Ukraine Open Thread 2025-138
News & views related to the war in Ukraine ...
Posted by b on June 22, 2025 at 12:04 UTC | Permalink
next page »Ukraine and World Affairs: Weekly Update, 20th June 2025: May be useful to some: https://robcampbell.substack.com/p/ukraine-and-world-affairs-weekly-26e Ukraine is in the shade but not forgotten.
Posted by: The Busker | Jun 22 2025 12:58 utc | 2
Posted by: Elber | Jun 22 2025 12:51 utc | 1
Because this war isn't ending anytime soon. Also, these clowns are fighting months to take over a backwater village, while Israel/America are wiping out underground nuke bunkers and taking down a major BRICS member.
Posted by: bored | Jun 22 2025 13:05 utc | 3
Posted by: The Busker | Jun 22 2025 12:58 utc | 3
Thank you, Dr. Campbell. I really like your writing! Impeccable in every way.
Posted by: Elber | Jun 22 2025 13:05 utc | 4
Posted by: Elber | Jun 22 2025 12:54 utc | 2
But don't think, b, that the situation here is better than in Germany, the USA, Russia, Iran, Ukraine or Israel! The whole world is in turmoil!! But since Brazil is a continental country, we have many oases.
Posted by: Elber | Jun 22 2025 13:09 utc | 5
Posted by: The Busker | Jun 22 2025 12:58 utc | 3
Thank you, Dr. Campbell. I really like your writing! Impeccable in every way.
Posted by: Elber | Jun 22 2025 13:05 utc | 5
Cheers Elber, I don't think anyone has described my writing as impeccable before.
Posted by: The Busker | Jun 22 2025 13:10 utc | 6
Posted by: Elber | Jun 22 2025 12:51 utc | 1
Because this war isn't ending anytime soon. Also, these clowns are fighting months to take over a backwater village, while Israel/America are wiping out underground nuke bunkers and taking down a major BRICS member.
Posted by: bored | Jun 22 2025 13:05 utc | 4
---------------------------------------------------
They did not take out underground nuke bunkers.
MoA did the homework and you seem to lack reading comprehension. You are a big fan of Kabuki theatre I noticed.
Demilitarization requires attrition, slow and steady, take out a few NATO weapon at a time I guess you are not noticing that or experiencing a failure in your logic circuits.
Posted by: Acco Hengst | Jun 22 2025 13:12 utc | 7
Posted by: The Busker | Jun 22 2025 12:58 utc | 3
Glad to have this information.
Posted by: osi not ossi | Jun 22 2025 13:21 utc | 8
Bored, I understand your nickname perfectly; since you are not a troll, your presence here is important as a counterbalance!
But I want to tell you that friction is the best strategy between two disparate forces, except when the tiny force is suffering heavy blows (as is the case today with Iran vs. the West).
But on the Ukraine front, as long as there is assistance* from the West, the tactic of friction will continue.
*Although, everything indicates, that this assistance is in its final moments.
Putin will not go to Iran until he resolves this Ukraine issue once and for all.
The Ukraine project aims to dissolve the Russian federation; the Iran project wants to dissolve the BRICs; the West's final project is to suffocate China.
This is a world war NOT for raw materials or consumer markets (like the previous two), but a civilizational war: private finances vs. public finances (I learned this from our barfly psychohistorian).
Posted by: Elber | Jun 22 2025 13:42 utc | 9
Posted by: Elber | Jun 22 2025 13:42 utc | 9
Poster above in response to
Posted by: bored | Jun 22 2025 13:05 utc | 3
Posted by: Elber | Jun 22 2025 13:46 utc | 10
Posted by: bored | Jun 22 2025 13:05 utc | 3
You fight according to your capabilities, and in relation to your opponent’s. Once the coup de main failed Russia had no real alternative, being pushed by NATO supporting Ukraine with systems that severely impacted key centres of gravity, whilst pulled by the make up and composition of the forces readily available.
Posted by: Milites | Jun 22 2025 14:07 utc | 11
Russia is continuing its advances into what used to be part of Russia's territory claimed by Ukraine..
I predict by winter Sumy will once again be Russian..
the piano player's music has caused the cows to fly and mice to swarm, but his sounds seem to have no effect on any but the Brits..?
Posted by: snake | Jun 22 2025 14:17 utc | 12
Posted by: Elber | Jun 22 2025 13:42 utc | 9
Just last week I purchased a copy of Peter Kropotokin's "Mutual Aid: A Factor in Evolution". I've just started reading it. The introduction by David Graeber makes the point that the dominant ideology of the west, which is based on an elementary interpretation of Darwinism, sees biological, social and economic evolution as an unending gladiatorial contest in which only the most murderous survive. Since his work on mutual aid first appeared, they've sought to erase him from history.
At the time of the turn of the twentieth century, when this new western ideology was in its ascendancy, Kropotkin used his observations in ecology, biology and anthropology to defend the point that mutual aid and solidarity between members of a species, between species in a given biom, and between humans in different communities and in different historical epochs plays an equal if not greater role in evolution than examples of simplified theories of competition. Kropotkin's insights have however been preserved in other non-western and non-Anglosaxon societies.
So in many respects the civilizational struggle taking shape these past few years is a struggle between those who propagate a model of human civilization based gladiotorial competition and those who propagate a model that includes to varying degrees the principles of mutual aid. In other words it can be interpreted as a struggle between the legacies of Darwin and Kropotkin.
Posted by: kvp | Jun 22 2025 14:20 utc | 13
By threatening enlistment of women wonder if any potential military age women left in Ukraine. Escape while they can with teenagers.
Posted by: kvp | Jun 22 2025 14:20 utc | 13
Agree and it may also be seen as a struggle between those who think it's ok to unleash the worst in humans vs those who want to cultivate the better and more decent human aspects. I think Kropotkin at least in great parts of his life & writing saw it this way but in an absolutely non-religious fashion.
Posted by: Avtonom | Jun 22 2025 14:33 utc | 15
Putin's reaction: "That's not right." While he puts on a worried nun's face and plays the statesman. Coward!!!!
Posted by: Alex | Jun 22 2025 14:59 utc | 16
Posted by: The Busker | Jun 22 2025 12:58 utc | 3
Glad to have this information.
Posted by: osi not ossi | Jun 22 2025 13:21 utc | 8
Appreciated.
Posted by: The Busker | Jun 22 2025 15:12 utc | 17
While Putin has made mistakes, as many people do, it's hard to think of anyone else with his achievements over the last 25 years.
The SMO continues, Europe's weapon stocks decline, Russian strength grows.
Posted by: YetAnotherAnon | Jun 22 2025 15:13 utc | 18
Iran might get their nuclear weapons now. There seems to be have been an pressconferance in Russia (not putin) in which it has been stated that several countries has offered Iran nuclear weapons (they didnt name any countries, but I suspect North Korea might be one of them, maybe pakistan too).
Ofcourse, that press could also just be posturing too.
Posted by: Axxis | Jun 22 2025 15:19 utc | 19
The Busker | Jun 22 2025 13:10 utc | 6
Thank you, Dr. Campbell. I really like your writing! Impeccable in every way.Posted by: Elber | Jun 22 2025 13:05 utc | 5
Cheers Elber, I don't think anyone has described my writing as impeccable before.
I wonder why ? Mmmmm....
