Analysis
The Long Afterlife of Colonialism
Colonialism is often treated as a historical event—something that ended when flags were lowered and independence was declared. But what if colonialism never truly left? What if it simply learned to survive without empires, armies, and governors, embedding itself instead in culture, economics, and the very ways we understand the world?
By Rachid Zidine24 days ago in History
The Rise and Fall of Samson. AI-Generated.
Once, a young man walked the earth, and the earth itself seemed to listen when he did. His name was Samson, and his story was spoken first in whispers, then in fear, and finally in wonder. Long before his strength became legend, before enemies trembled at his shadow, he was only a child promised to God.
By Kelly Munala Brookes24 days ago in History
Why Does the United States Want Greenland? Trump, Resources and the New Arctic Power Struggle
The desire to seize control of the world is not new. Throughout history, various adventurers and conquerors have attempted this, yet none succeeded in conquering the entire globe. Several figures did manage to capture large parts of the world, including Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan, and Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror. In recent history, a similar attempt was made by Adolf Hitler. However, Hitler’s primary objective was not to conquer the whole world; rather, his main goal was to occupy Eastern Europe and Russian territories in order to create “living space” for the German race. These days, comparable ambitions seem to be stirring in the heart of President Donald Trump. The real-estate investor within him appears eager to take control of vast territories. After Venezuela, his eyes are now fixed on Greenland—indeed, it would be more accurate to say that his covetous gaze has fallen upon Greenland, the world’s largest island, though not a continent. The name Greenland was introduced by Scandinavian settlers. It is a Danish word meaning “land of people.” This autonomous country is part of the Kingdom of Denmark and lies between the Arctic Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean. Its area is 2,166,000 square kilometers, of which 1,755,000 square kilometers—about 81 percent—is covered by ice. Its population is roughly 57,000. The history of Greenland dates back to 2500 BC, evidence of which still exists in the form of archaeological remains. Over the centuries, beginning in 986 AD, the western coast of Greenland was settled by people from Iceland and Norway. Some of these settlements survived for centuries, while others disappeared in the fifteenth century, possibly due to famine or conflict. In 1721, a major expedition was launched in which Norwegian missionaries and others traveled to Greenland. In July 1931, Norway declared eastern Greenland an uninhabited region and occupied it. Denmark took the case to the International Court in 1933, which ruled against Norway. During the Second World War, Greenland’s connection with Denmark was severed when Germany occupied Denmark. The United States then assumed responsibility for Greenland’s defense, returning control to Denmark after the war. During the Cold War, the U.S. established military bases in northern Greenland, turning the island into a strategic front between global powers. The minerals hidden beneath the ice, the opening Arctic sea routes, and geopolitical rivalry transformed Greenland from merely a geographic entity into a center of politics and power. In 1979 Denmark granted Greenland limited autonomy but retained control over defense, foreign affairs, currency, and economic matters. By the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries, Greenland gained greater self-rule and established a local government, yet it remains part of the Danish realm. This raises the question: what is it about Greenland that makes the United States want to seize it? First, Donald Trump is not the first U.S. president to show interest in Greenland, though he is arguably the first to speak of capturing it by force. The United States considered purchasing Greenland in 1867 and again in 1946, but these plans never materialized. Even afterward, efforts did not cease, and successive presidents continued attempts to bring Greenland under American control. From a national security perspective, acquiring Greenland is crucial for the U.S. because growing Russian and Chinese activity in the Arctic could pose a threat. Experts believe that Trump’s interest is also driven by the island’s vast size and symbolic power. Moreover, Greenland holds extraordinary importance in terms of natural resources. It contains uranium, gold, oil, gas, and large deposits of rare earth minerals. According to the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland, the country is rich in rare metals, including seventeen elements used in drones, electric vehicles, and fighter jets—vital for modern technology and defense industries. Greenland also possesses graphite, lithium, and copper reserves amounting to about 0.75 percent of global deposits. Lithium, a key component of batteries, is expected to see its demand increase eightfold by 2040. At present, China dominates the global minerals market, and these reserves could be critical for countries seeking to reduce dependence on China—something the U.S. is already striving to achieve. By now, the answer should be clear as to why America wants control over Greenland. This is a war over resources and dominance. In earlier eras, grain, livestock, and even women were considered resources; today, the resources are different. Denmark and Europe will not easily allow Greenland to fall into American hands. Denmark is increasing its military presence there, while Germany, France, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Britain, and the Netherlands have sent troops for Denmark’s “Arctic Resilience” military exercises. Under such conditions, the risk of confrontation is growing, and for the first time since World War II, Europe and the U.S. appear to be drifting apart. Retreat on issues like Iran will be hard for Trump, and now Greenland and Denmark are showing resistance. In the future, the world may be composed of large empires and their client states. What will be our place in such a world? Our elite will need to decide wisely. The United States has historically opposed adventurism, yet this time it seems to have chosen that role itself. Many Americans consider this their right, and those familiar with the concept of “Manifest Destiny” know that this narrative has long been used as propaganda to justify American imperial dominance. Like earlier adventures, this American gamble will also end no differently—the adventurer will face defeat, and future generations will read about it in the pages of history. But this path is drenched in blood and will undoubtedly reshape the world’s geography. May God protect us all. Is this conversation helpful so far?
