Is Liberalism a Dying Faith?

Is Liberalism a Dying Faith?

Asked to name the defining attributes of the America we wish to become, many liberals would answer that we must realize our manifest destiny since 1776, by becoming more equal, more diverse and more democratic — and the model for mankind’s future. Equality, diversity, democracy — this is the holy trinity of the post-Christian secular…

The Spanish Civil War, Revisited

The Spanish Civil War, Revisited

Call it theatre of the absurd – with a lethal subtext. Under pressure from all corners – even Donald Tusk, president of the EU Council – in his fateful date with destiny Carles Puigdemont, President of Catalonia, came up with some last-minute judo dialectics. He issued a non-denial denial Unilateral Declaration of Independence from Spain….

Forget Catalonia, Flanders is the Real Test Case of EU Separatism!

Forget Catalonia, Flanders is the Real Test Case of EU Separatism!

Catalonia’s separatist campaign has dominated European headlines for the past couple of weeks, but it’s really the northern Belgian region of Flanders which will serve as a barometer over whether large chunks of the EU will fall apart into a collection of identity-centric statelets prior to the bloc’s reconstitution into a “federation of regions”. What’s…

The Role of Neoliberalism in Spain’s Constitutional Crisis

The Role of Neoliberalism in Spain’s Constitutional Crisis

With Catalonian President Carles Puigdemont stepping back from the brink in the midst of rising tensions in Spain over the region’s bid for independence, signing a declaration of independence but deciding to suspend its implementation, millions will have breathed a collective sigh of relief given the prospect of a severe response from Madrid. Though tensions…

Catalan Independence: Out of Madrid’s Frying Pan, Into the NATO Fire?

Catalan Independence: Out of Madrid’s Frying Pan, Into the NATO Fire?

Media on all sides surrounding the recent Catalan referendum for independence from Spain focused on Madrid’s security crackdown on voters. However, what is not being mentioned about Catalonia’s ongoing bid to achieve independence, who is leading it, and what their plans are for the region should they succeed, is just as important. Catalonia is one…

Spain, Germany and Beyond

Spain, Germany and Beyond

2017 minus 1936 = 81, an untidy number, not even a prime number. 1936 marked the start of the Spanish Civil War that resulted in a long hiatus for the Spanish left, as well as the failure of Weimar Germany’s socialists to prevent Hitler from remilitarizing Germany. Strikingly, 2017 sees the entry of the neo-fascist…