David MacSweeney
@macsdavid.bsky.social
Founder: @9dashline.com
Pinned
David MacSweeney
@macsdavid.bsky.social
· Nov 16
Looking forward to meaningful exchanges and connecting with new people.
Feel free to follow and reach out.
Feel free to follow and reach out.
“Tír gan teanga, tír gan anam”
"A country without a language, is a country without a soul”
As @president.ie Connolly assumed office today, great to see the Irish language placed at the heart of her seven year term — another step in Ireland's long journey of renewal.
"A country without a language, is a country without a soul”
As @president.ie Connolly assumed office today, great to see the Irish language placed at the heart of her seven year term — another step in Ireland's long journey of renewal.
November 11, 2025 at 4:55 PM
“Tír gan teanga, tír gan anam”
"A country without a language, is a country without a soul”
As @president.ie Connolly assumed office today, great to see the Irish language placed at the heart of her seven year term — another step in Ireland's long journey of renewal.
"A country without a language, is a country without a soul”
As @president.ie Connolly assumed office today, great to see the Irish language placed at the heart of her seven year term — another step in Ireland's long journey of renewal.
New AirNZ Christchurch–Cook Islands route set to deepen people-to-people ties at a moment when every opportunity for enhanced regional connectivity faces intense competition.
With Pacific aid set to fall by USD 200m — difficult to ignore the geopolitics around new links like this: shorturl.at/H9ml1
With Pacific aid set to fall by USD 200m — difficult to ignore the geopolitics around new links like this: shorturl.at/H9ml1
Cook Islands tourism set for major lift with new seasonal direct flight
This follows Air New Zealand's announcement of a new seasonal direct flight between Christchurch and Rarotonga from May to October 2026.
shorturl.at
November 4, 2025 at 12:36 AM
New AirNZ Christchurch–Cook Islands route set to deepen people-to-people ties at a moment when every opportunity for enhanced regional connectivity faces intense competition.
With Pacific aid set to fall by USD 200m — difficult to ignore the geopolitics around new links like this: shorturl.at/H9ml1
With Pacific aid set to fall by USD 200m — difficult to ignore the geopolitics around new links like this: shorturl.at/H9ml1
Reposted by David MacSweeney
The Navigator’s October issue — out now!
This month we examine:
• Australia–PNG’s Pukpuk Treaty — where shared identity is redefining defence
• IMF–World Bank & Global South autonomy
Stay ahead with our regional roundup.
Read here: 9dashline.substack.com/p/the-naviga...
Subscribe now!
This month we examine:
• Australia–PNG’s Pukpuk Treaty — where shared identity is redefining defence
• IMF–World Bank & Global South autonomy
Stay ahead with our regional roundup.
Read here: 9dashline.substack.com/p/the-naviga...
Subscribe now!
THE NAVIGATOR
Welcome to the October edition of The Navigator. Alongside our usual roundup of regional developments, this month’s features examine the contrasting models of sovereignty shaping the Indo-Pacific’s ev...
9dashline.substack.com
October 31, 2025 at 1:47 PM
The Navigator’s October issue — out now!
This month we examine:
• Australia–PNG’s Pukpuk Treaty — where shared identity is redefining defence
• IMF–World Bank & Global South autonomy
Stay ahead with our regional roundup.
Read here: 9dashline.substack.com/p/the-naviga...
Subscribe now!
This month we examine:
• Australia–PNG’s Pukpuk Treaty — where shared identity is redefining defence
• IMF–World Bank & Global South autonomy
Stay ahead with our regional roundup.
Read here: 9dashline.substack.com/p/the-naviga...
Subscribe now!
Excellent panel at London’s Frontline Club on the rise of authoritarianism in Southeast Asia.
Insights from @neiloughlin.bsky.social on Cambodia, Paul Chambers with personal experience of Thailand’s lèse-majesté law, and @laujessie.bsky.social on the importance of the Milk Tea Alliance.
Insights from @neiloughlin.bsky.social on Cambodia, Paul Chambers with personal experience of Thailand’s lèse-majesté law, and @laujessie.bsky.social on the importance of the Milk Tea Alliance.
