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Swiss Confederation

2023-10-27T20:40:31Z

SeventyTwoTrillion: Altered the headings to be in line with other countries' articles. Additionally, added a small piece of information on Switzerland's glaciers.

{{Infobox country
| name = Swiss Confederation
| native_name = Confédération suisse (French) Confederazione Svizzera (Italian) Confederaziun svizra (Romansh) Confoederatio helvetica (Latin)
| image_flag = Flag_of_Switzerland_(Pantone).png
| image_coat = 541px-Coat_of_Arms_of_Switzerland_(Pantone).png
| capital = None (de jure) Bern (de facto)
| largest_city = Zürich
| mode_of_production = [[Capitalism]]
|image_map=Switzerland map.svg|map_width=260| official_languages = [[German]], [[French]], [[Italian]], and [[Romansh]].
| area_km2 = 41,285
| population_estimate = 8,703,405
| population_estimate_year = 2021
}}

The '''Swiss Confederation''', also known as '''Switzerland''', is a small country located in the heart of [[Europe]]. It is known for its neutrality, banking system, and picturesque landscapes.

== History ==

=== World War II ===
During [[Second World War|World War II]], Switzerland had a complex relationship with the [[Nazi regime]]. While officially neutral, Switzerland had economic and political ties with Nazi Germany. The Swiss government maintained a policy of strict neutrality during the war, but it also profited from trade with the Axis powers and had a history of accepting stolen [[Judaism|Jewish]] assets.<ref>Halbrook, S.P. (1998). Target Switzerland: Swiss Armed Neutrality in World War II. Rockville: Sarpedon Publishers.</ref>

Switzerland's collaboration with the Nazi regime can be understood in the context of [[Capitalism|capitalist]] [[exploitation]]. The Swiss government and banks were willing to profit from trade with the Axis powers and accept stolen Jewish assets, in order to preserve their own economic interests.<ref>Harvey, D. (2005). A Brief History of Neoliberalism. New York: Oxford University Press.</ref>

Additionally, the Swiss government's policies towards Jewish refugees were often discriminatory, with strict quotas and regulations that made it difficult for Jewish refugees to enter Switzerland.<ref>Blacklisted: The Secret War between Big Business and Union Activists" by Ross Fitzgerald (2020)</ref>

The Swiss government's policy of neutrality during the war can also be seen as a way to protect its own economic interests, rather than a political stance against the atrocities committed by the Nazi regime, which is an example of capitalist system's tendency to prioritize [[profit]] over moral considerations.<ref>Piketty, T. (2014). Capital in the Twenty-First Century. Cambridge: Harvard University Press.</ref>

== Politics ==

== Economics ==

== Climate ==

=== Glaciers ===
Switzerland's glaciers have lost 10% of their total volume in 2022 and 2023 due to little precipitation during the winter and high temperatures in the summer, the second-worst decrease since records began.<ref>{{Web citation|newspaper=Swiss Academy of Sciences|title=Two catastrophic years obliterate 10% of Swiss glacier volume|date=2023-09-28|url=https://scnat.ch/en/uuid/i/b8d5798e-a75e-5a7d-a858-f7a6613524ed-Two_catastrophic_years_obliterate_10_of_Swiss_glacier_volume|archive-url=https://archive.ph/xqgYP|archive-date=2023-09-29|retrieved=2023-10-27}}</ref>

== References ==
<references />
[[Category:European countries]]

Republic of Poland

2023-10-27T15:02:03Z

SeventyTwoTrillion: Altered the headings to be in line with other countries' articles, like Germany's (changed NATO -> Military, and Anti-communism -> Politics), but kept the current writing under new subheadings. Added a section on Poland's energy generation (coal), as well as the current situation in Polish politics with the PiS party vs Donald Tusk's opposition.

{{Infobox country|name=Republic of Poland|native_name=Rzeczpospolita Polska|image_map=EU poland.png|map_width=290|largest_city=[[Warsaw]]|capital=[[Warsaw]]|official_languages=Polish|mode_of_production=[[Capitalism]]|government_type=Unitary parliamentary republic|leader_title1=President|leader_name1=[[Andrzej Duda]]|leader_title2=Prime Minister|leader_name2=[[Mateusz Morawiecki]]|area_km2=312,696|population_census=38,179,800|population_census_year=2021}}

'''Poland''', officially the '''Republic of Poland''', is a country in [[Central Europe]]. It is governed by the [[reactionary]] [[Law and Justice]] party, which has introduced official [[LGBT+|LGBT]] free zones.<ref name=":0">{{News citation|author=Jeremy Kuzmarov|newspaper=[[CovertAction Magazine]]|title=Russian-Hating Dream of Brzezinski Clan Nears Fulfillment as Poland Agrees to Host Permanent U.S. Base and Turn Baltic Sea into NATO Lake|date=2022-07-16|url=https://covertactionmagazine.com/2022/07/16/russian-hating-dream-of-brzezinski-clan-nears-fulfillment-as-poland-agrees-to-host-permanent-u-s-base-and-turn-baltic-sea-into-nato-lake/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220716151531/https://covertactionmagazine.com/2022/07/16/russian-hating-dream-of-brzezinski-clan-nears-fulfillment-as-poland-agrees-to-host-permanent-u-s-base-and-turn-baltic-sea-into-nato-lake/|archive-date=2022-07-16|retrieved=2022-07-18}}</ref>

== History ==

=== Interwar period ===
{{Main article|Republic of Poland (1918–1939)}}Poland annexed the western parts of the [[Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic (1920–1991)|Byelorussian]] and [[Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic|Ukrainian SSR]]<nowiki/>s in 1920 in the [[Polish–Soviet War]]. Polish leader [[Józef Piłsudski]] signed a non-aggression pact with [[German Reich (1933–1945)|Nazi Germany]] in 1934, and Poland annexed the Cieszyn region of [[Czechoslovak Republic (1918–1938)|Czechoslovakia]] in 1938. Poland lost its alliance with Germany when it refused to allow the Nazis to annex [[Free City of Danzig (1920–1939)|Danzig]].<ref name=":1">{{Web citation|newspaper=[[Politsturm]]|title=The Truth About The Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact|date=2018-05-09|url=https://us.politsturm.com/truth-about-molotov-ribbentrop-pact/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210123120729/https://us.politsturm.com/truth-about-molotov-ribbentrop-pact/|archive-date=2021-01-23|retrieved=2022-08-30}}</ref>

=== Second World War ===
Nazi Germany invaded Poland on 1 September 1939. The Polish government quickly collapsed and its officials fled to [[Kingdom of Romania (1881–1947)|Romania]] on 16 September. The [[Workers' and Peasants' Red Army|Red Army]] entered Poland the next day to protect the [[Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (1922–1991)|Soviet Union]]'s western borders.<ref name=":1" />

=== Socialist era ===
{{Main article|Polish People's Republic}}
After being liberated by the Red Army in the [[Second World War]], Poland became a [[Socialism|socialist]] [[Polish People's Republic (1947–1989)|people's republic]].<ref>{{News citation|newspaper=[[TheFinnishBolshevik]]|title=The Most Recent Chapter in Anti-Communist Persecution in Poland|date=2020-10-29|url=https://mltheory.wordpress.com/2020/10/29/the-most-recent-chapter-in-anti-communist-persecution-in-poland/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210810124608/https://mltheory.wordpress.com/2020/10/29/the-most-recent-chapter-in-anti-communist-persecution-in-poland/|archive-date=2021-08-10|retrieved=2022-05-29}}</ref>

=== Capitalist counterrevolution ===
In 1989, the [[Central Intelligence Agency|CIA]]-backed [[Solidarity Citizens' Committee|Solidarity]] party led by [[Lech Wałęsa]] organized a [[counterrevolution]] to establish [[capitalism]].<ref name=":0" />

== Economy ==

=== Energy ===
Poland's electrical system is dominated by fossil fuel energy, and particularly coal power. Coal generated virtually all of the country's total electricity generation in 1990, and approximately 70% in 2021.<ref>{{Web citation|newspaper=International Energy Agency|title=Poland|date=2022|url=https://www.iea.org/countries/poland|archive-url=https://archive.ph/neq5d|archive-date=2023-10-27|retrieved=2023-10-27}}</ref> Renewable energy such as wind power generated 20% of the country's electricity in 2021, though its maximum generative capacity is almost double this.<ref>{{Web citation|author=Kira Taylor|newspaper=Euractiv|title=Poland’s renewables capacity growing but coal still dominates – report|date=2023-05-14|url=https://www.euractiv.com/section/energy/news/polands-renewables-capacity-growing-but-coal-still-dominates-report/|archive-url=https://archive.ph/yHIcQ|archive-date=2023-10-27|retrieved=2023-10-27}}</ref> It is the EU's second largest coal polluter and has 42 coal power plants, and the Belchatow Power Station, the largest of its kind in Europe, generates 20% of Poland's electricity alone. The Polish government therefore generally opposes measures to cut subsidies for coal power.<ref>{{Web citation|author=Gavin Maguire|newspaper=Reuters|title=Europe's clashes over coal may extend well beyond Poland|date=2023-06-20|url=https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/europes-clashes-over-coal-may-extend-well-beyond-poland-2023-06-20/|archive-url=https://archive.ph/H61sx|archive-date=2023-06-20|retrieved=2023-10-27}}</ref>

Before the [[2022 Russo-Ukrainian conflict]], Russian coal was a crucial part of Poland's energy mix. The sanctions that Poland placed on Russia officially banned coal imports from Russia, but nonetheless Russian coal continues to enter the country, with almost one million tonnes being brought into the country via ships, with coal flagged as being from Kazakhstan and other non-Russian countries.<ref>{{Web citation|author=Aleksandra Krzysztoszek|newspaper=Euractiv|title=Polish senator: Russian coal still flowing into Poland|date=2023-09-28|url=https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/news/polish-senator-russian-coal-still-flowing-into-poland/|archive-url=https://archive.ph/p42D3|archive-date=2023-09-28|retrieved=2023-10-27}}</ref>

