Latest news with #coalitions
Arab News
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
How Saudi Arabia is paving the way for Mideast security and stability
History, driven by geographical and geopolitical realities, has repeatedly revealed a clear and fundamental pattern: Imbalances of power often lead to conflict and widespread suffering. The Middle East, a region abundant in diversity, rich history, and untapped potential, cannot afford to fall into this trap. Saudi Arabia and other countries, through diplomacy and initiatives, such as Vision 2030, demonstrate how rational thinking, regional cooperation, and the pursuit of peace can provide a framework for stability and security. History offers valuable lessons on the dangers of power imbalances. For instance, the collapse of Sparta in ancient Greece serves as a stark warning. When one player becomes overwhelmingly powerful, it inevitably triggers unified resistance. When Sparta emerged as the hegemonic power in Greece following the Peloponnesian War, many of its allies grew resentful of its heavy-handed policies and began to rebel. This growing dissatisfaction, combined with internal strife, economic stagnation, and rival coalitions, led to Sparta's downfall. The Napoleonic Wars provide another striking example of how the hegemonic ambitions of a single power can unite others against it, leading to widespread conflict and immense costs for all involved. Napoleon Bonaparte sought to establish French hegemony over Europe by conquering and subjugating other nations, thereby disrupting the balance of power on the European continent. In response, a series of coalitions — comprising Britain, Prussia, Austria, Russia and others — formed to counter his ambitions. Although Napoleon's military genius allowed him to dominate much of Europe for years, his aggressive policies and disregard for diplomacy ultimately united his rivals. This unity, however, came at a great cost: the Napoleonic Wars devastated entire regions, drained economies, and caused millions of deaths. After Napoleon's defeat, the Congress of Vienna faced the monumental task of restoring stability. While it succeeded in establishing a new balance of power in 1815, Europe remained deeply scarred. These scars were crucial to bringing stability because there was the fear of the immense costs of war. In other words, peace in Europe was maintained because the Europeans, especially Prussia, were determined to preserve the balance of power out of fear for their own existence. Similarly, the Second World War provides a stark example of the dangers of upsetting regional stability. Nazi Germany, under Adolf Hitler, sought to establish hegemony over Europe, disrupting the balance of power and plunging the world into the deadliest conflict in human history. This destabilization forced even distant powers, such as the US, to intervene, joining forces with the Soviet Union and the UK against Germany at an immense human and economic cost. The war left tens of millions dead and entire regions in ruin, proving again that the unchecked pursuit of power is disastrous for all involved. These historical examples underscore the dangers of allowing a single player to disrupt the balance of power in a system. In the context of the Middle East, it serves as a powerful reminder that rational decision-making, collaboration, and commitment to peace are needed to avoid similar cycles of conflict and destruction. In the Middle East, where tensions unfortunately run deep from time to time, allowing such an imbalance to arise could be catastrophic — not only for the weaker players. If all players in the Middle East prioritize rational decision-making over short-term gains, they will see that true power lies not in hegemonic policies but in collaboration. The region holds immense potential for prosperity if its resources, human capital, and diverse cultures are harnessed and aligned under a unified vision for peace. The end of what US President Donald Trump has labeled the '12-Day War' between Iran and Israel, which concluded 16 days ago, is possibly a flicker of hope for the beginning of a new era of peace and stability. It reminds rational actors in the region of the power of dialogue. The Middle East can draw valuable lessons from history, particularly from Otto von Bismarck, the 19th-century statesman who unified Germany and maintained peace in Europe through pragmatic diplomacy and strategic alliances. Similarly, Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 reflects a modern approach to fostering security and stability in the region. By prioritizing diplomacy, cooperation, economic integration and innovation over conflict, Saudi Arabia is showing how states can achieve shared prosperity. This framework, as the only significant plan currently in place, can help all players strengthen their economic relationships. It offers a sustainable path forward, where collaboration ensures peace and progress for the entire region.
