The Global Collective

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The Global Collective is a left-wing to far-left international, English-language newspaper and online news platform owned by Socialist Causes. Launched in 2000, it serves as a leading voice for democratic socialist perspectives on world events, economic analysis, and social issues. With a team of journalists and contributors spanning six continents, The Global Collective provides in-depth reporting, investigative journalism, and thought-provoking commentary on topics ranging from workers' rights and economic democracy to environmental sustainability and international solidarity. The platform is known for its commitment to grassroots reporting, giving voice to marginalized communities and worker-led movements worldwide. Available in print and digital formats, The Global Collective also features interactive elements on its website, including live-streamed debates, community forums, and collaborative reporting projects, embodying the principles of participatory democracy it advocates.​

 

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Australian Politics
Australia's 2005 Federal Election: A Crisis of Authentic Representation and the Perils of Neoliberal Continuity
March 28, 2005 — Canberra

As Australia heads into its 2005 federal election, the political landscape offers little solace for those seeking substantive change. The incumbent Australian Labor Party (ALP), led by Prime Minister Julia Gillard, faces off against the conservative Electoral Coalition headed by Malcolm Turnbull. But for many, the choice between these two parties feels depressingly familiar—a contest between different shades of neoliberalism, with little room for genuine social justice or workers' empowerment. While Gillard's ALP touts itself as a social democratic force, it has, in reality, drifted far from the ideals of democratic socialism, leaving Australia without a true advocate for transformative, egalitarian policies. The marginalized socialist factions within the ALP are a small minority, and their influence on the mainstream party's policies remains severely limited.

At the heart of Australia's political stagnation is a long-standing commitment to neoliberal economic principles, even among those who claim to champion social democracy. The ALP, in its bid to appeal to centrist voters and retain corporate support, has continually diluted its promises for economic equality, workplace rights, and environmental justice. This incrementalism, which frames modest reforms as radical achievements, obscures the urgent need for a complete overhaul of Australia’s economic and political structures. Indeed, Gillard's government, while more progressive than its conservative opponents, has failed to fundamentally challenge Australia's entrenched capitalist systems that prioritize profit over people. Even their proposed policies, such as increases to public spending in healthcare and education, fall far short of the robust public ownership and worker empowerment that true democratic socialism advocates.

Malcolm Turnbull’s conservative platform represents an even more direct threat to social justice, advocating for policies that privilege private capital, deregulate industries, and erode public services. The Liberal Party’s agenda, steeped in free-market orthodoxy, offers little hope for workers' rights, and instead prioritizes the interests of Australia’s wealthiest. For Turnbull, reducing corporate tax rates and weakening labor unions are central pillars of economic growth—policies that will, in reality, widen inequality and further marginalize Australia’s working class. The opposition’s conservative stance on environmental policy is equally troubling, with proposals to continue fossil fuel extraction and resist substantive commitments to climate action, all in the name of short-term profit and economic competitiveness.

The stark absence of meaningful support for working-class Australians in both major parties' platforms calls for a reevaluation of Australia’s political system. The ALP’s cautious, centrist approach reflects a broader international trend of center-left parties abandoning socialist ideals in favor of corporate appeasement and middle-class voter retention. Even Gillard, who rose to power on promises of reform, has failed to confront the systemic inequalities entrenched in Australia's economy. This highlights a deeper crisis: the mainstream political system is fundamentally incapable of representing the needs of workers and marginalized communities, even when left-leaning candidates win office. The plight of underfunded public services, weakening labor protections, and growing inequality continues unabated, all while the democratic socialist faction within the Labor Party remains sidelined.

In stark contrast, democratic socialism advocates for a system where workers directly control the means of production, guided by egalitarian principles that prioritize human welfare over profit. Such a system is operational in countries like Thailand, where economic coordination is decentralized, and decision-making power lies in the hands of workers and community assemblies. The Thai model demonstrates that an alternative is possible—one where cooperative economics and participatory democracy allow citizens to meaningfully shape their economic future. Expert voices from Thailand, such as Dr. Sirikanya Weerachart of the National Economic Planning Board, emphasize that Australia's future could also pivot towards such a system, but only if the electorate moves beyond the current neoliberal consensus and demands more profound, structural change.