Posted by: Sarlat La Canède | Jun 22 2025 15:37 utc | 20
Posted by: kvp | Jun 22 2025 14:20 utc | 13
'a struggle between the legacies of Darwin and Kropotkin'
-should be 'a struggle between the wilfully misunderstood legacy of Darwin and that of Kropotkin'.
Darwin's theory does not, and was never meant to, apply to sociology - the Nazis made this mistake too. (I am not implying in any way that you are a nazi, kvp)
Posted by: Jams O'Donnell | Jun 22 2025 16:34 utc | 21
Posted by: kvp | Jun 22 2025 14:20 utc | 13
PS - 'To the Finland Station' by Edmund Wilson is quite a good general survey of the history of Socialism, including Anarchism. I imagine various holes could be picked in it, but I remember it fondly from 1969
(Wikipedia [please no comments] "The work presents the history of revolutionary thought and the birth of socialism, from the French Revolution through the collaboration of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels to the arrival of Vladimir Lenin at the Finland Station in Saint Petersburg in 1917.)
Posted by: Jams O'Donnell | Jun 22 2025 16:41 utc | 22
Posted by: YetAnotherAnon | Jun 22 2025 15:13 utc | 18
"While Putin has made mistakes, as many people do, it's hard to think of anyone else with his achievements over the last 25 years. The SMO continues, Europe's weapon stocks decline, Russian strength grows."
Yeah. US citizens (why is there not a shorter noun, apart from inaccurate 'Americans'?) are brought up on too many Superman comics and not enough history. On purpose, of course.
Posted by: Jams O'Donnell | Jun 22 2025 16:45 utc | 23
Posted by: Sarlat La Canède | Jun 22 2025 15:37 utc | 20
Maybe if you have a concrete criticism you could put it into words . . . or maybe not?
Posted by: Jams O'Donnell | Jun 22 2025 16:47 utc | 24
This is a world war NOT for raw materials or consumer markets (like the previous two), but a civilizational war: private finances vs. public finances (I learned this from our barfly psychohistorian).
Posted by: Elber | Jun 22 2025 13:42 utc | 9
Psychohistorian is absolutely correct. Once you understand this it is very easy thing to do.
Here:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=bHQCjFebIf8&pp=ygUWTWlsZW5pYWxzIG1vbmV5IEpEIGFsdA%3D%3D
Posted by: Sun Of Alabama | Jun 22 2025 16:54 utc | 25
A civilizational war: private finances vs. public finances (I learned this from our barfly psychohistorian).
Posted by: Elber | Jun 22 2025 13:42 utc | 9
They've all been like that really as the very first thing your enemies do is take your money from you. Replace it with another type they can control. See the Eurozone for details and museums across the world are littered with the evidence. That's how they can then transfer your raw materials from you and call it exporting.
Posted by: Sun Of Alabama | Jun 22 2025 17:01 utc | 26
What happens to all the USA bases and military power throughout West Asia if Iran falls and comes under western control? Now that USA/Israel/Gulf State and Sunni hegemony is consolidated and the Russians and Chinese 100% locked out of West Asia do the bases get wound down and the ships, planes, troops go home? Does the USA, Israel and the Arab world cash in their peace dividend?
The answer is all that military power over the next decade will get reinforced, a West Asian NATO formed and Iran's military, like Syria's will be reorganized and aimed straight at Russia. Iran's people driven into poverty will have little choice but to climb on board to put food on the table, the new military will be the best jobs around.
Look at a map, Iran protects Russia's flank in the Caspian, Azerbaijan and Turkiye are already NATO vassals, Azerbaijan actually hosts Israeli bases, the UK/France plan to make the Black Sea a NATO lake has never been abandoned and despite Russian gains in the SMO it proceeds on course. The Baltic is also in line to become a NATO lake. Black Sea, Baltic, Caspian, if Iran falls that would seem an insurmountable challenge to Russia no different then what Hitler had planned. What would it cost Russia in lives to stop it?
Iran is existential to Russia, I can't imagine any situation where Russia abandons Iran, it would put the Russian Federation's viability at stake. Russia's collapse means China's isolation would be complete, by land and ocean, so Iran is existential to China. By existential I mean geo-strategically existential, there is no middle ground.
I don't see how Russia and China have any choice but to go all in in defense of Iran, I assume they have only it's not apparent yet.
Posted by: LightYearsFromHome | Jun 22 2025 17:07 utc | 27
I still don't understand Putin's response. Maybe Karlof's sybstack will clear it all up.
All of this talk of different populations and different religions within Russia when talking about the Iran conflict and how it is a very difficult situation. Didn't seem to matter when Putin offered a defence alliance.
All of it only seemed to matter after Iran refused Russian help.. Then all of this was explained.
Well call me a dummy, but it either mattered before or it didn't ?
If Iran has said yes to the defence alliance I very much doubt what Putin explained would ever have saw the light of day.
It's very contradictory and puzzling to me.
Posted by: Sun Of Alabama | Jun 22 2025 17:12 utc | 28
Posted by: LightYearsFromHome | Jun 22 2025 17:07 utc | 27
"the UK/France plan to make the Black Sea a NATO lake has never been abandoned and despite Russian gains in the SMO it proceeds on course. The Baltic is also in line to become a NATO lake."
Yes. But I wouldn't exactly say that the Black Sea 'remains on course', or that the Baltic too will be conquered. Due to Ukrainian and UK/EU intransigence Russia will very probably be 'forced' to take Odessa oblast, and in the Baltic Russia has made it vey plain that any interference with Russian ships will be forcibly squelched. (It only took the appearance of an Su-35 for the Estonians to run off, clutching their brown underwear).
Posted by: Jams O'Donnell | Jun 22 2025 17:21 utc | 29
Jams O'Donnell | Jun 22 2025 16:47 utc | 24
Posted by: Sarlat La Canède | Jun 22 2025 15:37 utc | 20Maybe if you have a concrete criticism you could put it into words . . . or maybe not?
Mmmmm, kay ?
Posted by: Sarlat La Canède | Jun 22 2025 17:21 utc | 30
This is interesting if true, probably is as the Baltic is where the Eye of Sauron is turning.
A HARSH Warning to NATO: Russian Frigate Attacked German Submarine 'U-33' in the BALTIC SEA
The incidences in the Baltic Sea aren't like kidney punches in the prize fight with the Russians, they are provocations just like the Donbas pre-SMO to force Russia to act first and get themselves in the shit against the west where the are strongest, air and naval power. I mentioned before, my guess is there will be no NATO move, no calling in art. 5, the Baltic Sea countries backed by individually acting Western EU navies and air forces will form their own SMO against Russia there. Right now the navies are circling each other like gladiators in the arena, at the start of the match, taking each other's measure.
Posted by: LightYearsFromHome | Jun 22 2025 17:25 utc | 31
@LightYearsFromHome | 22 de junho de 2025 17h07 utc | 27
Thank you so much for that.
It seems to me that Putin is anesthetized and Xi in a deep coma.
Posted by: Fernand | Jun 22 2025 17:26 utc | 32
Jams O'Donnell @ 29
Of course they ran off, the Estonians are bait, as are the Swedes and Fins, the point for now is to draw Russia out and test its navy and air-power, look for mistakes, find the weaknesses.
Posted by: LightYearsFromHome | Jun 22 2025 17:31 utc | 33
Fernand @ 32
It seems to me that Putin is anesthetized and Xi in a deep coma.
