Europe's Eclipse of Intelligence - Democracy

In this fourth article on Europe’s “Eclipse of Intelligence”, after a review of the main economic issues facing Europe and what so obviously should be done about it (but certainly won’t), it’s time to discuss democracy. It is a sensitive topic, because Europeans are so proud of their so-called “democratic” political systems, to the point that it has become almost like new secular religion for many who otherwise, as Solzhenitsyn’s said, suffer from the “illness of emptiness”.

Europe’s Eclipse of Intelligence – Energy

Europeans are being forced into an energy transition through debt-fueled spending that will lead to permanently higher energy prices and stifle European competitiveness.

The previous article about Europe’s “eclipse of intelligence” concerned the failed European economies, of which energy is a part of course. But considering the importance of energy in any economy, and in particular the shocking costs associated with the so-called “energy transition” for the European economies, it seems necessary to dedicate a specific article to this topic.

Europe’s Eclipse of Intelligence – Economy

Most European societies have been living above their means for decades, stifling their economies at the same time. Too much state, and too little freedom.

After the overview intro to this series, it’s time to dig deeper into Europe’s eclipse of intelligence. The notion of lack of intelligence highlights that the decline of Europe is not inevitable or natural, but on the contrary, could have been avoided - and can be remedied - through the application of intelligence broadly defined.

Europe's Eclipse of Intelligence - Introduction

What are the problems of Europe and why? These are the questions that are going to be discussed in this series.

Alexander Solzhenitsyn used the term “Eclipse of Intelligence” in order to describe Europe’s loss of values amidst what he saw as an ever-growing soulless materialism. Though in hindsight it seems like a somewhat exaggerated criticism of Europe of the time, the Russian author’s formula seems particularly apt today, considering the continent’s seeming death wish.

Ukraine's NATO Path and the Bush-Putin Disclosed Transcript of April 6, 2008

US silence and failure to explain why they insisted on NATO membership for Ukraine is very revealing.

The recently FoIA released Bush-Putin verbatim transcripts provide interesting insights into US-Russia relations during the presidency of George W. Bush. Considering the on-going tragedy in Ukraine, the details of the meeting between Bush and Putin in Sochi, Russia on April 6, 2008 is of particular historical interest.

US and EU: A Falling Out Among Thieves?

Many pundits are talking about a split between the United States and Europe, a sort of falling out among thieves, as it were. It may look that way superficially, but is it so? Of course, geography and History will never align the two in terms of strategy and outlook, so the commonality of views are always to some extent imposed and superficial. Nevertheless, the combination of the Five Eyes Anglo-Saxon countries with continental Europe is referred to as the “Collective West” for a reason. In particular in Europe, the US has been involved as peace-maker and political stabilizer since 1945, though sometimes by subterfuge and far from peaceful means.

The Nuanced Natural Rights of the Non-Principled Libertarian

A strong argument against modern ethics of natural rights is the skepticism these often elicit, even among libertarians. If one of these doctrines actually were unassailable, then it presumably would receive overwhelming support in the libertarian community, if not more widely.

A critical review of the normative arguments and the empirical evidence for natural rights seems relevant, therefore, and could lead to a more nuanced and less principled approach. The common modern definition of “natural rights” is used in this context, namely the universal right to self-ownership, homesteading, and private property.

Looking Back on 2025, Buckle Up for 2026!

As a year of tragic events and fraught international relations comes to a close, it’s time to look back on 2025 and prepare for 2026. Our world is in the midst of radical upheaval, the significance of which we generally can only fully grasp in retrospect. Antonio Gramsci’s often quoted sentence seems more apt than ever: “The old world is dying, and the new world struggles to be born: now is the time of monsters.”

Indeed, let us expose again these monsters, one by one. First, it must be admitted that these monstrous entities are mostly Western, with an enormous propensity for lying.

Europe's Delusion With the United States Continues

The reaction to the NSS doc shows that many Europeans still need to wake up from the post-war dream of the USA as their political and economic friend. It was always a delusion.

When the latest US National Security Strategy document came out, many analysts in Europe saw this as a confirmation that the US under the Trump administration is concerned about Europe, wants to support Europe, and selfishly wants Europe to succeed. Regardless of whether this NSS will represent US foreign policy and whether this NSS will actually be implemented, both of which are far for certain, this view of Washington from Europe must be cynically and clearly debunked.

Putin's Old and Recent Mistakes in Dealing with the West

 

God knows Trump is flawed. When Putin was asked in 2024 whether he preferred Biden or Trump, he answered Biden for his predictability. Putin doesn’t understand unpredictable narcissists like Trump; who does? This partly explains some of Putin’s missteps in recent months with respect to Trump and the high-stakes diplomatic game going on between the two superpowers.

But the mistakes go back further in time and are not only related to Trump, but concern Putin’s relationship with the West generally. This is surprising since the Russian president comes across as a balanced, objective and historically-minded thinker; arguably the only real statesman worthy of the name in current times.

The Political Messages in The Mark of Zorro

The Mark of Zorro (1940), directed by Rouben Mamoulian and starring Tyrone Power, Basil Rathbone, and Linda Darnell, stands as one of Hollywood’s most enduring classics. The film truly shines, with its charismatic cast, sharp dialogue, beautiful cinematography, blending romance and witty one-liners with cinema’s best sword fight.

Set in colonial Spanish Los Angeles around 1820, the movie takes viewers back to a conservative and traditional society, very different from L.A. today. Yet, like the original novel from 1919, it explores timeless themes: identity and deception, the inspiring force of heroism, the tension between individual will and societal expectations, and to top it off; justice and political struggle. One reviewer put it well: “The Mark of Zorro emphasizes the significance of fighting against injustice and standing up for what is right, even if it means taking risks and going against societal norms.”

Argentina’s Rocky Road to Economic Freedom

The ascent to power in Argentina of an avowed libertarian, in the person of Javier Milei, was seen not only with excitement by many libertarians but also as a moment of truth. Not only did it show that it was possible to get a majority of the electorate of a large country to vote for a radical agenda of freedom, but it also suggested that libertarians might finally be able to show the entire world that the unhampered free market is not only possible, but also highly beneficial for society.