Notebook
Writer. Essays and notes on how the world works and how we live in it.
What Did the Iraq War Achieve?
Twenty-three years after the United States invaded Iraq, American forces have left the country. The withdrawal completed at the end of September closes the latest stage of an American military involvement that was not continuous: the main force withdrew in 2011 and troops returned in 2014 after Islamic State seized large parts of Iraq.
Neoliberalism, Neofascism and Who Holds Power
I began with a question: are neoliberalism and neofascism the same thing? Reading Robert W. McChesney, I came to see that his argument was not that they are the same. They begin from different beliefs and they use different language, but they can serve the same interests, and the weakening of democracy under one can leave the ground open for the other.
Two Republics, Part Two: Celebration
America’s 250th anniversary speech shows how old anti-communist language can return to public life, narrowing political disagreement and turning opponents into internal enemies.
When Productive Capacity Becomes Security Strategy
The Pentagon’s list of Chinese military companies now includes tech and EV firms, showing productive capacity itself is being treated as a security target and blurring commercial with military.
The Party After the Party
The essay argues the Democratic Party is splitting: the old donor‑driven wing clings to moderation, while a new left rooted in rent, debt and Gaza demands economic change and accountability.