Phil Orchard
@philorchard.bsky.social
Professor of International Relations, Discipline Leader, Politics & Intl Studies @UOW; Co-Director @FutureofRights. International relations, forced and climate displacement & the R2P. Twitter: @p_orchard.
Pinned
Phil Orchard
@philorchard.bsky.social
· Nov 14
Contesting the World: Norm Research Theory and Practice, @antjewiener.bsky.social and my edited book with Cambridge University Press is available here: cambridge.org/au/universit... (you can save 20% using the code CTTW2024)
Reposted by Phil Orchard
It is unfathomable that the USG lawyers would sign off on a no-survivors boat strike (no get of jail free card).
There's clear precedent dating back to World War II trial of Germans for that very act, which lawyers know well.
The Peleus World War II War Crimes Trial
www.usni.org/magazines/na...
There's clear precedent dating back to World War II trial of Germans for that very act, which lawyers know well.
The Peleus World War II War Crimes Trial
www.usni.org/magazines/na...
November 28, 2025 at 7:22 PM
It is unfathomable that the USG lawyers would sign off on a no-survivors boat strike (no get of jail free card).
There's clear precedent dating back to World War II trial of Germans for that very act, which lawyers know well.
The Peleus World War II War Crimes Trial
www.usni.org/magazines/na...
There's clear precedent dating back to World War II trial of Germans for that very act, which lawyers know well.
The Peleus World War II War Crimes Trial
www.usni.org/magazines/na...
Reposted by Phil Orchard
Two Russian shadow fleet tankers in the Black Sea are burning. It seems they were hit by Ukrainian drones, opening up a new front in the naval war, so that justifies an #explodey
November 28, 2025 at 7:46 PM
Two Russian shadow fleet tankers in the Black Sea are burning. It seems they were hit by Ukrainian drones, opening up a new front in the naval war, so that justifies an #explodey
Reposted by Phil Orchard
💥 Russia: Putin's latest intercontinental ballistic missile RS-28 Sarmat (Satan II) failed spectacularly at the Yasnoe cosmodrome test site in Orenburg region.
November 28, 2025 at 7:26 PM
💥 Russia: Putin's latest intercontinental ballistic missile RS-28 Sarmat (Satan II) failed spectacularly at the Yasnoe cosmodrome test site in Orenburg region.
Reposted by Phil Orchard
The new PRC white paper on arms control contains a strong and clear endorsement of China's no-first use policy. Whatever else one might say about the paper or the policy, one can't say it is ambiguous.
November 28, 2025 at 7:50 PM
The new PRC white paper on arms control contains a strong and clear endorsement of China's no-first use policy. Whatever else one might say about the paper or the policy, one can't say it is ambiguous.
Reposted by Phil Orchard
The guy on the right in this picture is my Jewish immigrant great-grandfather. Like Stephen Miller’s great-great-grandfather, he opened a store in Cambria County, PA in the early 20th century. He probably attended synagogue a few times with Miller’s immigrant ancestor.
November 28, 2025 at 7:45 PM
The guy on the right in this picture is my Jewish immigrant great-grandfather. Like Stephen Miller’s great-great-grandfather, he opened a store in Cambria County, PA in the early 20th century. He probably attended synagogue a few times with Miller’s immigrant ancestor.
Reposted by Phil Orchard
Another outcome for which the Kremlin worked, lest we forget. Described in "Road to Unfreedom."
Still reeling from the Stanford report on Brexit. Reduced GDP by up to 8% and investment by as much as 18%. The UK Treasury would have £40 billion more each year if Britain had remained in the EU. Devastating self-immolation.
The Economic Impact of Brexit
Other
siepr.stanford.edu
November 28, 2025 at 8:22 PM
Another outcome for which the Kremlin worked, lest we forget. Described in "Road to Unfreedom."
Reposted by Phil Orchard
I hate the "fuck the outsiders" era the Trump regime is helping pioneer rn
November 28, 2025 at 8:22 PM
I hate the "fuck the outsiders" era the Trump regime is helping pioneer rn
Reposted by Phil Orchard
1/Senior US official caught coaching Russia on how to massage Trump on Ukraine deal. Why? Because we are entering a new international order based not in state interests but clique interests. Welcome to neo-royalism.
www.cambridge.org/core/journal...