Polish government officials have insisted that nuclear power will be a core part of their green transition, and necessary to achieve climate targets. It does not currently have any functioning nuclear power plants, but wishes to have its first nuclear reactor begin construct in 2026, and operational by the early 2030s.<ref>{{Web citation|author=Kira Taylor|newspaper=Euractiv|title=Poland insists on nuclear’s role in green transition|date=2023-09-27|url=https://www.euractiv.com/section/energy-environment/news/poland-insists-on-nuclears-role-in-green-transition/|archive-url=https://archive.ph/5orEz|archive-date=2023-09-27|retrieved=2023-10-27}}</ref> In September 2023, this planned nuclear reactor, in Choczewo, passed the environmental decision, which is the pre-requisite for the decision to begin construction.<ref>{{Web citation|author=Wojciech Kosc|newspaper=Business News Europe|title=Poland’s first nuclear power plant clears key hurdle in ambitiously timed plan|date=2023-09-25|url=https://bne.eu/poland-s-first-nuclear-power-plant-clears-key-hurdle-in-ambitiously-timed-plan-294031/|archive-url=https://archive.ph/oOWYi|archive-date=2023-09-28|retrieved=2023-10-27}}</ref>

== Politics ==

=== 2020s ===
In October 2023, the Polish elections were held and the ruling Law and Justice party won the plurality of the votes but failed to achieve a majority. It is generally believed that the Law and Justice party has no viable way to form a coalition to achieve a majority in parliament. Former Prime Minister [[Donald Tusk]] is in command of an opposition bloc that collectively achieved a majority in parliament. In November 2023, the Law and Justice Party will attempt to form a coalition government under the incumbent Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki. If they fail, then Donald Tusk will likely become Poland's new Prime Minister.<ref>{{Web citation|author=VANESSA GERA|newspaper=Associated Press|title=Poland’s president calls for new parliament to hold first session Nov. 13|date=2023-10-26|url=https://apnews.com/article/poland-election-government-duda-47922395d28d55809f2689ac62376f27|archive-url=https://archive.ph/e22Ix|archive-date=2023-10-27|retrieved=2023-10-27}}</ref>

=== Anti-communism ===
Right-wing president Andrzej Duda banned the [[Polish Communist Party (2002)|Communist Party of Poland]] and criminalized the promotion of communist ideas.<ref name=":0" />

== Military ==

=== NATO ===
Poland is currently occupied by approximately 10,000 [[United States of America|U.S.]] troops. In March 2018, Poland signed a $4.75 billion with arms dealer [[Raytheon Technologies|Raytheon]]. In April 2022, the U.S. agreed to sent F-35 aircraft and Abrams tanks to Poland. In June 2022, [[Joe Biden]] announced that the United States would establish a permanent military base in Poland. Poland spends 3% of its GDP on its military, one of the highest levels in [[North Atlantic Treaty Organization|NATO]].<ref name=":0" />

== References ==
[[Category:Countries]]
[[Category:Global north]]
[[Category:European countries]]

Economic sanctions

2023-10-27T13:39:25Z

SeventyTwoTrillion: Added more detail to Russian sanctions.

[[File:Economic sanctions map by SanctionsKill.org.png|thumb|331x331px|A map of countries facing economic sanctions imposed by the United States, according to SanctionsKill.org.]]
'''Economic sanctions''' are commercial and financial penalties applied by governments against another government, group, or an individual. They are a form of warfare, similar to siege warfare.<ref>{{News citation|journalist=Jacob G. Hornberger|date=2022-03-11|title=Sanctions Kill Innocent People and Also Destroy Our Liberty|url=https://www.fff.org/2022/03/11/sanctions-kill-innocent-people-and-also-destroy-our-liberty/|newspaper=The Future for Freedom Foundation}}</ref><ref>{{News citation|journalist=[[Eva Bartlett]]|date=2020-04-14|title=SANCTIONS KILL PEOPLE|newspaper=[[Popular Resistance]], [[RT]]}}</ref> Economic sanctions are also known as embargoes. The stated purpose of sanctions is typically to apply economic pressure on a country, in order to influence the government's decision-making, and is often portrayed as a peaceful alternative to armed conflict. However, the material function of sanctions is to create widespread economic hardship, desperation, and destabilization in the targeted country, typically to pave the way for the overthrow of the government or prevent their economic development.

The outcome of economic sanctions is mass suffering and death amongst the targeted population.<ref>@inspektorbucket on [[Twitter]]: [https://twitter.com/inspektorbucket/status/1507787302445228034?s=20&t=raoe2_FM6g6sEqHanC0A-g "Something to keep in mind: dead children are not an unfortunate side-effect of economic sanctions, but are in fact the goal"]</ref><ref>{{Citation|author=Nicholas Mulder|title=The Economic Weapon: The Rise of Sanctions as a Tool of Modern War}}</ref> Often, the suffering and death and economic underdevelopment resulting from the sanctions are then publicized as being inherent to the targeted government's own policies and blamed on the government, and disingenuous [[human rights]] investigations are subsequently launched to further isolate and destabilize the country, and even used as a justification for increasing the severity of the sanctions.
[[File:USA sanctions increase, 2000-2021.png|thumb|Findings of the U.S. Department of the Treasury on the 933% increase in use of sanctions between 2000 and 2021.<ref name=":7">[https://www.gibsondunn.com/2021-year-end-sanctions-and-export-controls-update/ “2021 Year-End Sanctions and Export Controls Update.”] ''Gibson Dunn'', 4 Feb. 2022, Accessed 7 Apr. 2023. [https://web.archive.org/web/20221205144017/https://www.gibsondunn.com/2021-year-end-sanctions-and-export-controls-update/ Archived] 2021-12-05.</ref><ref name=":8">''The Treasury 2021 Sanctions Review'' ([https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/Treasury-2021-sanctions-review.pdf PDF]). [[United States Department of the Treasury|U.S. Department of the Treasury]]. October 2021. [https://web.archive.org/web/20230321145152/https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/Treasury-2021-sanctions-review.pdf Archived] 2023-03-21.</ref>]]
According to a 2021 U.S. Treasury review, 9,421 parties were sanctioned by the US government at the end of 2021, representing a 933% increase since 2000.<ref name=":7" /><ref name=":8" /><ref>[[Ben Norton|Norton, Ben]]. [https://geopoliticaleconomy.com/2023/04/06/west-sanctions-un-human-rights-council/ “West vs the Rest: World Opposes Sanctions, Only US & Europe Support Them - Geopolitical Economy Report.”] ''[[Geopolitical Economy Report]]'', 7 Apr. 2023, Accessed 7 Apr. 2023. [https://web.archive.org/web/20230407022331/https://geopoliticaleconomy.com/2023/04/06/west-sanctions-un-human-rights-council/ Archived] 2023-04-07.</ref> The website of [[Sanctions Kill]] noted in 2021 that US sanctions affect a third of humanity, with more than 8,000 measures impacting more than 40 countries, and that the U.S. far exceeds any other country in the number of countries they have strangled with economic sanctions. Sanctions Kill asserts that in a period of human history when hunger and disease are scientifically solvable, depriving hundreds of millions from getting basic necessities is a crime against humanity.<ref name=":1" />

An essay posted on Monthly Review Online states that economic sanctions function as undeclared war by creating severe economic disruption and hyperinflation, and explains that because sanctions interfere with the functioning of essential infrastructure i.e. electrical grids, water treatment and distribution facilities, transportation hubs, and communication networks by blocking access to key industrial inputs, such as fuel, raw materials, and replacement parts, they lead to droughts, famines, disease, and abject poverty, which results in the death of millions. Exact numbers are difficult to quantify because no international tally of casualties related to economic sanctions is recorded, which obfuscates its overall fatal impact.<ref name=":3">Smith, Lauren. [https://mronline.org/2020/03/10/united-states-imposed-economic-sanctions-the-big-heist/ “United States Imposed Economic Sanctions: The Big Heist”] MR Online. March 10, 2020. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220907150816/https://mronline.org/2020/03/10/united-states-imposed-economic-sanctions-the-big-heist/ Archived] 2022-09-08.

‌</ref>

According to a page on the Sanctions Kill website, the countries imposing economic sanctions "are the wealthiest, the most powerful, and the most industrially developed countries in the world. The intention is to choke the economies of poor, developing countries, most of which were formerly colonized. The sanctions, as well as visiting extreme hardship upon the civilian population, are intended to serve as a dire threat to surrounding countries, as they impact the economies of the whole region."<ref name=":1">W, Jim. Feb. 2, 2021. [https://sanctionskill.org/2021/02/02/sanctions-fact-sheet-39-countries/ “Sanctions Fact Sheet/over 40 Countries | Sanctions Kill.”] Sanctionskill.org. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220907145836/https://sanctionskill.org/2021/02/02/sanctions-fact-sheet-39-countries/ Archived] 2022-09-07.</ref>

Lauren Smith notes in Monthly Review Online that it is not unilateral sanctions imposed by the U.S. alone that devastate a targeted country, it is the imposition of secondary sanctions upon foreign third parties that represents the final blow to its economy and people. These measures threaten to cut off foreign countries, governments, companies, financial institutions and individuals from the U.S. financial system if they engage in prohibited transactions with a sanctioned target—irrespective as to whether or not that activity impacts the [[United States of America|United States]] directly.<ref name=":3" />

In times of natural disaster, [[Progressivism|progressives]] often call for temporary lifting or easing of sanctions in affected countries. However, as sanctions are a form of warfare that are generally used to purposely cause death and suffering in the targeted countries, natural disasters tend to boost the intended deadly effects of sanctions on the targeted countries' populations, as well as create a window of increased [[plausible deniability]] for the aggressor countries responsible for imposing the sanctions, the incentive to ease or remove sanctions is low.

== Use for destabilization and overthrow of governments ==
An example of the rationale behind the use of economic pressure to destabilize and overthrow governments can be found in a 1960 memorandum between U.S. officials under the Secretary of State for Inter-American affairs, discussing obstacles in overthrowing the government of [[Republic of Cuba|Cuba]]. The author of the memo notes that "the majority of Cubans support [[Fidel Castro|Castro]]" and that there was "no effective political [[opposition]]". In light of there being widespread support for the government and no effective opposition for the U.S. to back and empower, and also noting that "Militant opposition to Castro from without Cuba would only serve his and the communist cause" the author wrote that the "only foreseeable means of alienating internal support" would be "through disenchantment and disaffection based on economic dissatisfaction and hardship" and that "every possible means should be undertaken promptly to weaken the economic life of Cuba" and to "call forth a line of action which, while as adroit and inconspicuous as possible, makes the greatest inroads in denying money and supplies to Cuba, to decrease monetary and real wages, to bring about hunger, desperation and overthrow of government." The U.S. State Department's Office of the Historian notes that the recipient of the memorandum initialed the "yes" option in reply to moving forward with these ideas.<ref name=":0">[https://history.state.gov/historicaldocuments/frus1958-60v06/d499 "Memorandum From the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs (Mallory) to the Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs (Rubottom)."] Foreign Relations of the United States, 1958–1960, Cuba, Volume vi - Office of the Historian. State.gov. U.S. Department of State. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220806052659/https://history.state.gov/historicaldocuments/frus1958-60v06/d499 Archived] 2022-08-14.</ref> This is one example of the logic behind the use of economic pressure to destabilize and overthrow governments, and shows that is an option that may be taken when local support for the government is high and explicit external opposition would create a disadvantageous propaganda situation for the aggressor country and strengthen the resolve of the targeted country, and therefore an "inconspicuous" policy of bringing about hunger and desperation is a preferable avenue of attack.

Kim Ji Ho, author of ''Understanding Korea: Human Rights'', observes the deadly, criminal effects of U.S. sanctions on [[Democratic People's Republic of Korea|DPRK]]'s citizens, and writes of their ultimate goal of destabilizing the country with the purpose of overthrowing its system:<blockquote>The economic sanctions and blockade the US, in collusion with its vassal states, has imposed on the DPRK have been unprecedented in their viciousness and tenacity. These moves are aimed, in essence, at isolating and stifling the country and destabilizing it so as to overthrow its system. The moves the US resorts to by enlisting even its vassal states are a crime against human rights and humanity, which check the sovereign state’s right to development and exert a great negative impact on its people’s enjoying of their rights, a crime as serious as wartime genocide.<ref>Kim Ji Ho (2017). ''Understanding Korea 9: Human Rights. Pyongyang: Foreign Languages Publishing House''.</ref></blockquote>

== Opposition to economic sanctions ==
Opposition to sanctions can be found among various ideological camps. Even critics and opponents of governments targeted by sanctions frequently point out the ineffectiveness of the sanctioning in achieving their stated goals and point out the disastrous inhumane effects of sanctions on the general population, even if these critics do not draw the conclusion that the disastrous effects are in fact the purpose of the sanctions. For example, correspondent Ryan Cooper of ''The Week'' writes of "America's brainless addiction to punitive sanctions regimes" which "virtually never achieve the desired effect and too often inflict pointless suffering on innocents" and which have not achieved "any major U.S. policy goal in this century" giving examples of U.S. sanctions on Iran, Russia, DPRK, and Venezuela all failing to achieve the goals they were said to be implemented for, and refers to U.S. sanctions on Afghanistan as "miserable and useless economic seige". The journalist goes on to describe how sanctions are often used to bolster the image of the politicians who call for and impose them:<blockquote>As Henry Farrell and Abraham L. Newman write in ''The New York Times'', American imperialists can't resist the temptation to use U.S. control over the dollar funding system to economically strangle perceived adversaries. Presidents use sanctions to signal they're tough by inflicting pain on "enemies" (most often innocent civilians) who are helpless to fight back from thousands of miles away. Presidents don't remove sanctions because that would be "weak," or because the Kafkaesque imperial bureaucracy only goes in one direction, or because it would be humiliating to admit error.<ref>Cooper, Ryan. 2022. [https://theweek.com/afghanistan-war/1008876/how-us-sanctions-are-driving-afghanistan-to-famine “Driving Afghanistan to Famine.”] The Week. January 12, 2022.</ref></blockquote>Nicholas Mulder, assistant professor of modern European history at Cornell University, characterized the "ratcheting problem" of sanctions which make every new implementation of sanctions less and less likely to succeed, and "defeats the entire-democratic-behavioral model of sanctions". He also explained that historically, sanctions tend to fail at changing the behavior of other states, although they may be more successful at "grinding down" an opponent's material strength:<blockquote>As tools for changing the behavior of other states, the empirical record is quite clear that they fail more often than not. As ways of grinding down opponents’ material strength they might be more successful. But we must ask at what cost. Long-term undeclared economic war oftentimes entrenches antagonism between countries instead of resolving it. The paradox of sanctions is that effective use relies on a credible promise of their removal. You must commit to lifting restrictions when your demands are met. Right now, many Western governments are stuck in a ratcheting problem where they can only ramp up economic pressure but never lift restrictions. This not only defeats the entire democratic-behavioral model for sanctions, it also makes every new sanction less and less likely to succeed.<ref>[https://news.cornell.edu/stories/2022/01/economic-sanctions-evolved-tool-modern-war “Economic Sanctions Evolved into Tool of Modern War.”] ''Cornell Chronicle'', 2022. Accessed 7 Apr. 2023. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220927134644/https://news.cornell.edu/stories/2022/01/economic-sanctions-evolved-tool-modern-war Archived] 2022-09-27.</ref></blockquote>A 2022 article published by the Center for Economic and Policy Research states that economic sanctions have become one of the main tools of US foreign policy, despite little proof of their efficacy, and widespread evidence that they often target civilian populations, with lethal and devastating effects. The article states that though sanctions are a key part of US policy-making, and a defining feature of the global economic order, sanctions, and their human costs, as well as violations of treaties to which the United States is a signatory, receive relatively little attention in most US media outlets.<ref name=":2">Galant, Michael. [https://cepr.net/cepr-sanctions-watch-may-june-2022/ “CEPR Sanctions Watch, May-June 2022”] Center for Economic and Policy Research. July 8, 2022. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220907145545/https://cepr.net/cepr-sanctions-watch-may-june-2022/ Archived] 2022-09-07.</ref>

== Sanctions by targeted country ==
According to Sanctions Kill, US sanctions affect a third of humanity with more than 8,000 measures impacting more than 40 countries and notes that the U.S. far exceeds any other country in the number of countries they have strangled with economic sanctions. The countries listed by Sanctions Kill as being affected by sanctions as of 2022 include the following: [[Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan|Afghanistan]], [[Republic of Belarus|Belarus]], [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]], [[Republic of Burundi|Burundi]], [[Central African Republic]], [[People's Republic of China|China (PR)]], [[Union of the Comoros|Comoros]], [[Crimea|Crimea Region of Ukraine]], [[Republic of Cuba|Cuba]], [[Republic of Cyprus|Cyprus]], [[Democratic Republic of the Congo|Congo – DR]], [[Eritrea]], [[Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia|Ethiopia]], [[Republic of Guinea|Guinea]], [[Republic of Guinea-Bissau|Guinea Bissau]], [[Republic of Haiti|Haiti]], [[Islamic Republic of Iran|Iran]], [[Republic of Iraq|Iraq]], [[Democratic People's Republic of Korea|Korea – DPRK]], [[Kyrgyz Republic|Kyrgyzstan]], [[Lao People's Democratic Republic|Laos]], [[Lebanon]], [[State of Libya|Libya]], [[Republic of Mali|Mali]], [[Islamic Republic of Mauritania|Mauritania]], [[Republic of Moldova|Moldova]], [[Montenegro]], [[Republic of the Union of Myanmar|Myanmar]], [[Republic of Nicaragua|Nicaragua]], [[State of Palestine|Palestine]], [[Russia (disambiguation)|Russia]], [[Republic of Rwanda|Rwanda]], [[Republic of Serbia|Serbia]], [[Somalia]], [[South Sudan]], [[Republic of the Sudan|Sudan]], [[Syrian Arab Republic|Syria]], [[Republic of Tunisia|Tunisia]], [[Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela|Venezuela]], [[Republic of Yemen|Yemen]], and [[Zimbabwe]].<ref name=":1" />

=== Afghanistan ===
Since 2021, the U.S. [[Joe Biden|Biden]] administration has blocked Afghanistan’s central bank from accessing roughly $7 billion in its foreign reserves held in the US. Along with sanctions on government officials and a cutoff of aid, this has contributed to a severe collapse of Afghanistan’s economy.<ref name=":2" />

=== Cuba ===
[[File:Cuba embargo vote.png|thumb|In 2022, all UN members voted against the embargo except the USA and [[State of Israel|Israel]], which voted against, and [[Ukraine]] and [[Republic of Moldova|Moldova]], which did not vote. This marks 30 consecutive years in which the UN has voted to condemn the embargo.<ref name=":9">Ben Norton (Nov 05, 2022). [https://mronline.org/2022/11/05/entire-world-votes-185-to-2-against-blockade-of-cuba-u-s-and-israel-are-rogue-states-at-un/ "Entire world votes 185 to 2 against blockade of Cuba–U.S. and Israel are rogue states at UN"] ''MROnline''. [https://web.archive.org/web/20230113152705/https://mronline.org/2022/11/05/entire-world-votes-185-to-2-against-blockade-of-cuba-u-s-and-israel-are-rogue-states-at-un/ Archived] 2023-01-13.</ref><ref name=":10">[https://news.un.org/en/story/2021/06/1094612 "UN General Assembly calls for US to end Cuba embargo for 29th consecutive year"] (2021-06-23). ''UN News''. [https://web.archive.org/web/20230401151451/https://news.un.org/en/story/2021/06/1094612 Archived] 2023-04-01.</ref>]]
''See also: [[United States embargo against Cuba]]''

