Anthony Zacharzewski
@anthonyzach.be
Working to make European democracy work. "Refreshingly free of the usual platitudes". Belge par choix, Brits door opvoeding, Polish roots. President of Demsoc.org
Hand crafted artisanal user accounts take that bit more time, but they are worth it for the flavour.
January 10, 2026 at 3:36 PM
Hand crafted artisanal user accounts take that bit more time, but they are worth it for the flavour.
No because the UK might want to rejoin the EU in the next three hundred years.
Britain will not help the US invade Greenland, says defence secretary
Britain will not help the US invade Greenland, says defence secretary
Britain will not help the US invade Greenland, says defence secretary
www.independent.co.uk
January 10, 2026 at 12:07 AM
No because the UK might want to rejoin the EU in the next three hundred years.
Reposted by Anthony Zacharzewski
In political science, we define democratic backsliding most commonly as removing constraints on government that are either horizontal (checks & balances btwn branches) or vertical (btwn the people & govt).
The widening circle of Republican sabotage of direct democracy is textbook demo backsliding.
The widening circle of Republican sabotage of direct democracy is textbook demo backsliding.
Republican lawmakers in Missouri have advanced a constitutional amendment that would make citizen ballot measures much more difficult to pass. “If we can’t use the citizen-led initiative petition process, we’re done, we’re cooked,” says an advocate.
Under this GOP Measure, All of Missouri’s Recent Popular Initiatives Would Have Failed
Lawmakers just advanced a constitutional amendment to drastically raise the bar for approving citizen ballot measures. Voters get to weigh in on the scheme next year.
boltsmag.org
January 9, 2026 at 8:13 PM
In political science, we define democratic backsliding most commonly as removing constraints on government that are either horizontal (checks & balances btwn branches) or vertical (btwn the people & govt).
The widening circle of Republican sabotage of direct democracy is textbook demo backsliding.
The widening circle of Republican sabotage of direct democracy is textbook demo backsliding.
Reposted by Anthony Zacharzewski
Nederland zal een minderheidsregering krijgen. De sociaal-liberale D66, christendemocratische CDA en rechts-liberale VVD komen elf zetels tekort in de Tweede Kamer, gesprekken met JA21 zijn afgesprongen: ‘De ideologische afstand bleek te groot, uiteindelijk is die partij toch een PVV light’, zegt...
Nederland krijgt regering zonder meerderheid: ‘Ze zal veel moeten bezuinigen, benieuwd of de oppositie dat zal steunen’
www.demorgen.be
January 9, 2026 at 7:25 PM
Nederland zal een minderheidsregering krijgen. De sociaal-liberale D66, christendemocratische CDA en rechts-liberale VVD komen elf zetels tekort in de Tweede Kamer, gesprekken met JA21 zijn afgesprongen: ‘De ideologische afstand bleek te groot, uiteindelijk is die partij toch een PVV light’, zegt...
Here’s the thing. These people are genuinely stupid. Randpilled teenagers who never grew up but whose parents are rich enough for it not to matter.
The former Chair of Northern Rock has had another bright idea.
January 9, 2026 at 5:49 PM
Here’s the thing. These people are genuinely stupid. Randpilled teenagers who never grew up but whose parents are rich enough for it not to matter.
Reposted by Anthony Zacharzewski
Fun fact for a pub quiz for EU nerds:
Made the calculation for today's Mercosur vote. It is not only unusual for such a major step to be adopted just above the threshold for an absolute majority. It is also the first case I could find where the old, pre 2014 weighted votes would have produced a No.
Made the calculation for today's Mercosur vote. It is not only unusual for such a major step to be adopted just above the threshold for an absolute majority. It is also the first case I could find where the old, pre 2014 weighted votes would have produced a No.
January 9, 2026 at 11:44 AM
Fun fact for a pub quiz for EU nerds:
Made the calculation for today's Mercosur vote. It is not only unusual for such a major step to be adopted just above the threshold for an absolute majority. It is also the first case I could find where the old, pre 2014 weighted votes would have produced a No.
Made the calculation for today's Mercosur vote. It is not only unusual for such a major step to be adopted just above the threshold for an absolute majority. It is also the first case I could find where the old, pre 2014 weighted votes would have produced a No.
Reposted by Anthony Zacharzewski
Something Putin taught us is that the goal of effective propoganda isn't to convince people, it's to create a permission structure:
a) for your existing hardcore supporters to back you; and
b) for those not engaged to tune out because it's all too complicated or partisan politics as usual.
a) for your existing hardcore supporters to back you; and
b) for those not engaged to tune out because it's all too complicated or partisan politics as usual.
