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The Colby Review, AUKUS and Lopsided Commitments
In one of his many cutting observations about the fallibility of politicians, H. L. Mencken had this to say about the practical sort: “It is his business to convince the mob (a) that it is confronted by some grave danger, some dreadful menace to its peace and security, and (b) that he can save it.” […]
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Denmark’s Ritual of Militarisation
On December 8, 2025, the Copenhagen Security Summit convenes at Falkoner Centret in Frederiksberg. With 35 speakers and more than 1,200 participants, it is one of Denmark’s largest gatherings on geopolitics and security. Organised by Danish Industry (DI), Ernst and Young, Poul Schmith (The Chamber Attorney), Danske Bank, and Børsen, the summit features high‑profile figures […]
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“The Days of the United States Propping Up the Entire World Order Like Atlas Are Over.”
On Thursday, the White House released the new National Security Strategy for the United States. Others may well give it a different read, but here is my quick take: The document is ghoulish, abhorrent, repetitious, and sometimes incoherent, but I found its honesty refreshing. The mask is torn off sanctimonious bullshit, tall tales about spreading […]
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US State Department Travel Warning on Venezuela: What Washington Fears Most
Following his earlier threat that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s days are numbered, US President Donald Trump announced on social media he was closing Venezuelan airspace. He then immodestly proclaimed the “Trump Corollary” to the Monroe Doctrine, commending his nineteenth century predecessor for presciently envisioning “a superpower unlike anything the world had ever known.” On December […]
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Australia: A US Vassal State in a Peripheral Sphere of Influence
For reasons set out briefly below, let’s suppose that Australia is a US vassal state and that the Pacific — what Australia likes to call its ‘backyard’ — is a peripheral sphere of US influence. Under these circumstances, this essay considers what for Australia should be some of the more worrisome implications for its security […]
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What Right Does Japan Have to Pronounce about Taiwan?

Chinese chairman Xi Jinping met with Japanese prime minister Sanae Takaichi, at her request in Gyeongju, on 31 October, in the Republic of Korea. The recently ensconced Japanese prime minister Sanae Takaichi began her early leadership with a major diplomatic gaffe when she said a Chinese attack on Taiwan could constitute “a survival-threatening situation” for […]

