Alexander Clarkson
@aphclarkson.bsky.social
Lecturer for European Politics and History at King's College London. Opinions my own. RT not always endorsement.
Also to be found at @APHClarkson
https://www.ullstein.de/werke/die-macht-der-diaspora/hardcover/978354910
Also to be found at @APHClarkson
https://www.ullstein.de/werke/die-macht-der-diaspora/hardcover/978354910
The carrier makes sense if viewed as a key part of a wider integrated European capability. But viewing it as a foundation stone for wider Euro naval integration would then require further institutional reconfiguration in MOD I'm not sure UK policymakers are willing to follow through on
February 3, 2026 at 8:32 AM
The carrier makes sense if viewed as a key part of a wider integrated European capability. But viewing it as a foundation stone for wider Euro naval integration would then require further institutional reconfiguration in MOD I'm not sure UK policymakers are willing to follow through on
These debates also avoid more searching discussions about what specific capabilities this money should be spent on.
"We must spend more!" is often not the right starting point when "What should we spend on?" is often the more important question
"We must spend more!" is often not the right starting point when "What should we spend on?" is often the more important question
February 3, 2026 at 8:27 AM
These debates also avoid more searching discussions about what specific capabilities this money should be spent on.
"We must spend more!" is often not the right starting point when "What should we spend on?" is often the more important question
"We must spend more!" is often not the right starting point when "What should we spend on?" is often the more important question
Reposted by Alexander Clarkson
The fundamental problem with increasing defence spending isn't funding but real resources. And most defence spending isn't "investment" and does nothing to increase the underlying growth rate. Of course, the country has to be defended but there are opportunity costs.
February 3, 2026 at 8:22 AM
The fundamental problem with increasing defence spending isn't funding but real resources. And most defence spending isn't "investment" and does nothing to increase the underlying growth rate. Of course, the country has to be defended but there are opportunity costs.
Reposted by Alexander Clarkson
This is what we need to see in the UK
🚨🚨Striking but welcome development in Portugese politics: To stop the explosive growth of the ultranationalist #Chega party, Portugal’s leading conservatives are doing the previously unthinkable: endorsing the center-left candidate for president. 🧵
www.politico.eu/article/port...
www.politico.eu/article/port...
Portugal’s conservatives back left-wing candidate to avoid a far-right president
Center-right leaders are taking pains to publicly reject the ultranationalist contender ahead of the country’s Feb. 8 vote.
www.politico.eu
February 3, 2026 at 5:59 AM
This is what we need to see in the UK
That's not an argument against immigration, but it does point to how when a surge starts governments and businesses regularly underestimate how much investment needs to go into developing long term structures of integration and pathways of inclusion to avoid problems years later
February 3, 2026 at 8:19 AM
That's not an argument against immigration, but it does point to how when a surge starts governments and businesses regularly underestimate how much investment needs to go into developing long term structures of integration and pathways of inclusion to avoid problems years later
One of the problems in focusing on annual numbers is it doesn't account for how communities may see those kinds of inflow decreases over time yet will still face challenges in housing, schools and healthcare of absorbing the impact of a surge for years after it ebbed away
February 3, 2026 at 8:17 AM
One of the problems in focusing on annual numbers is it doesn't account for how communities may see those kinds of inflow decreases over time yet will still face challenges in housing, schools and healthcare of absorbing the impact of a surge for years after it ebbed away
Reposted by Alexander Clarkson
1. In 2009 I wrote this. I argued that Peter Mandelson's department “functions as a fifth column within government, working for corporations to undermine democracy and the public interest.”
This thread explains what I saw, and reaches a startling conclusion.🧵
www.monbiot.com/2009/05/04/m...
This thread explains what I saw, and reaches a startling conclusion.🧵
www.monbiot.com/2009/05/04/m...
Mandelson’s Fifth Column
The British government’s business department exists to undermine democracy.
www.monbiot.com
February 3, 2026 at 7:32 AM
1. In 2009 I wrote this. I argued that Peter Mandelson's department “functions as a fifth column within government, working for corporations to undermine democracy and the public interest.”
This thread explains what I saw, and reaches a startling conclusion.🧵
www.monbiot.com/2009/05/04/m...
This thread explains what I saw, and reaches a startling conclusion.🧵
www.monbiot.com/2009/05/04/m...
Reposted by Alexander Clarkson
Excellent piece here. www.ft.com/content/320c...
Plus people experience inflation in different ways and food prices seem to have a particularly important influence on perceptions. www.bankofengland.co.uk/working-pape...
Plus people experience inflation in different ways and food prices seem to have a particularly important influence on perceptions. www.bankofengland.co.uk/working-pape...
February 3, 2026 at 8:06 AM
Excellent piece here. www.ft.com/content/320c...
Plus people experience inflation in different ways and food prices seem to have a particularly important influence on perceptions. www.bankofengland.co.uk/working-pape...
Plus people experience inflation in different ways and food prices seem to have a particularly important influence on perceptions. www.bankofengland.co.uk/working-pape...
