Jim Jim
@jimminycrickets.bsky.social
Foreign policy, internationalism, and any opportunity to learn something new.
Pinned
Jim Jim
@jimminycrickets.bsky.social
· Mar 27
atlasinstitute.org
A lot has been said about the UK Government’s announcement of cuts in foreign aid back in February - my latest piece looks into why ODA is misunderstood generally, some profitable sectors under threat, and why China is best placed to fulfill that financing need.
atlasinstitute.org/british-fore...
atlasinstitute.org/british-fore...
I really really really really hate stuff like this - now I know it’s designed to get views for the articles but you could lead with the actual facts in the headline instead?
E.g. “International law is clear the US doesn’t have a right to Venezuelan oil - why does Miller say they do?”
E.g. “International law is clear the US doesn’t have a right to Venezuelan oil - why does Miller say they do?”
December 18, 2025 at 12:58 PM
I really really really really hate stuff like this - now I know it’s designed to get views for the articles but you could lead with the actual facts in the headline instead?
E.g. “International law is clear the US doesn’t have a right to Venezuelan oil - why does Miller say they do?”
E.g. “International law is clear the US doesn’t have a right to Venezuelan oil - why does Miller say they do?”
Reposted by Jim Jim
Just a tiny reminder: it was the little pigs who won, not the Big Bad Wolf
🚨🚨This is excellent praise for European leaders and they should be proud of their achievements in this regard: www.politico.eu/article/russ...
Putin calls European leaders ‘little pigs’
Russian leader says Europe supported the war in Ukraine to benefit from a Russian collapse.
www.politico.eu
December 18, 2025 at 9:27 AM
Just a tiny reminder: it was the little pigs who won, not the Big Bad Wolf
Reposted by Jim Jim
I think central planning by the dumbest guy you've ever heard of is bad for the economy
Q: Should Netflix be allowed to buy Warner Brothers?
TRUMP: That's a question. They have a very big market share. I'll be involved in that decision
TRUMP: That's a question. They have a very big market share. I'll be involved in that decision
December 8, 2025 at 3:31 AM
I think central planning by the dumbest guy you've ever heard of is bad for the economy
Reposted by Jim Jim
TIL about a memorial ceremony in Iceland in 2019 to mark the end of a glacier, changing the place name from Okjökull to Ok (jökull = glacier). Uncompromising wording on the bronze plaque:
"This is to acknowledge that we know what is happening and what needs to be done. Only you know if we did it".
"This is to acknowledge that we know what is happening and what needs to be done. Only you know if we did it".
December 7, 2025 at 5:17 PM
TIL about a memorial ceremony in Iceland in 2019 to mark the end of a glacier, changing the place name from Okjökull to Ok (jökull = glacier). Uncompromising wording on the bronze plaque:
"This is to acknowledge that we know what is happening and what needs to be done. Only you know if we did it".
"This is to acknowledge that we know what is happening and what needs to be done. Only you know if we did it".
Reposted by Jim Jim
My dad abhors any negative comments about immigrants. Asked him recently why he’s so strong on it: ‘Because we’re always happy to take the rich and clever ones. Which means it’s not about disliking immigrants. It’s about disliking the poor and vulnerable. And that’s a bad human instinct.’
December 7, 2025 at 8:31 AM
My dad abhors any negative comments about immigrants. Asked him recently why he’s so strong on it: ‘Because we’re always happy to take the rich and clever ones. Which means it’s not about disliking immigrants. It’s about disliking the poor and vulnerable. And that’s a bad human instinct.’
Reposted by Jim Jim
This is pretty much exactly like a European saying the United States should be abolished, so that the governments of individual states can better represent their people.
It’s a take, you’re entitled to it, but what’s it got to do with you, buddy?
It’s a take, you’re entitled to it, but what’s it got to do with you, buddy?
December 6, 2025 at 3:39 PM
This is pretty much exactly like a European saying the United States should be abolished, so that the governments of individual states can better represent their people.
It’s a take, you’re entitled to it, but what’s it got to do with you, buddy?
It’s a take, you’re entitled to it, but what’s it got to do with you, buddy?
Reposted by Jim Jim
This is disgusting, un-American, and evil. And the men standing there and grinning are pathetic pieces of dogshit
Trump: "It’s a hellhole right now. And those Somalians should be out of here. They've destroyed our country. And all they do is complain, complain, complain. You have her. She’s always talking about the Constitution provides me with – go back to your own country and figure out your constitution."
December 3, 2025 at 11:00 PM
This is disgusting, un-American, and evil. And the men standing there and grinning are pathetic pieces of dogshit
Reposted by Jim Jim
The Left in 🇪🇺Parliament calls out EU leaders for staying silent as 🇺🇸 prepares to invade 🇻🇪.
"🇨🇴🇲🇽& 🇧🇷strongly oppose 🇺🇸interventionism, yet the European establishment seems not concerned at all" says @botengam.bsky.social. "Why does the EU systematically accept US violations of international law?”