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Wes Moore, Tim Walz urge for a fiercer Democratic party at famed Jim Clyburn Fish Fry
Democratic governors Tim Walz and Wes Moore are fired up - but not solely to eat South Carolina Rep. Jim Clyburn's so-called "world famous" breaded fish. They're fired up to refocus their party, and on Friday evening, both pitched their theory of how to build up coalitions and win back the Americans they've lost: emphasize the political gravity of the moment forcefully and frequently, and don't wait until the midterms to talk to as many constituencies as possible. "Each and every one of us, we're not going to have someone come save us. But who wants that? We can save ourselves. We can get out there. We can make a difference," said Minnesota Gov. Walz during brief remarks on stage to a few hundred Democrats in Columbia, South Carolina. "We need to change the attitude, compete in every district, compete for every school board seat, and come out to this damn fish fry with the attitude: 'we're going to fill up on some fish, and then we are going to beat the hell out of these dictators.'" Moore, the first Black governor of Maryland, in his remarks stressed that the "baton is in our hands." "We are not going to drop it. We are going to run through the tape, and we are going to win because we understand what's at stake," said Moore He continued the refrain, as a rallying cry of sorts: "Send a message the entire country is going to hear. This is our time. This is our moment. We will not shirk, we will not flinch, we will not blink. We will win, just as those who came before us did." Yet, neither of them said that they should be the leader of the party in 2028. Both governors have denied any plans of seeking the presidential nomination, which the pair reiterated during a gaggle with reporters before their on-stage remarks Friday. During that gaggle, Clyburn said he saw both Walz and Moore as "great leaders" but said they have to decide their own plans. Walz has said he has no plans for a White House run and is still mulling whether he will run for gubernatorial reelection. When pressed at an appearance at Harvard's Institute of Politics, Walz said he wasn't sure if the party's eventual candidate is clear just yet. "I think it's a super talented bench," Walz said. "Do I think the person's out there? No, I'm not sure they're out there yet." MORE: Dems call GOP's 'big, beautiful' bill 'ugly' for hurting low-income, helping rich Moore has rejected the notion more fiercely, telling ABC's "The View" plainly, "I am not running." He doubled down in the reporter gaggle Friday, "Anyone who is talking about 2028 is not taking 2025 very seriously," Moore told reporters. "The fight is 2025. Right now." Moore also gave a keynote address at the state's key fundraiser, the Blue Palmetto Dinner, just before his Fish Fry appearance, where, according to a circulated copy ahead of his remarks, he said the party must be delivering "an alternative" to Trump at this moment. "I want to be clear: We can – and we must – condemn Donald Trump's reckless actions. But we would also be foolish not to learn from his impatience. Now is the time for us to be impatient too. Let's not just talk about an alternative. Let's not just study an alternative. Let's deliver an alternative," Moore's prepared remarks said. Even still, it's no secret that Clyburn's fish fry has often been fertile waters for would-be Democratic rising stars and Pennsylvania Ave. hopefuls to mix and mingle among powerful party operatives, donors, and key South Carolina early state voters in one night. And while not as much of a crazed scene as the 2019 event, where a menagerie of Dem candidates vied for stage-time as the partiers shimmied shoulder to shoulder, Friday night's event was still high-energy. MORE: Who's running for president in 2028 and who's not? Walz will be speaking to Palmetto State Democrats once again Saturday morning. But that doesn't end the Minnesota governor's campaign travel. After his address on Saturday, he's quickly off to California to speak at its Democratic Party's event. The famous fish fete tees off a weekend of fundraising and party business as the South Carolina Democratic Party convenes for their state convention. Friday night's event also comes as South Carolina's future placement within the party's early voting calendar is in flux. Last cycle, due to changes made by the Democratic National Committee, South Carolina replaced historically first Iowa as the initial contest. However, Democrats must set a new calendar for 2028. Which order the state comes in is less important to Clyburn, he said. "I never ask for anything more than to keep us in the pre-primary window," said Clyburn. "Whether that be one, two, three, or four, I don't care." Wes Moore, Tim Walz urge for a fiercer Democratic party at famed Jim Clyburn Fish Fry originally appeared on
CNA
30-05-2025
- Business
- CNA
Division between US and China is the biggest risk confronting world now, France's Macron says
SINGAPORE: French President Emmanuel Macron said on Friday (May 30) that division between the two superpowers, the United States and China, is the main risk currently confronting the world as he emphasised the need for building new coalitions between Paris and partners in the Indo-Pacific. Macron is visiting the region as France and the European Union aim to strengthen their commercial ties in Asia to offset uncertainty over US President Donald Trump's tariff measures. "I will be clear, France is a friend and an ally of the United States, and is a friend, and we do cooperate - even if sometimes we disagree and compete - with China," said Macron, who was speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue, Asia's premier defence forum, alongside a two-day state visit to Singapore. The French president said Asia and Europe have a common interest in preventing the disintegration of the global order. "The time for non-alignment has undoubtedly passed, but the time for coalitions of action has come, and requires that countries capable of acting together give themselves every means to do so," Macron said. Macron is following the leaders of China, Japan and other European countries in visiting the region in recent weeks, in a sign of Southeast Asia's strategic importance amid uncertainties on global supply chains and trade.