The no-angeling is already in full swing.
January 8, 2026 at 6:50 PM
Something Putin taught us is that the goal of effective propoganda isn't to convince people, it's to create a permission structure:
a) for your existing hardcore supporters to back you; and
b) for those not engaged to tune out because it's all too complicated or partisan politics as usual.
a) for your existing hardcore supporters to back you; and
b) for those not engaged to tune out because it's all too complicated or partisan politics as usual.
Looking at Belgium as I always do … interesting that regional attachment is lower in Flanders than in Wallonie (national attachment also lower). Antwerp province is <5 for all three presumably because everyone is attached to ‘t Stad or to Mechelen…
What do Europeans feel most attached to: their region, their country, or Europe?
brilliantmaps.com/european-...
brilliantmaps.com/european-...
January 9, 2026 at 8:51 AM
Looking at Belgium as I always do … interesting that regional attachment is lower in Flanders than in Wallonie (national attachment also lower). Antwerp province is <5 for all three presumably because everyone is attached to ‘t Stad or to Mechelen…
The Nobel Prize committee should withdraw it from Machado since she’s using it as a bargaining chip for this worthless man.
unspeakably pathetic stuff from Trump here as he says he'd be honored to accept María Corina Machado's Nobel Prize if she wants to give it up to him
January 9, 2026 at 7:05 AM
The Nobel Prize committee should withdraw it from Machado since she’s using it as a bargaining chip for this worthless man.
Reposted by Anthony Zacharzewski
Er is geen 'polarisatie'. Er is niets anders gebeurd dan dat mensen wiens politiek gebaseerd is op haat voor 'de ander' steeds luidruchtiger en agressiever zijn geworden.
Ik ben deze misleidende frame zo totaal zat. En het midden dat 'een beetje haat' een fijn compromis vindt kan ook doodvallen. 1/
Ik ben deze misleidende frame zo totaal zat. En het midden dat 'een beetje haat' een fijn compromis vindt kan ook doodvallen. 1/
Boeiend interview in @trouw.nl met polarisatie-expert Bart Brandsma over z’n werk.Depolariseren doe je door het midden te versterken, door elke liefdevolle overtuiging kracht bij te zetten en door niet bij de standpunten te blijven, maar naar ervaringsverhalen te luisteren en deze door te vertellen.
January 8, 2026 at 1:44 PM
Er is geen 'polarisatie'. Er is niets anders gebeurd dan dat mensen wiens politiek gebaseerd is op haat voor 'de ander' steeds luidruchtiger en agressiever zijn geworden.
Ik ben deze misleidende frame zo totaal zat. En het midden dat 'een beetje haat' een fijn compromis vindt kan ook doodvallen. 1/
Ik ben deze misleidende frame zo totaal zat. En het midden dat 'een beetje haat' een fijn compromis vindt kan ook doodvallen. 1/
Watched “The Dating Game” (currently in the VRT “Documania” strand) - the dating consultant they follow is a bit of a shyster but there’s a lot of interesting background on the challenges of dating in China, where there are 30m more men than women: www.vrt.be/vrtmax/a-z/t...
VRT MAX
www.vrt.be
January 8, 2026 at 9:57 PM
Watched “The Dating Game” (currently in the VRT “Documania” strand) - the dating consultant they follow is a bit of a shyster but there’s a lot of interesting background on the challenges of dating in China, where there are 30m more men than women: www.vrt.be/vrtmax/a-z/t...
Reposted by Anthony Zacharzewski
OMG. The Rector of the University of Ghent used ChatGPT for her opening speech this academic year. Journalists pointed out the hallucinated quotes (including Einstein). Now she's doesn't dare to go and get an honorary PhD in Amsterdam.
There's A LOT in there. But still some *shame*, which is great.
There's A LOT in there. But still some *shame*, which is great.
January 8, 2026 at 7:56 PM
OMG. The Rector of the University of Ghent used ChatGPT for her opening speech this academic year. Journalists pointed out the hallucinated quotes (including Einstein). Now she's doesn't dare to go and get an honorary PhD in Amsterdam.
There's A LOT in there. But still some *shame*, which is great.
There's A LOT in there. But still some *shame*, which is great.
Reposted by Anthony Zacharzewski
Ooh, my job in the news!