Another one of my pet bugbears is exasperation over a self-flagellating political discourse in the UK that in its obsession with the impact of deindustrialisation ignores how substantial manufacturing in the Midlands, Yorkshire and Northwest of England still is as a player in European supply chains
British manufacturers enjoyed one of their best months since Labour came to power in January, according to a closely watched survey, adding to signs that the Bank of England will decide to keep interest rates on hold this week.
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
UK manufacturing growth accelerates as export orders rise
Greater optimism in PMI survey, adding to signs Bank of England will keep interest rates on hold this week
www.theguardian.com
February 3, 2026 at 7:43 AM
Another one of my pet bugbears is exasperation over a self-flagellating political discourse in the UK that in its obsession with the impact of deindustrialisation ignores how substantial manufacturing in the Midlands, Yorkshire and Northwest of England still is as a player in European supply chains
Reposted by Alexander Clarkson
Epstein-Files: Teile der globalen Eliten haben sich komplett vom gemeinsamen Gesellschaftsvertrag gelöst. Sie fühlen sich dank Geld, Status und Macht unangreifbar.
February 3, 2026 at 7:24 AM
Epstein-Files: Teile der globalen Eliten haben sich komplett vom gemeinsamen Gesellschaftsvertrag gelöst. Sie fühlen sich dank Geld, Status und Macht unangreifbar.
Reposted by Alexander Clarkson
this is also a fun cross-cultural corruption example: Chinese leaders' kids very commonly have their overseas study funded by 'scholarships' set up by businessmen close to their parents
the problem with this newfound “bursary” argument aired in the Times is this:
twhen we first heard about these payments in September a person close to Mandelson said it couldn’t possibly be the case and, er, threatened to sue us
twhen we first heard about these payments in September a person close to Mandelson said it couldn’t possibly be the case and, er, threatened to sue us
February 3, 2026 at 7:29 AM
this is also a fun cross-cultural corruption example: Chinese leaders' kids very commonly have their overseas study funded by 'scholarships' set up by businessmen close to their parents
When I had a weekly column I reckon my weakest pieces were when I felt I had to say something about China or India. It's really important to have an editor who is willing to rein you in
February 3, 2026 at 1:24 AM
When I had a weekly column I reckon my weakest pieces were when I felt I had to say something about China or India. It's really important to have an editor who is willing to rein you in
Will check it out! China is fascinating but as someone specialised on Europe and EU-MENA it's important to know own limitations. So while I am sceptical about transferability of a "China model" or even extent of Chinese power projection capability beyond Indo-Pac the post above is as far as I'd go
February 3, 2026 at 1:22 AM
Will check it out! China is fascinating but as someone specialised on Europe and EU-MENA it's important to know own limitations. So while I am sceptical about transferability of a "China model" or even extent of Chinese power projection capability beyond Indo-Pac the post above is as far as I'd go
Tbh I'm getting increasingly fed up with a China boosterism/hawkishness that seems more about an abstract vision of power than engagement with the everyday challenges of a system that like ours and yours has a mix of strengths and frailties
February 3, 2026 at 1:13 AM
Tbh I'm getting increasingly fed up with a China boosterism/hawkishness that seems more about an abstract vision of power than engagement with the everyday challenges of a system that like ours and yours has a mix of strengths and frailties
China as projection space for European and American anxieties rather than a realistic assessment based on reading and talking with grounded expertise?
February 3, 2026 at 1:11 AM
China as projection space for European and American anxieties rather than a realistic assessment based on reading and talking with grounded expertise?
Reposted by Alexander Clarkson
Allow me to rush to say that economics columnist Adam Tooze knows nothing about Chinese military modernization. Being smart about one thing does not make you smart about everything.
Economics columnist Adam Tooze explores Xi Jinping’s military modernization campaign and Beijing’s yearslong purge of the top ranks of the People’s Liberation Army. foreignpolicy.com/2026/01/30/c...
China Is Building a Better, More Modern Military
Xi’s purges are part of a generational reshuffling of generals.
foreignpolicy.com
February 3, 2026 at 12:43 AM
Allow me to rush to say that economics columnist Adam Tooze knows nothing about Chinese military modernization. Being smart about one thing does not make you smart about everything.
Reposted by Alexander Clarkson
HUGE. A victory for more than a quarter million Haitians with Temporary Protected Status. A significant majority of them entered the United States legally and have never been out of status since.
Even the Trump admin isn't saying Haiti is a safe country for them to go back to.
Even the Trump admin isn't saying Haiti is a safe country for them to go back to.
BREAKING: Judge Ana Reyes, in DC, issues a stay of DHS Sec. Noem’s decision to end Haiti’s temporary protected status (TPS) designation, a decision that was to go into effect on Tuesday and could have ended legal status for up to 350,000 people overnight. storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
February 3, 2026 at 12:46 AM
HUGE. A victory for more than a quarter million Haitians with Temporary Protected Status. A significant majority of them entered the United States legally and have never been out of status since.
