El Comercio De La República - Rebellion against Trump: "Ready for War?"

Rebellion against Trump: "Ready for War?"

Donald Trump’s re-ascension to the U.S. presidency in January 2025 has sparked a series of protests and statements of defiance across multiple continents, with some activists and commentators adopting the provocative slogan, "We are ready for war." While the phrase has gained traction among certain groups, it remains a symbolic expression of opposition rather than a literal call to arms, rooted in concerns over Trump’s policies and their global implications.

The unrest began shortly after Trump’s inauguration on 20 January 2025, when he reinstated his "America First" doctrine, announcing plans to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement for a second time and impose tariffs on European and Chinese goods. In response, demonstrations erupted in several major cities. On 25 January, an estimated 10,000 people gathered in Paris, according to French police figures, where activist Élise Moreau, a known figure in the climate movement, coined the phrase "We are ready for war" during a speech outside the U.S. Embassy. Moreau clarified in a later interview with Le Monde that her words were metaphorical, intended to signify "a battle of ideas and values" against what she called Trump’s "anti-globalist agenda."

In Europe, the backlash has been particularly pronounced. On 3 February, Berlin saw a protest of 8,000 people, per German authorities, with banners reading "Nein zu Trump" ("No to Trump") and demands for the European Union to strengthen its autonomy from U.S. influence. The German Foreign Ministry issued a statement on 5 February, expressing "concern" over Trump’s proposed NATO funding cuts, which he reiterated in a speech on 1 February in Florida, threatening to reduce U.S. contributions unless allies increased their defence spending.

Across the Channel, the United Kingdom has also witnessed dissent. On 10 March, approximately 5,000 protesters marched through London, according to Metropolitan Police estimates, organised by a coalition of environmental and human rights groups. Labour MP Zara Khan addressed the crowd, criticising Trump’s tariff threats, which the UK Treasury warned could cost British exporters £2 billion annually based on 2024 trade data. Khan called for "resolute opposition" but avoided endorsing the "war" rhetoric directly.

In Asia, reactions have been more restrained but no less significant. South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed "deep unease" on 15 February after Trump suggested renegotiating the U.S.-South Korea Free Trade Agreement, a move analysts say could disrupt Seoul’s economy, which exported $84 billion in goods to the U.S. in 2024, per Korea Customs Service data. Meanwhile, in Japan, a small demonstration of 300 people occurred in Tokyo on 20 February, according to local police, with participants citing fears over Trump’s hints at reducing U.S. troop presence in the region, as reported by The Japan Times.

Trump has dismissed the international criticism. At a rally in Ohio on 12 March, attended by an estimated 15,000 supporters per local officials, he labelled the protests "a tantrum by sore losers" and vowed to prioritise American interests "no matter the noise from abroad." His administration has yet to respond formally to the growing unrest, though White House Press Secretary John Carter stated on 16 March that "the president welcomes dialogue with allies" but will not bow to external pressure.

Experts caution against overinterpreting the "war" rhetoric. Dr. Maria Costa, a political scientist at the University of Oxford, told this publication, "The phrase is a hyperbolic signal of frustration, not a policy proposal. It reflects genuine fears about trade wars, climate inaction, and geopolitical instability." Data from the World Trade Organization supports some of these concerns, projecting that Trump’s proposed 20% tariffs could reduce global trade volume by 1.5% in 2026 if implemented.

As of now, no official coordinated international response has emerged, though activists are planning a "Global Day of Action" on 1 April, with events scheduled in at least 12 cities worldwide, according to organisers’ statements on X. Governments, meanwhile, appear focused on diplomacy. French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Anna Berger are set to meet U.S. Secretary of State Michael Hayes in Brussels next week to discuss NATO and trade, per a 17 March EU press release.

While the "rebellion" remains largely symbolic, its scale and intensity underscore the polarising impact of Trump’s leadership on the global stage. Whether it evolves into a substantive challenge or fades as rhetoric will depend on the actions of both his administration and the international community in the months ahead.

Europe, Germany and the end of the euro?

DeepSeek: The AI everyone is talking about...

Germany: Migration reform package

Trump needs to avoid debt Collapse

The Roman Empire and its downfall?

