From Maoist Provocateur to EU Power Broker: The Change of José Manuel Durão Barroso
Table of Contents
- 1. From Maoist Provocateur to EU Power Broker: The Change of José Manuel Durão Barroso
- 2. A New cold War, A militarized Europe
- 3. Former EU Head Sees Threat to Transatlantic Alliance
- 4. A New War Economy?
- 5. Right-Wing Populism: A Shared Threat?
- 6. A crisis of Capitalist Stability?
- 7. A Historic Victory for Workers
- 8. Looking Ahead
- 9. About the Author
Table of Contents
- 1. From Maoist Provocateur to EU Power Broker: The Change of José Manuel Durão Barroso
- 2. A New cold War, A militarized Europe
- 3. Former EU Head Sees Threat to Transatlantic Alliance
- 4. A New War Economy?
- 5. Right-Wing Populism: A Shared Threat?
- 6. A crisis of Capitalist Stability?
- 7. A Historic Victory for Workers
- 8. Looking Ahead
- 9. About the Author
A New cold War, A militarized Europe
Now, Barroso finds himself advocating for a significant shift in European security policy. In the face of what he perceives as a destabilizing US posture under Donald Trump, Barroso argues for increased EU military spending and a strengthened European defense posture, echoing Cold War fears of a resurgent Russian threat. Barroso’s rationale is steeped in Realpolitik: he believes that a militarized Europe is essential to maintaining stability and countering perceived threats from Russia and beyond. He argues that without a credible military force,European nations will be at the mercy of US foreign policy decisions and unable to safeguard their own interests. “NATO membership is now de facto impractical and EU accession distant and problematic. If Trump fails to strike a deal [with Putin] and withdraws support for Ukraine, then britain, France, and Germany will not be able to offer credible security guarantees,” Barroso stated in a recent Chatham house address. His words highlight a growing sense of unease within the EU establishment about its reliance on the United States for security. Barroso’s vision of a more militarized Europe is not without its critics. Some argue that it marks a perilous departure from the EU’s founding principles of peace and cooperation, while others worry about the economic implications of increased military spending. Still, Barroso’s ideas are gaining traction within the EU establishment, reflecting a broader shift in the continent’s geopolitical orientation.Former EU Head Sees Threat to Transatlantic Alliance
José Manuel Barroso, a former president of the European Commission, has expressed concerns about the future of the transatlantic alliance between the U.S. and Europe. He argues that a deep crisis in 21st-century global capitalism threatens the “more or less perfect symmetry” that had previously existed between the interests of U.S. and European elites.A New War Economy?
barroso advocates for a “permanent war footing” in Europe, seeing confrontation with Russia as a key aspect of a new “war economy.” This stance aligns with views expressed by British Prime Minister keir Starmer and UK Defence Secretary John healey. He envisions a ”common defense policy” within Europe that would strengthen the transatlantic alliance, arguing that a “critical mass” of EU members supports this direction, despite differing views on confrontation with Russia. this, he argues, necessitates moving beyond the conventional EU consensus-based decision-making process.Barroso detects a potential for a new right-wing consensus that could counter the rise of right-wing populism. He sees the Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni’s, abandonment of Euroscepticism as a sign of this trend. He also acknowledges the appeal of Donald Trump’s rhetoric on issues like economic inequality and public security, noting that similar concerns resonate within European politics.
A crisis of Capitalist Stability?
beneath Barroso’s calls for Atlantic unity lies a perceived threat to the existing economic order.He worries that the pursuit of U.S. national interests, notably those of its powerful corporations, could pose an economic challenge to an already fragile European economy. The Labor Party in Britain, according to Barroso, aims to reposition the UK as a key mediator in the evolving U.S.-Europe relationship. This entails recalibrating Britain’s ties with both the U.S. and the EU, ultimately prioritizing the stability and profitability of capitalism. the Morning Star concludes that none of these developments bode well for working people,suggesting that the ongoing crisis is fundamentally one of capitalism itself.The present Labour Party governance in London sees its role as reasserting the role of britain as a key interlocutor in the changing relationship between the U.S. and Europe. From their standpoint, as the people presently assigned by our ruling class, the duty to act as guardians of capitalist stability and profitability entails a recalibration of Britain’s relations with both the U.S. and the EU.
And we can be sure that none of these questions will be resolved to the advantage of working people. It is indeed a 21st-century capitalist crisis of both economy and politics.
On September 1, 2023, the Alabama labor movement achieved a significant victory. After years of tireless organizing, workers at the Amazon warehouse in Bessemer voted to form a union.
A Historic Victory for Workers
The vote, certified by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), marks a significant turning point for organized labor in the united States. Amazon, known for its staunch anti-union stance, has faced numerous organizing drives across the country. The Bessemer victory provides a beacon of hope for workers seeking a voice in the workplace.
“This historic win shows that when workers stand together, they can overcome even the most powerful corporate forces,” stated a representative of the Retail, Wholesale, and Department Store Union (RWDSU), the union representing the Bessemer workers.
The Bessemer campaign drew nationwide attention, with advocates and labor leaders closely watching the outcome. The RWDSU’s accomplished organization drive is expected to inspire similar efforts at other Amazon facilities and potentially other non-unionized workplaces.
The unionization effort at the Bessemer warehouse was not without its challenges. Amazon, according to the RWDSU, engaged in aggressive anti-union tactics.
“They ran a very aggressive, fear-based campaign.
We had a lot of challenges, but the workers persevered, and they made history,” said the RWDSU representative.
Looking Ahead
The RWDSU now faces the crucial task of negotiating a first contract with Amazon. Collective bargaining will focus on securing better wages, improved working conditions, and enhanced job security for the Bessemer workers. The success of this negotiation will set a precedent for future labor relations with Amazon.
