anti capitalist musings

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Donald Trump wearing a "Make America Great Again" cap during his 2016 presidential campaign

Tariffs, Tyranny, and Tech

Trump’s tariff war is not about economic nationalism, it’s a desperate attempt to prop up a failing system through class warfare, digital authoritarianism, and mass repression. As capitalism stumbles deeper into crisis, the dominant class turns to protectionism, billionaire governance, and algorithmic control to maintain its grip, ensuring that workers, migrants, and the global precariat bear the cost.

Memorex Mini-Disc

Tyranny of Choice

Choice is meant to liberate us, but what if it does the opposite? In the shift from physical to digital media, the promise of having everything at our fingertips has eroded the way we engage with culture itself.

The Inevitable Decline

As the American empire stumbles towards decline, Mark Fisher’s analysis of capitalist realism, the slow cancellation of the future, where crisis is managed rather than solved, finds its ultimate expression in Trumpism, the rise of the billionaire tech elite, and the ruling class’s increasing reliance on authoritarianism and reactionary culture wars to sustain its grip. This article traces the roots of US decline back to the 1970s, when Nixon and Reagan dismantled the post-war social contract, paving the way for financial speculation, deindustrialisation, and the monopolisation of power by tech oligarchs, before examining how today’s political and economic landscape is setting the stage for fascism.

doge.gov home page as it appeared in early February 2025

Algorithmic Authoritarianism

The age of algorithmic authoritarianism is here: governance has been outsourced to billionaire-controlled social media and AI systems that manipulate reality, suppress dissent, and enforce ideological obedience through predictive algorithms and digital surveillance.

Hegseth being sworn in by Vice President JD Vance

A Failing Empire Led by Fools

The Trump administration’s second term is proving to be not a resurgence of American power, but a chaotic acceleration of its decline, marked by incoherence, reactionary bluster, and an open invitation for geopolitical adversaries to fill the void left by its retreat.

Capitalism End

Dissonant Symphony

As we journey through the shadows of a world ensnared by the grasp of capitalism, we discover the indomitable spirit of those who yearn for change.

Graffiti that states "The People Want the Fall of the Regime"

France on the Brink: A Pre-Revolutionary State?

In his compelling article on Sidecar “The French Uprising,” Frédéric Lordon examines the current political and social unrest in France, suggesting that the nation may be on the brink of a revolutionary transformation. In this post I explore some of his ideas.

Ai produced image of a 15 minute city.

Embracing the 15-Minute City: A Sustainable and People-Centric Urban Vision

Discover how the innovative 15-minute city concept is transforming urban life, fostering healthier communities and combating climate change, all while debunking far right distortions and misinformation. Dive into a sustainable, people-centric urban vision that promises a brighter future for city dwellers worldwide.

Labour’s Struggle to Win Elections: Three Hurdles – Working Class, Immigration, and Populism

In a Guardian article today, Matthew Goodwin, an academic on British politics, identifies three key hurdles that the Labour Party must overcome to regain electoral success: reconnecting with the working class, addressing concerns about immigration, and navigating the rise of populism. Goodwin’s opinions are particularly relevant as his new book, “Values, Voice and Virtue: The New British Politics,” is set to be released on Thursday.

Painting to represent late capitalism

The System

As the illusion of late-capitalist society shrouds the world, a collective of young radicals emerges, daring to confront prevailing ideologies and carve out an ecosocialist path. Their journey disrupts the hegemonic narrative, unearthing a tale of resistance, interconnectedness, and the unyielding quest for emancipation.