Category Archives: war

Greenwald and the problem of legitimate political violence

Posted on November 4, 2014 by lawrence serewicz

In his essay for The Intercept, Glenn Greenwald comments on the terrorist attack in Canada in which two soldiers were struck by a car driven by an Islamic convert.[1] He makes a particular point about the use of the word … Continue reading →

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Israel’s strategy in Gaza; creating liberal democratic tendencies.

Posted on August 14, 2014 by lawrence serewicz

Many observers argue that Israel lacks a strategy in Gaza. If it has a strategy, it is bankrupt because any success does not stop the attacks. A related view argues Israel’s tactical advantage cannot be turned into strategic victory. By … Continue reading →

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A possible Putin strategic apology

Posted on July 21, 2014 by lawrence serewicz

    Some commentators suggest that Mr. Putin is in a difficult position and will find it impossible to explain this event or save face. See for example Tom Nichols excellent piece Panic in Red Square.[1] I believe that reputation … Continue reading →

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A response to Paul Pillar on Ukraine

Posted on April 13, 2014 by lawrence serewicz

In his essay NATO Expansion and the Road to Simferopol Mr Pillar makes several arguments to suggest that the European Union, the United States, and NATO were as much responsible for Russia’s interventions in Ukraine as the Russian. His argument, … Continue reading →

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Has Putin’s claim to bring glory back to Russia masked his betrayal?

Posted on March 23, 2014 by lawrence serewicz

      If Putin wanted to bring glory back to Russia, he would be doing the following. First, he would improve health care[1]. Second, he would improve higher education.[2] Third, he would create jobs.[3] Fourth, he would free his … Continue reading →

Posted in Government, military, statesmanship, strategy, Uncategorized, war | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Surveillance and the experience of technological sin

Posted on March 12, 2014 by lawrence serewicz

Throughout the furore over the NSA revelations, one thing that has remained constant is the way that technology companies and technologists have expressed a certain naiveté over politics. I do not mean that they are unaware of politics. Instead, I … Continue reading →

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My response to the NSA public consultation

Posted on December 20, 2013 by lawrence serewicz

  Background note: In response to the Snowden leaks about the National Security Agency (NSA) surveillance program, a review group was created on August 12, 2013. President Obama directed the establishment of a Review Group on Intelligence and Communications Technologies. Their mission … Continue reading →

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Did the Police take it easy on Mr. Miranda because of a respect for a free press?

Posted on August 22, 2013 by lawrence serewicz

On 18 August, the police stopped Mr. Miranda, the husband of Mr. Glenn Greenwald, under schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act 2006. The debate has focused on whether the United Kingdom government over reacted and used the law inappropriately against … Continue reading →

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A change of name but the journey continues

Posted on July 15, 2013 by lawrence serewicz

I decided it was time to change the name  of the blog. Although, I still believe the word statesmanship is under appreciated and should be used more to understand politics today, I accept that a lot of readers may assume … Continue reading →

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The NSA surveillance state and the illusion of privacy

Posted on July 3, 2013 by lawrence serewicz

The news of the NSA surveillance programme has been met with strong criticism in Europe. The European governments have publicly expressed their concerns about the invasion of privacy and its effect on US-EU relations. The statements, though well meant, ring … Continue reading →

Posted in censorship, Government, privacy, statesmanship, transparency, war | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments