intelligence agencies. Notable figures like Edward Snowden and Glenn Greenwald have criticized this approach for compromising civil liberties and ethical standards. The government coerces, traps, blackmails the criminals and prostitutes into acting out inhumane behaviors, thereby the government violates both the rights of their criminal minions and the intended victims.
The crisis-ridden U.S. empire wants to take the world down with it in nuclear flames
American pretense and delusion of absolute power is coming to
a shuddering, calamitous end
Strategic Culture
The United States defines itself in zero-sum terms. Its national myth – let’s indulge the preposterous arrogance for a moment – is that it is an exceptional nation in the history of the world. It is supposedly the indispensable leader of the “free world”, a paragon of democratic virtue and it possesses the most powerful and benevolent military force the world has ever seen.
Thankfully, many decent American citizens know that this is propaganda hogwash. Still, its political class and complacent mass media view the United States as the world’s supreme uni-power. All other nations must pay homage to this consummate hegemon.
Therein lies a fatal contradiction. This untenable definition is essential for justifying its presumed privileges. And yet, by doing so, the U.S. cannot brook any genuine equality or mutual respect essential for peaceful multilateral relations. It must be the top dog – at all costs. That is a definition of imperialism. The concomitants are aggression, belligerence, lawlessness, and duplicity – of course, all concealed with impossibly virtuous rhetoric, or in short, propaganda. So-called allies are merely servile functionaries to augment American global ambitions.
Hence, when the real world does not match the mythical notions of the U.S., there is consequently an ineluctable existential crisis. The zero-sum, all-dominant demands of the would-be hegemony are not achievable. In this situation, the hegemonic power behaves like a drunk in a bar who is refused another drink. Mayhem and violence are almost inevitable.
The Rise of Authoritarianism in the Democratic Party: A Comprehensive Examination
maintaining global dominance and countering Soviet influence
by Tracy Turner
Private Armies and Mercenaries
The rise of authoritarianism, a significant factor in the use of private armies and mercenaries, is a bipartisan issue that transcends party boundaries. Companies like Academi (formerly Blackwater) gained notoriety for their operations in Iraq, and their influence has extended to domestic law enforcement. Although Blackwater was established under the George W. Bush administration, its use has persisted and expanded under Democratic leadership For instance, the Obama administration maintained and broadened the use of private security contractors for tasks such as diplomatic protection and counterterrorism efforts (Sullivan, 2016).
More recently, Democratic leaders have faced scrutiny over their connections with private security firms. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has utilized private contractors for various law enforcement duties, including crowd control and surveillance. Reports from the 2020 protests police brutality revealed the deployment of private security forces under DHS, raising significant concerns about the use of excessive force and the lack of accountability associated with these contractors (AP, 2020). Using private mercenaries in domestic settings underscores a troubling trend towards privatized power, reinforcing authoritarian practices under the guise of security.
World BEYOND War Visits Palestine as the Slaughter in Gaza Continues
By World BEYOND War
World BEYOND War board member John Reuwer is participating in a delegation of 25 Christian, Muslim, and Jewish leaders, to witness events happening in Jerusalem and the West Bank and urge a cease fire and arms embargo to end the genocide in Gaza. Hosted by Sabeel, a Palestinian Christian organization, he is meeting with religious leaders, scholars, and Palestinians who have lost their homes or been otherwise displaced.
On July 28, the delegation visited the Shuafat Refugee camp in East Jerusalem, which is occupied Palestinian territory (illegally under international law). It was established in 1965 when residents were forced out of the old city. As you can see from this picture, the original simple buildings have become massive to house the 80,000 refugees currently living on less than two square kilometers. Note the apartheid wall that keeps the residents from enjoying Jerusalem or visiting their relatives, even though they pay taxes to the city. In the background is a mural that bestows beauty on an ugly situation.
Toxic Titans: Corporations Driving the World's Worst Environmental Catastrophes
by Tracy Turner
The environmental impact of major corporations has reached a critical juncture, with numerous entities driving ecological catastrophes through exploitative practices. This article exposes thirty of the most egregious offenders whose actions have led to profound environmental degradation. From catastrophic oil spills and relentless deforestation to pervasive plastic pollution, these corporations have systematically prioritized profit over planetary health. The following list details their activities and highlights the urgent need for systemic reform. As concerned citizens, it is our responsibility to demand change and protect our planet's ecological integrity.