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
www.cambridge.org/core/journal...
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Witkoff Advised Russia on How to Pitch Ukraine Plan to Trump
US presidential envoy Steve Witkoff, fresh from the triumph of the Gaza peace deal, held a phone call last month with a senior Kremlin official to suggest they work together on a similar plan for Ukra...
www.bloomberg.com
November 27, 2025 at 12:10 PM
1/Senior US official caught coaching Russia on how to massage Trump on Ukraine deal. Why? Because we are entering a new international order based not in state interests but clique interests. Welcome to neo-royalism.
www.cambridge.org/core/journal...
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
www.cambridge.org/core/journal...
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Reposted by Phil Orchard
A central issue at trial for the My Lai massacre in Vietnam was whether an Army lieutenant, or the Army captain who was his superior, was responsible for the order to leave no survivors.
Neither suggested the SecDef would have given such a command.
Neither suggested the SecDef would have given such a command.
If the U.S. was at war, Pete Hegseth's order would be a war crime, a military lawyer said. Instead, it might just be murder. wapo.st/49KbUJ1
Hegseth order on first Caribbean boat strike, officials say: Kill them all
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a verbal order to kill all crew members in the Sept. 2 strike on a suspected drug boat. Navy SEALs fired a second missile.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 28, 2025 at 6:47 PM
A central issue at trial for the My Lai massacre in Vietnam was whether an Army lieutenant, or the Army captain who was his superior, was responsible for the order to leave no survivors.
Neither suggested the SecDef would have given such a command.
Neither suggested the SecDef would have given such a command.
Reposted by Phil Orchard
really went dark for the sequel
November 28, 2025 at 5:41 PM
really went dark for the sequel
Reposted by Phil Orchard
Australia just recorded zero cervical cancer cases in women under 25 for the first time since records began in 1982. The amazing result of HPV vaccination.
November 28, 2025 at 8:44 PM
Australia just recorded zero cervical cancer cases in women under 25 for the first time since records began in 1982. The amazing result of HPV vaccination.
Reposted by Phil Orchard
Every single congressional Democrat needs to be out there, right now, insisting that Pete Hegseth resign right now and announcing that he will be held accountable for committing war crimes.
If you do not demand accountability here and now, they will only become more emboldened.
If you do not demand accountability here and now, they will only become more emboldened.
Exclusive: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth gave an order to “kill everybody” in the first strike on suspected drug boats in the Caribbean. After two men survived, the mission commander ordered a second strike to comply with Hegseth’s instructions, according to two sources.
Hegseth order on first Caribbean boat strike, officials say: Kill them all
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a verbal order to kill all crew members in the Sept. 2 strike on a suspected drug boat. Navy SEALs fired a second missile.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 28, 2025 at 7:19 PM
Every single congressional Democrat needs to be out there, right now, insisting that Pete Hegseth resign right now and announcing that he will be held accountable for committing war crimes.
If you do not demand accountability here and now, they will only become more emboldened.
If you do not demand accountability here and now, they will only become more emboldened.
Reposted by Phil Orchard
The most hopeful news is the banking crisis. Problem loans (overdue or restructured) are ~10 trillion roubles: 24% of the federal budget.
share-talk.com/russian-bank...
There could be a massive bank bailout within 12 months, esp. if the EU increases sanctions.
intacapitalswiss.com/is-the-russi...
share-talk.com/russian-bank...
There could be a massive bank bailout within 12 months, esp. if the EU increases sanctions.
intacapitalswiss.com/is-the-russi...
Is the Russian Banking System Close to a Systemic Crisis?
Experts in the Russian banking arena, plus a number of Russian banking officials themselves, have advised that the banking system in Russia is close to a systemic* crisis. A number of officials within...
intacapitalswiss.com
November 28, 2025 at 8:50 PM
The most hopeful news is the banking crisis. Problem loans (overdue or restructured) are ~10 trillion roubles: 24% of the federal budget.
share-talk.com/russian-bank...