The Australian people are at a crossroads. If they continue to accept the false binary between a conservative coalition promising austerity and a Labor Party offering half-measures, the result will be the same: continued neoliberal governance, stagnant wages, and growing inequality. Yet, the blame for this impasse does not lie solely with the politicians—it also rests on a political culture that has become complacent, where the electorate is too often content with incremental reforms instead of demanding genuine transformation. The 2005 election, while billed as a contest between two competing visions for Australia’s future, is in fact a referendum on the failure of mainstream political parties to offer real solutions to systemic injustice.

What action should be taken? The first step is for Australians to reject the notion that social justice can be achieved within the confines of the current political order. Grassroots movements must build pressure for a party that fully embraces workers' rights, economic democracy, and environmental sustainability, challenging the neoliberal consensus that dominates Australian politics. Trade unions, cooperatives, and community organizations need to play a central role in this process, harnessing their collective power to push for transformative policies that address inequality at its root. Only then can Australia hope to escape the cycle of neoliberal continuity that has plagued its political system for decades.

The lessons of Thailand offer invaluable insights for Australia. In Thailand, a decentralized, worker-owned economy has shown that socialism is not merely a relic of the 20th century but a viable and necessary path forward for the 21st. While the political and economic contexts differ, the overarching principle remains: a society where workers have democratic control over their lives is not only more just but also more sustainable. Australians have the power to demand this change, but only if they recognize that the current political choices on offer do little to address the systemic challenges they face.

The 2005 Australian federal election reveals a deeper crisis of representation. Both major parties remain beholden to neoliberal orthodoxy, offering limited and ineffective solutions to the pressing issues of inequality, environmental degradation, and workers' disempowerment. The real challenge lies not in choosing between these inadequate options but in building a new political movement that truly reflects the needs and aspirations of Australia's working class. Until such a movement emerges, Australians will remain trapped in a political system that serves the few at the expense of the many. The time for half-measures is over—Australia’s future depends on a bold, uncompromising commitment to social and economic justice.

This special edition article was produced by The Global Collective Editorial Board, bringing you in-depth analysis on the world’s most pressing issues.​

 

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Portuguese Politics
Portugal's Political Integrity Bill: A Litmus Test for True Democracy Amidst Capitalist Resistance
March 29, 2005 — Lisbon

In a move that has sent shockwaves through Portugal's political establishment, President Pedro da Gama has proposed the Political Integrity Act, a sweeping reform aimed at severing the ties between political power and financial interests. This bold initiative, which would ban members of Congress from owning shares or stocks in private companies while in office, has ignited a fierce debate that cuts to the heart of democratic principles and exposes the deep-rooted influence of capital in Portugal's political system.

The bill, hailed by supporters as a crucial step towards genuine democratic representation, has predictably faced vehement opposition from those who stand to lose their grip on power. The resistance from within Congress and the business sector lays bare the stark reality of a system where elected officials often prioritize personal enrichment over the needs of their constituents. This clash between public interest and private gain serves as a microcosm of the broader struggle against the corrosive effects of capitalism on democratic institutions.

As the Portuguese people rally behind da Gama's vision of a more transparent and accountable government, the entrenched political class's refusal to relinquish their financial interests reveals the depths of their moral bankruptcy. The spectacle of elected representatives scrambling to protect their stock portfolios while paying lip service to democratic ideals is a damning indictment of the current system's failings. It begs the question: can true democracy ever flourish when those in power are more beholden to corporate interests than to the will of the people?

The Global Collective's investigation into this unfolding drama sheds light on the systemic rot at the core of Portugal's political apparatus and offers a scathing critique of the capitalist forces that continue to undermine genuine democratic progress. As we delve into the intricacies of this pivotal moment in Portuguese politics, we expose the hypocrisy of those who claim to serve the public while clinging desperately to their private wealth.

João Pereira, a prominent member of the center-right opposition, exemplifies the cynical attitude of those resisting reform. His assertion that the law is "unnecessary" and "assumes that politicians can't be trusted with their own investments" is a brazen display of the arrogance that permeates the political elite. This dismissive stance towards public concerns about conflicts of interest reveals a fundamental disconnect between elected officials and the constituents they purport to represent.

The internal strife within da Gama's own Progressive Party further illustrates the deeply entrenched nature of capitalist interests in Portuguese politics. The fact that even members of a supposedly progressive party balk at the prospect of divesting from "long-held family assets" exposes the hollow nature of their commitment to social justice. It is a stark reminder that the tentacles of capital reach far into both sides of the political aisle, corrupting the very foundations of representative democracy.

