COP-Out in Dubai
‘It is debatable whether the COP negotiations themselves achieve much, given that a global consensus is typically only possible when the wording is so vague as to mean anything, which is closer to meaning nothing than something…What is clear, however, is that COP has been co-opted by the very form of political economy that provoked its existence. Much like Dubai itself, this is the sort of event that only late-stage capitalism might produce—a monument to the branding-industrial complex. One cannot help but sense that in its contradictions and shallow affect, COP is less a cure for what ails us, but rather a symptom of the problem to be cured.’
Viktor Orbán Discusses US–Hungary Relations with Donald Trump Jr
Viktor Orbán exchanged views with his guest on the future of Hungarian-American relations, illegal migration, and the peace-making possibilities for ending the Russian–Ukrainian war, Bertalan Havasi said.
The Ideal Concept of the Rule of Law
‘From a sovereigntist standpoint, we need a rule of law conception that doesn’t concede any authority over domestic affairs to supranational organizations and international bureaucracies. Eurocrats instrumentalize courts to promote their federalist agenda through seemingly neutral rulings about the rule of law. A sovereigntist approach to the rule of law should also include the protection of national courts’ authority. We need a rule of law conception that protects national constitutional identity.’
Modern Western Culture as the Catalyst of the Age of Depression
‘Whereas in pre-modern Western culture pride and self-respect were derived from involvement in family, community, work and religion, individuals are nowadays left with nothing but their individualism and inner experiences…When this is insufficient, many people attempt to find their salvation…in materialism and consumption, which have become the primary culturally accepted forms of meaning.’
Building Bridges to Protect the Youth — The Hungarian Way
‘The Criminal Code now stipulates that sexual crimes against people under 18 shall never lapse. To make the legal consequences of these heinous crimes even more severe, people convicted of imprisonment for such crimes shall not be released on probation. Perpetrators of these crimes will not be able to obtain parole, reintegration custody, or a certificate of good conduct.’
More than 50 years of Enchantment with Scouting — A Conversation with Irén Dala
‘Another important point is that the goal of scouting is character development, not religious education…We’re aware that the world has changed, so expecting every scout to be religious and attend church isn’t realistic. But we do integrate faith in God into our scout work.’
Remembering a Monster: The East German Stasi Founded 75 Years Ago
‘The Ministry of Security, like other Eastern European services, kept a tab on almost every workspace and its “characters of interest” through the pervasive use of civilian informants. “Anti-state activity” was not necessarily stifled with apparent repression; the “black car” did not necessarily come for “wrongdoers”, but they were relentlessly bullied into submission by making the everyday life of them and their families unbearable.’
The Sources of Hungarian Conduct — Part IV
‘Hungary remains a major source of electricity and fuel for Ukraine and has carried out its largest humanitarian operation to date, hosting around one million Ukrainian refugees. Furthermore, the Prime Minister himself has stated that it is in Hungary’s utmost interest to always have a viable Ukraine between Hungary and Russia…’
In the Wake of Roman Emperor Trajan — Relics Along the Lower Danube
‘One of the lasting memories of Trajan’s campaign in Dacia is the bridge he built across the Danube to facilitate the march of his armies. The first permanent stone bridge on the Danube was built between Turnu Severin in Romania and Kladovo in Serbia, which was 1127 metres long and designed by the greatest architect of the time, Apollodorus of Damascus origin.’
No Men in Women’s Sports — A Day of Celebration for Female Athletes
‘For me, this isn’t about politics. It’s about the young girl who gets up at 5 in the morning for training, hoping that one day her hard work will be enough…This executive order is a step toward ensuring that female athletes—past, present, and future—don’t have to question whether their chances are truly equal.’