The US embargo of Cuba is one of the oldest and strictest of all US sanctions regimes, prohibiting nearly all trade, travel, and financial transactions since the early 1960s.<ref name=":2" />

U.S. officials have written that creating "disenchantment and disaffection based on economic dissatisfaction and hardship" through denying money and supplies to Cuba would be a method they should pursue in order to "bring about hunger, desperation and overthrow of government" in that country.<ref name=":0" />

In an article for The Guardian, David Adler writes of the embargo on Cuba, that "the US embargo impacts every aspect of life on the island – and that is the precisely the point" and goes on to state that "Both the Biden administration and its Republican opposition claim that these measures are targeted at the regime, rather than the Cuban people. But the evidence to the contrary is not only anecdotal. The UN estimates that the embargo has cost Cuba over $130bn in damages" and says that the embargo "fails the test of its own logic" pointing out that "the Biden administration argued that the embargo aims to 'support the Cuban people in their quest to determine their own future'. But the Biden administration does not dare to explain how making Cuba poorer, sicker and more isolated supports their quest for self-determination."<ref>{{Web citation|author=David Adler|newspaper=The Guardian|title=Cuba has been under US embargo for 60 years. It’s time for that to end|date=2022-02-03|url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/feb/03/cuba-us-embargo-must-end|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220613091002/https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/feb/03/cuba-us-embargo-must-end|archive-date=2022-8-14}}</ref>

In 2022, for the 30th year in a row, almost every country voted at the United Nations to condemn the U.S. blockade of Cuba. In the 2022 vote, the USA and Israel voted no, while Ukraine and Moldova did not vote. 185 other countries voted to end the embargo.<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":10" />

=== Democratic People's Republic of Korea ===
The [[Democratic People's Republic of Korea]] (DPRK) is one of the most sanctioned countries in the world, and has been subject to sanctions since just after its foundation in 1948. The United States first imposed sanctions on north Korea during the [[Korean War]] in the 1950s. Following the country’s 2006 nuclear test, the US, EU, and others added more stringent sanctions, which have periodically intensified since. Sanctions now target oil imports, and cover most finance and trade, and the country’s key minerals sector.<ref name=":2" />

In 2017, sanctions imposed by the UN caused thousands of DPRK workers who had been working abroad to be forced to return to DPRK as well as led to the closure of numerous DPRK companies and joint ventures.<ref>[https://www.asianews.it/news-en/North-Korean-workers-leave-China-because-of-UN-sanctions-41942.html “North Korean Workers Leave China because of UN Sanctions.”] Asianews.it. 2017. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220909073331/https://www.asianews.it/news-en/North-Korean-workers-leave-China-because-of-UN-sanctions-41942.html Archived] 2022-09-09.</ref>

A 2020 zine released by [[Nodutdol]] describes the history of sanctions directed against DPRK in the following way:<blockquote>The first of many generations of US sanctions against the DPRK began shortly after the outbreak of the Korean War in 1950, which threatened the US-backed [[Syngman Rhee|Rhee Syngman]] government in the south. Since the beginning of the DPRK nuclear tests in 2003, the [[George W. Bush|Bush]] and [[Barack Obama|Obama]] administrations respectively lifted some sanctions to facilitate negotiations around DPRK denuclearization, and then reinstated them when the negotiations failed to produce the results desired by the US. The sanctions regime reimplemented by the Obama administration targeted three fourths of all DPRK exports, and instituted a labyrinthine network of financial limitations that have functionally cut the DPRK off from accessing international trade or foreign investment. The administrative hurdles placed on international aid organizations and outright bans on items containing metal instituted by Obama’s US and UN sanctions have had devastating effects on the DPRK agricultural, medical, and sanitation systems. In 2018, 3,968 people in the DPRK, who were mostly children under the age of 5, died as a result of shortages and delays to UN aid programs caused by sanctions. The [[Donald Trump|Trump]] administration has elaborated on DPRK sanctions by returning the DPRK to the State Sponsors of Terrorism list, targeting the DPRK’s access to international shipping, instituting a travel ban, and adding new measures targeting a number of DPRK industries.<ref name=":6">[https://nodutdol.org/sanctions-of-empire/ "제국의 제재 - Sanctions of Empire."] Nodutdol. October 20, 2020. [https://nodutdol.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Sanctions-of-Empire.pdf PDF]. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220520095404/https://nodutdol.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Sanctions-of-Empire.pdf Archive].</ref></blockquote>

Foreign Policy in Focus (FPIF) lists out the sanctions and other punishments placed on DPRK as the following:<blockquote>Economic sanctions against North Korea cover trade, finance, investment, even North Korean workers in foreign countries. The earliest of these were imposed by the United States after the Korean War, when Washington imposed a total trade embargo on North Korea and also froze all North Korean holdings in the United States. In the 1970s, the United States tightened these restrictions by prohibiting the import of any agricultural products that contained raw material from North Korea. The United States also prohibits any exports to North Korea if they contain more than 10 percent of U.S.-sourced inputs. There are some minor humanitarian exemptions to these sanctions. Between 2004 and 2019, in the wake of the failed Agreed Framework of the Clinton era, Congress passed eight bills that further restricted economic and financial interactions with North Korea.

On the financial side, the United States has effectively blocked North Korea from participating in the U.S. financial system but more importantly from engaging in any dollar-based transactions. Secondary sanctions target any countries that conduct business with North Korea, which further limits the country’s access to the global economy. Because North Korea remains on the State Sponsors of Terrorism list, it does not enjoy sovereign immunity from prosecution for certain acts such as torture and extrajudicial killing. The United States is further obligated by the stipulations of this regulation to oppose any effort by North Korea to join the IMF or World Bank.<ref name=":5">Feffer, John. 2021. [https://fpif.org/the-problem-of-sanctions-against-north-korea/ “The Problem of Sanctions against North Korea.”] Foreign Policy in Focus. November 22, 2021. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220909072424/https://fpif.org/the-problem-of-sanctions-against-north-korea/ Archived] 2022-09-09.

‌</ref></blockquote>FPIF additionally states that a number of individuals and entities have been singled out for sanctions, from high-level officials and directors of banks to trading and shipping companies to specific vessels and even non-Korean business people. Apart from U.S. sanctions, the UN Security Council has passed "about a dozen" unanimous resolutions that ban trade in arms, luxury goods, electrical equipment, natural gas, and other items. Other sanctions impose a freeze on the assets of designated individuals and entities, prohibit joint ventures with these prohibited entities, and restrict cargo trade with North Korea. Japan has also imposed sanctions, which include measures freeze certain DPRK and Chinese assets, ban bilateral trade with DPRK, restrict the entry of DPRK citizens and ships into Japanese territory, and reportedly prohibit remittances worth more than $880. South Korea, Australia, and the EU also maintain their own sanctions against DPRK.<ref name=":5" />

According to FPIF, sanctions on DPRK have "demonstrably failed." FPIF notes that sanctions didn’t deter DPRK from pursuing a nuclear weapons program, nor have they been subsequently responsible for pushing it toward denuclearization, and adds that DPRK has been under sanctions for nearly its entire existence and it doesn’t have a strong international economic presence that can be penalized, and "has been willing to suffer the effects of isolation in order to build what it considers to be a credible deterrence against foreign attack."<ref name=":5" />

The US consistently interferes in inter-Korean affairs by citing sanctions. According to Nodutdol, only a few months after the Korean leaders signed the Panmunjeom Declaration, the US-led UN Command which oversees the DMZ, blocked development of the inter-Korean railway. In January 2020, South Korean President [[Moon Jae-In]] expressed interest in developing tourism to North Korea, but the US ambassador Harry Harris blocked this effort. Harris claimed that "independent" tourism plans would have to undergo US consultation. He emphasized that the items inside South Korean tourists' luggage could violate sanctions, demonstrating the extent of US interference.<ref name=":6" />

=== Iran ===
US sanctions on Iran began during the 1979 hostage crisis, and currently bar US actors — plus some non-US actors — from most all trade and financial transactions with Iran. Though certain sanctions were lifted as a result of the 2015 nuclear deal, the majority have been reimposed since the US’s unilateral withdrawal.<ref name=":2" />

According to Nodutdol, Iran has virtually been under some form of US sanctions since the 1979 Iranian Revolution deposed the US-backed Shah and established the Islamic Republic of Iran. In 2015, Iran signed on to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), popularly known as the Iran nuclear deal, with the US and EU. In exchange for abiding by certain nuclear restrictions, Iran was promised relief from some sanctions imposed by the US, EU, and UN Security Council. The Trump administration pulled out of JCPOA in 2017, and dramatically escalated sanctions against Iran. This has had a devastating effect on Iran, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Prevented from conducting business with the US dollar, unable to access overseas assets, and blocked off from most international trade, the Iranian economy has been struck by massive unemployment, runaway inflation, and severe shortages of basic goods. This has been particularly devastating for public health, as shortages of vital medical supplies have exacerbated the rate of preventable deaths, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref name=":6" />

=== Iraq ===
When asked about half a million Iraqi children who died due to [[United States of America|US]] sanctions, [[Madeleine Albright]] said in 1996, "the price was worth it."<ref>@nickwestes on [[Twitter]]: [https://twitter.com/nickwestes/status/1506754872187576320?s=20&t=raoe2_FM6g6sEqHanC0A-g "When asked about half a million Iraqi children who died of US sanctions, Madeleine Albright said in 1996, "the price was worth it." The former Secretary of State was never brought to justice. Today, the US sanctions about a third of the world's population."]</ref>