I am not even slightly surprised that NARIC-Vlaanderen and Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles do not recognise each other’s diploma equivalence decisions.
www.bruzz.be/actua/politi...
I am not even slightly surprised that NARIC-Vlaanderen and Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles do not recognise each other’s diploma equivalence decisions.
www.bruzz.be/actua/politi...
Kafka met buitenlandse diploma's: erkenning loopt mis tussen gemeenschappen
Brussels Open VLD-parlementslid Imane Belguenani is verontwaardigd dat de Franse en Vlaamse gemeenschap elkaars erkenning van buitenlandse diploma's niet erkennen.
www.bruzz.be
January 8, 2026 at 12:25 PM
Ooh, my job in the news!
I am not even slightly surprised that NARIC-Vlaanderen and Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles do not recognise each other’s diploma equivalence decisions.
www.bruzz.be/actua/politi...
I am not even slightly surprised that NARIC-Vlaanderen and Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles do not recognise each other’s diploma equivalence decisions.
www.bruzz.be/actua/politi...
Reposted by Anthony Zacharzewski
"When the mine ran out around 1885, one might think that’d be it for Neutral Moresnet. But no: like microstates the world over, it simply shifted its economy into more contested areas..."
You* asked, I delivered: a brief history of Neutral Moresnet
(*Possibly not actually you)
You* asked, I delivered: a brief history of Neutral Moresnet
(*Possibly not actually you)
Shifting alliances and once neutral territories
This week: is this really the year the western alliance finally breathes its last? Also: a brief history of the lost microstate of Neutral Moresnet.
jonn.substack.com
January 8, 2026 at 4:44 PM
"When the mine ran out around 1885, one might think that’d be it for Neutral Moresnet. But no: like microstates the world over, it simply shifted its economy into more contested areas..."
You* asked, I delivered: a brief history of Neutral Moresnet
(*Possibly not actually you)
You* asked, I delivered: a brief history of Neutral Moresnet
(*Possibly not actually you)
Reposted by Anthony Zacharzewski
New post out:
We have an interview with John Bew - one of the most influential people in British politics over the past decade + foreign policy adviser to four PMs.
(Free to read)
samf.substack.com/p/interview-...
We have an interview with John Bew - one of the most influential people in British politics over the past decade + foreign policy adviser to four PMs.
(Free to read)
samf.substack.com/p/interview-...
Interview with John Bew - adviser to four Prime Ministers
On Whitehall, Ukraine, Trump and the global challenges facing Britain
samf.substack.com
January 8, 2026 at 9:19 AM
New post out:
We have an interview with John Bew - one of the most influential people in British politics over the past decade + foreign policy adviser to four PMs.
(Free to read)
samf.substack.com/p/interview-...
We have an interview with John Bew - one of the most influential people in British politics over the past decade + foreign policy adviser to four PMs.
(Free to read)
samf.substack.com/p/interview-...
Reposted by Anthony Zacharzewski
Much enjoyed this wide-ranging discussion with Gavin about the outlook for 2026, as all the assumptions on which British foreign policy has been based for decades are being upended.
The state we are in - thanks to @lordrickettsp.bsky.social for being a trusted guide through what begins to look like the new world dis-order. Have a listen @thisisnotadrillpod.bsky.social - constructive comments welcome!
🚨NEW EPISODE🚨
@gavinesler.bsky.social and @lordrickettsp.bsky.social discuss the latest global chaos and what to look out for in 2026
➡️ linktr.ee/drillpod
#WorldNews #Trump #Venezuela #Geopolitics
@gavinesler.bsky.social and @lordrickettsp.bsky.social discuss the latest global chaos and what to look out for in 2026
➡️ linktr.ee/drillpod
#WorldNews #Trump #Venezuela #Geopolitics
January 7, 2026 at 11:42 PM
Much enjoyed this wide-ranging discussion with Gavin about the outlook for 2026, as all the assumptions on which British foreign policy has been based for decades are being upended.
Reposted by Anthony Zacharzewski
The slow death of local news reporting has played a huge role in the death of trust and the perception that the world is run by distant elites. It is as much of a problem as the toxic social media environment, that strangulated revenue flows for journalism like this.
Breaking news: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, one of the oldest American newspapers, says it will close down, citing losses and labor rules.
The newspaper will print its final edition May 3.