By Pets and animals 24 days ago in History
The Retreating Left
Democratic Socialism, Anarchism, and Left Communism are variations of the same failure. Each represents a retreat from the inherited legacy of communism and the revolutionary left. These three ideologies are idealist, Eurocentric, and petty bourgeois. They emerged in our context as different strategies of retreat — positions I once inhabited but no longer do. Through these three ideologies I carried variations of similar bourgeois fears about Marxism-Leninism. I followed multiple paths during my time on the left. Each promised a way forward. Three led to retreat. One did not.
By Victor Zemprano24 days ago in History
The Future of Bitcoin: Where the World’s Most Famous Cryptocurrency Is Headed
Bitcoin began as a mysterious experiment in 2009. Created by an unknown person (or group) under the name Satoshi Nakamoto, it was introduced as a new kind of money — decentralized, digital, and independent of governments and banks.
By Ghalib Khan24 days ago in History
Looking Back:The Folly of the March for Life Fiasco: How Not to Write on a Contentious Topic
A "Pithy" Writer Makes His Opinions Known The fiasco at the 2019 March for Life—and concurrent demonstrations in the National Mall—was bound to have a consequence. As soon as a viral, one-minute video hit Twitter in late January, the tale of two opposing groups confronting one another became political fodder. Pundits and political writers were more than happy to dissect and formulate a narrative to their liking.
By Dean Traylor24 days ago in History
The Final Legacy of Alexander the Great: How One Man Changed the Ancient World
Alexander inherited a strong kingdom from his father, Philip II of Macedon, but he transformed it into something far larger. Within a little more than a decade, he conquered the Persian Empire, marched through Egypt, reached Central Asia, and entered parts of India. This rapid expansion created one of the largest empires of the ancient era. Yet Alexander’s vision went beyond military victory. He sought to create a world where Greek and Eastern cultures blended together. This cultural mixing became one of his most lasting achievements.
By Say the truth 26 days ago in History
Alexander the Great — Part 3: The Edge of the World and the Limits of Empire
After securing control of Bactria and Sogdiana, Alexander turned his attention eastward. He had long been fascinated by stories of India — a land of immense wealth, powerful kings, and exotic cultures. Greek historians described India as a place where rivers were vast, armies used elephants in battle, and philosophers lived in deep contemplation. For Alexander, it represented the next great frontier and perhaps the edge of the known world.
By Say the truth 26 days ago in History
Alexander the Great – Part 1: Birth, Childhood, and the Making of a Future Conqueror
Birth in a Kingdom on the Rise Alexander was born in 356 BCE in the ancient city of Pella, the capital of the Kingdom of Macedon. At the time, Macedon was not considered the dominant power in Greece. However, this situation was rapidly changing under the rule of Alexander’s father, King Philip II. Philip was a brilliant military reformer and strategist who transformed Macedonia into a formidable kingdom.
By Say the truth 27 days ago in History
A jawbone that is 2.6 million years old alters the course of human history.
Scientists' mapping of the early human family is changing as a result of a recently discovered Paranthropus jawbone fossil. In the Afar area of Ethiopia, researchers discovered a partial lower jaw, which they dated to roughly 2.6 million years ago.
By Francis Dami28 days ago in History