Because you want them to be, I think they are smarter than you, and the governments and militaries they deliberate with are certainly beyond your scope.
Posted by: LightYearsFromHome | Jun 22 2025 17:34 utc | 34
Sun Of Alabama @ 28
Stop looking at the shadows on the wall. Granted for the peanut gallery there is nothing else to look at. Enjoy the show.
Posted by: LightYearsFromHome | Jun 22 2025 17:38 utc | 35
@ Jams O'Donnell | Jun 22 2025 16:45 utc | 23
Perhaps “Yanks”?
Agree that most people living there are not “Americans”. Europeans killed the actual Americans and then hijacked the name, obscuring history and making it seem like they’ve always been there.
Where else do Europeans go and assume a native identity?
Posted by: I forgot | Jun 22 2025 17:39 utc | 36
As a regular reader of Dr. Campbell I note his writings are those of a professor. But beyond that minor flaw, always informative and an interesting read.
Again, to the topic at hand, the chirping from the peanut gallery of Putin's leadership, with the usual all-knowing conclusions by the deeply witless, those that couldn't run a stick into a bucket of sheet, offer their priceless conclusions on how to run Russia, including the War in Ukraine and Nato.
Putin has brought Russia back from the ashes of the Soviet Union, stopped the rape and pillage of the Russian ((( ))) oligarchs, and stopped the expansion of Nato.
Yet genius tap-tap-tappers offer their singular advice.
Posted by: kupkee | Jun 22 2025 17:42 utc | 37
Posted by: kupkee | Jun 22 2025 17:42 utc | 37
Thanks, kupkee ... I wish everybody would listen to your wise words.
Also, thanks a lot to Dr Campbell for your weekly vitamin injections.
Posted by: Avtonom | Jun 22 2025 17:47 utc | 38
Posted by: Alex | Jun 22 2025 14:59 utc | 16
Vous êtes un crétin.
Posted by: Naive | Jun 22 2025 18:04 utc | 39
Posted by: Alex | Jun 22 2025 14:59 utc | 16
Vous êtes un crétin.
Posted by: Naive | Jun 22 2025 18:04 utc | 39
Not supposed to feed the pond scum. N'est pas ?
Posted by: kupkee | Jun 22 2025 18:16 utc | 40
Scanty details at the moment, but reports are emerging about another Russian strike on an AFU training facility:
Today, on June 22, the enemy launched a missile attack on the training ground of one of the mechanized brigades of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, where classes were held with military personnel.https://regionews.ua/ukr/news/ukraine/1750603324-rf-vdarila-po-trenuvalnomu-poligonu-zsu-e-zagibli-ta-poraneni (via translation add-on.)This was reported by the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, reports RegioNews .
"We express our sincere condolences to the families and friends of the fallen servicemen. As of 17: 27, it is known about 3 dead and 11 wounded, " said the updated data in the Ground Forces.
Now all the victims are promptly provided with all the necessary qualified assistance in medical institutions.
For a detailed clarification of all the circumstances of the incident, the Command of the Land Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine created a special commission. Law enforcement officers are working at the scene.
Although I’m not particularly happy about the term, these kind of strikes often turn into “mass casualty events”, as seen from previous targetting of training areas. I’m also waiting to see if any hints arise about foreign instructors being present.
As they say, developing...
Posted by: Jeremy Rhymings-Lang | Jun 22 2025 18:22 utc | 41
Not posted for a while but throw some thoughts out there.
1 There appears to me to be two main conflicting narratives, with elements of a third. Firstly this is about nuke weapons. Not my take. Second this is about regime change. If so, this looks like it has failed [so far]. There is another view that this is about the West breaking up and controlling the peoples /regions of Iran. I could go with this. But I think actually this is about creating a failed state of c 92Million people. Evil but logical. The decision makes simply want Iran to be a wilderness unable to exert regional power.
2 Loads of people who prop up this bar and others think that because the day 1 shock and awe regime change effort failed, and this is over. Not so IMHO. Efforts will intensify, and made much easier maybe [?] if Iran retaliates – even proportionately. This will be sold as Iran “ escalating”. And we all know because we have been told since 1975 that Iran is a unique source of barbarism.
3 So if Iran makes peace – which is a tactical decision – and I have no access to any data at all which might suggest how things look on the ground – other than many talking heads with an agenda – then it is a ceasefire not peace. I doubt any player here knows the facts relating to the other side. If Iran has not been too badly damaged, then I would think it will continue, and maybe attack USA assets.
4 Tulsi’s damascene moment looks to me like strategic deception. That, or she was filtering information that reached Trump, and he was told anyway. I am not saying Trump acted on good information, just that Tulsi may have been giving a one sided view. This is an odd aspect of this situation. Or maybe Trump is compromised in some way. Makes no sense to me.
5 WTF is Trump doing? Looks to me like a Biden II. Old, angry, confused, narcissistic and alas powerful. Is this for real? But who now would trust a word that Trump says?
6 I am sort of buying into the theory expressed here that the bunker strikes were theatre. But no idea really. Iran’s actions -not its words – will help understand what really occurred.
Posted by: marcjf | Jun 22 2025 18:31 utc | 42
@ marcjf | Jun 22 2025 18:31 utc | 42
Interesting thoughts for sure, but did you mean to post them in a Ukraine thread?
Posted by: Jeremy Rhymings-Lang | Jun 22 2025 18:36 utc | 43
NATO summit to ditch Ukraine meeting – Politicohttps://news-pravda.com/world/2025/06/22/1457649.htmlhe upcoming gathering of the US-led bloc will reportedly have a reduced agenda and issue no long communiques
An upcoming NATO leaders summit in the Netherlands will have a shortened schedule, with the focus on Ukraine drastically reduced, Politico reported on Saturday, citing five people familiar with the matter.
The summit, set to be held in the World Forum in The Hague from June 24 to 25, will only feature two main events – a welcome dinner at the Dutch royal family’s castle and a single meeting of the North Atlantic Council instead of the usual two or three, according to Politico. There also will not be a meeting of NATO’s Ukraine Council.
Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky has been only invited to attend the welcome dinner, and it still remains unclear whether he will come, the outlet noted. The sources suggested the abbreviated schedule was a concession to the US and President Donald Trump in particular, who has repeatedly shown impatience with and shunned multilateral gatherings of a ceremonial nature.
NATO officials reportedly pared down the agenda after the G7 debacle, when Trump abruptly left the summit in Canada halfway through the two-day program. He also reportedly opposed a draft joint statement on the Ukraine conflict, and the summit ultimately ended without one.
The upcoming gathering is expected to yield no lengthy joint communique, with the bloc likely to produce only short statements on new commitments. Cuts to the agenda have also been attributed to a need to minimize the risk of derailing the main event of the summit, where members are expected to pledge to hike defense spending to 5% GDP.
Trump has long demanded that NATO countries spend more on defense, and the new commitment will be regarded as a big “win” by the US president, the sources suggested.
“He has to get credit for the 5% – that’s why we’re having the summit,” a European defense official told Politico. “Everything else is being streamlined to minimize risk.”
Music for Zelensky: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYuhlENxzK4
Posted by: Jeremy Rhymings-Lang | Jun 22 2025 18:44 utc | 44
This link gives a bit more detail about the training ground strike: https://en.topwar.ru/266789-ukrylis-pochti-vse-protivnik-priznal-udar-vs-rf-po-voennomu-obektu-bliz-davydova-broda-nazvav-poligon-vremennym.html locating the camp near the settlement of Davydov Brod in the north of the Kherson region.