The newspaper will print its final edition May 3.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette says it will close down, citing losses and labor rules
After exhausting legal avenues in a losing labor battle with unionized employees, the owners of one of the nation’s oldest newspapers have decided to shut it down.
www.washingtonpost.com
January 7, 2026 at 9:29 PM
The slow death of local news reporting has played a huge role in the death of trust and the perception that the world is run by distant elites. It is as much of a problem as the toxic social media environment, that strangulated revenue flows for journalism like this.
He’d be ok with it if Russian troops wanted to take over Islington or Bristol though.
January 7, 2026 at 7:11 PM
He’d be ok with it if Russian troops wanted to take over Islington or Bristol though.
Reposted by Anthony Zacharzewski
There is a lot of talk about what Europeans will do if Trump follows though on his illegal plans towards Denmark. But I would like to know what Americans are expected to do
January 7, 2026 at 7:05 PM
There is a lot of talk about what Europeans will do if Trump follows though on his illegal plans towards Denmark. But I would like to know what Americans are expected to do
Reposted by Anthony Zacharzewski
This week on @ppfideas.bsky.social, we're exploring "Home Rule for Ireland!"
Home Rule shattered the Liberal Party, broke the women's suffrage movement, brought thousands onto the streets and drove Britain to the brink of civil war.
In the next two episodes, we ask why. So here a quick intro... 🧵
Home Rule shattered the Liberal Party, broke the women's suffrage movement, brought thousands onto the streets and drove Britain to the brink of civil war.
In the next two episodes, we ask why. So here a quick intro... 🧵
January 7, 2026 at 10:42 AM
This week on @ppfideas.bsky.social, we're exploring "Home Rule for Ireland!"
Home Rule shattered the Liberal Party, broke the women's suffrage movement, brought thousands onto the streets and drove Britain to the brink of civil war.
In the next two episodes, we ask why. So here a quick intro... 🧵
Home Rule shattered the Liberal Party, broke the women's suffrage movement, brought thousands onto the streets and drove Britain to the brink of civil war.
In the next two episodes, we ask why. So here a quick intro... 🧵
Reposted by Anthony Zacharzewski
Molenbeekse jongeren krijgen sleutels van MIMA voor expo tegen haat
Molenbeekse jongeren krijgen sleutels van MIMA voor expo tegen haat | VRT NWS: nieuws
De jongeren van het collectief 'Ik ben België – Je suis la Belgique' openen eind deze maand de tentoonstelling 'C’est un beau mouvement', een artistiek statement tegen haat en racisme. Daarvoor krijgt het collectief 5 weken lang gratis de sleutels van het voormalig MIMA-gebouw.
www.vrt.be
January 7, 2026 at 8:12 AM
Molenbeekse jongeren krijgen sleutels van MIMA voor expo tegen haat
Very glad to see Belgium stepping up alongside the coalition of the willing with military presence in Ukraine after a ceasefire. PM interview (in NL): vrtnws.be/p.11axj8jQJ#...
Oorlog Oekraïne - België stelt marine, luchtmacht én militairen ter beschikking van troepenmacht | VRT NWS: nieuws
Volg alle updates over de oorlog in Oekraïne in deze liveblog.
vrtnws.be
January 6, 2026 at 8:49 PM
Very glad to see Belgium stepping up alongside the coalition of the willing with military presence in Ukraine after a ceasefire. PM interview (in NL): vrtnws.be/p.11axj8jQJ#...
Reposted by Anthony Zacharzewski
Interesting development
France and the UK formally commit to putting boots on the ground inside Ukraine after an eventual ceasefire.
Meanwhile, the Coalition of the Willing moves closer to an Article 5-like guarantee to assist Ukraine against Russia.
My recap of the meeting.
Meanwhile, the Coalition of the Willing moves closer to an Article 5-like guarantee to assist Ukraine against Russia.
My recap of the meeting.
France and UK confirm boots on the ground after ceasefire in Ukraine
The security guarantees for Ukraine envisioned by the "Coalition of the Willing" and the United States include a high-tech mechanism to monitor a ceasefire, a multinational force led by France and the...
www.euronews.com
January 6, 2026 at 8:45 PM
Interesting development
The BBC’s cordon insanitaire in operation again. Any anti-democratic and pro-authoritarian views will get platformed.
Just the BBC, the national broadcaster, mainstreaming a fascist blogger. I guess this is normal now.
January 6, 2026 at 6:45 PM
The BBC’s cordon insanitaire in operation again. Any anti-democratic and pro-authoritarian views will get platformed.