October 30, 2025 at 11:26 PM
Excellent panel at London’s Frontline Club on the rise of authoritarianism in Southeast Asia.
Insights from @neiloughlin.bsky.social on Cambodia, Paul Chambers with personal experience of Thailand’s lèse-majesté law, and @laujessie.bsky.social on the importance of the Milk Tea Alliance.
Insights from @neiloughlin.bsky.social on Cambodia, Paul Chambers with personal experience of Thailand’s lèse-majesté law, and @laujessie.bsky.social on the importance of the Milk Tea Alliance.
Thanks to @lauchinainstitute.bsky.social for bringing together two of the clearest thinkers on US–China relations at a pivotal moment.
Excellent programme of events for #ChinaWeek2025.
Excellent programme of events for #ChinaWeek2025.
October 21, 2025 at 6:57 PM
Thanks to @lauchinainstitute.bsky.social for bringing together two of the clearest thinkers on US–China relations at a pivotal moment.
Excellent programme of events for #ChinaWeek2025.
Excellent programme of events for #ChinaWeek2025.
Psychologists will study this for years.
One interpretation: depicts deep need to purge guilt—dropping filth merely an attempt to transform shame into power. Fake glory (crown) rudimentary effort to mask fear of losing control. Pseudo-dominance is just weakness disguised. But we are all now weaker.
One interpretation: depicts deep need to purge guilt—dropping filth merely an attempt to transform shame into power. Fake glory (crown) rudimentary effort to mask fear of losing control. Pseudo-dominance is just weakness disguised. But we are all now weaker.
Trump posts AI video showing him literally dumping shit on America
October 19, 2025 at 2:05 PM
Psychologists will study this for years.
One interpretation: depicts deep need to purge guilt—dropping filth merely an attempt to transform shame into power. Fake glory (crown) rudimentary effort to mask fear of losing control. Pseudo-dominance is just weakness disguised. But we are all now weaker.
One interpretation: depicts deep need to purge guilt—dropping filth merely an attempt to transform shame into power. Fake glory (crown) rudimentary effort to mask fear of losing control. Pseudo-dominance is just weakness disguised. But we are all now weaker.
*IF* correct, then exposure to Chinese penetration no longer just a UK crisis—serious implications for EU / institutions and broader joint and collective security arrangements.
October 15, 2025 at 2:53 PM
*IF* correct, then exposure to Chinese penetration no longer just a UK crisis—serious implications for EU / institutions and broader joint and collective security arrangements.
"Prabowo has also instructed the Indonesian Armed Forces to prepare peacekeeping troops for possible deployment in the Gaza Strip, depending on the outcome of the peace summit in Egypt and an approval from the UN Security Council.."
www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/gaza-pe...
www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/gaza-pe...
Indonesia President Prabowo takes up ‘sudden invitation’ to attend Gaza peace summit in Egypt
Indonesia is believed to be the only Southeast Asian nation attending the summit on the Gaza war agreement, and one of the few attending countries that has not established diplomatic relations with Is...
www.channelnewsasia.com
October 13, 2025 at 11:25 AM
"Prabowo has also instructed the Indonesian Armed Forces to prepare peacekeeping troops for possible deployment in the Gaza Strip, depending on the outcome of the peace summit in Egypt and an approval from the UN Security Council.."
www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/gaza-pe...
www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/gaza-pe...
Little Green Drones ™
Denmark reports new drone sightings over its biggest military base
Denmark reports new drone sightings over its biggest military base
Unidentified drones spotted at several military sites including the Karup airbase on Friday night
Unidentified drones flew over Danish military sites including its biggest base during Friday night, the latest in a slew of sightings officials have called a “hybrid attack” and hinted at possible Russian involvement.