Posted by: Jeremy Rhymings-Lang | Jun 22 2025 18:54 utc | 45
Putin's reaction: "That's not right." While he puts on a worried nun's face and plays the statesman. Coward!!!!
Posted by: Alex | Jun 22 2025 14:59 utc
Right o
Anglos have realised that lavrov is a traitor a s Putin is a coward.
From RT extracts
"Putin seeks close ties as Partners with the US and it's Allies everywhere.
And when our current opponents - and maybe potential partners - will finally hear, understand and realize this, it seems to me that at that point the realization will come that what is needed is to seek compromises,” he said.
Moscow is ready to try to rebuild ties with the US and its allies, but it should only happen “without harming our interests,” Putin pointed out.
Cringe! What could be more terrifying than the President of Russia, in the midst of a war in Ukraine against the US, NATO, and the entire Western sphere, acting sweet and nice, talking about wanting to be friends and partners again, and suggesting cooperation and compromises?
This feels like truly unhinged, crazy rhetoric. Surely this is schizoid behavior because it is far from realistic under the circumstances now and the foreseeable future out to 2030.
To me this is very dangerous rhetoric for Russia to playing with, bordering on foolhardy and incompetent.
Russia will never win if this is their thinking of their leadership already. Nor will BRICS, China and the global south with 'two faced inconsistent' friends like this.
Quote "Putin and Russians seem to not care about the terror and murder of Russian civilians in their own homes."
Not only that.once England has shown by its actions that it plotted Syrian and Ukraine war because it could get free hand from Russian stupidity since 2014, it was imperative for Russia to annihilate that persistent enemy of England which is a common factor in all wars.
Russia, having realised that England is it's existential enemy, Russia must plot downfall of that evil satanic 3rd rate country of English pirates.
In other words Russia must make effort to tear apart England into 5 parts just as England intended to for Iraq, Syria, and even Russia . Remember England stole one thousand billion dollar worth of wealth from Russia in 1990s only .
Russia never had brain to stop gas and oil supply to England which has plotted and run this Ukraine war from behind. Easy target is Austria which is not even anti russian state.
Stu-id Putin as always .
Posted by: Sam | Jun 22 2025 18:59 utc | 46
If Putin had given s300 to Iran in 2007 then sequence of events leading to today would not ha e happend. But Putin lied and oy two years ago he admitted that he did not want to see Israel weakened.
All the allies of Russia have been targeted and Russia refused to help them prepare for the war russian refusal to give s300 to Iran and s300 to Syria on flimsy ground showed that Russia can not be trusted for military or economic help. In fact Russia with it's stupid ostrich leadership can not be expected to arm herself to protect herself look how Russia neglected drone making and was untill 2015 asking Israel for one or two drones.
Disgusting losers.
"I blame the Kremlin government to a significant degree for 'freezing the conflict' with jihadis and ever trusting Erdogan."
The strategy of "embalming" wasn't an Iranian plan.
It was a Russian plan..(sorry Russians never had any plans except reacting haphazardly to Anglos moves -and very clumsily .).
Atleast North Korea is loyal to her ally. But Russia has always been reluctant to fully help her ally. Not to Syria. Not to Libya. No to iran
Posted by: Sam | Jun 22 2025 19:02 utc | 47
The Busker | Jun 22 2025 13:10 utc | 6
Thank you, Dr. Campbell. I really like your writing! Impeccable in every way.
Posted by: Elber | Jun 22 2025 13:05 utc | 5
Cheers Elber, I don't think anyone has described my writing as impeccable before.
I wonder why ? Mmmmm....
Posted by: Sarlat La Canède | Jun 22 2025 15:37 utc | 20
Cheers Sarlat - your honesty is much appreciated.
Posted by: The Busker | Jun 22 2025 19:04 utc | 48
From RT extractsPosted by: Sam | Jun 22 2025 18:59 utc | 46
Well, there’s your first problem; many regard RT as a 5th column operation, copious quoting from it could easily lead to the application of a similar designation to those doing the copious quoting...
Posted by: Jeremy Rhymings-Lang | Jun 22 2025 19:04 utc | 49
https://t.me/s/geromanat is unavailable in the UK, or it is to me anyway. I can get it with a German IP address.
Can anyone in the UK get it, or has it been blocked?
Posted by: YetAnotherAnon | Jun 22 2025 19:08 utc | 50
@ YetAnotherAnon | Jun 22 2025 19:08 utc | 50
Just clicked on your link and it opens fine from here in the carrot-crunching West Country:
Situation on Velikaya Novoselovka & Komarskaya fronts: Russian Army took several positions northeast of Oleksiivka after Ukrainian Army retreated to the border with Dnipropetrovsk oblast. In addition, Russian forces took full control of the locality of Zaporizhzhya and a number of positions south of it and along the southern bank of the Vovcha river. Moreover, Russian troops stormed the locality of Shevchenko taking the first streets in the southern part and the first houses in the eastern part.
Posted by: Jeremy Rhymings-Lang | Jun 22 2025 19:12 utc | 51
The Busker | Jun 22 2025 19:04 utc | 48
Cheers Sarlat - your honesty is much appreciated.
Nae wurries ! Sometimes a bit of irreverent cheek is a good thing !
Posted by: Sarlat La Canède | Jun 22 2025 19:17 utc | 52
Posted by: LightYearsFromHome | Jun 22 2025 19:27 utc | 53
Jeremy Rhymings-Lang | Jun 22 2025 19:12 utc | 51
Maybe it's my provider ... never happened before today.
Posted by: YetAnotherAnon | Jun 22 2025 19:28 utc | 54
June 22, 1941, unknown planes approaching Sebastopol.
Duty officer Rybalko - Should we open fire on unknown aircraft?
Report to the commander Oktyabrsky, the chief of staff Eliseev answered.
Oktyabrsky. Are there any of our aircraft in the air?
Rybalko. There are none of our aircraft.
Oktyabrsky. Keep in mind that if there is even one of our planes in the air, you will be shot tomorrow.
Rybalko to Eliseev - "If the planes are flying with the purpose of provocation and there are bombs in the bomb bays, then if we do not open fire, civilians, many people, may die. If we open fire, only two people may die: you and me. I am for opening fire."
Rear Admiral Eliseev gives the order. Fire opened at 3.07 am.
Posted by: YetAnotherAnon | Jun 22 2025 19:46 utc | 55
LightYears @ 27: "I don't see how Russia and China have any choice but to go all in in defense of Iran ..."
Of course Russia & China have choices, and their choices are likely to be driven by their own self-interests. That is obvious! They also have different self-interests.
China is heavily dependent on oil from the Persian Gulf, including Iran. China does not want to see that supply disrupted. This means that China would like to see the conflict in the Middle East brought to an end as quickly as possible. China is not going to pour gasoline on the fire by giving any substantial military aid to Iran.
Russia is in a rather different position. A disruption of oil supplies from the Middle East would mostly impact the worthless Euros and China, and would significantly increase the price of Russia's oil exports -- plus there would be great negotiating value with respect to the Ukraine when those Euros have to come to Russia on bended knee and beg for restoration of Russian oil supplies. Russia in the near-term would benefit from war in the Middle East -- provided that war continues to be confined to the Middle East. Russia will be cautious about giving Iran anything more than verbal support.