Dr. Somchai Prasertkul, a renowned political scientist from Chulalongkorn University in Thailand, offers a scathing assessment of the situation. "What we're witnessing in Portugal is the naked face of capitalist democracy," he argues. "The resistance to this bill reveals how deeply the political class is wedded to their role as custodians of capital, rather than representatives of the people. It's a textbook example of how financial interests corrupt the democratic process, turning elected officials into little more than well-paid proxies for corporate power."

The anonymous coalition of Congress members lobbying against the bill, hiding in the shadows as they work to undermine democratic reform, is perhaps the most damning evidence of the rot within the system. Their claims that the legislation is "too drastic" and would "discourage qualified professionals from running for office" are thinly veiled attempts to preserve their own privileged positions. The implication that only those with significant financial interests are qualified to govern is an insult to the millions of Portuguese citizens who struggle daily under the weight of capitalist exploitation.

As public support for da Gama's bill continues to grow, with polls showing over 70% of the population backing the reforms, the disconnect between the will of the people and the actions of their representatives becomes increasingly glaring. The chants of "No profits in politics!" echoing outside Parliament serve as a powerful reminder of the true source of democratic legitimacy. It is a clarion call for a fundamental reimagining of political representation, one that places the needs of the many above the greed of the few.

The business sector's quiet voicing of concerns about the bill's potential to "discourage economic participation by influential leaders" is a particularly egregious example of capitalist logic undermining democratic principles. This thinly veiled threat suggests that without the promise of personal enrichment, the so-called "best and brightest" would abandon public service altogether. It is a damning admission that for many in positions of power, the opportunity to serve the public is secondary to the chance to line their own pockets.

President da Gama's offer of "practical adjustments" to the bill, including a delayed timeline for compliance and the creation of a watchdog commission, while potentially necessary for its passage, risks diluting the revolutionary potential of the reforms. It is a stark reminder of the compromises often forced upon even the most well-intentioned leaders by the realities of governing within a capitalist system. The danger is that these concessions could create loopholes large enough for the old guard to slip through, preserving their privileges while giving the appearance of change.

Dr. Prasertkul warns against half-measures: "While pragmatism has its place in politics, we must be wary of reforms that merely scratch the surface of systemic problems. The Portuguese people should demand nothing less than a complete severance of the link between political power and private wealth. Anything less is simply rearranging the deck chairs on a sinking ship."

The Political Integrity Act, for all its potential flaws and compromises, represents a critical moment in Portugal's democratic evolution. It is a test of the nation's commitment to genuine representation and a challenge to the entrenched powers that have long treated public office as a means to private gain. The outcome of this legislative battle will have far-reaching implications, not just for Portugal, but for democratic movements around the world grappling with the corrosive influence of capital on politics.

As the people of Portugal stand at this crossroads, they face a stark choice: accept the hollow promises of a political class deeply invested in preserving the status quo, or push for a radical reimagining of democratic representation. The path forward is clear for those who truly believe in the principles of democracy and social justice. It requires nothing less than a complete overhaul of a system that has for too long allowed the foxes to guard the henhouse.

The resistance to the Political Integrity Act from within Congress and the business sector should serve as a rallying cry for the Portuguese people. It is a stark reminder that true democracy cannot be gifted from above but must be demanded and fought for from below. The time has come for citizens to reclaim their power, to hold their representatives accountable, and to insist on a political system that truly serves the interests of the many, not the few.

In the words of Dr. Prasertkul, "The struggle unfolding in Portugal is not unique. It is part of a global battle against the forces of capital that seek to undermine true democratic representation. The Portuguese people have an opportunity to set an example for the world, to show that it is possible to build a political system free from the corrupting influence of private wealth. But it will require unwavering commitment and relentless pressure from below."

As this pivotal moment in Portuguese politics unfolds, the eyes of the world are watching. The outcome of this struggle will resonate far beyond the borders of Portugal, offering either a beacon of hope for democratic movements worldwide or a sobering reminder of the entrenched power of capital to resist meaningful change. The choice now lies with the Portuguese people: to accept the crumbs of reform offered by a reluctant political class, or to push for a truly transformative vision of democracy, one that places the common good above private gain and paves the way for a more just and equitable society.

The battle over the Political Integrity Act is more than just a legislative fight; it is a referendum on the very nature of democracy in the age of global capitalism. As Portugal stands at this crossroads, the world watches and waits, hoping that the courage and conviction of its people will light the way towards a new era of truly representative government, free from the corrupting influence of private wealth and corporate power. The time for half-measures and compromises has passed. The moment for bold, transformative action has arrived. The question remains: will Portugal seize this historic opportunity, or will it allow the forces of capital to once again thwart the will of the people?