In 2003, President Bush signed an order to take possession of the Iraqi government assets that were frozen in 1990, before the Persian Gulf War. As a result, seventeen of the world’s biggest financial institutions were told by the Treasury Department to hand over $1.7 billion in frozen Iraqi assets that the U.S. government intended to place in an account at the NY Fed.<ref name=":3" />

=== Libya ===
In 2015, it was announced that $67 billion in Libya’s assets remained frozen from 2011. In 2018, it was announced that Libya’s assets had decreased to $34 billion. The UN Libya Experts Panel is “looking for answers” to explain the disappearance of $33 billion in frozen assets.<ref name=":3" />

=== Russia ===
US-imposed sanctions on Russia targeting the financial, energy, and defense sectors began in 2014 after the annexation of Crimea. This regime was expanded, particularly by the US, UK, and EU, in response to the 2022 conflict in [[Ukraine]], by barring most financial transactions, oil and gas imports, and other activities.<ref name=":2" />

The sanctions placed on Russia have substantially weakened Europe, who previously relied on Russia for cheap energy, while simultaneously prompting their governments to place more funding and productive forces into their militaries, resulting in widespread economic stagnation or even decline. This effect has been likened to a boomerang even by US state media.<ref>{{Web citation|author=Victoria Kim, Clifford Krauss and Anton Troianovski|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Western Move to Choke Russia’s Oil Exports Boomerangs, for Now|date=2022-06-21|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/21/world/europe/ukraine-russian-oil-embargo.html|archive-url=https://archive.ph/FJ7hD|archive-date=2022-06-22|retrieved=2023-10-27}}</ref>

In December 2022, the [[G7]] decreed a price cap on Russian oil exports of $60 per barrel; companies who sold Russian oil for higher than this amount would face consequences. Due to Russia's large fossil fuel export economy, the price cap was expected to severely limit the money that Russia could generate by selling their oil. The G7 proposed to meet every two months to discuss whether this price cap should be changed.

In reality, these measures have been largely ineffective, as Russia found methods to bypass the price cap, such as by creating a "dark fleet" of oil tankers. The premise was flawed from the beginning, as Russian oil could be mixed with that of other countries - such as oil from [[Kingdom of Saudi Arabia|Saudi Arabia]] - and sold on to other countries. As of September 2023, the G7 has stopped meeting to discuss the oil price cap.<ref>{{Web citation|author=Julia Payne|newspaper=Reuters|title=G7 shelves regular Russian oil cap reviews as prices soar|date=2023-09-06|url=https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/g7-shelves-regular-russian-oil-cap-reviews-prices-soar-sources-2023-09-06/|archive-url=https://archive.ph/ySzcg|archive-date=2023-10-06|retrieved=2023-10-06}}</ref> In October 2023, US Treasury Secretary [[Janet Yellen]] admitted that the oil price cap has not been effective recently due to Russian oil prices nearing $100 per barrel.<ref>{{Web citation|newspaper=Russia Today|title=Russian oil cap not working – Washington|date=2023-09-30|url=https://www.rt.com/business/583814-russia-oil-cap-working-yellen/?|archive-url=https://archive.ph/X8yUB|archive-date=2023-09-30|retrieved=2023-10-06}}</ref>

Despite the sanctions on Russian fossil fuels, European countries are still dependent on them. The Bulgarian parliament delayed its ban of Russian oil from the end of 2023 until October 2024, with a year-long transition period.<ref>{{Web citation|author=Krassen Nikolov|newspaper=Euractiv|title=Bulgaria will continue using Russian oil for as long as possible|date=2023-09-29|url=https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/news/bulgaria-will-continue-using-russian-oil-for-as-long-as-possible/|archive-url=https://archive.ph/z0RQ1|archive-date=2023-09-30|retrieved=2023-10-27}}</ref>

=== Syria ===
''See also: [[Syrian Arab Republic#Sanctions]]''

A [[Multipolarista]] article by [[Ben Norton]] notes that most of the sanctions imposed on Syria came after the West launched a proxy war against the country in 2011, although the US has had sanctions on Syria going back to 2004. The U.S. sanctions levelled against Syria expanded into a de facto blockade in 2019, with the approval of the [[Caesar Act]], signed into law by president [[Donald Trump]], which came into force in 2020. Special Rapporteur Douhan noted the law “authorized secondary sanctions against non-U.S. persons anywhere in the world who provide financial, material or technological support to the Syrian Government or engage in transactions with it.”<ref>Norton, Ben. [https://multipolarista.com/2022/11/12/un-expert-western-sanctions-syria/ “UN Expert: ‘Outrageous’ Western Sanctions Are ‘Suffocating’ Syria, May Be Crimes against Humanity”] Multipolarista. November 12, 2022. [https://web.archive.org/web/20221115044700/https://multipolarista.com/2022/11/12/un-expert-western-sanctions-syria/ Archived] 2022-11-15.</ref> In accordance with the sanctions under the Caesar Act, anyone doing business with the Syrian authorities, even including transport of basic needs, such as food and medicine into the country, is potentially exposed to travel restrictions and financial sanctions.<ref name=":11">Al Mayadeen English. [https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/hezbollah-sends-aid-convoys-to-quake-hit-syria “Hezbollah Sends Aid Convoys to Quake-Hit Syria.”] ''Al Mayadeen English'', 8 Feb. 2023, Accessed 7 Apr. 2023. [https://web.archive.org/web/20230329054430/https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/hezbollah-sends-aid-convoys-to-quake-hit-syria Archived] 2023-03-29.</ref>

In a November 2022 statement following a 12-day visit to Syria, [[United Nations|UN]] Special Rapporteur Alena Douhan presented information about the catastrophic effects of unilateral sanctions across all walks of life in Syria. Douhan said 90 per cent of Syria’s population was currently living below the poverty line, with limited access to food, water, electricity, shelter, cooking and heating fuel, transportation and healthcare and warned that the country was facing a massive brain-drain due to growing economic hardship. Douhan urged sanctioning states to lift unilateral sanctions against Syria, warning that they were perpetuating and exacerbating the destruction and trauma suffered by the Syrian people since 2011.<ref>[https://www.ohchr.org/en/node/104160 “UN Expert Calls for Lifting of Long-Lasting Unilateral Sanctions ‘Suffocating’ Syrian People.”] 2022. OHCHR. [https://web.archive.org/web/20221115044250/https://www.ohchr.org/en/node/104160 Archived] 2022-11-15.</ref>

During the [[2023 Turkey–Syria earthquake]], Syria was unable to receive immediate direct aid due to sanctions imposed upon the country. The exception was aid from countries whose economies have also been devastated by U.S. sanctions. The governments of Cuba, Venezuela,<ref>[https://www.telesurenglish.net/news/Venezuelan-Relief-Workers-Arrive-in-Syria-With-Humanitarian-Aid-20230209-0001.html “Venezuelan Relief Workers Arrive in Syria with Humanitarian Aid.”] ''Telesurenglish.net'', teleSUR, 2023, Accessed 7 Apr. 2023. [https://web.archive.org/web/20230217205456/https://www.telesurenglish.net/news/Venezuelan-Relief-Workers-Arrive-in-Syria-With-Humanitarian-Aid-20230209-0001.html Archived] 2023-02-17.</ref> Iran and China, Palestinians in Gaza and Hezbollah<ref name=":11" /> in Lebanon all rushed aid to Syria.<ref name=":12">Rahman, Sameena. [https://www.liberationnews.org/us-sanctions-block-earthquake-aid-to-syria/ “U.S. Sanctions Block Earthquake Aid to Syria.”] ''Liberation News'', Liberation News, 21 Feb. 2023, Accessed 7 Apr. 2023. [https://web.archive.org/web/20230407124501/https://www.liberationnews.org/us-sanctions-block-earthquake-aid-to-syria/ Archived] 2023-04-07.</ref> Iran was able to supply Syria with 70 tons of food, tents and medicine.<ref>Natasha Frost, Raja Abdulrahim (2023-02-07). [https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/07/world/europe/turkey-syria-quake-un-aid.html "The only border crossing for U.N. aid from Turkey to Syria is hobbled."] ''[[The New York Times]]''. [https://web.archive.org/web/20230209032139/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/07/world/europe/turkey-syria-quake-un-aid.html Archived] from the original on 2023-02-09.</ref>

Four days after the initial quake, the U.S. State Department announced a temporary lifting of sanctions on Syria, only due to mounting public pressure calling for the exemption. Bassam Sabbagh, Syria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, described the 180-days U.S. sanctions exemption as “insufficient to adequately offset the dire consequences of [the United States’] coercive measures” in the region.<ref>[https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2023/02/14/698188/Assad-Aid-must-be-brought-into-all-quake-hit-areas-Syria “"Syria Slams US Sanctions, Unilateral Actions for Hampering Humanitarian Aid Delivery ".”] ''PressTV'', PressTV News, 14 Feb. 2023, Accessed 7 Apr. 2023. [https://web.archive.org/web/20230321005213/https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2023/02/14/698188/Assad-Aid-must-be-brought-into-all-quake-hit-areas-Syria Archived] 2023-03-21.</ref> A statement released by the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates said, “the misleading decision taken by the U.S. administration to temporarily ease some of the cruel and unilateral sanctions on the Syrian nation is out of shame and hypocrisy and is no different from previous gestures meant to convey an erroneous humanitarian impression.”<ref>[https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/minimal-western-aid-to-syria-yet-despite-temporary-lift-of-s “Minimal Western Aid to Syria, despite Temporary Lift of Sanctions.”] ''Al Mayadeen English'', 11 Feb. 2023, Accessed 7 Apr. 2023. [https://web.archive.org/web/20230407125459/https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/minimal-western-aid-to-syria-yet-despite-temporary-lift-of-s Archived] 2023-04-07.</ref> Even with sanctions exemptions, countries hesitated to send aid, fearing financial and political consequences from the United States, which punishes those who violate US-imposed sanctions.<ref name=":12" />