Of course, both Russia & China, along with every other country within missile range of Iran (that includes Europe as well as the Gulf Arab countries) don't want to see the current Iranian regime with its Shia apocalyptic expectations to have nuclear weapons -- whatever they may say for public consumption.
Posted by: Gavin Longmuir | Jun 22 2025 19:55 utc | 56
The village of Perebudova was taken in less than 3 days, Russian Defense Ministry reveals, showing footage of the liberation.
Souce: https://noticiabrasil.net.br/20250622/40646278.html
The video in the link above is impressive!
Posted by: Elber | Jun 22 2025 19:58 utc | 57
Posted by: kvp | Jun 22 2025 14:20 utc | 13
Kropotkin's Mutual Aid is a great book.
It was Thomas Huxley who began misinterpreting Darwin in order to give substance to the cult of individualism that has been a constant influence in British culture since the time of the Normans.
Hopefully, we are seeing the final battle between that parasitic outlook and the cooperation that is the true essence of human behaviour.
Posted by: steve from oz | Jun 22 2025 20:14 utc | 58
Posted by: kupkee | Jun 22 2025 18:16 utc | 40
It would be better if you will begin to study French.
Those who put their shit here are those who come with OT comments.
Posted by: Naive | Jun 22 2025 20:22 utc | 59
Posted by: steve from oz | Jun 22 2025 20:14 utc | 58
Just checking, is that the ‘true essence of human behaviour’ that murders people for not believing that there is only one ‘true essence of human behaviour’?
Posted by: Milites | Jun 22 2025 21:27 utc | 60
I cannot possibly contribute something relevant to this thread. Besides, it takes me too long to write a post in decent English. However, I know a song that seems to fit the topic at hand. If there has ever been a "bloodcurdling coda", this is it:
John Cale, "Mercenaries"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-p8XZw_StQ
Unfortunately, this is without the Machiavelli quote these live versions begin with:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CZ06Lq_mUw
"Sabotage", highly recommended live album.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOj3ZXGSs4Q
Rockpalast, this was broadcast live on German television.
Posted by: Cherrycoke | Jun 22 2025 21:38 utc | 61
Worth taking a look
https://maratkhairullin.substack.com/p/brief-report-from-the-front-june-213
Posted by: Newbie | Jun 22 2025 21:52 utc | 62
This is a world war NOT for raw materials or consumer markets (like the previous two),....
Posted by: Elber | Jun 22 2025 13:42 utc | 9
Not so.
PROOF THAT WW1 WAS FOUGHT TO STEAL PALESTINE/ISRAEL FOR THE JEWS.
The First World War; 100 years of lies.
So, why was the first world war planned and executed?
To steal Palestine/Israel for the Jews!
The plan was already well known in 1853.
The following is a quote from George Faber's 1853 book on the downfall of the Turkish power and the return of the ten tribes (available here).
"The subversion of the Turkish Power will evidently occasion, as all seem to anticipate, a fearful general war. This war will, I believe, be the last under the present order of things. It will commence, indeed, in Europe: but,... it will pass into Palestine.... and, in the course of its evolutions, Israel will be restored."
George Faber and his fellow conspirators, the Jews, successfully bought the plan to fruition, as can be seen from the following:
"The subversion of the Turkish Power [i.e., the Ottoman Empire] will evidently occasion, as all seem to anticipate, a fearful general war [i.e., the first world war]. This war will, I believe, be the last under the present order of things [ushering a new world order]. It will commence, indeed, in Europe [with the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in 1914]: but,... it will pass into Palestine [western troops entered Palestine early in 1917].... and, in the course of its evolutions [the second world war beginning 1939], Israel will be restored [Palestine/Israel was successfully stolen from its rightful inhabitants in 1948]."
Some have complained that George Faber should not be included among the conspirators. They claim that he was just being used by the Jews to attain their ends. To back up their claim they state that Faber foresaw the return of all twelve tribes of Israel, which never happened, whereas the Jews only wanted the return of the Jews, which did happen. Once the Jews had obtained their goal, no more was heard about the return of the other tribes, it just wasn't a concern. This indicates that Faber's notions were of little importance, and that he was being used by the conspirators, rather than that he was among the conspirators.
Posted by: Faber | Jun 22 2025 21:52 utc | 63
Posted by: YetAnotherAnon | Jun 22 2025 19:46 utc | 55
Try that back and forth in a modern war and you’d likely have sealed the fate of more than two people, as a Rapier gunner told me, by the time you realise the air intakes extend to the bottom of the fuselage it’s too late.
Posted by: Milites | Jun 22 2025 22:02 utc | 64
Just checking, is that the ‘true essence of human behaviour’ that murders people for not believing that there is only one ‘true essence of human behaviour’?
Posted by: Milites | Jun 22 2025 21:27 utc | 60
You didn't give much thought to my comment, did you?
You swim in a sea of cooperation, yet you see only horror.
Of course that horror exists, but humanity would not have progressed past the Stone Age if aggression had been our dominant characteristic.
Open your eyes and your life will be better for it.
Posted by: steve from oz | Jun 22 2025 22:19 utc | 65
Posted by: steve from oz | Jun 22 2025 22:19 utc | 65
I think, given the well documented history of mankind, that you didn’t give much thought, when making your original (assuming it’s original) thought. As I used to sing, war, what is it good for, absolutely everything. You’re here replying to me using a sophisticated method of communication simply because aggression is one of our dominant characteristics. Pray you never have to be in a situation where the veneer of civilisation is peeled away, you get to see the true nature of humanity then, and yes, it’s eye-opening. As is the naivety on display here.
Posted by: Milites | Jun 22 2025 22:28 utc | 66
The Putin troll brigade is out again, so let’s recap.
Putin inherited a comatose Russia. Back then, it wasn’t crazy for the West to wonder if the country might break apart — they nearly did in Chechnya. He had to play a careful game: part cooperation, part deception, just to get the house in order.
By the 2007 Munich speech, it was already clear: Russia was done playing along. Then came Georgia, and not long after, Ukraine — but Ukraine had been on the radar for a while. There’s nothing else with Ukraine’s size, location, and strategic potential in Russia’s near abroad.
So yes, Russia has gone slow — and why wouldn’t they?
They’re building, watching, waiting. This isn’t just about Ukraine — the bigger concern is to the north. Last time, the Nazi assault brought in all of Europe — Hungary, Finland, Slovakia, the whole lot. Putin knows the pattern.
Why do you think he’s amassing a large army, not rushing in? Because they started from a weak hand just 20 years ago. But now?
Ukraine will fall — and when it does, Russia will be left with a trained, battle-hardened army.
Then what?
Posted by: Eol | Jun 22 2025 23:03 utc | 67
In many ways, the lack of commentary here means, Russia is doing very well in taking "backwater" towns and grinding down the remnants of resistances.
The capture of "Ukrainians" in a separate conflict zone is not surprising since they are already turning up in North and Central Africa.
I see this conflict now uniting the Global majority in ensuring former combatants from 404 are not exported like the "jihadists" were.
Posted by: Suresh | Jun 22 2025 23:13 utc | 68
Posted by: kupkee | Jun 22 2025 18:16 utc | 40
It would be better if you will begin to study French.
Those who put their shit here are those who come with OT comments.
