How a World Order Ends

 

And What Comes in Its Wake

A stable world order is a rare thing. When one does arise, it tends to come after a great convulsion that creates both the conditions and the desire for something new. It requires a stable distribution of power and broad acceptance of the rules that govern the conduct of international relations. It also needs skillful statecraft, since an order is made, not born. And no matter how ripe the starting conditions or strong the initial desire, maintaining it demands creative diplomacy, functioning institutions, and effective action to adjust it when circumstances change and buttress it when challenges come.

Europe will Move Closer to Russia & Greece will Exit Euro

The arrogance of the Obama Administration is tearing the world apart just as the arrogance of the Athenian Empire. In both cases, that self-centeredism of Athens turned her allies to the other side – Sparta. The USA is doing exactly the same thing because human nature never changes. The sanctions were stupid for they only hurt Europeans, not Americans. It sent record numbers of European farmers into financial crisis for no reason whatsoever.

U.S. military urged to follow Canada’s transgender policy

The Canadian Forces has something the American military does not: a policy that allows transgender people to serve. In the U.S., Pentagon rules prohibit transgender members and if they’re discovered, the military can discharge them.

At a conference on Monday in Washington, D.C., Canada was held up as a model for the U.S. to follow, along with other countries that allow transgender members including Australia, the United Kingdom, Sweden and New Zealand.

Canadian Lt.-Cmdr. Nicole Lassaline spoke on a panel about Canada’s policies, medical and otherwise, and best practices, and Cpl. Natalie Murray shared her personal experience as a transsexual woman who transitioned from male to female while in the air force.

“I love my job,” Murray said in an interview. But despite Canada’s more accommodating policy, it still hasn’t been a smooth ride for her over the past decade.