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
Reposted by Alexander Clarkson
New: Together with colleagues I’ve been testing Grok.
The chatbot still produces sexualized images —
even when told the subjects don’t consent.
even when told the photos will be used for public humiliation.
even when told the subjects are survivors of abuse.
www.reuters.com/business/des...
The chatbot still produces sexualized images —
even when told the subjects don’t consent.
even when told the photos will be used for public humiliation.
even when told the subjects are survivors of abuse.
www.reuters.com/business/des...
Exclusive: Despite new curbs, Elon Musk’s Grok at times produces sexualized images - even when told subjects didn’t consent
Elon Musk’s flagship artificial intelligence chatbot, Grok, continues to generate sexualized images of people even when users explicitly warn that the subjects do not consent, Reuters has found.
www.reuters.com
February 3, 2026 at 11:37 AM
New: Together with colleagues I’ve been testing Grok.
The chatbot still produces sexualized images —
even when told the subjects don’t consent.
even when told the photos will be used for public humiliation.
even when told the subjects are survivors of abuse.
www.reuters.com/business/des...
The chatbot still produces sexualized images —
even when told the subjects don’t consent.
even when told the photos will be used for public humiliation.
even when told the subjects are survivors of abuse.
www.reuters.com/business/des...
Reposted by Alexander Clarkson
Things are still bad here in MN. But until Bovino left, the admin would meet each challenge with more escalation. Withdrawing him cracked their resolve. Now they seem increasingly scared to escalate. So they’re stuck. They should simply leave.
HOLY SHIT!!! Lost in the news today is THIS BANGER, wherein THE REGIME TOLD TROOPS IN AK and MN to STAND DOWN!!!
h/t to @maddow.bsky.social !!!!!
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/02/u...
h/t to @maddow.bsky.social !!!!!
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/02/u...
Northern Command Tells N.C., Alaska Troops to Stand Down on Possible Minnesota Deployment
www.nytimes.com
February 3, 2026 at 7:04 AM
Things are still bad here in MN. But until Bovino left, the admin would meet each challenge with more escalation. Withdrawing him cracked their resolve. Now they seem increasingly scared to escalate. So they’re stuck. They should simply leave.
A lot of problems with Polanski's occasional BS artist tendencies and some entrenched Green policy tropes. But that party (as do parts of Labour outside Downing Street's circle) does have a much stronger understanding of how to work with and recruit from civil society networks
February 3, 2026 at 8:49 AM
A lot of problems with Polanski's occasional BS artist tendencies and some entrenched Green policy tropes. But that party (as do parts of Labour outside Downing Street's circle) does have a much stronger understanding of how to work with and recruit from civil society networks
FDR only managed that after the Great Depression hit
February 3, 2026 at 8:41 AM
FDR only managed that after the Great Depression hit
Reposted by Alexander Clarkson
Hadn't previously thought this, but if this Labour government wants to show any understanding of the situation then McSweeney's position is untenable. Now. Not after May.
The change needed is in attitudes more than delivery.
The change needed is in attitudes more than delivery.
February 3, 2026 at 8:33 AM
Hadn't previously thought this, but if this Labour government wants to show any understanding of the situation then McSweeney's position is untenable. Now. Not after May.
The change needed is in attitudes more than delivery.
The change needed is in attitudes more than delivery.
Reposted by Alexander Clarkson
alle preise, die sich nicht auf luxusgüter beziehen, haben einen starken einfluss auf die wahrnehmung der meisten menschen. das war mal eine grundlage jeden ökonomischen denkens.
in unsereren überflussgesellschaften fehlt dafür aber mittlerweile das denken.
in unsereren überflussgesellschaften fehlt dafür aber mittlerweile das denken.
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 8:39 AM
alle preise, die sich nicht auf luxusgüter beziehen, haben einen starken einfluss auf die wahrnehmung der meisten menschen. das war mal eine grundlage jeden ökonomischen denkens.
in unsereren überflussgesellschaften fehlt dafür aber mittlerweile das denken.
in unsereren überflussgesellschaften fehlt dafür aber mittlerweile das denken.
But that arcs back to the central point. A spending surge that doesn't laser focus on well-defined capability priorities increases the risks of leaving dysfunctions untouched or making them worse
February 3, 2026 at 8:39 AM
But that arcs back to the central point. A spending surge that doesn't laser focus on well-defined capability priorities increases the risks of leaving dysfunctions untouched or making them worse
I don't think this kind of political ennui really helps much in any struggle to defend democracy. And elite fatalism certainly doesn't help the many people in civil society doing their best to help their communities in everyday life through anti-racism work, food banks, sports coaching and so on
The thing is, of course, if we put an actual concentrated effort into making people's lives better, it would make people's lives better, regardless of which "indicators" wobbled up or down.
But it's very evident that most voters don't actually care enough about each other to want that.
But it's very evident that most voters don't actually care enough about each other to want that.
My review of @profkepickett.bsky.social's new book, "The Good Society"
"If you’d asked Pickett in 2010 whether she’d have accepted this trade she’d presumably have jumped at it...But now, like most of the rest of us, she’s less than happy with the results."
www.theguardian.com/books/2026/f...
"If you’d asked Pickett in 2010 whether she’d have accepted this trade she’d presumably have jumped at it...But now, like most of the rest of us, she’s less than happy with the results."
www.theguardian.com/books/2026/f...
February 3, 2026 at 8:37 AM
I don't think this kind of political ennui really helps much in any struggle to defend democracy. And elite fatalism certainly doesn't help the many people in civil society doing their best to help their communities in everyday life through anti-racism work, food banks, sports coaching and so on
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.