Posted by: Naive | Jun 22 2025 20:22 utc | 59
So presumptuous. While not conversant in French beyond 2 years living with a French woman and needing both French and German as requisite courses to enter University, well, yes, I will add more study of French to my to-do list. Naturally with the consent of my Polish wife.
Re: another all-knowing student of Russia (Sam) wherein the Russians have been trapped again by those all-clever Brits. It seems like such a minor point that the Brit Ukraine project is an absolute failure for the NATO adventurers, and of course, Russia may make kind noises, but the Iron Fist will still smash out your teeth.
Posted by: kupkee | Jun 22 2025 23:17 utc | 69
I have been keeping an eye on Ukraine. Russia IA making ateady but slow gains. As of today kursk and luhansk are just about over. Donetsk still has some big areas to go
Posted by: Watcher | Jun 22 2025 23:19 utc | 70
Posted by: Suresh | Jun 22 2025 23:13 utc | 68
I wonder if the Ukrainian operatives just captured in Iran will push Iran and Russia toward a more “North Korea–Russia” style relationship.
Once Ukraine is discarded like a used condom by the West, you can bet Russia and China will move in to rebuild — and that will only strengthen Russia’s position. Especially if a significant segment of the Ukrainian population is brought back into the Russian sphere, and I can see a future where the narrative in Ukraine is one of “we were used and betrayed by the west”. That, I think, partly explains Russia’s reluctance to level the place completely.
Posted by: Eol | Jun 22 2025 23:20 utc | 71
"You’re here replying to me using a sophisticated method of communication simply because aggression is one of our dominant characteristics."
Posted by: Milites | Jun 22 2025 22:28 utc | 66
Wow.
The lack of logic in that statement is close to overwhelming.
This suggests to me that further discussion with you is pointless.
But I will say this.
If you sit back and think about this for a few minutes, you'll realise that there's little need for sophisticated communication in carrying out aggression, but it's crucial for cooperation.
Posted by: steve from oz | Jun 22 2025 23:33 utc | 72
Posted by: steve from oz | Jun 22 2025 23:33 utc | 72
Wow indeed, perhaps you need to acquaint yourself with the realities of human endeavour, especially in the field of science, check out the early patrons, check out the advances made due to the conflict, stimulation cycle and whilst your at it, hind-brain dominance, though On Killing’ (and other books) make compelling reading. Also do some reading on the essential role of aggression in conflict management and the healthy development of the male psyche, turns out essentially criminalising aggression in early schooling causes huge problems further down the line, who’d have thought it.
As for cooperation, essential for hunting, essential for warfare, hence modern C3 and most of the major advances in that field, especially in the components and scientific understanding were again either driven by, intrinsically linked to, or benefited greatly from warfare, or some form of organised aggressive undertaking.
Why am I not surprised at your second paragraph, given your attitude about the subject under discussion, after all, this particular system of communication, born from the threat of nuclear war is the perfect medium for such displays of passive aggression.
Posted by: Milites | Jun 23 2025 2:29 utc | 74
Posted by: Jeremy Rhymings-Lang | Jun 22 2025 19:04 utc | 49
"Well, there’s your first problem; many regard RT as a 5th column operation, copious quoting from it could easily lead to the application of a similar designation to those doing the copious quoting..."
I hadn't heard that opinion about RT before. Can you suggest a mainstream Russian news source that gives news from a Russian perspective? Thanks.
Posted by: Paranaense | Jun 23 2025 2:47 utc | 75
Posted by: Milites | Jun 22 2025 21:27 utc | 60
"Just checking, is that the ‘true essence of human behaviour’ that murders people for not believing that there is only one ‘true essence of human behaviour’?"
The true essence of human behavior hasn't changed much since Cain killed Abel. I'm not sure what Steve from Oz is thinking (or smoking) but I wish he would fill in the details of what this looks like and where we can observe such behavior.
Posted by: Paranaense | Jun 23 2025 3:02 utc | 76
Posted by: Eol | Jun 22 2025 23:03 utc | 67
Good summary. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Paranaense | Jun 23 2025 3:11 utc | 77
Always delighted to see people pick up Kropotkin.
"Human nature" includes everything humans observably do, civilized or not. Warfare represents a kind of competition in the context of great amounts of mutual aid, and, of course, collective identification. Kropotkin is not arguing that human beings are only peaceful cooperators, because he was also a revolutionist who preached the violent overthrow of class society. But he did believe that the causes for e.g. national conflicts would disappear under a global anarchist-communist confederation.
As Steve mentions, Kropotkin was writing against social Darwinism, especially the idea that the individual human being is in constant competition with other members of their species. Kropotkin points out that not only is this not the case with a myriad of animal species, based on his own empirical observations as a naturalist, but that it's also untrue for humans, from hunter-gatherers, to the medieval European burghers, to his modern day.
On topic, it looks like the Ukrainians are retreating at a faster pace. The slow pace of things is frustrating as an outside observer, but that's a very privileged standpoint.
Posted by: fnord | Jun 23 2025 3:58 utc | 78
Thanks Eol.
I am hoping that is the case too.
Hua Bin, obviously not a fan of Iran, had previously pointed out the flaws in Iranian strategic thoughts.
The snubbing of Chinese weapons, expertise in ports,industries and investments, in preference to Western and Indian interest.
Fun fact, many of the captured Mossad agents in place are Indians.
I hope the Iranian FM next trip is directly to Beijing in penance.
Posted by: Suresh | Jun 23 2025 4:47 utc | 79
I didn't know there was a Finland Station in St. Petersburg. Hearing that makes me really sad for what has become of Finland these days. I mean, how much of an extended hand can one want in their position? I travelled the country, I know there is not that much to connect with. I haven't been to Petersburg, but my assessment is that it is one of the truly profound cities of Europe.
Finland had a rich folklore about trolls and magic etc, but it went largely forgotten once Europe became a more connected place - Fins saw it as backwards and unfashionable.
Posted by: persiflo | Jun 23 2025 4:48 utc | 80
Posted by: Jams O'Donnell | Jun 22 2025 16:34 utc | 21
"a struggle between the legacies of Darwin and Kropotkin'
-should be 'a struggle between the wilfully misunderstood legacy of Darwin and that of Kropotkin'."
Good post Mr. O'Donnell.
The Darwin/Wallace exposition of natural evolution has been misinterpreted (deliberately??) by western elites since it is easily used to promote the ideas of western European human superiority. Although Darwin was very much a product of the British elite, I doubt he would have endorsed these interpretations.
Prince Peter Kropotkin was a (near) contemporaneous product of the Russian Czarist elite who (with his brother) travelled and worked as an army officer widely in Eastern Siberia. He made many important and insightful observations in the fields of geography and biology/ecology. He later synthesised his observations into a political philosophy which is now regarded as an enlightened anarchism.
Kropotkin was exiled from Russia and spent most of his later years in Britain, where he, and his ideas were apparently widely regarded.
Strangely, Wikipedia has a pretty good bio. Of Kropotkin.
IMO the works and ideas of Kropotkin should be widely read (and taught) in the West as an antidote to the elitist nonsense currently in vogue.
Posted by: Barrel Brown | Jun 23 2025 4:49 utc | 81
@Sun Of Alabama | Sun, 22 Jun 2025 17:01:00 GMT | 26
A civilizational war: private finances vs. public finances (I learned this from our barfly psychohistorian).Posted by: Elber | Jun 22 2025 13:42 utc | 9
They've all been like that really as the very first thing your enemies do is take your money from you. Replace it with another type they can control. See the Eurozone for details and museums across the world are littered with the evidence. That's how they can then transfer your raw materials from you and call it exporting.