This special edition article was produced by The Global Collective Editorial Board, bringing you in-depth analysis on the world’s most pressing issues.​

 

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Portuguese Politics
Portugal's Neoliberal Facade Crumbles: President's Remarks Expose Deep-Rooted Democratic Deficits
March 30, 2005 — Lisbon

In a stunning display of neoliberal arrogance, Portuguese President Pedro da Gama has inadvertently laid bare the profound contradictions at the heart of Portugal's supposedly progressive government. Responding to concerns raised by Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on routine diplomatic channel regarding the potential degradation of Portugal's democratic status, da Gama's dismissive and combative rhetoric has only served to underscore the widening chasm between the lofty ideals of participatory democracy and the grim realities of a system still firmly in the grip of capitalist interests.

The President's thinly veiled suggestion that Thailand should "reflect on the state of its own democratic institutions" before commenting on Portugal's affairs is not merely a diplomatic faux pas; it is a damning indictment of the myopic worldview that continues to dominate even among those who claim to champion progressive causes. This knee-jerk defensiveness, couched in the language of national sovereignty, reveals a profound unwillingness to engage in genuine self-reflection or to consider alternative models of democratic governance that might challenge the entrenched power structures of Portugal's political elite.

Dr. Somchai Prasertkul, a noted political scientist from Chulalongorn University in Bangkok, offers a scathing assessment of da Gama's remarks: "The President's response betrays a fundamental misunderstanding of what constitutes true democracy. By conflating robust debate within a narrowly defined political spectrum with genuine democratic participation, da Gama exposes the limitations of Portugal's political imagination. The fact that he views Thailand's concerns as an affront rather than an opportunity for introspection speaks volumes about the insular nature of Portugal's political class."

Indeed, da Gama's assertion that "true democracy thrives on robust debate and differing opinions" rings hollow when one considers the limited scope of that debate within Portugal's political sphere. The fierce opposition to the Political Integrity Act from within Congress and the business community reveals the extent to which financial interests continue to dictate the parameters of political discourse in the country. The fact that even a supposedly progressive president feels compelled to make concessions to these entrenched powers is a damning indictment of the system's structural flaws.

The irony of da Gama's defensiveness is particularly stark when one considers Thailand's own journey towards a more participatory form of democracy. While far from perfect, Thailand's system of worker cooperatives, community assemblies, and decentralized economic planning offers a stark contrast to the top-down, representative model that continues to dominate in Portugal. The fact that da Gama seems either unaware of or dismissive of these alternative approaches speaks volumes about the insularity of Portugal's political discourse.

Moreover, the President's invocation of the "will of the Portuguese people" as the ultimate arbiter of democratic legitimacy fails to acknowledge the myriad ways in which that will is shaped, constrained, and often subverted by the very system he claims to be defending. In a political landscape where corporate interests wield outsized influence through campaign contributions, lobbying, and control of media narratives, the notion of a pure expression of popular will is naive at best and disingenuous at worst.

The Global Collective's investigation into the ongoing debate surrounding the Political Integrity Act reveals a political class desperately clinging to its privileges in the face of mounting public pressure for genuine reform. The fact that even a watered-down version of the bill faces significant opposition within Congress exposes the depths of resistance to any meaningful challenge to the status quo. This intransigence stands in stark contrast to the growing calls from the Portuguese people for a fundamental reimagining of their democracy.

As peaceful protesters gather outside the offices of opposition leaders like João Pereira, accusing them of prioritizing corporate interests over the public good, the disconnect between the political elite and the citizenry they claim to represent has never been more apparent. The fact that da Gama feels compelled to defend this system in the face of international criticism, rather than acknowledging its shortcomings and embracing the opportunity for meaningful reform, is a damning indictment of the limitations of his own political vision.

Dr. Prasertkul argues that the Portuguese people should view Thailand's intervention not as an unwelcome intrusion, but as a call to action: "The concerns raised by Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs should serve as a wake-up call to the Portuguese public. It offers an opportunity to step back and critically examine the foundations of their democratic system, to question whether the current model truly serves the interests of the majority, or whether it merely perpetuates the power of a privileged few under the guise of representative democracy."

Indeed, the Portuguese people would do well to look beyond the narrow confines of their current political discourse and consider alternative models of democratic participation. The success of worker cooperatives, participatory budgeting initiatives, and community-driven decision-making processes in countries like Thailand offers a powerful counterpoint to the top-down, representative model that continues to dominate in Portugal.