=== Venezuela ===
US sanctions on Venezuela began under the Obama administration, and were expanded significantly under Trump, including broad financial sanctions targeting the state oil company and sanctions targeting Venezuelan oil exports, all of which have contributed to the country’s economic collapse.<ref name=":2" />

In 2017, the US and its allies in North America and Europe imposed sanctions on Venezuela targeting individuals in government, state institutions, and access to international credit. Since then, the US and its allies have expanded sanctions to target Venezuela’s major industries, banking sector, and international food aid. These measures have acutely impacted the economic situation in Venezuela, and created shortages of medicine, food, and fuel that have led to widespread suffering. In 2019, the Center for Economic Policy Research published a study estimating that 40,000 deaths in Venezuela from 2017- 2018 could be attributed to US sanctions.<ref name=":6" />

According to an article in Monthly Review Online, in August 2019, Venezuela’s foreign minister, Jorge Arreaza, stated that the sanctions the United States imposed against it had left more than $3 billion of its assets frozen in the global financial system. Additionally, The Bank of England blocked Venezuela’s attempts to retrieve $1.2 billion worth of gold stored as the nation’s foreign reserves in Britain. It is reported that former national security advisor to President Donald Trump, John Bolton, pressured England to freeze Venezuelan assets. By some estimates, Venezuela holds more than $8 billion in foreign reserves. Additionally, the U.S. froze all the assets Venezuela’s state-owned oil company, PDVSA, has in the United States. While it allows PDVSA’s U.S.-based subsidiary, Citgo, to operate, it confiscates the money it earns and places it in a blocked account.<ref name=":3" />

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov claims that the U.S. simply confiscates Venezuela’s money under the guise of sanctions, noting that the U.S. is experienced in such illegal affairs, giving Iraq, Libya, Iran, Cuba, Nicaragua, and Panama as examples. According to Lavrov, "US companies operating in Venezuela are excluded from the sanctions regime. Simply put they want to overthrow the government and gain profits at the same time."<ref>[https://www.rt.com/news/450057-cynical-sanctions-us-lavrov-venezuela/ “‘Cynical’ US Sanctions Meant to Confiscate Venezuela’s Assets – Lavrov.”] RT International. RT. January 29, 2019. [https://web.archive.org/web/2/https://www.rt.com/news/450057-cynical-sanctions-us-lavrov-venezuela/ Archived version].</ref>

=== Zimbabwe ===
[[File:Members of the Broad Alliance Against Sanctions in Zimbabwe.jpg|thumb|Members of the Broad Alliance Against Sanctions hold anti-sanctions placards in front of the U.S. embassy in Harare, Zimbabwe, on July 4, 2022.]]According to Chidiebere C. Ogbonna in the African Research Review, from 1966 until the present, "Zimbabwe at one time or another has been under sanctions either by the United Nations the United States, the European Union or all the aforementioned. In total, Zimbabwe has been sanctioned in seven sanction-episodes: 1966, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2008 and 2009, making it one of the most sanctioned countries in the world." Ogbonna states that in a simple analysis, Zimbabwe has become a regular candidate of the "sanctions industry."<ref>Chidiebere C Ogbonna [https://www.researchgate.net/publication/319870565_Targeted_or_Restrictive_Impact_of_US_and_EU_Sanctions_on_Education_and_Healthcare_of_Zimbabweans "Targeted or Restrictive: Impact of U.S. and EU Sanctions on Education and Healthcare of Zimbabweans."] September 2017, African Research Review 11(3):31 DOI:10.4314/afrrev.v11i3.4</ref>

In 2001, Congress passed the Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Act, which placed sanctions on the Zimbabwean government’s access to international loans, credit, and debt relief. Although the US insists that its sanctions against Zimbabwe are “targeted” and only affect individuals and institutions responsible for undemocratic behavior, the government of Zimbabwe has argued that the sanctions are comprehensive in practice and have contributed to the country’s decades-long economic crisis.<ref name=":6" />

According to a 2022 article by Xinhua News, the U.S. sanctions against Zimbabwe have accumulated since 2001, following a government decision to repossess land from minority white farmers for redistribution to landless indigenous Zimbabweans. The Xinhua article notes that though the Zimbabwean government said the land reform would promote democracy and the economy, "Western countries launched repeated sanctions with little regard for the average person's suffering." Linda Masarira, president of the Labour Economists and Afrikan Democrats (LEAD) political party, said sanctions have been used as a tool of economic warfare against Zimbabwe, and that sanctioning Zimbabwe "was an action that the United States of America decided to do on Zimbabwe to ensure that they make our economy scream, they make things hard for Zimbabweans and imply that black Zimbabweans, native Zimbabweans cannot do their own farming, or run their own economy."<ref name=":4">Tichaona Chifamba, Zhang Yuliang, Cao Kai. [https://english.news.cn/20220711/5ed659ab8a7e40c5a2baa116589bcede/c.html "Two-decade-old U.S. sanctions leave Zimbabweans suffering, triggering protests".] Xinhua. 2022-07-11. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220909064843/https://english.news.cn/20220711/5ed659ab8a7e40c5a2baa116589bcede/c.html Archived] 2022-09-09.</ref>

The [[Broad Alliance Against Sanctions]] (BAAS) is an organization in Zimbabwe that opposes sanctions. A spokesperson of BAAS was quoted in the Xinhua article regarding the sanctions: "We realized that most industries closed due to sanctions, meaning that sanctions are actually the major cause for all our other problems in Zimbabwe." According to BAAS Chairperson Calvern Chitsunge, officials from the U.S. embassy have tried to bribe the group's four leaders in response to their anti-sanctions activism, noting that the U.S. embassy staff have offered them each 100,000 U.S. dollars, a car and free accommodations at a location of their choosing.<ref name=":4" />

U.S. state officials claim that sanctions target only 83 individuals and 37 entities and denies the Zimbabwean people as the targets. However, there are certain companies that are not allowed to interact or work with Zimbabwean-based companies, such as the U.S.-based company [[PayPal]], causing difficulty for small start-up companies, and Zimbabwe has struggled to build new roads, hospitals, clinics or even rehabilitate old infrastructure because it has been denied access to affordable finance by international institutions. Obert Gutu, member of the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission and former deputy minister of justice and legal affairs said that "Since 2002 when the sanctions were effected, this economy has never been the same again because the most deadly effect of sanctions on Zimbabwe was just to first and foremost paint Zimbabwe as a pariah state."<ref name=":4" />

Nodutdol, summarizing findings in Chidiebere C. Ogbonna's 2017 study in the African Research Review, stated that US sanctions and corresponding EU restrictive measures have tremendously affected Zimbabweans’ access to healthcare and education. The study found that Zimbabwe’s capacity to treat and prevent HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria in particular was impacted by rising costs, difficulty accessing funds, and increased emigration of educated professionals, including healthcare workers. The prolonged economic crisis in Zimbabwe, inflamed by decades of sanctions, have resulted in massive unemployment and inflation as well as shortages of basic commodities—consequences that have been observed elsewhere in similarly sanctioned countries.<ref name=":6" />

== References ==

Federal Republic of Germany

2023-10-27T13:17:10Z

SeventyTwoTrillion: Added additional information to Germany's current economic situation.

{{Infobox country
| name = Federal Republic of Germany
| native_name = Bundesrepublik Deutschland
| image_flag = File:Flag of Germany.svg
| image_coat = File:Coat of arms of Germany.svg
|national_motto=Einigkeit und Recht und Freiheit<ref group=Note>From 1949 to 1962, this was 'Gott mit uns' ('God with us').</ref>|englishmotto=Unity and Justice and Freedom| image_map = Germany (ortographic projection).svg
| map_width = 220px
| capital = [[Berlin]]<ref group=Note>From 1949 until unification in 1990, the capital city was [[Bonn]]. In 1990, as dictated by the [[Two plus Four Agreement]], Berlin was made the capital; and in the following year, the [[Bundestag]] was moved there.</ref>
| largest_city = capital
|mode_of_production=[[Imperialism|Imperialist Capitalism]]| government_type = [[Federation|Federal]] [[Parliamentary system|parliamentary]] [[Dictatorship of the bourgeoisie|bourgeois state]]
| established_event1 = Dissolution of the [[Holy Roman Empire]]
| established_date1 = 6 August 1806
| established_event2 = Creation of the [[German Confederation]]
| established_date2 = 8 June 1815
| established_event3 = [[German Revolutions of 1848–1849|German Revolutions]]
| established_date3 = 13 March 1848
| established_event4 = Dissolution of the German Confederation
| established_date4 = 24 August 1866
| established_event5 = [[North German Confederation]] gains statehood
| established_date5 = 1 July 1867
|established_event6=Proclamation of the [[German Empire]]|established_date6=18 January 1871|established_event7=Proclamation of the [[Weimar Republic]]|established_date7=9 November 1918|established_event8=Beginning of the [[Nazi Germany|Nazi regime]]|established_date8=30 January 1933|established_event9=[[German Instrument of Surrender|Nazi surrender]]|established_date9=8 May 1945|established_event10=Proclamation of the Federal Republic|established_date10=27 May 1949|established_event11=[[German reunification|West German annexation of the GDR]]|established_date11=3 October 1990| population_estimate = 83,190,556
| population_estimate_year = 2020
| leader_title1 = President
| leader_name1 = [[Frank-Walter Steinmeier]]
| leader_title2 = Chancellor
| leader_name2 = [[Olaf Scholz]]
}}'''Germany''', officially the '''Federal Republic of Germany''' ''(German: Bundesrepublik Deutschland)'', is a country in [[Central Europe]]. It is the second-most populous country in [[Europe]] after [[Russian Federation|Russia]], and the most populous and influential member state of the [[European Union]].
==History==