Drones were spotted at several military sites, a Danish military spokesperson told Agence France-Presse, refusing to provide other details. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
September 27, 2025 at 1:40 PM
Little Green Drones ™
Australia’s decision to formally recognise the State of Palestine stands in contrast to Fiji’s move to double down on its support for Israel (which saw Suva open an embassy in Jerusalem this week) underscoring the range of potential wedge issues now shaping key Pacific relations.
shorturl.at/BTsJJ
shorturl.at/BTsJJ
Fiji defies international pressure with Jerusalem embassy opening - ABC Pacific
As Israel faces genocide allegations at the UN, Fiji opens its Jerusalem embassy, drawing both praise and backlash across the region.
shorturl.at
September 21, 2025 at 2:36 PM
Australia’s decision to formally recognise the State of Palestine stands in contrast to Fiji’s move to double down on its support for Israel (which saw Suva open an embassy in Jerusalem this week) underscoring the range of potential wedge issues now shaping key Pacific relations.
shorturl.at/BTsJJ
shorturl.at/BTsJJ
Putin providing the ideal (worrying) backdrop to @glandsbergis.bsky.social discussion with @gideonrachman.bsky.social on all things NATO, Ukraine and European security.
Listen here: open.spotify.com/episode/25uJ...
Listen here: open.spotify.com/episode/25uJ...
September 19, 2025 at 4:30 PM
Putin providing the ideal (worrying) backdrop to @glandsbergis.bsky.social discussion with @gideonrachman.bsky.social on all things NATO, Ukraine and European security.
Listen here: open.spotify.com/episode/25uJ...
Listen here: open.spotify.com/episode/25uJ...
Reposted by David MacSweeney
New episode 🎙️
In conjunction with the European Parliament in ASEAN
Stefania Benaglia joins @zsuzsettte.bsky.social and @richheydarian.bsky.social to discuss the recent SCO summit, focusing on India’s strategic role and evolving EU–ASEAN dynamics.
Listen here 🎧 open.spotify.com/episode/6FCy...
In conjunction with the European Parliament in ASEAN
Stefania Benaglia joins @zsuzsettte.bsky.social and @richheydarian.bsky.social to discuss the recent SCO summit, focusing on India’s strategic role and evolving EU–ASEAN dynamics.
Listen here 🎧 open.spotify.com/episode/6FCy...
September 17, 2025 at 2:25 PM
New episode 🎙️
In conjunction with the European Parliament in ASEAN
Stefania Benaglia joins @zsuzsettte.bsky.social and @richheydarian.bsky.social to discuss the recent SCO summit, focusing on India’s strategic role and evolving EU–ASEAN dynamics.
Listen here 🎧 open.spotify.com/episode/6FCy...
In conjunction with the European Parliament in ASEAN
Stefania Benaglia joins @zsuzsettte.bsky.social and @richheydarian.bsky.social to discuss the recent SCO summit, focusing on India’s strategic role and evolving EU–ASEAN dynamics.
Listen here 🎧 open.spotify.com/episode/6FCy...
In just 6 years the Solomon Islands has gone from key Taiwan ally to adopting China’s surveillance model including familiarising kids with surveillance drones, fingerprint and data collection.
Few states illustrate the speed of Beijing’s expanding reach more clearly.
www.rnz.co.nz/internationa...
Few states illustrate the speed of Beijing’s expanding reach more clearly.
www.rnz.co.nz/internationa...
China pilots village surveillance in Solomon Islands, seeks stability
Chinese police are piloting fingerprint and data collection to curb social unrest, officials and locals confirmed to Reuters.
www.rnz.co.nz
September 12, 2025 at 7:37 PM
In just 6 years the Solomon Islands has gone from key Taiwan ally to adopting China’s surveillance model including familiarising kids with surveillance drones, fingerprint and data collection.
Few states illustrate the speed of Beijing’s expanding reach more clearly.
www.rnz.co.nz/internationa...
Few states illustrate the speed of Beijing’s expanding reach more clearly.
www.rnz.co.nz/internationa...
Framing some undoubtedly violent protest as potential “terrorism” and "treason" risks shifting ordinary citizens from modest criminals and/or political actors to existential threats.
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08...
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08...