Corporate Offenders:
ExxonMobil
ExxonMobil's oil drilling ventures are notably facilitated by government subsidies, a key factor that allows for extensive environmental degradation without sufficient financial accountability. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) highlights that these subsidies, by enabling ExxonMobil to maintain high emission levels while externalizing cleanup costs, area significant contributor to the company's environmental impact (EPA, 2023).
Chevron
Chevron's destructive practices in the Amazon are bolstered by government-backed tax breaks and favorable regulatory conditions, a crucial support system that leads to accelerated deforestation and pollution. Greenpeace International underscores that these governmental aids, by shielding Chevron from financial repercussions and regulatory constraints, are a major factor in the company's environmental impact (Greenpeace International, 2023).
Friends & Foes Alike Don’t Believe That Putin’s Endorsement Of Kamala Is Sincere
Andrew Korybko
Andrew Korybko's Newsletter
Putin prefers dealing with the “devils that he knows” than risking a repeat of Trump’s unpredictability.
Putin confirmed on Thursday during the Eastern Economic Forum’s plenary session that his previously stated support for Biden now extends to Kamala, yet friends like the famous dissident Kim Dotcom and foes like the BBC’s Russia Editor Steve Rosenberg don’t believe him.
The first tweeted that it’s a “Grandmaster Chess” move on the Russian leader’s part while the second speculated that this is being done to discredit the Democrats. The reality though is that Putin is being sincere. It was explained earlier this year that “It’s Reasonable For Putin To Prefer Biden Over Trump” because...
“1) Biden has the support of the ‘deep state’s’ ruling liberal-globalists; 2) this faction is expected to remain in power even if Trump wins; and 3) they could carry out more anti-Russian provocations to discredit him in that case just like last time.” This insight still holds true and accounts for why he now supports Kamala since nothing has changed in the six months since he publicly backed Biden.
The Hidden Epidemic: Morgellons Disease and Its Mysterious Origins
by Tracy Turner
Unraveling the Enigma: Israeli Germ Warfare and Morgellons
Morgellons disease remains one of our most controversial and perplexing medical conditions. Characterized by the emergence of fibers or filaments from the skin, accompanied by symptoms such as severe itching, skin lesions, and a sensation of crawling, Morgellons challenges conventional medical understanding. The disease's elusive nature has led some to speculate about its origins, with theories suggesting connections to experimental technologies or even germ warfare.
The Mystery of Phosphorescence and Filaments
A striking feature of Morgellons disease is the reported phosphorescence of the filaments associated with the condition. Patients often describe these fibers as glowing or emitting light, particularly under ultraviolet (UV) light (Miranda et al., 2018). Phosphorescence, a type of photoluminescence where the material absorbs light and re-emits it over time, is rarely observed in biological contexts, especially in human pathology (Torre et al., 2020).
The Latest Russiagate Scandal Aims To Discredit Alt-Media & Trump
Andrew Korybko
Andrew Korybko's Newsletter
Some Americans might no longer feel comfortable living in the US after the “deep state” de facto criminalized the First Amendment in certain political contexts.
The Justice Department indicted two Russians on Wednesday who they allege secretly ran a US-based content creation company that platformed notable conservatives. Here’s the press release, the full indictment, and a report naming some of the conservatives who were caught up in this operation. One of the unwitting pundits was Tim Pool, who put out a strongly worded statement denying that the investigated company had any editorial control over his work. He also condemned Russia and Putin too.
On the same day, the State Department designated Rossiya Segodnya and five of its subsidiaries – RIA Novosti, RT, TV-Novosti, Ruptly, and Sputnik – as “foreign missions”, which coincided with the Department of the Treasury sanctioning them as well. Scott Ritter, whose home was raided by the FBI last month on the reported pretext of him failing to register as a “foreign agent”, subsequently announced that he’s ending his cooperation with RT and Sputnik in order to avoid possible legal trouble.
He can’t be faulted for that decision since it’s understandable that folks feel intimidated by what just happened, and others will likely follow his lead as well, thus depriving those top Alt-Media platforms of their American guests who’ve shared valuable insight on current affairs. Considering the US’ extraterritorial reach, some Europeans might also fear persecution if they continue cooperating with those two, which could make it even more difficult than it already is for them to find Western guests.
