Beginning in the 16th century Swiss mercenaries hired themselves out to the French monarchy (among others) and a saying grew among soldiers, whenever their pay was delayed. Literally the expression means “no money, no soldiers”. The tradition lives to this day in the Vatican’s famous 135-member Papal Swiss Guard. What prompted my citation of this ancient saying was a discussion I watched on the subject … Continue reading Pas d’Argent Pas de Suisses

Over a year ago I posted on the subject of hubris, who incidentally was the Greek goddess who personified arrogance, insolence, and violence. I feel compelled to revisit the subject. If you aren’t American, you can be forgiven if this week’s title leaves you puzzled. It refers to a political science theory developed around 2010 by US political scientist Graham T. Allison that posits a … Continue reading The Thucydides Trap

My friend and podcast partner Marty has dropped our latest conversation. In this podcast episode, we engage in a deep discussion about the global effects of war and conflict. We touch on historical lessons, such as those from the Gallipoli campaign, highlighting parallels in modern-day military strategies. We consider the economic impact of conflict, particularly on oil prices, while addressing how unintended consequences often go … Continue reading Latest Podcast

I am pleased and proud to announce that my latest collaboration with my friend and publisher Phil Halton has been released and now available on Amazon worldwide. The book is an anthology of essays on Canada in these turbulent times. Do not be fooled by the designation of me as the author. Phil and I co-edited (as well as providing an essay each and conclusions). … Continue reading New Book

In June of last year, I posted Unintended Consequences. Recently I listened to one of my favourite politicos, David Frum. He was interviewing a former FBI agent who was in the midst of suing the US government, and it triggered my thoughts below. If you recall Part I, I maintained that government could have one of two aims: Without ignoring the many, many, variations open … Continue reading Unintended Consequences Part III: Boring is Good

Last week I alluded to the US once again mistaking force for power. In the process, the current administration shattered its moral standing with threats to wipe out Iran’s civilization. NATO allies and the Gulf states sat in muted horror. America weakened itself — and the world economy in a single ill-considered stroke. Although not defeated militarily by Iran, the US is re-discovering the limits … Continue reading Death Throes of Empire (Part II)

The title this morning’s quick note is a nod to writer Anne Applebaum’s recent article in The Atlantic titled“Illiberalism Is Not Inevitable” (12 April 2026). Her hopeful title referred to the surprising election results in Hungary, where the 16 year kleptocratic reign of Viktor Orbán came to a precipitous end. Hungarians gave Orbán’s opponent, Peter Magyar, a super majority, or greater that 2/3 of the … Continue reading Autocracy is not Inevitable

My friend Marty has just dropped our latest podcast on our You Tube channel. Here is the link to the channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheEnlightenedMilitary-y4q Today’s podcast is The Future of Canada s Military Industry Balancing Peace with Power In this podcast episode, Marty and I explore Canada’s evolving military dynamics, focusing on the burgeoning defence industry and its potential collaboration with European arms manufacturers. We discuss how … Continue reading Marty Has Posted a New Conversation

For more than two decades many well-qualified writers and pundits have been foretelling of the death of the “American Empire”, but I have never been one of them. Until recently, I have remained convinced that the structural strength of the US economy, guided by the innate goodness of the majority of its people would stem any sudden or drastic decline in America as a world … Continue reading Death Throes of Empire (Part I)

The pundits that inhabit the blogosphere are daily announcing the death of NATO — or at least that it is on its deathbed. Like so much uninformed speculation in the media, those pronouncements and a Loonie will buy you a small coffee at your local McDonald’s drive through. Clearly, I am not in agreement with those who have begun the planning the funeral services of … Continue reading The Death of NATO