=== Foundation ===
[[File:Divided Germany.png|thumb|280x280px|British-occupied Germany (green), French-occupied Germany (blue), Soviet-occupied Germany (red), and US-occupied Germany (yellow)]]
After the defeat of Axis forces during the [[Second World War]], Germany was divided into four zones occupied by the [[Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (1922–1991)|Soviet Union]], [[United States of America|USA]], [[French Republic|France]] and [[United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland|Great Britain]]. At the [[Yalta Conference]] in early 1945, they agreed to make all of Germany pay $10 billion reparations to the USSR. The USA violated this agreement in May 1946 and only let the USSR take reparations from the east.<ref name=":052" />

In 1946, Hesse (part of the US zone) held a referendum on nationalizing [[Bank|banks]] and essential industries. 62% voted in favor for the first vote and 72% did the second time. In British-occupied North Rhine-Westphalia, a majority also voted to expropriate the ruling class. The occupying powers vetoed the results of these referendums.<ref name=":1">{{Citation|author=Bruni de la Motte, John Green|year=2015|title=Stasi State or Socialist Paradise?|chapter=A Difficult Birth - How the GDR Came About|page=|city=London|publisher=Artery Publications|lg=https://libgen.rs/book/index.php?md5=F1F044D71B58A8E0438E6343D942F662}}</ref>:14–5

In 1948, France, the UK, and the USA merged their occupation zones to form West Germany. The Soviet Union then tried to blockade West Berlin to make it pay reparations, but the USA broke the blockade with an airlift.<ref name=":052">{{Citation|author=Austin Murphy|year=2000|title=The Triumph of Evil|chapter=A Comparative Analysis of East and West German Financial Systems in Light of the New Evidence|page=154|pdf=https://mltheory.files.wordpress.com/2017/06/austin-murphy-the-triumph-of-evil.pdf|city=Fucecchio|publisher=European Press Academic Publishing|isbn=8883980026}}</ref> The USA wrote the constitution of West Germany, which was never approved by voters. The constitution refused to recognize the GDR as a legitimate country.<ref name=":05">{{Citation|author=Austin Murphy|year=2000|title=The Triumph of Evil|chapter=A Detailed Autopsy of the Collapse of the Superior System in the Divided Germany|page=|pdf=https://mltheory.files.wordpress.com/2017/06/austin-murphy-the-triumph-of-evil.pdf|city=Fucecchio|publisher=European Press Academic Publishing|isbn=8883980026}}</ref>:114

In 1952, Chancellor [[Konrad Adenauer]] rejected a Soviet offer for reunification.<ref name=":1" />:17

=== Annexation of the GDR ===
In December 1989, the West pressured the GDR into adopting a 3:1 exchange rate between the Eastern and Western currencies even though the eastern mark had a much higher purchasing power for basic consumer goods. Westerners flowed into the GDR and plundered the country by buying commodities for less than 10% of their normal prices using the new exchange rate.

The majority of East Germans only began to support unification in 1990, when Westerners had dropped the GDR's standard of living by more than two-thirds by shopping there with the 3:1 exchange rate. At this time, they still wanted a left-wing government. Western conservatives promised to establish a 1:1 exchange rate if bourgeois parties won the GDR's elections, leading those parties to narrowly win the 1990 elections and impose a [[Capitalism|capitalist]] counterrevolution.<ref name=":05" />:149–50
=== Russo-Ukrainian conflict ===
Germany joined NATO's sanctions regime against Russia during the [[2022 Russo-Ukrainian conflict]], and have supplied billions of dollars to support Ukraine.<ref>{{Web citation|newspaper=Russia Today|title=Germany to spend billions on weapons for Ukraine – media|date=2022-04-15|url=https://www.rt.com/news/553958-germany-ukraine-weapons-funding/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS|archive-url=https://archive.ph/uYl7S|archive-date=2023-07-23|retrieved=2023-10-01}}</ref> Despite promises early in the war that they would not send tanks, eventually acquiesced to demands to supply Ukraine with Leopard and Leopard II tanks.<ref>{{Web citation|author=Adam Durbin|newspaper=BBC|title=Ukraine war: Germany sends much-awaited Leopard tanks|date=2023-03-28|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-65095126|archive-url=https://archive.ph/8Nqrt|archive-date=2023-03-28|retrieved=2023-10-01}}</ref>

Chancellor [[Olaf Scholz]] announced he would more than double Germany's military budget, putting it on track to become the third largest military in the world.<ref>{{News citation|author=Rob Schmitz|newspaper=NPR|title=Germany is building what's expected to become Europe's largest military|date=2022-03-17|url=https://www.npr.org/2022/03/17/1087137501/germany-is-building-whats-expected-to-become-europe-s-largest-military?t=1647958115615|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220324053152/https://www.npr.org/2022/03/17/1087137501/germany-is-building-whats-expected-to-become-europe-s-largest-military|archive-date=2022-03-24|retrieved=2022-05-08}}</ref> The German government banned displaying the [[Flag of the Soviet Union|Soviet flag]], flown by the liberators during the Second World War, and allowed the use of the [[Ukraine|Ukrainian]] flag, which was only used by Nazi collaborators during the war.<ref>{{Web citation|author=Peter Schwarz|newspaper=[[WSWS]]|title=May 8 and the rehabilitation of Nazism in Germany|date=2023-05-12|url=https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2023/05/12/agbd-m12.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230512063725/https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2023/05/12/agbd-m12.html|archive-date=2023-05-12}}</ref>

As a consequence of the [[Economic sanctions|sanctions regime]] against Russia, and particularly because of the country's refusal to buy relatively cheap Russian natural gas via pipelines and the [[26 September Nord Stream explosion]], the German economy has fallen into a prolonged economic stagnation and recession.<ref>{{Web citation|newspaper=People's Daily|title=Germany's economy mired in woes|date=2023-09-29|url=http://en.people.cn/n3/2023/0929/c90000-20078556.html|archive-url=https://archive.ph/MX0Rk|archive-date=2023-09-30|retrieved=2023-10-01}}</ref> The German GDP was expected to shrink by 0.6% in 2023 as industry and private consumption remained muted due to high energy costs and interest rates.<ref>{{Web citation|author=Doloresz Katanich|newspaper=Euro News|title=The German GDP is shrinking by 0.6% this year|date=2023-09-28|url=https://www.euronews.com/2023/09/28/the-german-gdp-is-shrinking-by-06-this-year|archive-url=https://archive.ph/ky0we|archive-date=2023-09-28|retrieved=2023-10-27}}</ref> One third of Germany's industrial companies are planning to, or are in the process of moving their facilities abroad.<ref>{{Web citation|newspaper=People's Daily Online|title=Germany's economy mired in woes|date=2023-09-29|url=http://en.people.cn/n3/2023/0929/c90000-20078556.html|archive-url=https://archive.ph/MX0Rk|archive-date=2023-09-30|retrieved=2023-10-27}}</ref>

==Economy==
The vast amount of [[Social democracy|social programs]] in Germany are largely sustained off economic exploitation of less developed parts of [[Europe]], with German finance capital having a large amount of influence over the European banking system, the [[eurozone]], and the euro. Furthermore, the German economy, along with the other highly developed economies of Western Europe, are able to benefit greatly as a result of human capital flight from other areas in Europe, particularly the former [[Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (1945–1992)|Yugoslavia]] and Balkans,<ref>{{News citation|author=Satyajit Das|newspaper=MarketWatch|title=Germany and France can’t afford euro-zone bailout|date=2012-6-7|url=https://www.marketwatch.com/story/germany-and-france-cant-afford-euro-zone-bailout-2012-06-07?link=MW_story_investinginsight|retrieved=2022-7-2}}</ref><ref>{{News citation|author=Fred Goldstein|newspaper=Workers World|title=German imperialism and the Greek debt crisis|date=2015-3-15|url=https://www.workers.org/2015/03/18697/|retrieved=2022-7-2}}</ref><ref>{{News citation|newspaper=OECD|title=HIGH-LEVEL CONFERENCE ON SOUTH EAST EUROPE
HUMAN CAPITAL FLIGHT - SHAPING THE FUTURE TOGETHER|date=2022-5-17|url=https://www.oecd.org/south-east-europe/programme/up-coming.htm|retrieved=2022-7-2|quote=Emigration from the Western Balkan Six (WB6) region has been significant for decades, generating a large diaspora. In 2020, more than one in five citizens born in the region lived abroad, predominantly in a handful of OECD countries. This trend is set to continue as more than one third of WB6 citizens surveyed in 2021 consider emigrating. While sustained high emigration levels, especially of young talents}}</ref><ref>{{News citation|newspaper=The Global Economy|title=Human flight and brain drain in Europe|date=2021|url=https://www.theglobaleconomy.com/rankings/human_flight_brain_drain_index/Europe/|retrieved=2022-7-2}}</ref> which is one of the primary goals of the [[European Union]], that being the unfettered transportation of capital.<ref>{{News citation|newspaper=The EU single market|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071001122551/http://ec.europa.eu/internal_market/index_en.htm|archive-date=2007-9-1}}</ref>

==Politics==
[[File:Germany election map.png|thumb|2019 German election: [[Christian Democratic Union of Germany|CDU]] (gray), [[Alliance 90/The Greens|Greens]] (green), [[Social Democratic Party of Germany|SPD]] (red), and [[Alternative for Germany|AfD]] (blue)]]
The [[Far-right politics|far-right]] Alternative for Germany received 11% of the vote in the 2019 German elections. Since 2015, it has become openly [[Racism|racist]] and [[Antisemitism|anti-Semitic]] and many of its leaders promote Nazi concepts. The AfD also denies [[climate change]].<ref>{{Web citation|date=2019-07-22|title=Dissecting Identity & Democracy: the EU’s new far-right super group|url=https://covertactionmagazine.com/2019/07/22/dissecting-identity-democracy-the-eus-new-far-right-super-group/|newspaper=[[CovertAction Magazine]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200921200918/https://covertactionmagazine.com/2019/07/22/dissecting-identity-democracy-the-eus-new-far-right-super-group/|archive-date=2020-09-21|retrieved=2022-11-23|author=Ellen Rivera, Marsha P. Davis}}</ref>

=== Lack of democracy ===
Unlike the later formed DDR, the West German constitution was passed without ratification of citizens and a thorough denazification policy was not implemented.