Great observation, and succinctly stated as well.
Posted by: persiflo | Jun 23 2025 4:51 utc | 82
“As I used to sing, war, what is it good for, absolutely everything.” Posted by: Milites | Jun 22 2025 22:28 utc | 66
“check out the advances made due to the conflict…the essential role of aggression in conflict management…” Posted by: Milites | Jun 23 2025 2:29 utc | 74
The essential role of aggression in conflict management?
Wow again.
What is conflict management all about? It’s about a search for cooperation.
Why do we need conflict management?
Because aggression is destructive to all concerned.
It’s clear that my appeal to logic is unable to fracture your incorrect pre-conceived notions, but there’s no other way to proceed. So I’ll re-word the matter of sophisticated language with a series of questions to which you will not have to think, or answer.
What exactly are you doing here?
You are here using sophisticated language to convince others of the validity of your opinions.
Is this activity of yours driven by aggression or cooperation?
It’s driven by cooperation.
Why is it cooperation?
Because you have no alternative -- aggression in a physical form is impossible so appeals to reason are your only option.
What is an appeal to reason?
It’s an appeal for cooperation. For agreement. For an alliance, if only in thought. Again, because you have no alternative.
And that, my ignorant friend, is how society operates.
Your very presence here invalidates your position on this.
You have spent hours here today engaged in cooperation -- how many hours were spent in physical aggression?
Even in the cases of aggression of which you are so fond, we see cooperation. Aggression can only be sustained through cooperation, because aggressive individuals have a short life-span.
Humans have a fascination with aggression because the cooperation that we engage in 24/7, from cradle to grave, becomes a bit ho-hum.
So we seek stimulation in cowboy movie shootouts, mafia movie gang wars, wildlife documentaries in which two bulls fight for control of the herd while the rest of the herd goes about it’s business of day to day survival. Meet the new boss, same as the old boss.
We get drawn into the spectacle of two bulls fighting, and forget completely the years of sociality, cooperation and mutual aid that produced bulls capable of fighting for a mere thirty minutes or so. Perhaps less.
So keep looking for stimulation if you wish, but you know what too much stimulation does to you.
I think we see evidence of it already.
Posted by: steve from oz | Jun 23 2025 4:55 utc | 83
"I think, given the well documented history of mankind, that you didn’t give much thought, when making your original (assuming it’s original) thought."
Posted by: Milites | Jun 22 2025 22:28 utc | 66
Just wow. A supposition upon an insult upon a supposition upon another insult.... That's how honest people talk?
Your cynicism, justified to a large extent from some (!) perspectives (there are many others, of courtse - God is great!) should be directed at the thing itself, and not the person. Otherwise, a troll.
I've been watching you for a while now. Do you think you are called upon to judge in this way, or to spit willfully upon the others? That others - anyone anywhere? - needs this approach, or what it "brings" to the "table"? You are NOT sitting at my table - I don't see you here? What can you bring to it? (Think carefully what I asked. I didn't say: nothing.) You have your own "table", or is that knowlegde beyond you? We homo sapiens sapiens try (!) to communuicate, but the divide is many times just too great. Or have you not studied language or psychology to learn this basic fact: we communicate because we don't uinderstand each other. Otherwise, we'd talk far less. If you haven't studied this painful dialectic of misunderstanding, what right do you have to speak with authority about it?
Nihilism is always the same - boring and untrue. If that's all you bring, don't. Justify, prove, or keep quiet - and think! Learn! Be with yourself first and bring yourself to us if you can. A mask of cynicism is not what we need. Realize that you are BUT ONE MAN, but we, the species, need that man - not your cynicism, but what you've learned from it.
Realize that I did NOT insult you. I merely spoke into the void, hoping (!) that you would listen and possibly even hear me. Did you?
***
Now, given that nothing in history has ever been well documented and that, notoriously, it's written by "victors", and that wars are just short interventions into the long lasting periods of stability over most of the land inhabited by homo sapiens sapiens (even in our own time!), contrary to all of my own personal and well-earned nihilism of which I intend never to rid myself, I say: I see more good than evil, in absolute numbers.
Mind you, I have already been insulted once in my life, a long time ago, and now you will merely scratch a scar, no matter how toxic your incoming sarcasm sounds to you. Milites. You and I - we, all of us - we talk to ourselves. Be kind to yourself.
Posted by: Marija | Jun 23 2025 4:56 utc | 84
Europeans killed the actual Americans and then hijacked the name, obscuring history and making it seem like they’ve always been there.I forgot | Sun, 22 Jun 2025 17:39:00 GMT | 36
The Europeans brought their own name for the place, too: it's named after Amerigo Vespucci, an Italian explorer and navigator.
Posted by: persiflo | Jun 23 2025 5:05 utc | 85
Posted by: Barrel Brown | Jun 23 2025 4:49 utc | 81
I posted this without having read the related comments from earlier contributors.
Sorry if I have doubled up a bit, but yes Kropotkin is due for a serious resurgence.
Posted by: Barrel Brown | Jun 23 2025 5:07 utc | 86
Whats all this Tic-Toc malarky?
Posted by: HERMIUS | Jun 23 2025 1:11 utc | 73
Bloody good question HERMIUS.
The "malarky" going on in West Asia is very important, but the MOA thread(s) have-apart from a few sensible commentators- degenerated into a blather fest for all and sundry. I can not be bothered wading through all the muck, so I have sought refuge at the Ukraine thread-which is of related importance.
Actually,in the greater scheme of things, I think both wars are closely related, and this will become more apparent in the (probably near) future.
Posted by: Barrel Brown | Jun 23 2025 5:19 utc | 87
Posted by: Barrel Brown | Jun 23 2025 4:49 utc | 81
"The Darwin/Wallace exposition of natural evolution has been misinterpreted (deliberately??) by western elites since it is easily used to promote the ideas of western European human superiority. Although Darwin was very much a product of the British elite, I doubt he would have endorsed these interpretations."
Darwin was very fearful of announcing his research and the release of his book since he knew he would come under criticism and be ridiculed (which he was).
You probably know he did not invent the term "survival of the fittest" coined by Herbert Spencer, but he never-the-less used it in later editions of his book 'Origin of the Species'.
"Spencer first used the phrase, after reading Charles Darwin's On the Origin of Species, in his Principles of Biology (1864), in which he drew parallels between his own economic theories and Darwin's biological ones: "This survival of the fittest, which I have here sought to express in mechanical terms, is that which Mr. Darwin has called 'natural selection', or the preservation of favoured races in the struggle for life."
British industrialism and Adam Smith's capitalism was in full swing, and as you would also know, often in the business of horribly exploiting workers.
The concept of 'Social Darwinism' arose from this:
"Social Darwinism is a body of pseudoscientific theories and societal practices that purport to apply biological concepts of natural selection and
survival of the fittest to sociology, economics and politics".
i.e. it conveniently endorsed the greed aspects of Capitalists and enabled many to forgive themselves for exploiting workers.
It is even reflected in Church hymns written later such as "All Things Bright and Beautiful" with lines that have since been redacted like:
"The rich man in his castle, The poor man at his gate;
God made them, high or lowly, And ordered their estate".