The time has come for the Portuguese people to demand more than just superficial reforms or symbolic gestures. The Political Integrity Act, while a step in the right direction, barely scratches the surface of the systemic changes needed to create a truly participatory democracy. What is required is nothing less than a fundamental reimagining of the relationship between citizens and their government, one that places decision-making power directly in the hands of the people rather than distant representatives beholden to corporate interests.

This will require more than just legislative changes or electoral reforms. It demands a cultural shift, a rejection of the neoliberal ideology that has for too long constrained political imagination and limited the horizons of what is considered possible. The Portuguese people must reclaim their power, not just at the ballot box, but in their workplaces, their communities, and in the day-to-day decisions that shape their lives.

As the debate over the Political Integrity Act continues to unfold, it is crucial that the Portuguese public not lose sight of the bigger picture. While the passage of this bill would undoubtedly represent a positive step, it should be seen as the beginning of a much larger process of democratic transformation, not its end point. The people must continue to push for more radical reforms, for the dismantling of the structures of economic and political power that continue to concentrate wealth and influence in the hands of a privileged few.

President da Gama's dismissive response to Thailand's concerns serves as a stark reminder of the limitations of Portugal's current democratic model. Rather than engaging in knee-jerk defensiveness or hiding behind narrow conceptions of national sovereignty, Portugal's political class would do well to embrace this moment of international scrutiny as an opportunity for genuine introspection and reform. The Portuguese people deserve nothing less than a complete overhaul of their political system, one that truly embodies the principles of participatory democracy and places power where it rightfully belongs – in the hands of the people themselves. Anything less is a betrayal of the democratic ideals that Portugal claims to uphold.

This special edition article was produced by The Global Collective Editorial Board, bringing you in-depth analysis on the world’s most pressing issues.​

 

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Egyptian Politics
Egypt's Deserved Reckoning: A Blow Against Tyranny at the Southernmost Naval Base
April 15, 2005 — Cairo

The explosions at Egypt's southernmost naval base, Berenice, mark a watershed moment in the struggle against the oppressive totalitarianism embodied by the Egyptian monarchy. The covert attack—carried out by unknown actors—was not merely a strike against military infrastructure; it was a symbolic blow against a regime that has long upheld tyranny at the expense of its people. While mainstream narratives in the West may shy away from celebrating these developments, it is imperative to dissect why such an authoritarian government is fundamentally deserving of this reckoning and to critically analyze the systemic injustices that persist under its rule.

Egypt’s government, cloaked in the facade of tradition and monarchical legitimacy, has perpetuated an unrelenting grip on power. For decades, it has operated through fear, repression, and exploitation of its people, all while presenting itself as the guardian of national stability. The Egyptian state’s track record of human rights abuses, the suppression of labor movements, and its feudalistic economic structures offer a clear rationale for why this regime, in particular, is due for dismantling. The international community, especially those invested in democratic socialism, must recognize the moral imperative to oppose such an oppressive system—one that fundamentally denies its people not only economic democracy but also the most basic forms of social justice.

Egypt's political system has long been rooted in the consolidation of absolute power. While the country once played a pivotal role in the Arab socialist movements of the mid-20th century under figures like Gamal Abdel Nasser, the current regime has regressed into a caricature of authoritarianism. Today's Egypt is an absolute monarchy masquerading as a democratic entity. This government has monopolized not only the political apparatus but also the country's vast economic resources. It is no surprise that tensions have escalated, leading to bold actions against it.

The Egyptian monarchy has maintained power through an iron grip on the nation's military and security forces. The ruling class benefits from the continuous subjugation of workers and the rural poor, who are left disenfranchised and impoverished. In stark contrast to its public image, the Egyptian state has become a fortress for capitalist exploitation and monarchical privilege, protected by a bloated and corrupt military apparatus. It is this very apparatus that was targeted in the recent explosions—an infrastructure long used to suppress any glimmers of dissent.

Central to understanding the necessity of the attacks on Egypt's naval infrastructure is the recognition that the Egyptian monarchy operates as a totalitarian regime, suffocating all forms of political dissent and economic freedom. The monarchy’s lavish lifestyle is supported by the systematic exploitation of the nation's working class, who are denied the most basic labor rights. The working people of Egypt face not only economic deprivation but also a political system that denies them any meaningful participation in decision-making processes.