Argentina, Milei and the US dollar?

Is this Europe's plan for China?

Donald J. Trump: America is back

Meta's announcements and digital services?

Hungary: China's CATL battery factory

Alice Weidel: AfD Chancellor Candidate 2025

Russia: Is Putin's time nearly up?

Featured

Stargate project, Trump and the AI war...

In a dramatic return to the global political stage, former President Donald J. Trump, as the current 47th President of the United States of America, has unveiled his latest initiative, the so-called ‘Stargate Project,’ in a bid to cement the United States’ dominance in artificial intelligence and outpace China’s meteoric rise in the field. The newly announced programme, cloaked in patriotic rhetoric and ambitious targets, is already stirring intense debate over the future of technological competition between the world’s two largest economies.According to preliminary statements from Trump’s team, the Stargate Project will consolidate the efforts of leading American tech conglomerates, defence contractors, and research universities under a centralised framework. The former president, who has long championed American exceptionalism, claims this approach will provide the United States with a decisive advantage, enabling rapid breakthroughs in cutting-edge AI applications ranging from military strategy to commercial innovation.“America must remain the global leader in technology—no ifs, no buts,” Trump declared at a recent press conference. “China has been trying to surpass us in AI, but with this new project, we will make sure the future remains ours.”Details regarding funding and governance remain scarce, but early indications suggest the initiative will rely heavily on public-private partnerships, tax incentives for research and development, and collaboration with high-profile venture capital firms. Skeptics, however, warn that the endeavour could fan the flames of an increasingly militarised AI race, raising ethical concerns about surveillance, automation of warfare, and data privacy. Critics also question whether the initiative can deliver on its lofty promises, especially in the face of existing economic and geopolitical pressures.Yet for its supporters, the Stargate Project serves as a rallying cry for renewed American leadership and an antidote to worries over China’s technological ascendancy. Proponents argue that accelerating AI research is paramount if the United States wishes to preserve not just military supremacy, but also the economic and cultural influence that has typified its global role for decades.Whether this bold project will succeed—or if it will devolve into a symbolic gesture—remains to be seen. What is certain, however, is that the Stargate Project has already reignited debate about how best to safeguard America’s strategic future and maintain the balance of power in the fast-evolving arena of artificial intelligence.

Truth: The end of the ‘Roman Empire’

The fall of the Roman Empire in the fifth century AD has long captivated historians and the public alike. For centuries, scholars have debated the precise causes of the Empire’s decline, offering myriad explanations—ranging from political corruption and economic instability to moral degeneration and barbarian invasions. Yet despite the passage of time and the wealth of research available, there remains no single, universally accepted answer to the question: why did the Roman Empire truly collapse?A central factor often cited is political fragmentation. As the Empire grew too vast to govern effectively from one centre, Emperor Diocletian introduced the Tetrarchy—a system dividing the realm into eastern and western halves. While initially intended to provide administrative efficiency, this division ultimately paved the way for competing centres of power and weakened the unity that had long defined Roman rule. Frequent changes of leadership and civil wars further sapped the state’s coherence, undermining confidence in the imperial regime.Economics played an equally crucial role. Burdened by expensive military campaigns to protect ever-extending frontiers, the Empire resorted to debasing its currency, provoking rampant inflation and eroding public trust. The resulting fiscal strains fuelled social unrest, as high taxes weighed heavily upon small farmers and urban dwellers alike. Coupled with declining trade routes and resource depletion, these pressures contributed to a persistent sense of crisis.Compounding these challenges was the growing threat from beyond Rome’s borders. Germanic tribes such as the Visigoths, Vandals, and Ostrogoths gradually eroded the Western Empire’s defensive capabilities. While earlier Roman armies proved formidable, internal discord had dulled their edge, allowing external forces to breach once-impenetrable frontiers.Modern historians emphasise that the Empire did not fall solely because of barbarian invasions, moral decay, or fiscal collapse; instead, its downfall was the outcome of a confluence of factors, each interacting with the other. The story of Rome’s fall thus serves as a stark reminder that even the mightiest of civilisations can succumb to the inexorable weight of political, economic, and social upheaval.