Even the Trump admin isn't saying Haiti is a safe country for them to go back to.
Even the Trump admin isn't saying Haiti is a safe country for them to go back to.
Reposted by Alexander Clarkson
💯% here for this.
And if this causes a state's right clash w/Trump's MAGAministration...
here for that, too.
#GoDems
#GoJustice
#GoMidterms
www.startribune.com/minnesota-pr...
And if this causes a state's right clash w/Trump's MAGAministration...
here for that, too.
#GoDems
#GoJustice
#GoMidterms
www.startribune.com/minnesota-pr...
Minnesota prosecutors formally demand evidence from Trump administration over the killing of Renee Good
The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office said it has sent what are known as Touhy letters to gain crime scene evidence from the shooting death of Renee Good by ICE agent Jonathan Ross.
www.startribune.com
February 3, 2026 at 1:00 AM
💯% here for this.
And if this causes a state's right clash w/Trump's MAGAministration...
here for that, too.
#GoDems
#GoJustice
#GoMidterms
www.startribune.com/minnesota-pr...
And if this causes a state's right clash w/Trump's MAGAministration...
here for that, too.
#GoDems
#GoJustice
#GoMidterms
www.startribune.com/minnesota-pr...
Reposted by Alexander Clarkson
The lower courts are serious about upholding the Constitution, and the judges are saying so.
I am so grateful to these judges.
I am so grateful to these judges.
BREAKING: Judge Ana Reyes, in DC, issues a stay of DHS Sec. Noem’s decision to end Haiti’s temporary protected status (TPS) designation, a decision that was to go into effect on Tuesday and could have ended legal status for up to 350,000 people overnight. storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
February 3, 2026 at 1:03 AM
The lower courts are serious about upholding the Constitution, and the judges are saying so.
I am so grateful to these judges.
I am so grateful to these judges.
Reposted by Alexander Clarkson
And even then Trump is probably going to end up losing badly in any escalation between the executive and legislative branches. But the more those risks are anticipated the more likely the damage of Trump and his courtiers flailing around can be contained
February 2, 2026 at 2:03 PM
And even then Trump is probably going to end up losing badly in any escalation between the executive and legislative branches. But the more those risks are anticipated the more likely the damage of Trump and his courtiers flailing around can be contained
Reposted by Alexander Clarkson
It also distracts from potentially more likely scenarios surrounding how an increasingly desperate and radicalised Trump administration responds to a Dem-dominated Congress after January 2027
i think if you post like this without offering concrete steps people can take to prepare for and respond to interference or without any acknowledgement of the success (or lack thereof) of this strategy then you are basically engaged in voter suppression.
February 2, 2026 at 2:00 PM
It also distracts from potentially more likely scenarios surrounding how an increasingly desperate and radicalised Trump administration responds to a Dem-dominated Congress after January 2027
Reposted by Alexander Clarkson
Seeing all the “professional” activists go after Stancil is negatively polarizing me into a stance that Minnesota is winning because it’s normal people rising to the occasion and pushing a lot of activist nonsense out of the way by doing it
February 2, 2026 at 11:08 PM
Seeing all the “professional” activists go after Stancil is negatively polarizing me into a stance that Minnesota is winning because it’s normal people rising to the occasion and pushing a lot of activist nonsense out of the way by doing it
Reposted by Alexander Clarkson
Here we go….
Trump: "These people were brought to our country to vote, & they vote illegally. The Republicans should say, we should take over the voting in at least 15 places. The Republicans ought to nationalize the voting. We have states that I won that show I didn't win. You're gonna see something in Georgia"
February 2, 2026 at 6:11 PM
Here we go….
Reposted by Alexander Clarkson
Three parties - SNP, Lib Dems and Plaid Cymru - now asking for the police to investigate Mandelson.
Hard to recall a worse public scandal than a cabinet minister allegedly colluding with foreign bankers to share market sensitive info and encourage threats against Chancellor
Hard to recall a worse public scandal than a cabinet minister allegedly colluding with foreign bankers to share market sensitive info and encourage threats against Chancellor
February 2, 2026 at 4:08 PM
Three parties - SNP, Lib Dems and Plaid Cymru - now asking for the police to investigate Mandelson.
Hard to recall a worse public scandal than a cabinet minister allegedly colluding with foreign bankers to share market sensitive info and encourage threats against Chancellor
Hard to recall a worse public scandal than a cabinet minister allegedly colluding with foreign bankers to share market sensitive info and encourage threats against Chancellor
Reposted by Alexander Clarkson
the mad thing is that when Mandelson went on the BBC earlier this month for a grand Sunday geopolitical interview, he knew that the FT knew about the Epstein payments to his husband, and that they were about to come out
February 2, 2026 at 2:42 PM
the mad thing is that when Mandelson went on the BBC earlier this month for a grand Sunday geopolitical interview, he knew that the FT knew about the Epstein payments to his husband, and that they were about to come out