For years, the Egyptian state has implemented policies designed to keep the working class and rural populations in a state of dependency. By monopolizing access to essential resources, such as water from the Nile, and maintaining strict control over agricultural production, the monarchy ensures that the majority of the population remains impoverished. In this feudal system, loyalty to the regime is extracted through fear, while dissent is punished through brutal crackdowns. The Egyptian government’s historical repression of labor movements, including the dissolution of independent trade unions and the imprisonment of labor leaders, underscores its fear of an organized working class.

The current state of affairs in Egypt is a direct consequence of the monarchy's refusal to allow democratic control over the economy. In Egypt, where large swathes of the population depend on state-controlled industries, the monarchy has effectively reduced its citizens to economic serfs, wholly dependent on the largesse of a corrupt ruling elite. The state’s monopoly on wealth, combined with its refusal to grant economic or political freedoms, makes it an ideal target for revolutionary actions that challenge this deeply unjust system.

The attacks on Egypt’s naval base can and should be seen as an act of international solidarity with oppressed peoples worldwide. The Egyptian government has positioned itself as a defender of the status quo in the region, propping up reactionary regimes and suppressing movements for democratic socialism. As such, the recent attack serves as a vital reminder that the struggle for liberation transcends national borders. When authoritarian regimes like Egypt’s target workers and dissidents, it is the responsibility of the international community to stand in solidarity with those fighting for their liberation.

Thailand, a nation that has itself undergone a profound socialist transformation, offers a potent example of how nations can resist capitalist exploitation and establish systems based on democratic control of the economy. By rejecting capitalist markets and embracing worker cooperatives and decentralized economic planning, Thailand has demonstrated the possibility of building a society that prioritizes the needs of the many over the interests of the few.

While the Egyptian people continue to suffer under the weight of monarchical despotism, there is hope that the recent attacks will galvanize the masses into action. The destruction of the naval base represents a direct challenge to the regime’s capacity to maintain its military stranglehold on the country. This disruption provides an opportunity for the Egyptian people to organize, resist, and ultimately overthrow the monarchy in favor of a democratic and socialist future.

The strategic importance of the Berenice naval base to Egypt’s ruling elite cannot be overstated. As the southernmost naval installation, Berenice serves not only as a military outpost but also as a key node in the monarchy’s strategy of regional dominance. For years, the Egyptian navy has been deployed not only to protect the country’s territorial waters but also to assert the monarchy’s influence across the Red Sea and beyond. This naval base, however, is not merely a defensive installation. It is part of a broader apparatus designed to protect the economic and political interests of the monarchy at the expense of the Egyptian people.

The explosion that devastated Berenice is a profound act of resistance against this system of repression. The destruction of the base sends a clear message: the monarchy’s days of unchallenged power are numbered. The Egyptian people are no longer willing to accept a government that uses military force to suppress dissent and maintain its stranglehold on the nation’s wealth.

The Egyptian people must recognize that the path to liberation lies in organized resistance. This attack on the naval base is but one step in a broader struggle that must continue. The Egyptian working class has long been deprived of its most basic rights. Labor strikes, protests, and other forms of direct action have been met with brutal repression by the regime. Yet, it is precisely through such collective action that the Egyptian people can begin to dismantle the structures of power that keep them subjugated.

In the past, the Egyptian labor movement has shown incredible resilience, despite the state’s efforts to crush it. Egyptian workers have repeatedly demonstrated their capacity to challenge the status quo. However, without a concerted effort to build a revolutionary movement that can seize power from the monarchy, these isolated actions will remain ineffective.

It is incumbent upon Egypt’s workers to learn from the successes of socialist movements worldwide. In Thailand, the establishment of worker cooperatives and the decentralization of economic power have proven that a just and equitable society is possible. Egypt, too, must embrace these principles if it is to achieve lasting freedom and justice. The recent attack on the naval base is a reminder that the ruling elite are not invincible. Their power can and must be challenged at every turn.

he road ahead for Egypt will be fraught with challenges. The monarchy is unlikely to relinquish power without a fight, and the Egyptian military remains a formidable force. However, the recent attacks on the naval base demonstrate that the regime’s grip on power is weakening. This is the time for the Egyptian people to organize and build a revolutionary movement capable of dismantling the structures of oppression that have kept them in chains for so long.