Indonesia's president to revoke some politicians' privileges after protests
The Indonesian president's announcement comes after days of protests across the country.
www.abc.net.au
August 31, 2025 at 12:41 PM
Framing some undoubtedly violent protest as potential “terrorism” and "treason" risks shifting ordinary citizens from modest criminals and/or political actors to existential threats.
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08...
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08...
Reposted by David MacSweeney
It was a pleasure to speak to Hollie McKay for this piece @thecipherbrief.bsky.social on #Myanmar alongside the always stellar Derek Mitchell: www.thecipherbrief.com/myanmars-civ...
Myanmar’s Civil War Is Tearing the Country Apart
And Giving China and Russia a Front Row Seat. What's the Cost of Indifference?
www.thecipherbrief.com
August 30, 2025 at 2:25 PM
It was a pleasure to speak to Hollie McKay for this piece @thecipherbrief.bsky.social on #Myanmar alongside the always stellar Derek Mitchell: www.thecipherbrief.com/myanmars-civ...
Once rare, now common.
The normalisation of state violence in civic spaces is not only reshaping how Europe manages dissent but is also reinforcing perceptions of democratic decline. Each episode makes it harder for Europeans to call out authoritarianism anywhere.
The normalisation of state violence in civic spaces is not only reshaping how Europe manages dissent but is also reinforcing perceptions of democratic decline. Each episode makes it harder for Europeans to call out authoritarianism anywhere.
August 30, 2025 at 5:26 PM
Once rare, now common.
The normalisation of state violence in civic spaces is not only reshaping how Europe manages dissent but is also reinforcing perceptions of democratic decline. Each episode makes it harder for Europeans to call out authoritarianism anywhere.
The normalisation of state violence in civic spaces is not only reshaping how Europe manages dissent but is also reinforcing perceptions of democratic decline. Each episode makes it harder for Europeans to call out authoritarianism anywhere.
Last year in Hiroshima, I stumbled on the exact spot where the world’s first atomic bomb exploded—now a profoundly ordinary street and home to apartments, businesses and a car park.
In the wake of images from Gaza, an important reminder that recovery—though hard—is possible.
In the wake of images from Gaza, an important reminder that recovery—though hard—is possible.
August 6, 2025 at 9:00 PM
Last year in Hiroshima, I stumbled on the exact spot where the world’s first atomic bomb exploded—now a profoundly ordinary street and home to apartments, businesses and a car park.
In the wake of images from Gaza, an important reminder that recovery—though hard—is possible.
In the wake of images from Gaza, an important reminder that recovery—though hard—is possible.
Future museums will see horrified visitors filing past carefully mounted copies of these reports:
news.sky.com/story/more-t...
news.sky.com/story/more-t...
More than 100 people die of hunger in Gaza, including 80 children, say Palestinian officials
Israel controls all supplies entering Gaza and has denied it is responsible for food shortages.
news.sky.com
July 22, 2025 at 6:17 PM
Future museums will see horrified visitors filing past carefully mounted copies of these reports:
news.sky.com/story/more-t...
news.sky.com/story/more-t...
Nothing like digesting Europe’s politics after a trip to Berlin’s leading photography space to remember everyone’s just performing — some just happen to have better lighting.
July 21, 2025 at 8:31 PM
Nothing like digesting Europe’s politics after a trip to Berlin’s leading photography space to remember everyone’s just performing — some just happen to have better lighting.
Brings to mind Omar El Akkad’s chilling book title: One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This.
I think there is a word for this. “The idea of the zone, according to Katz, is to accommodate … 600,000 Palestinians who have been living in the Mawasi area on the coast… after screening them…Palestinians will not be allowed to leave the zone, he said.” timesofisrael.com/katz-calls-for…
https://timesofisrael.com/katz-calls-for…
July 8, 2025 at 11:09 AM
Brings to mind Omar El Akkad’s chilling book title: One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This.
Grateful to @chathamhouse.org and panellists for this evening’s discussion on how the UK can build influence on the Korean Peninsula at a critical moment for European and Indo-Pacific security.
July 2, 2025 at 10:38 PM
Grateful to @chathamhouse.org and panellists for this evening’s discussion on how the UK can build influence on the Korean Peninsula at a critical moment for European and Indo-Pacific security.
