EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Belgian MEP Marc Botenga speaks to Peoples Dispatch about Europe’s growing militarization and the stark choice facing leaders: people or war?

As European governments ramp up defense spending and slash social services, Botenga warns of the dangers of subordination to US interests and the erosion of social rights. ‘Trade war is also war,’ he says, calling for a Europe that prioritizes its people over arms and corporate profits.

📲 Read the full interview: https://peoplesdispatch.org/2025/03/03/what-are-european-leaders-going-to-choose-people-or-war/
#Europe #Militarization #Peace #SocialRights #MarcBotenga #PeoplesDispatch

Trump’s cabinet is a complex web of far-right ideologues, tech libertarians, and anti-China hawks, each with their own agenda. From Peter Thiel’s tech-driven authoritarianism to JD Vance’s nationalist conservatism, the factions within Trump’s administration are reshaping US policy at home and abroad.
This article breaks down the eight key factions of Trump’s cabinet, their key figures, and how their ideologies are influencing US foreign and domestic policy. #Trump #USPolitics #ForeignPolicy #Cabinet #Geopolitics
📖 Read the full analysis on our website.
https://peoplesdispatch.org/2025/03/03/trumps-nationalist-conservative-white-christian-agenda/

As European leaders met in London to discuss Ukraine, one thing became clear: their priority isn’t peace—it’s staying in Trump’s good graces. From militarization to fragile truce proposals, the summit revealed a Europe struggling to balance its support for Ukraine with its reliance on the US.
But activists warn: this isn’t about peace. It’s another step toward war. 💥

#Ukraine #PeaceTalks #StopTheWar
https://peoplesdispatch.org/2025/03/03/europe-fights-for-relevance-in-ukraine-peace-talks/

“Migration is not a crime!”

Students and workers mobilized in cities across the United States in March 3, to mark a “Day without Immigrants” in protest of US President Trump’s ongoing crackdown on immigrants.

📲 Read the full article on our website.
https://peoplesdispatch.org/2025/03/03/migration-is-not-a-crime-workers-and-students-protest-trumps-mass-deportation-efforts/

US economist Jeffrey Sachs reveals the truth behind US foreign policy: regime change operations "are what the CIA does for a living."


Listen to what he told members of the European Parliament in Brussels.
https://x.com/peoplesdispatch/status/1896968242629107975

"How many shocks does Europe need for it to grow up?"

In this powerful piece by Workers' Party of Belgium Secretary General Peter Mertens, the US’s imperialist power play with Zelenskyy exposes Europe’s subjugation and the urgent need for diplomacy over war.

From the humiliation of Ukraine to Europe’s blind allegiance to Washington, Mertens calls for a new path—one rooted in independence, respect for international law, and unity with Global South nations like Brazil and China.

As Europe teeters on the edge of militarization and hysteria, Mertens reminds us to rely on diplomacy.

📖 Read the full article to understand why Europe must reject war and chart its own course.
#Europe #DiplomacyNotWar #PeterMertens #Ukraine #GlobalSouth #Peace

https://peoplesdispatch.org/2025/03/03/europe-does-not-need-a-domestic-trump-clone/

🇨🇳 China has announced additional tariffs of 10-15% on US agricultural and food imports, set to take effect on March 10, in response to the Trump administration’s latest tariff hikes. Beijing has dismissed US allegations about fentanyl as a pretext for a trade war, accusing Washington of disregarding international norms and adopting a "cold war mentality."
The move comes as China also imposes export and investment restrictions on 25 US firms, some of which supply arms to Taiwan. Meanwhile, the US has added new tariffs on Chinese imports, further escalating tensions.
China insists on resolving disputes through equal negotiations, urging the US to abandon unilateralism and protectionism. 🌍💼 #TradeWar #ChinaUSRelations #GlobalEconomy
https://peoplesdispatch.org/2025/03/05/china-responds-to-trumps-tariff-war-with-additional-tariffs-on-imports-from-us/

🌍 A New Era for the Sahel
The Alliance of Sahel States (AES)—Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso—has unveiled a new flag, marking a bold step toward regional unity, economic independence, and security. The flag, featuring a radiant sun, a baobab tree, and silhouetted figures, symbolizes hope, growth, and the shared future of the three nations.
Since withdrawing from ECOWAS earlier this year, the AES has launched a Sahel-wide passport system, established a joint military force, and announced plans for a single currency to reduce reliance on colonial-era systems. These moves reflect a broader push to dismantle colonial legacies and assert sovereignty in the face of external pressures.
The AES’s efforts have drawn widespread support across Africa, with many seeing it as a model for Pan-Africanism and self-reliance. 🌱✊ #AES #Sahel #PanAfricanism #Decolonization
https://peoplesdispatch.org/2025/03/05/sahel-alliance-unveils-new-flag-as-regional-bloc-moves-toward-greater-integration/

"The United States came to the view, especially during 1990-91...that the US now runs the world, and that the US does not have to heed anybody’s views, red-lines, concerns, security viewpoints, international obligations, or any UN framework."

Renowned US economist Jeffrey Sachs addressed the European Parliament in February, shedding light on how the United States has drawn the world into wars across multiple continents—conflicts often fueled by US interests and its military-industrial complex.
https://x.com/peoplesdispatch/status/1897324239054569486

🇨🇳China is "ready to fight till the end" in response to "a tariff war, a trade war, or any other type of war'.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian spoke after US tariffs on China were increased to 20%. Jian criticized the pretext of the Fentanyl crisis for these tariffs and the US' Cold War-era mentality.

Lin Jian emphasized China's readiness to defend its interests and reject unilateralism, calling for equal dialogue and cooperation instead of confrontation.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DG1QYHyKwPp/

🏳️‍🌈🇧🇷PSOL Deputy Erika Hilton spoke during the Paraíso do Tuiuti parade in Rio de Janeiro on the last (official) night of carnaval.

"We are saying: [to this] racist society, transphobic and LGBTphobic society, we are still here!"

The Paraíso do Tuiuti samba school payed homage to Xica Manicongo, the first non-Indigenous trans woman in Brazil's history. Manicongo was kidnapped from the Congo, enslaved in Brazil, and face persecution for dressing as a woman.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DG1wmI3gqQY/?igsh=ZjVyaDFmMHUyMjV1

Is there a path to peace in Ukraine? In this thought-provoking article, Vijay Prashad examines the war’s deadlock, the dangers of permanent conflict, and the urgent need for a security consortium involving neighboring countries. A crucial read for understanding the future of Europe and beyond. 🌍✊ #Ukraine #Peace #VijayPrashad #GlobalAffairs

https://peoplesdispatch.org/2025/03/05/what-are-the-possibilities-for-peace-in-ukraine/

Kenya’s controversial move to host Sudan’s RSF has ignited regional tensions and drawn sharp criticism. With accusations of legitimizing a group linked to war crimes, what are the implications for Sudan—and Africa’s future? 🌍🔥 #Sudan #Kenya #RSF #Geopolitics #Africa
https://peoplesdispatch.org/2025/03/05/kenya-faces-backlash-for-hosting-sudans-rsf-escalating-regional-tensions/

Rima Hassan, a France Unbowed representative in the European Parliament (EP), has faced racist attacks and threats following an interview where she denounced Israel’s occupation of Palestine, criticized Western complicity, and reaffirmed Palestinians’ right to self-determination.
📲 Read the full article on our website.
https://peoplesdispatch.org/2025/03/05/french-mep-rima-hassan-attacked-over-solidarity-with-palestine/