"🇨🇴🇲🇽& 🇧🇷strongly oppose 🇺🇸interventionism, yet the European establishment seems not concerned at all" says @botengam.bsky.social. "Why does the EU systematically accept US violations of international law?”
December 1, 2025 at 4:54 PM
The Left in 🇪🇺Parliament calls out EU leaders for staying silent as 🇺🇸 prepares to invade 🇻🇪.
"🇨🇴🇲🇽& 🇧🇷strongly oppose 🇺🇸interventionism, yet the European establishment seems not concerned at all" says @botengam.bsky.social. "Why does the EU systematically accept US violations of international law?”
"🇨🇴🇲🇽& 🇧🇷strongly oppose 🇺🇸interventionism, yet the European establishment seems not concerned at all" says @botengam.bsky.social. "Why does the EU systematically accept US violations of international law?”
Reposted by Jim Jim
Think this is exactly right - political journalism that is completely abstracted from policy, which was not the norm before 2017, has become the default. Impossible to have a serious attempt to either shrink what the state does or widen the tax base (have to do at least one) on that basis.
All this budget news, claims, counter claims is confusing, but two things of consequence.
1. We're all talking about that, not any financial benefits (or losses) of the budget.
2. Yet more focus on the very weird few weeks and politics of it all. Starting to feel dangerously like a norm.
1. We're all talking about that, not any financial benefits (or losses) of the budget.
2. Yet more focus on the very weird few weeks and politics of it all. Starting to feel dangerously like a norm.
December 1, 2025 at 1:12 PM
Think this is exactly right - political journalism that is completely abstracted from policy, which was not the norm before 2017, has become the default. Impossible to have a serious attempt to either shrink what the state does or widen the tax base (have to do at least one) on that basis.
Reposted by Jim Jim
Ministers now appear to be confirming in broadcast interviews that they would audit and could confiscate assets (including jewellery) excepting wedding rings from the jewellery that they could confiscate.
November 17, 2025 at 9:59 AM
Ministers now appear to be confirming in broadcast interviews that they would audit and could confiscate assets (including jewellery) excepting wedding rings from the jewellery that they could confiscate.
Reposted by Jim Jim
Be clear, the American far right are coming for British democracy.
November 9, 2025 at 8:45 PM
Be clear, the American far right are coming for British democracy.
Reposted by Jim Jim
With 99.7% of the vote counted, D66 is still ahead by 15,000 votes. It seems safe to say they've won.
How did the Netherlands' most pro-EU party come out on top while the far-right PVV of Geert Wilders lost a third of their seats?
I broke it down in my Substack column today:
How did the Netherlands' most pro-EU party come out on top while the far-right PVV of Geert Wilders lost a third of their seats?
I broke it down in my Substack column today:
The most pro-EU party just won big in the Dutch election
D66 had a surprise surge, tripling their seats in yesterday's Netherlands election—and its openly gay leader Rob Jetten is set to become prime minister.
davekeating.substack.com
October 30, 2025 at 2:45 PM
With 99.7% of the vote counted, D66 is still ahead by 15,000 votes. It seems safe to say they've won.
How did the Netherlands' most pro-EU party come out on top while the far-right PVV of Geert Wilders lost a third of their seats?
I broke it down in my Substack column today:
How did the Netherlands' most pro-EU party come out on top while the far-right PVV of Geert Wilders lost a third of their seats?
I broke it down in my Substack column today:
Reposted by Jim Jim
I find it quite remarkable that in the past 8 years, the Netherlands has had no regular government for 2.5 years, or 30% of the time.
For two-and-a-half years the country has been governed by 'demissionary' cabinets with a very limited mandate (prepare elections and take care of ongoing business).
For two-and-a-half years the country has been governed by 'demissionary' cabinets with a very limited mandate (prepare elections and take care of ongoing business).
October 28, 2025 at 11:28 AM
I find it quite remarkable that in the past 8 years, the Netherlands has had no regular government for 2.5 years, or 30% of the time.
For two-and-a-half years the country has been governed by 'demissionary' cabinets with a very limited mandate (prepare elections and take care of ongoing business).
For two-and-a-half years the country has been governed by 'demissionary' cabinets with a very limited mandate (prepare elections and take care of ongoing business).
Reposted by Jim Jim
Perhaps there’s a reason that the Constitution doesn’t leave the powers over taxation and foreign commerce to the whims of one man.
www.wsj.com/politics/pol...
www.wsj.com/politics/pol...
Trump Hikes Tariffs on Canada By 10% Over Ontario Ad
The measure was in response to what the U.S. president called ‘misrepresentation’ of Ronald Reagan’s comments.
www.wsj.com
October 25, 2025 at 9:24 PM
Perhaps there’s a reason that the Constitution doesn’t leave the powers over taxation and foreign commerce to the whims of one man.
www.wsj.com/politics/pol...
www.wsj.com/politics/pol...