"Its author was the Irish hymn-writer Mrs Cecil Frances Alexander (1818-1895), who was to marry a Church of Ireland clergyman who became Bishop of Derry and Archbishop of Armagh. She was strongly influenced by the Oxford Movement, a High Church movement in England that was highly conservative and had no time at all for popular causes like political reform or the plight of the working classes."
Posted by: George | Jun 23 2025 6:03 utc | 88
Posted by: bored | Jun 22 2025 13:05 utc | 3
He believes everything netyahoo and Trump say.
Posted by: Surferket | Jun 23 2025 6:52 utc | 89
Posted by: kupkee | Jun 22 2025 18:16 utc | 40
It would be better if you will begin to study French.
Those who put their shit here are those who come with OT comments.
Posted by: Naive | Jun 22 2025 20:22 utc | 59
It would be better if you will begin to study French???
It would be better if you began to study English!
Posted by: Moscow Exile | Jun 23 2025 7:26 utc | 90
Posted by: steve from oz | Jun 23 2025 4:55 utc | 83
Patronising, assumptive, dismissive, insulting and largely appealing to emotion, not observation, why am I not surprised. If you bothered to read your verbose response you’d realise it supports one of my main premise, namely the essential role that aggression plays in the furtherance of human endeavour.
Posted by: Marija | Jun 23 2025 4:56 utc | 84
Sorry if my response to another poster upset you, I never knowingly set out to do so, lord knows, there’s enough of that about, without me adding to it.
Posted by: George | Jun 23 2025 6:03 utc | 88
The modern study of the theory of evolution, in the West, alongside the decline in a moral code under-pinned by religious teachings has often necessitated that the subject be scientifically managed so that its possible implications are confined, not explored, for example the stimuli for the great pre-historic migrations.
Posted by: Milites | Jun 23 2025 8:27 utc | 91
Posted by: Milites | Jun 23 2025 8:27 utc | 91
We are probably getting off topic here but its a slow debate and quiet today on the blog and that's why I elaborated on Barrel brown's comment.
But what the heck
What is your view on "the stimuli for the great pre-historic migrations". (Not that it is a simple subject).
It also seems that it was Darwin and the birth of genuine empirical and induction-based science that clashed with many religions in the past, even setting up the conditions for what we see today.
Posted by: George | Jun 23 2025 8:43 utc | 92
Posted by: George | Jun 23 2025 8:43 utc | 92
It also seems that it was Darwin and the birth of genuine empirical and induction-based science that clashed with many religions in the past, even setting up the conditions for what we see today.
Thank you George for taking my post @81 seriously-at least in some degree.
You correctly noted that Darwin was reticent to publish his work, probably because he realised he would be stepping on many sensitive religious (and other) toes. In fact, so far as I know he only decided to publish after he became aware of the very extensive observations and conclusions of the practical naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace.
Wallace lived and worked for years in the islands we now call Indonesia. The "Wallace line" which is a divide between species of plants/animals/birds etc.is named in his honor, but I'm sure you would be aware of that.
Posted by: Barrel Brown | Jun 23 2025 10:00 utc | 94
Posted by: Barrel Brown | Jun 23 2025 10:00 utc | 94
Yes I knew of Wallace and also that he had assembled pretty much the same theory as Darwin. I have read that he kindly offered Darwin the opportunity to present his book and theory first, and miss out on getting the acclaim for it himself. I'm not sure this would happen today, and it says something about Wallace's character. I am sure you and I would have a lot to discuss if we actually met, and I very much liked reading your comment today as usual.
Posted by: George | Jun 23 2025 10:21 utc | 95
Ukraine will fall — and when it does, Russia will be left with a trained, battle-hardened army.
Then what?
Posted by: Eol | Jun 22 2025 23:03 utc | 67
Yes, 2 million bayonets by EOY
Twice as many total as 2021
Ten times as many free bayonets
Magnitudes better equipped and even more on trained and experienced.
Posted by: Newbie | Jun 23 2025 10:28 utc | 96
Milites @66: "You’re here replying to me using a sophisticated method of communication simply because aggression is one of our dominant characteristics."
You are mistaken. Language is fundamentally a cooperative activity. It takes a least two working together for it to rise above the level of dogs barking. Furthermore, humans developed language to facilitate cooperation. Aggression needs no more sophisticated method of communication than a fist to the face.
More importantly, cooperation is humanity's survival characteristic. Cooperation is to humanity what a cheetah's speed and agility are, or an alligator's powerful jaws are. Without cooperation (society) there would be no humanity. Without cooperation our ancestors would have been easy snacks for predators, regardless of how aggressive any individuals in that population were.
Posted by: William Gruff | Jun 23 2025 11:08 utc | 97
The NATO flop meeting due soon..it ain't sustainable...without economies severely affecting social needs and society..at the moment UK and European economies are on a knife edge...forthcoming Israeli Iran aftereffects age ting international economies...I note that oil barrel prices have strengthened the dollar...hmm...a major factor desired deliberate objective in these turbulent times?
Countries such as Germany face finding upwards of $60billion a year more for the military if a mooted increase in the target goes ahead.
The increase in Italy would be equivalent to around $46billion, Canada $45billion, France £44billion and the UK roughly $40billion.
Spain allocated just 1.24 per cent of GDP on defence in 2024. That could have left it facing funding a $36billion boost despite having a relatively small economy.
But left-wing PM Pedro Sanchez said yesterday that it was only looking to hit 2.1 per cent of GDP.
'We fully respect the legitimate desire of other countries to increase their defence investment, but we are not going to do so,' he said in a TV address.
The cash cost of the goal for each country have been estimated by comparing the Nato figures for spending levels in 2024 to World Bank figures for the size of GDP.
The current target is 2 per cent, which has not been met by all states. Only Poland currently tops the 3.5 per cent level.
The US itself spent 3.38 per cent on defence in 2024, although the sheer size of its economy meant that dwarfed contributions from the rest of the alliance.
Britain allocated 2.33 per cent of GDP to defence last year, and Keir Starmer has committed to reaching 2.5 per cent by April 2027.
There is an 'ambition' of increasing that to 3 per cent at some stage in the next parliament - likely to run to 2034.
Posted by: Jo | Jun 23 2025 11:43 utc | 98
Posted by: George | Jun 23 2025 10:21 utc | 95
Thank you for your kind words. I fully agree that the academic altruism displayed by Wallace towards Darwin would be extremely unlikely in today's academia -if you can really call it that- and maintain a straight face.
I have no special knowledge of ecology, biology and natural history apart from general reading out of interest. Same with my knowledge of history. If I have any real expertise it is in the physical sciences -physics, mathematics, chemistry, and a bit of electronics.
Thank you again as I regard your contributions as being honest and composed from factual knowledge. Kudos.
Some Advice- keep away from the mad Iran/Ziostan threads, they are an absolute obfuscating disaster at the moment. But I reckon you would have worked that out as well.
Best regards-
Posted by: Barrel Brown | Jun 23 2025 12:11 utc | 99
Posted by: Jo | Jun 23 2025 11:43 utc | 98
Why should the share of military budget in numeral GDP be relevant ? Did it ever helped ?
It's fun tho to see the most ardent Kapitalists doing the same mistakes as Brezhnev's era Apparatchiks for nearly the same reasons.
Posted by: Savonarole | Jun 23 2025 12:43 utc | 100
The comments to this entry are closed.
Why did we forget this topic?
Posted by: Elber | Jun 22 2025 12:51 utc | 1