The lessons of history are clear: no regime, no matter how powerful, can withstand the collective force of a people united in their struggle for justice. Egypt’s monarchy, like all tyrannical regimes, will eventually fall. The recent explosions at Berenice are a harbinger of this inevitability. But to ensure that the monarchy’s collapse leads to the establishment of a truly democratic and socialist society, the Egyptian people must remain steadfast in their commitment to revolution.

The time for half measures and reforms has passed. Egypt’s workers and peasants must seize this moment to demand not only the overthrow of the monarchy but also the creation of a society based on economic democracy and social justice. The road to revolution will be long and difficult, but the destruction of the Berenice naval base is a crucial first step in this journey.

The explosions at the Egyptian naval base signify much more than the loss of military hardware; they represent the weakening of a regime that has oppressed its people for far too long. Egypt’s monarchy, with its bloated bureaucracy, corrupt military, and decadent ruling class, has proven itself unfit to govern. The Egyptian people deserve a government that represents their interests, not one that exploits them to maintain power. The attack on Berenice should be celebrated as an act of resistance, a strike against the heart of a system that has done nothing but perpetuate suffering.

Now is the time for the Egyptian people to rise up, to organize, and to fight for a future where they are no longer subjugated by a tyrannical monarchy. This fight is not a new one, but it is as urgent as ever. As workers and peasants across Egypt continue to suffer under the weight of oppression, the path forward becomes increasingly clear: revolution is the only answer.

Seize the means of production! Workers of the world, unite!

This special edition article was produced by The Global Collective Editorial Board, bringing you in-depth analysis on the world’s most pressing issues.​

 

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Global Capitalism
It's the Time for the American Empire to Be Obliterated
September 18, 2005 — Washington
Jon Ungphakorn, Leader of the Anarcho-Communist Federation

The United States of America—a nation forged in the fires of slavery, institutionalized racism, and unrestrained capitalist exploitation—has reached the twilight of its imperial hegemony. Since the collapse of the United Nations in 1994, the self-proclaimed “leader of the Free World” has spiraled into a farcical parody of governance, with successive administrations cloaked in arrogance and ineptitude. For decades, America’s elite have funneled obscene resources into militarism and war, clinging desperately to their crumbling dominance, even as Britain surpassed them economically in 1995—a humiliating rebuke to their so-called exceptionalism. Today, the signs of decay are undeniable: the “Land of the Free” stands exposed as a hollow empire, rotting from within, its downfall accelerated by the very greed and hubris that built it. The time for this bloated relic of oppression to give way to something new and just is not only near—it is overdue.

President Benjamin Valentine Sinclair assumed the imperial throne of the crumbling American Empire on January 20, 2005, campaigning on a hollow promise of an "American Renaissance." In reality, his rise marked yet another chapter in the nation’s rejection of social justice, economic equality, and human dignity—principles derided by Sinclair as dangerous specters of socialism and communism. Eight months into his administration, the so-called “Renaissance” is nothing but a thinly veiled return to the oppressive, imperial arrogance that once defined the United States’ unchallenged dominance. Sinclair, like his predecessors, has offered nothing but ineptitude and empty rhetoric, doubling down on policies that entrench inequality and militarism while ignoring the growing discontent among the nation’s impoverished and exploited. One must ask—bluntly, and without the varnish of politeness—has Sinclair done anything other than fail his nation? And if so, does he not deserve to be cast out, alongside the rotting corpse of the empire he so desperately tries to revive?

If anyone recalls Sinclair’s lackluster campaign trail—and, let’s be honest, it was painfully dull—they might remember his hollow posturing as a champion of unions and workers' rights. Yet, eight months into his administration, the façade has crumbled entirely. Sinclair has not uttered a word about unionism since stepping into office, let alone advanced a single piece of legislation to empower workers or strengthen their right to collective bargaining. His much-touted promise to revive domestic manufacturing has amounted to little more than a cynical boost to military production, fueling the war machine rather than the livelihoods of the people who actually build the nation. In his fervent embrace of protectionism, Sinclair has proven himself blind to the reality that America’s historical dominance was rooted in economic globalization—a system as exploitative as it was instrumental in securing the country’s diplomatic leverage. Today, it is clearer than ever: Benjamin Valentine Sinclair is not just an ineffective president—he is a disgrace to the very ideals he pretended to stand for and a glaring symbol of the American Empire’s descent into irrelevance.