There could be a massive bank bailout within 12 months, esp. if the EU increases sanctions.
intacapitalswiss.com/is-the-russi...
share-talk.com/russian-bank...
There could be a massive bank bailout within 12 months, esp. if the EU increases sanctions.
intacapitalswiss.com/is-the-russi...
Reposted by Phil Orchard
In 10 days Trump has slurred 4 female reporters as “Horrible” “Piggy,” “Ugly” and “Stupid.” people.com/trump-snaps-...
Trump Snaps at CBS Reporter on Thanksgiving When She Questions His Comments on National Guard Shooting: 'Are You a Stupid Person?'
President Donald Trump snapped at CBS News' Nancy Cordes when she questioned him about something he said during a Thanksgiving press conference, asking her, 'Are you a stupid person?'
people.com
November 28, 2025 at 7:32 PM
In 10 days Trump has slurred 4 female reporters as “Horrible” “Piggy,” “Ugly” and “Stupid.” people.com/trump-snaps-...
Reposted by Phil Orchard
So the Home Office, which is responsible for the welfare of asylum seekers & for determining their claims, has decided to call them “illegal migrants” & tell everyone it’s “furious” about them being here, but I’m sure this is fine and not a symptom of a culture of disbelief & gratuitous cruelty
November 28, 2025 at 9:05 PM
So the Home Office, which is responsible for the welfare of asylum seekers & for determining their claims, has decided to call them “illegal migrants” & tell everyone it’s “furious” about them being here, but I’m sure this is fine and not a symptom of a culture of disbelief & gratuitous cruelty
Reposted by Phil Orchard
Mapping Deportations: What 58 Million Removals Reveal about the History of the U.S. Immigration System
New deportation data project shows that immigration control is not neutral but a racial boundary-making system built across years of policy decisions.
austinkocher.substack.com/p/mapping-de...
New deportation data project shows that immigration control is not neutral but a racial boundary-making system built across years of policy decisions.
austinkocher.substack.com/p/mapping-de...
Mapping Deportations: What 58 Million Removals Reveal about the History of the U.S. Immigration System
Over two centuries of deportation data and restrictive laws show that immigration enforcement is not a neutral process but a racial boundary-making system built across decades of policy decisions.
austinkocher.substack.com
November 27, 2025 at 6:12 PM
Mapping Deportations: What 58 Million Removals Reveal about the History of the U.S. Immigration System
New deportation data project shows that immigration control is not neutral but a racial boundary-making system built across years of policy decisions.
austinkocher.substack.com/p/mapping-de...
New deportation data project shows that immigration control is not neutral but a racial boundary-making system built across years of policy decisions.
austinkocher.substack.com/p/mapping-de...
Reposted by Phil Orchard
This should alarm us all. https://bit.ly/497ap75
More Than 170 U.S. Citizens Have Been Held by Immigration Agents. They’ve Been Kicked, Dragged and Detained for Days.
The government does not track how often immigration agents grab citizens. So ProPublica did. Our tally — almost certainly incomplete — includes people who were held for days without a lawyer. And near...
bit.ly
November 28, 2025 at 4:13 PM
This should alarm us all. https://bit.ly/497ap75
Reposted by Phil Orchard
🔴Delighted to say I'll be doing more reporting for @bylinetimes.bsky.social over the coming months.
My maiden piece is an interview with Lord Alf Dubs on the asylum proposals, which he says are an "historic low" for the Labour party.
My maiden piece is an interview with Lord Alf Dubs on the asylum proposals, which he says are an "historic low" for the Labour party.
“She is doing things that I think are letting this country down".
Labour peer Alf Dubs, who arrived in the UK on the Kindertransport, tells @nicolakellywrites.bsky.social that he is deeply disappointed in Shabana Mahmood and Keir Starmer's betrayal of child refugees
bylinetimes.com/2025/11/28/a...
Labour peer Alf Dubs, who arrived in the UK on the Kindertransport, tells @nicolakellywrites.bsky.social that he is deeply disappointed in Shabana Mahmood and Keir Starmer's betrayal of child refugees
bylinetimes.com/2025/11/28/a...
