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After World War II, the Indonesian Communist Party threw itself into democratic politics and outreach to broad segments of society. Western intelligence agencies were worried because they knew that the PKI was not coercing people into giving them power — they were simply growing in popularity.

The picture emerging from this powerful militarist trend illustrates the continuing strength of the mantras inherited from the Cold War, summed up in the notion that more weapons mean more security and that si vis pacem, para bellum (if you want peace, prepare for war).

Until we have proven ourselves worthy to lead, we cannot expect others to march to our drum.

It may be that the vision about the role of popular movements of the latter Berlinguer was too far ahead of its time, but it is still proving to be the only viable alternative to the disasters of the present.

States battle over abortion rights, and the Amazonization of work

Heightened rhetoric about Russia and China seeking to undermine American influence will only reinforce Washington’s support for repressive regimes. The consequences of that could, in turn, prove to be potentially disastrous.