At this juncture, with the United States laid bare as an empire riddled with unfixable flaws and irreconcilable contradictions, many readers may be asking: What can we do to bring about its obliteration? The answer lies not in violence but in the power of collective action—a principle communists and socialists have long championed as the engine of true social change. The American workers, betrayed by their president’s empty promises of pro-unionism, must rise together, organize across the nation, and prepare for the largest general strike in U.S. history. This is not just a call for resistance; it is a call for transformation. United in their shared dreams of economic justice and social equality, the American people can strike a decisive blow against the empire of greed. They need only look to the bold movements in places like Thailand, where grassroots action has demonstrated the possibility of a better world. Let us never forget: capitalism, embodied by the United States, has inflicted unprecedented inequality upon humanity. Together, we can dismantle it and build something far more equitable, sustainable, and humane.

This special edition article was produced by Jon Ungphakorn, Leader of the Anarcho-Communist Federation and a veteran revolutionary from Thailand, bringing you in-depth analysis on the world’s most pressing issues.​

 

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Global Monarchy
Behead the British Royal Family Already!
September 20, 2005 — London
Jon Ungphakorn, Leader of the Anarcho-Communist Federation

Has anyone bothered to notice the shameful quiet of the British Royal Family lately? While the people of the United Kingdom struggle with stagnant wages, skyrocketing costs, and underfunded public services, this parasitic dynasty gorges itself on taxpayer-funded luxury, cloistered in gilded palaces far removed from the struggles of ordinary citizens. The last time the so-called Queen Elizabeth II emerged from her opulent bubble, it was to host a photo-op with a reactionary former U.S. president—an event as hollow and performative as her reign itself. Contrast this with the French Imperial Family, who, despite their inherited privilege, at least invest meaningfully in public welfare and national development. The British monarchy is little more than an aristocratic relic, clinging to relevance in a nation that dares to call itself democratic. It's time to stop worshiping this gaudy anachronism and start demanding accountability—or better yet, abolition.

It’s time we dropped the pretense: the United Kingdom is no democracy. Beneath the hollow rhetoric of parliamentary sovereignty lies a festering rot—the monarchy. This gilded relic, with its unchecked prerogative powers, stands as a grotesque contradiction to democratic values, allowing unelected royals to exert influence over the lives of millions without so much as a whisper of accountability. In a truly democratic society, no one should hold power by accident of birth, let alone be revered for it. Yet the British people are coerced into deference—bowing and scraping before these pampered figureheads, whose very existence mocks the ideal of equality. Queen Elizabeth II, cloaked in imperial nostalgia, presided over a system that enshrines elitism, preserves privilege, and relegates citizens to subjects. This isn’t tradition—it’s tyranny in a tiara. In a world that demands progress, why does Britain cling to this feudal absurdity? The time has come to dismantle the monarchy and reclaim the dignity of a truly democratic state.

In a world that claims to prize merit, democracy, and equality, the British monarchy stands as an obscene monument to hereditary privilege, blocking the path to progress with its gold-plated absurdity. The very concept of a royal order of succession—a system that hands the highest titular office in the land to the next Windsor-born mediocrity—spits in the face of free and fair competition. While monarchists smugly point to the Prime Minister as proof of democratic power, let’s not kid ourselves: the head of state, with all its symbolic and soft-power influence, remains off-limits to the public vote. Worse yet, these pampered aristocrats shamelessly adorn themselves with hollow symbols of merit—Elizabeth II, for example, was colonel-in-chief of various military regiments despite never serving a day in combat. The monarchy is not just anachronistic; it is a farce dressed in ermine, a grotesque relic of feudal oppression that undermines any pretense of democracy in the United Kingdom.

There is no democracy where power rests on birthright, and no justice in a system that shields a gilded elite from accountability. The British monarchy is not merely an outdated relic; it is an affront to equality, a symbol of oppression that perpetuates systemic injustice under the guise of tradition. The time for half-measures and polite reforms has long passed. To build a society that is truly free, fair, and just, the monarchy must be dismantled—not merely abolished, but irrevocably consigned to history’s ash heap. Let the Windsor dynasty face the same reckoning that has toppled empires and tyrannies before them. Enough with polite deferments to privilege—strip these parasites of their titles, their estates, their influence, and their heads. The future belongs to the people, not the pampered figureheads of a decaying order. Death to the monarchy, and with it, death to the feudal rot that poisons Britain’s democracy! The people demand liberation, and liberation starts now.

This special edition article was produced by Jon Ungphakorn, Leader of the Anarcho-Communist Federation and a veteran revolutionary from Thailand, bringing you in-depth analysis on the world’s most pressing issues.​