Alf Dubs Accuses Shabana Mahmood of 'Letting the Country Down' With Plans to Outdo Reform on Asylum
The veteran Labour peer and lifelong campaigner for child refugees, Alf Dubs, tells Byline Times that the Home Secretary's plans are "bitterly disappointing coming from a Labour Government"
bylinetimes.com
November 28, 2025 at 10:14 AM
🔴Delighted to say I'll be doing more reporting for @bylinetimes.bsky.social over the coming months.
My maiden piece is an interview with Lord Alf Dubs on the asylum proposals, which he says are an "historic low" for the Labour party.
My maiden piece is an interview with Lord Alf Dubs on the asylum proposals, which he says are an "historic low" for the Labour party.
Reposted by Phil Orchard
JFC.
Exclusive: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth gave an order to “kill everybody” in the first strike on suspected drug boats in the Caribbean. After two men survived, the mission commander ordered a second strike to comply with Hegseth’s instructions, according to two sources.
Hegseth order on first Caribbean boat strike, officials say: Kill them all
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a verbal order to kill all crew members in the Sept. 2 strike on a suspected drug boat. Navy SEALs fired a second missile.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 28, 2025 at 9:15 PM
JFC.
Reposted by Phil Orchard
One can agree or disagree with the reasons for his decision, but I hope everyone can see the value of politicians standing by their convictions in this way. www.thestar.com/politics/fed...
Steven Guilbeault resigns from Mark Carney’s cabinet
Before entering elected politics, Guilbeault was a famed environmentalist.
www.thestar.com
November 27, 2025 at 9:44 PM
One can agree or disagree with the reasons for his decision, but I hope everyone can see the value of politicians standing by their convictions in this way. www.thestar.com/politics/fed...
Reposted by Phil Orchard
Guilbeault's resignation letter (from post on X):
November 27, 2025 at 10:43 PM
Guilbeault's resignation letter (from post on X):
Reposted by Phil Orchard
This makes me very worried for many of my Burmese- American friends (or green card holders from the various nations within Burma that hold a Burmese passport) www.cnn.com/us/live-news...
Trump administration will reexamine green cards issued to people from 19 countries "of concern"
President Donald Trump has asked for 500 more National Guard troops to be deployed to Washington, DC, following the shooting of two guardsmen. The suspect is in custody and the investigation continues...
www.cnn.com
November 27, 2025 at 9:29 PM
This makes me very worried for many of my Burmese- American friends (or green card holders from the various nations within Burma that hold a Burmese passport) www.cnn.com/us/live-news...
Reposted by Phil Orchard
Putin's plan to end the war in Ukraine.
Cartoon by Michael de Adder
Cartoon by Michael de Adder
November 27, 2025 at 1:10 AM
Putin's plan to end the war in Ukraine.
Cartoon by Michael de Adder
Cartoon by Michael de Adder
Reposted by Phil Orchard
Australia’s emissions down 2.2% last financial year.
Govt says it is the biggest annual drop in gross emissions recorded (ie not counting land/forests).
This has been put out ahead of a dump of climate documents and Chris Bowen making his annual climate statement.
Govt says it is the biggest annual drop in gross emissions recorded (ie not counting land/forests).
This has been put out ahead of a dump of climate documents and Chris Bowen making his annual climate statement.
Australia’s emissions from fossil fuels down as electricity from renewables passes 40%
While greenhouse gas emissions fell 2.2% or 9.9m tonnes last financial year, new policies are needed to meet the 2035 target
www.theguardian.com
November 26, 2025 at 10:06 PM
Australia’s emissions down 2.2% last financial year.
Govt says it is the biggest annual drop in gross emissions recorded (ie not counting land/forests).
This has been put out ahead of a dump of climate documents and Chris Bowen making his annual climate statement.
Govt says it is the biggest annual drop in gross emissions recorded (ie not counting land/forests).
This has been put out ahead of a dump of climate documents and Chris Bowen making his annual climate statement.
Reposted by Phil Orchard
November 25, 2025 at 4:55 PM