Sky News
18-05-2025
- Politics
- Sky News
Politics latest: Starmer outlines 'benefits' for the UK from closer EU ties - but minister says 'no deal yet'
'No discussions about coalitions', Badenoch tells Sky News - as she defends Freudian slip By Dan Whitehead, news correspondent Before her speech at the Conservative conference in North Wales, Kemi Badenoch paid a visit to the heritage railway in Llangollen. In the glorious sunshine, she stood high up in the drivers' spot on the footplate of the steam locomotive. But the train was going nowhere. Political metaphors aside, there was no denial from the UK Conservative leader that the party has a fight on its hands in Wales. "We can fix Wales, only if we face facts," she told an audience of around 250 party faithful. The Tories lost all their MPs here in the last general election; I asked her if she's preparing for a similar wipe out in the Senedd next May? "Absolutely not." The fact is many Tories fear what happened on a UK level could happen again in Wales; a recent poll putting them in fourth place behind Plaid, Reform and Labour. Last week, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said Wales was his top priority, so under a new proportional-representation system coming to Wales in 2026, what about a coalition? "I have always said at national level we are not forming any coalitions or any deals or pacts with Reform." She really didn't want to talk coalitions. "I'm being very, very clear. I'm not having any discussions about coalitions. They are a distraction. It's a serious point only if you think this is all about doing a deal." But realistically, a coalition is on the cards. Her speech included criticism of Labour's plans for a tourism tax in Wales, the 20 mile per hour zones, and Senedd expansion which will see the number of politicians rise from 60 to 96. But there was a Freudian slip. She referred to meeting MSPs, (Members of the Scottish Parliament) rather than MSs, members of the Senedd (watch below). Does that demonstrate where her and the party's mind is when it comes to Wales? "No it doesn't. What really matters is I'm here, again, because I'm demonstrating our commitment to Wales." As she wrapped up her speech, there was, of course, a standing ovation - but the atmosphere was hardly electric.
The Independent
16-05-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Conservative leaders will not rule out deals with Reform and Plaid in Wales
Conservative Party leaders have not ruled out doing deals with Reform UK or Plaid Cymru following next year's Senedd elections in Wales. Kemi Badenoch, the Tory leader, and Darren Millar, her Welsh counterpart, have kept the option of working with other parties to form the next Welsh government on the table. The Conservatives are preparing for the Senedd election in May next year, which will be the first held under a new proportional voting system. While Ms Badenoch previously ruled out working with Reform at a UK level, she has not objected to local coalitions. Speaking to the PA news agency at the Welsh Conservative Conference in Llangollen on Friday, the party leader declined to rule out working with Plaid or Reform in Wales. She said: 'I keep getting asked about coalitions and deals, and I don't answer that question, because I think once you start talking about coalitions and deals, what the public hears is a 'stitch-up'. 'I need to say what the Conservative way is, what our offer is, let's wait until the election before we start talking about coalitions and deals. 'We're not stitching anything up. What we're doing is working as hard as we can for the people of this country.' Mr Millar, in a separate interview, added: 'I've made it clear that I will work with anybody in the national interest to get rid of this clapped out Labour government, that is what I am prepared to do, because it's in the national interest to see the back of them. 'I am determined to get the Conservatives into government in Wales. That is my mission.' The comments come as the party faces a difficult race in Wales, with a recent YouGov poll putting the Welsh Tories in fourth place on 13% at the next election, behind Plaid Cymru, Reform UK and Labour. Mr Millar said the polling had motivated him to 'work my socks off' to win back voters. He said: 'I think that if we can enthuse people, put some hope in their hearts, demonstrate what we would do as a credible alternative government, and if they consider the options available to them. 'There's no point in voting Plaid, there's no point in voting for the Liberal Democrats, because all they've done it prop the Labour Party up and who on earth would take a risk with Reform, it's a limited company, not a political party, without any credible, realistic policies.' He added: 'I'm determined to get as many seats in that next Senedd as possible, and it is perfectly possible for us to be the largest party in that Senedd, I believe, under the new voting system. 'And that's what I'm determined to do.' Last week, Plaid Cymru's leader Rhun ap Iorwerth, ruled out working with Reform to form the next Welsh government and said he could not see a 'formal relationship with the Conservatives'.
