Mani, a 3rd-century prophet, emphasized the conflict between good and evil, leading to the derogatory concept of Manichaeism. The text critiques both Manichean simplism and relativism in addressing moral issues, suggesting the need for nuanced ethical discernment. It highlights the persistence of evil across societies and the imperative to acknowledge it.
The West embodies ideals of freedom, democracy, and human rights, developed through a history of civil progress, albeit with ongoing risks from authoritarianism. Recent challenges from figures like Trump and rising far-right movements jeopardize these values, threatening the established international frameworks that promote global solidarity and democratic governance.
The COVID-19 pandemic reversed progress in eradicating extreme poverty, with millions falling into poverty globally, including a significant rise in Mexico. This highlights growing wealth inequality and social discontent. Two economic models emerge in response: one focusing on extensive state interventions, the other on private sector-driven solutions, with differing implications for governance and democracy.
In recent political discourse, accusations of fascism have emerged against Donald Trump, particularly from former staff members who characterize his leadership style as authoritarian and divisive. A significant concern is Trump’s potential to weaken U.S. institutions for personal gain, raising fears of a shift towards a more fascist governance model.
Wars, polarization, and uncertainty reign in the immediate future. None of the forecasts at the beginning of the year* alerted us to the outcomes we experienced. The widely anticipated recession didn’t happen; the U.S. economy is growing with low unemployment and decreasing inflation. Growth across …
Ricardo Pascoe Pierce The contemporary world has become a highly dangerous place. The bipolar Cold War world of communism and capitalism, inaugurated after World War II in 1945, ended with the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1990. Despite the permanent threat of nuclear war, …