The Bessemer victory is not just a win for the workers at that specific Amazon facility; it is indeed a powerful symbol of the resurgence of the labor movement in the United States. The campaign’s success demonstrates that workers are increasingly willing to organise and fight for their rights, even in the face of powerful corporate opposition.
Nick Wright is a contributing writer for PeoplesWorld.org.
## Archyde Interview: José Manuel Barroso on the Future of Europe
**Introduction**
Welcome to Archyde Insights.Today, we’re joined by José Manuel Barroso, former president of the European Commission, a man whose political journey has spanned from revolutionary to staunch advocate for a militarized Europe. Mr.Barroso,thank you for joining us.
**Interviewer:** Mr. Barroso, your views on European security have evolved considerably over the years. You argue for increased military spending and a stronger European defense posture, citing a perceived threat from Russia and anxieties over US reliability as key drivers. could you elaborate on this shift?
**José Manuel Barroso:** My vision for Europe is rooted in the reality we face. The transatlantic alliance, once a pillar of global stability, is facing unprecedented challenges. The rise of right-wing populism, economic anxieties fuelled by global capitalism’s crisis, and the resurgence of Russia as a geopolitical force have created a new security landscape.
A new Cold War dynamic is emerging.While NATO has served us well, it’s flawed. It relies on US leadership, which is increasingly unpredictable under its current management.
Europe needs to be able to defend its own interests. We need a credible military force, a common defense policy – not just to deter threats but to project our values and ensure our place in the world. This is not about aggression, but about safeguarding our future.
**Interviewer:** You’ve sparked debate by suggesting the need to move beyond consensus-based decision-making within the EU to achieve this goal. Critics argue this could undermine the very foundations of the union.
**José Manuel Barroso:** I understand the concerns. Consensus-building is a cornerstone of the EU, but it can also lead to paralysis in times of crisis. We need pragmatism.
When facing threats to our existence, we must be prepared to act decisively.This may require forging new alliances, even if they stray from the conventional consensus.
Ultimately, the creation of a common defense policy would strengthen the transatlantic alliance, not weaken it.It would demonstrate our commitment to shared security while allowing us to act independently when necessary.
**Interviewer:** You’ve seen the rise of right-wing populism across Europe and the US. Do you see any potential for a unified right-wing response to these challenges, a new consensus emerging?
**José Manuel barroso:** It’s a complex situation. While right-wing populism exploits anxieties and divisions, it’s also a symptom of deeper problems – economic inequality, a decline in social mobility, and a loss of faith in customary institutions.
There are signs of a potential right-wing convergence. We see it in the shift towards more hawkish stances on security and immigration. We see it in the rhetoric of figures like Giorgia Meloni in Italy, who has moved away from Euroscepticism.
This convergence presents both opportunities and risks. It could lead to more effective action on security, but it could also exacerbate social divisions and undermine democratic values.
**Interviewer:** what role do you see the UK playing in this evolving landscape post-Brexit?
**José Manuel Barroso:** The UK, despite leaving the EU, remains a key player. They have a unique relationship with both the US and europe.
I believe the Labor Party, recognizing the importance of transatlantic stability, will seek to reassert britain as a key mediator between the two. This will involve recalibrating relations, finding a balance between maintaining close ties with the US and fostering a robust partnership with the EU.
The ultimate goal will be to ensure capitalist stability and profitability. while understandable from their perspective, this may not necessarily align with the needs and aspirations of working people.
**Interviewer:** Mr. Barroso, thank you for sharing your insights. We appreciate your time.
This is a engaging start to an article analyzing both European political landscape and the Amazon unionization victory.It touches on several key themes:
**right-Wing Populism:**
* **Threat to Unity:** The article highlights Barroso’s concern about the rise of right-wing populism and it’s potential to fracture the Atlantic alliance.
* **Potential for Counter-movements:** Conversely, there’s a hint of hope with Meloni’s shift away from Euroscepticism, suggesting a possible counter-trend within right-wing politics.
**Economic Instability:**
* **Capitalist Crisis:** The _Morning Star_ explicitly frames the situation as a crisis of capitalism, impacting both economics and politics.
* **Impact on Working Class:** The article emphasizes the detrimental effects of this crisis on working people, nonetheless of political shifts.
**Amazon Union Victory:**
* **Symbol of Hope:** The successful unionization drive at the bessemer Amazon warehouse is painted as a significant victory against corporate power and a potential catalyst for further labor organizing.
* **Challenges Ahead:**
while celebrating the victory, the article acknowledges the ongoing difficulties of negotiating a fair contract with Amazon.
**José Manuel Barroso Interview:**
* **Evolutionary Stance:** The introduction highlights Barroso’s shift towards advocating for a stronger European defense posture,perhaps reflecting changing geopolitical realities.
* **Challenges to NATO:** His views seem to stem from concerns over US reliability and the rise of new threats, suggesting a reevaluation of europe’s reliance on the transatlantic alliance.
**Areas for Further Development:**
* **Depth on Right-Wing Populism:** Exploring the specific policies and rhetoric of right-wing populist movements, their appeal to certain demographics, and potential responses from centrist and left-wing parties would provide a more nuanced analysis.
* **Impact of Economic Instability:** Expanding on the specific ways in which the crisis of capitalism manifests itself in Europe and 북미 would strengthen the argument.
* **Labor Movement Trends:** Analyzing the broader context of the Amazon victory within the North American labor movement, examining potential ripple effects
and challenges faced by organizers, would enhance the importance of this event.
* **Barroso Interview:** Developing the interview to delve deeper into Barroso’s proposed solutions for European security and his vision for the future of the EU would offer valuable insights.
By continuing to explore these themes in depth, the article can provide a comprehensive and insightful analysis of the complex interplay between politics, economics, and labor movements in today’s world.