Reposted by Jim Jim
Mass deporting millions of people legally living here in order to make the UK "culturally coherent" is "broadly in line" with Conservative party policy, says Kemi Badenoch's spokesman
October 22, 2025 at 6:26 PM
Mass deporting millions of people legally living here in order to make the UK "culturally coherent" is "broadly in line" with Conservative party policy, says Kemi Badenoch's spokesman
Reposted by Jim Jim
A testament to the state of affairs is that I am not sure whether this statement applies to the current UK or German debate, both of which now feature this element.
To be clear: deportations to increase cultural homogeneity is the text book definition of ethnic cleansing. Demands that come even close to this are so far outside any democratic norm and the rule of law. What has happened to a country when this is not condemned in the strongest possible terms?
October 21, 2025 at 10:50 AM
A testament to the state of affairs is that I am not sure whether this statement applies to the current UK or German debate, both of which now feature this element.
Reposted by Jim Jim
Wildly illegal trade policy violating both US and international law, on top of wildly illegal murder of civilians in international & foreign waters, violating both US and international law.
Trump says he's imposing new tariffs on Colombia but won't say what the rate will be
October 20, 2025 at 3:13 AM
Wildly illegal trade policy violating both US and international law, on top of wildly illegal murder of civilians in international & foreign waters, violating both US and international law.
Reposted by Jim Jim
Israel is bombinig Gaza right now www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblo...
Israel continues deadly attacks on Gaza, closes Rafah crossing
At least 38 Palestinians have been killed as the Israeli army commits 47 violations of ceasefire agreement.
www.aljazeera.com
October 19, 2025 at 9:26 AM
Israel is bombinig Gaza right now www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblo...
Reposted by Jim Jim
They’ll tell you fascism in this country is a working-class phenomenon. That’s a lie.
It’s the ruling class, and their snivelling lackeys like Christian here, who want us divided.
Don’t let them win.
It’s the ruling class, and their snivelling lackeys like Christian here, who want us divided.
Don’t let them win.
October 17, 2025 at 3:20 PM
They’ll tell you fascism in this country is a working-class phenomenon. That’s a lie.
It’s the ruling class, and their snivelling lackeys like Christian here, who want us divided.
Don’t let them win.
It’s the ruling class, and their snivelling lackeys like Christian here, who want us divided.
Don’t let them win.
Reposted by Jim Jim
A mainstream “journalist” calling for a British MP to be deported. Is it because I’m Muslim? Next time, just say it with your chest.
October 17, 2025 at 3:20 PM
A mainstream “journalist” calling for a British MP to be deported. Is it because I’m Muslim? Next time, just say it with your chest.
Reposted by Jim Jim
This is not a minor issue: it’s a serious threat to democracy. We’re rapidly transitioning into a world where, as long as you support the president, you can be above the law; if you’re in the opposition, you have a target on your back. Opposition can’t survive under these conditions.
I think at this point it’s fair to say that we’re no longer under the rule of law.
Trump Orders Santos to Be Freed From Prison ‘Immediately’ www.nytimes.com/2025/10/17/u...
Trump Orders Santos to Be Freed From Prison ‘Immediately’ www.nytimes.com/2025/10/17/u...
Trump Orders Santos to Be Freed From Prison ‘Immediately’
www.nytimes.com
October 18, 2025 at 12:54 AM
This is not a minor issue: it’s a serious threat to democracy. We’re rapidly transitioning into a world where, as long as you support the president, you can be above the law; if you’re in the opposition, you have a target on your back. Opposition can’t survive under these conditions.
Reposted by Jim Jim
In short, you can call it a "hamburger" if it contains meat rather than ham, because everyone knows what a hamburger is; but you can't call it a "veggie burger" if it is veggie-based, because that would be confusing. 🙃
Today the EU parliament voted to ban the word burger if they are made with plant protein, instead of animal protein. 🤦🏻♀️
They claim it’s to stop consumers being ‘confused between meat and plant products’ - solving a problem that nobody had!
This new rule leaves a bad taste in the mouth…
They claim it’s to stop consumers being ‘confused between meat and plant products’ - solving a problem that nobody had!
This new rule leaves a bad taste in the mouth…
October 9, 2025 at 8:11 AM
In short, you can call it a "hamburger" if it contains meat rather than ham, because everyone knows what a hamburger is; but you can't call it a "veggie burger" if it is veggie-based, because that would be confusing. 🙃
Reposted by Jim Jim
She's nothing if not predictable, is she? I know the Tories aren't keen on anything Green these days, but pretty much all they've done this week is recycle stuff they've been banging on about--for the most part fruitlessly--for the last decade and a half. And today it's "Mickey Mouse" degrees. 🙄
Badenoch: Curb students taking 'rip-off' degrees such as English
The performing arts, sociology and anthropology are among the subjects the Conservatives would like to cut
inews.co.uk
October 8, 2025 at 7:06 AM
She's nothing if not predictable, is she? I know the Tories aren't keen on anything Green these days, but pretty much all they've done this week is recycle stuff they've been banging on about--for the most part fruitlessly--for the last decade and a half. And today it's "Mickey Mouse" degrees. 🙄