occasional reflections on culture & politics
Putin’s hubris has led him to grave miscalculations, underestimating both the resilience of the West and the consequences of his authoritarian reign. His dismissal of opposition and reliance on natural resources over innovation have stagnated Russia, proving that true strength lies in the system, not the ruler. The war's toll is ultimately self-defeating.
Brexit has fractured the UK, weakened its global influence, and endangered peace in Northern Ireland. Cultural exceptionalism and political brinkmanship drove the decision, but its consequences are destabilizing. Rejoining Europe is framed not as surrender but as strategic recovery and moral clarity.
Brexit is critiqued as a slogan masking incoherence. The phrase avoids accountability and oversimplifies complex realities. True leadership requires clarity, not repetition. The consequences of Brexit demand honest reckoning, not rhetorical deflection.
Populist leaders exploited the pandemic to undermine democratic norms, spread misinformation, and consolidate power. The post critiques anti-science rhetoric and authoritarian tendencies, warning that democracy depends on truth, transparency, and institutional resilience—especially in times of crisis.
Hero worship undermines collective agency. The post critiques the search for political or cultural saviors, arguing that change arises from community, not charisma. Democratic progress depends on participation, not messianic leadership. We must stop outsourcing responsibility.
Erratic Attempts 