Malaysia's Strategic Ascent

Malaysia has long been a significant player in Southeast Asia, but recent developments have positioned it as one of the most strategic economies in the entire Asian region. Through a combination of robust infrastructure, strategic geographic positioning, proactive government policies, and a diversified economic base, Malaysia is emerging as a pivotal hub for trade, investment, and innovation. Its ability to navigate global challenges while maintaining steady growth underscores its rising influence in Asia’s economic landscape.A Remarkable Economic TransformationSince gaining independence in 1957, Malaysia has undergone a profound economic transformation. Once reliant on agriculture and commodity exports such as rubber and tin, the country has successfully diversified into a manufacturing and service-based economy. Today, Malaysia is a leading exporter of electrical appliances, parts, and components, with its manufacturing sector serving as a cornerstone of economic growth. This shift has elevated Malaysia from a low-income to an upper-middle-income nation within a single generation, a feat that few countries have achieved so rapidly. The country’s gross national income (GNI) per capita has grown impressively over the decades, reflecting sustained economic momentum.Global Trade and ConnectivityA key factor in Malaysia’s rise is its extensive global trade connections. The country engages with 90 percent of the world’s nations, surpassing many of its regional counterparts in trade openness. This has driven employment creation and income growth, with approximately 40 percent of jobs linked to export activities. Malaysia’s strategic development policies, which focus on outward-oriented, labour-intensive growth and investments in human capital, have ensured macroeconomic stability. The government’s emphasis on credible economic governance has also played a crucial role in maintaining investor confidence.Vision for a High-Income FutureIn recent years, Malaysia has set its sights on becoming a high-income, developed nation while ensuring sustainable shared prosperity. The government’s National Investment Aspirations (NIA), adopted in 2021, has been instrumental in reshaping the country’s investment landscape. The NIA prioritises foreign direct investment (FDI) that enhances local research and development (R&D), generates high-income jobs, and integrates Malaysia into global supply chains. This framework has laid the foundation for the New Industrial Master Plan, which aims to further boost Malaysia’s economic complexity and innovation.World-Class InfrastructureMalaysia’s infrastructure is another critical asset. The country boasts one of the most developed infrastructures in Asia, with a telecommunications network second only to Singapore’s in Southeast Asia, supporting millions of fixed-broadband, fixed-line, and cellular subscribers. Its strategic location on the Strait of Malacca, one of the world’s most important shipping lanes, enhances its commercial significance. Malaysia’s highly developed maritime shipping sector has earned it a top global ranking for shipping trade route connectivity.Resilience Amid Global ChallengesThe Malaysian economy has demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of external challenges. In the fourth quarter of 2024, despite increasing global headwinds, Malaysia’s economy grew by 5.0 percent, driven by strong investment activities, rising exports, and sustained domestic spending. The central bank’s decision to maintain the policy rate at 3 percent reflects confidence in the country’s economic prospects, with inflation expected to remain manageable. Notably, the Malaysian ringgit appreciated by 2.7 percent in 2024, making it one of the few Asian currencies to strengthen during the year.A Forward-Looking EconomyLooking ahead, Malaysia’s growth is expected to be fuelled by robust investment expansion, resilient household spending, and a recovery in exports. The government’s Twelfth Malaysia Plan, which focuses on accelerating economic growth through selective investments and infrastructure development, is set to play a pivotal role in achieving these goals. Government-linked investment vehicles continue to invest in key sectors, further bolstering the economy.Stability and InclusivityMalaysia’s ability to manage inter-ethnic tensions pragmatically has also contributed to its economic stability. Despite occasional challenges, the country has maintained growth momentum, a testament to its inclusive development policies. The government’s focus on sustainable shared prosperity ensures that economic benefits are distributed equitably, fostering social cohesion and long-term stability.ConclusionIn conclusion, Malaysia’s strategic location, advanced infrastructure, diversified economy, and forward-thinking government policies have positioned it as a linchpin in Asia’s economic future. As the country continues to navigate global uncertainties while pursuing its vision of becoming a high-income nation, Malaysia is well on its way to becoming Asia’s most strategic economy.