Warm London evening offset by some cool-headed analysis.
Thanks to the #LSEFestival for hosting a fantastic discussion on the future of US-China relations with John Ikenberry, Rana Mitter, Peter Trubowitz and Nathalie Tocci.
Thanks to the #LSEFestival for hosting a fantastic discussion on the future of US-China relations with John Ikenberry, Rana Mitter, Peter Trubowitz and Nathalie Tocci.
June 20, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Warm London evening offset by some cool-headed analysis.
Thanks to the #LSEFestival for hosting a fantastic discussion on the future of US-China relations with John Ikenberry, Rana Mitter, Peter Trubowitz and Nathalie Tocci.
Thanks to the #LSEFestival for hosting a fantastic discussion on the future of US-China relations with John Ikenberry, Rana Mitter, Peter Trubowitz and Nathalie Tocci.
Adding Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu—with tiny populations—to the travel ban list is a unforced error. These are critical frontline Indo-Pacific states and says Washington sees you as a problem, not a key strategic partner.
Beijing 'wins' again without lifting a finger: www.rnz.co.nz/internationa...
Beijing 'wins' again without lifting a finger: www.rnz.co.nz/internationa...
Three Pacific nations in Trump's expanded travel ban list
It's part of President Trump's crackdown on foreign nationals from countries that fail to meet "established benchmarks and requirements" for remaining in the US.
www.rnz.co.nz
June 16, 2025 at 4:01 PM
Adding Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu—with tiny populations—to the travel ban list is a unforced error. These are critical frontline Indo-Pacific states and says Washington sees you as a problem, not a key strategic partner.
Beijing 'wins' again without lifting a finger: www.rnz.co.nz/internationa...
Beijing 'wins' again without lifting a finger: www.rnz.co.nz/internationa...
The scramble to stand up VOA Farsi should be an urgent wake-up call about the importance of credible news in contested information spaces.
Whatever damage has been done to US credibility in the Indo-Pacific, a return to 'normal service’ would be welcome and still a strategic 'win' for democracy.
Whatever damage has been done to US credibility in the Indo-Pacific, a return to 'normal service’ would be welcome and still a strategic 'win' for democracy.
WaPo - Voice of America told more than 50 employees to come back to work immediately Friday amid escalating military action between Iran and Israel. https://www.washingtonpost.com/style/media/2025/06/13/voa-staff-iran-israel/
Voice of America brings back 50 staffers amid Iran-Israel conflict
The government-funded broadcaster has fired more than 500 and sidelined 800 more since March.
www.washingtonpost.com
June 15, 2025 at 11:46 AM
The scramble to stand up VOA Farsi should be an urgent wake-up call about the importance of credible news in contested information spaces.
Whatever damage has been done to US credibility in the Indo-Pacific, a return to 'normal service’ would be welcome and still a strategic 'win' for democracy.
Whatever damage has been done to US credibility in the Indo-Pacific, a return to 'normal service’ would be welcome and still a strategic 'win' for democracy.
3.5% shaping up to be the new "tens of thousands".
Nevertheless, a positive step.
Nevertheless, a positive step.
Nato to force UK to lift defence spending to 3.5% of GDP to appease Trump, say sources
Nato to force UK to lift defence spending to 3.5% of GDP to appease Trump, say sources
Starmer bound to accept Mark Rutte’s higher target after announcing ‘Nato-first’ defence strategy, insiders say
Defence sources believe that Britain will be forced to sign up to a target of lifting defence spending to 3.5% of GDP by 2035 at this month’s Nato summit after a campaign by the alliance’s secretary general to keep Donald Trump onboard.
One senior insider said Britain would “without a doubt” sign up to a proposal from the Nato chief, Mark Rutte, to lift allies’ defence spending, which would represent a real-terms increase of about £30bn from the Labour government’s plan. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
June 3, 2025 at 12:10 PM
3.5% shaping up to be the new "tens of thousands".
Nevertheless, a positive step.
Nevertheless, a positive step.