The United States loves to tell the world that it stands for freedom, democracy and human rights. American presidents speak of freedom as if Washington has been given a moral mandate to define the concept…
“YOU HAVE NO CHOICE”
When US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says that America's allies are either “with us or against us” in the economic pressure on Iran, Norwegian politicians should hear the words for what they really are: a…
This Is an Amoral World
Killed 6,000 Jews: – Fine with it The Norwegian volunteer organisation supplies lethal equipment to Palestinian forces. In a conference room in Oslo, the Norwegian organisation Veteran Aid Palestine gives a talk about its work…
When Sanctions Become State-Sanctioned Piracy
Vladimir Putin recently warned that attacks, harassment and unlawful interference against Russian merchant shipping will be met in the same way as piracy. The statement will naturally be presented as yet another Russian threat. But…
Have Tariffs and Sanctions Become America’s Most Important…
We are told that tariffs and economic sanctions are imposed to defend democracy, human rights and international law. It sounds noble. But is it the whole truth? Or have these instruments increasingly become economic weapons…
Blinken Says It Out Loud: One-on-One, the US…
The United States cannot defeat China alone. That is not a claim from Beijing — it is Antony Blinken's own message. At the Center for American Progress IDEAS conference in May this year, the former…
Article 5 — NATO’s Greatest Bluff?
NATO repeats Article 5 like a creed. An attack on one is an attack on all. The phrase has been used so many times that it is hardly scrutinised any more. It is simply accepted.…
Neutrality Is Not Cowardice. It Is Survival.
Norway likes to describe itself as a nation of peace. A country that builds bridges, negotiates agreements and stands on the side of international law. But what happens when the bridge-builder becomes a frontline state…
Congratulations, USA, on 250 Years on Stolen Land
On 4 July the United States celebrates freedom, independence and 250 years as a nation. The American people have undoubtedly created a great deal. They have given the world technology, culture, inventions, music, industry and…