Candidates for elections were chosen by rich bureaucrats, and write-in votes were not allowed. It was illegal to work with any organization connected to the GDR.<ref name=":05" />:122–3

=== Neo-Nazism ===
The majority of officials in the West German Justice Ministry were former members of the [[National Socialist German Workers' Party|Nazi Party]]. 34 out of 170 officials had been members of the ''[[Sturmabteilung]]'' Nazi paramilitary. In 1957, there were more senior officials who were former Nazis than there had been during [[Adolf Hitler|Hitler]]'s rule. Between 1949 and 1980, 54% of interior ministry staffers had been Nazis and 8% had been in the Nazi Interior Ministry led by [[Heinrich Himmler]].<ref name=":0">{{News citation|newspaper=The Jerusalem Post|title=Report: Majority of West German Justice Ministry officials were ex-Nazis following WWII|date=2016-10-11|url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/report-majority-of-west-german-justice-ministry-officials-were-ex-nazis-following-wwii-469899|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210920141306/https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/report-majority-of-west-german-justice-ministry-officials-were-ex-nazis-following-wwii-469899|archive-date=2021-09-20|retrieved=2022-06-11}}</ref>

The [[Neo-Nazism|neo-Nazi]] [[National Democratic Party of Germany]] was founded in 1964 and grew from 473 to 50,000 members in 1969. It held sixty seats in the legislatures of eight German states. In 1968, West Germany appointed General [[Albert Schnez]] to commander-and-chief of the Bundeswehr. Schnez had joined the Nazi Party in 1933 and was a colonel in the Nazi army.<ref>{{Citation|author=Herbert Aptheker|year=1969|title=Czechoslovakia and Counter-Revolution|title-url=https://archive.org/details/ApthekerCzechoslovakia/page/n5/mode/1up?view=theater|chapter=The Question of West Germany|page=12–13|city=[[New York City]]|publisher=[[New Outlook Publishers]]}}</ref>

==Infrastructure==
==Demographics==
==Culture==

== References ==
<references />

===Notes===
<references group=Note />
[[Category:Imperialist countries]]
[[Category:Global north]]
[[Category:Outline needs additional content]]
[[Category:European countries]]
[[Category:Formerly fascist countries]]

De-dollarization

2023-10-24T14:38:56Z

SeventyTwoTrillion: Altered and added to the introduction text. Integrated the bulletpoint list into the text. Added a few sources.

'''De-dollarization''' is the transition away from usage of the [[United States of America|US]] dollar and towards other currencies. It is a global macroeconomic trend with geopolitical ramifications, illustrating the decline of US [[Imperialism|imperial]] hegemony and the rise of [[multipolarity]] on the world stage.<ref>{{News citation|journalist=Gal Luft|date=2018-08-28|title=The anti-dollar awakening could be ruder and sooner than most economists predict|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2018/08/27/the-anti-dollar-awakening-could-be-ruder-and-sooner-than-most-economists-predict.html|newspaper=CNBC}}</ref>

Since the establishment of [[Bretton Woods]] system in 1944, and particularly since 1971, when the United States abandoned the gold standard, the US dollar has been used as the medium for international trade. The dollar reserves of a country have typically been seen as a measure of that country's wealth and power.<ref>{{Web citation|author=Sangita Gazi and Christabel Randolph|newspaper=Developing Economics|title=De-dollarisation and Internationalisation of Other Currencies: Geopolitics and Implications for Dollar Diplomacy|date=2023-09-26|url=https://developingeconomics.org/2023/09/26/de-dollarisation-and-internationalisation-of-other-currencies-geopolitics-and-implications-for-dollar-diplomacy/|archive-url=https://archive.ph/Sbpc2|archive-date=2023-10-24|retrieved=2023-10-24}}</ref> The dollar is used predominantly in cross-border trade settlements - of which the dollar has comprised 79% of settlements until 2019<ref>{{Web citation|author=Ian Bezek|newspaper=US News|title=De-dollarization: What Happens if the Dollar Loses Reserve Status?|date=2023-05-19|url=https://money.usnews.com/investing/articles/de-dollarization-what-happens-if-the-dollar-loses-reserve-status|archive-url=https://archive.ph/FbI7n|archive-date=2023-05-24|retrieved=2023-10-24}}</ref> - as well as global energy transactions, such as the [[Petrodollar|oil trade]].

As the power of the United States diminishes and other states rise in competition, the power of the US dollar is correspondingly beginning to diminish. Many countries are increasingly diversifying their central bank reserves, both due to concerns about being cut out of the global economic system if they draw the ire of the United States, and due to rising interest rates and import costs. Additionally, as the external debt stocks and debt service payments of many developing countries are denominated in the US dollar, it is in their material interests to eventually break free of this system to regain financial autonomy.<ref>{{Web citation|newspaper=United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs|title=World Economic Situation and Prospects: October 2022 Briefing, No. 165|date=2022-10-03|url=https://www.un.org/development/desa/dpad/publication/world-economic-situation-and-prospects-october-2022-briefing-no-165/|archive-url=https://archive.ph/oeBpq|archive-date=2023-10-24|retrieved=2023-10-24}}</ref>

In 2021, the [[International Monetary Fund|IMF]] reported that 59% of reserve bank holdings are now in the US dollar, which is the lowest share in 25 years.<ref>{{Web citation|author=Serkan Arslanalp and Chima Simpson-Bell|newspaper=IMF|title=US Dollar Share of Global Foreign Exchange Reserves Drops to 25-Year Low|date=2021-05-05|url=https://www.imf.org/en/Blogs/Articles/2021/05/05/blog-us-dollar-share-of-global-foreign-exchange-reserves-drops-to-25-year-low|archive-url=https://archive.ph/mDfvb|archive-date=2023-04-24|retrieved=2023-10-24}}</ref> Therefore, in recent years, several countries are transitioning to trade in national currencies,<ref>{{News citation|journalist=Helmut Reisen|date=2009-06-20|title=Shifting wealth: Is the US dollar Empire falling?|url=https://voxeu.org/article/next-global-reserve-currency|newspaper=Vox EU CEPR}}</ref> using bilateral trade agreements. This movement away from the US dollar has been greatly spurred on by the [[2022 Russo-Ukrainian conflict]]. The [[People's Republic of China|Chinese]] yuan is also increasingly being used, though it is currently unlikely that the yuan will ever become a reserve currency as it would have substantial negative impacts on the Chinese economy. Other currencies could also be used to substitute the US dollar when trading oil and other commodities, as a central bank reserve asset, and for dollar-denominated assets.

== History ==

=== 2000s ===
In October of 2000, [[Republic of Iraq|Iraq]] announced it would price its oil sales in the Euro, moving away from the US dollar which [[Saddam Hussein|Saddam]] described as "the currency of the enemy."<ref>{{News citation|date=2000-10-30|title=U.N. to let Iraq sell oil for euros, not dollars|url=https://www.cnn.com/2000/WORLD/meast/10/30/iraq.un.euro.reut/|newspaper=CNN}}</ref><ref>{{News citation|title=Iraq nets handsome profit by dumping dollar for euro|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2003/feb/16/iraq.theeuro|newspaper=The Guardian}}</ref> The United States invaded Iraq three years later in 2003, after which the oil markets were reverted to being priced in USD.

In 2009, [[Muammar Gaddafi]], leader of [[Libya]] and President of the [[African Union]] at the time, suggested to the States of the African continent to switch to a new currency, independent of the US dollar: the gold dinar.<ref>{{News citation|date=2019-05-03|title=Gold Dinar: the Real Reason Behind Gaddafi’s Murder|url=https://millenium-state.com/blog/2019/05/03/the-dinar-gold-the-real-reason-for-gaddafis-murder/}}</ref><ref>{{News citation|date=2020-06-29|title=How Muammar Gaddafi’s Vision for a Debt-Free Africa Led to His Death|url=https://www.africanexponent.com/post/7633-150b-reserves-and-0-debt-gaddafis-vision-for-a-debt-free-africa}}</ref> Two years later, in 2011, [[North Atlantic Treaty Organization|NATO]] invaded Libya and murdered Gaddafi.

=== 2010s ===
[[Russian Federation|Russia]] and China's central banks are among the largest buyers of gold in the late 2010s and into the 2020s. This shows a clear preference for accumulating hard assets as the perception of dollar-weakness (and US weakness) grows.<ref>{{News citation|journalist=Valuewalk|date=2020-11-27|title=Central Banks To Keep Buying Gold, Drive The Price|url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/central-banks-keep-buying-gold-195134503.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly9lbi5wcm9sZXdpa2kub3JnLw&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAABMl7O5QIsqLMwpLDNWIgWZFYH2U1-v58wS6ZQGM2dfERCRHY8yML3HQ4LdHPiG8pTR_1aS3qsZMDN5M6FnDlt1emY-4zh1JYad0ZjBye3GBlViHAmjwtsJV-_EriWen-vxYvcJo9GoWJQ6OBvK0NqAQjIH_4I4VDgdzx9X87V5F|newspaper=Yahoo Finance}}</ref>

In 2017, [[Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela|Venezuela]] was sanctioned after dropping the US dollar.<ref>{{News citation|journalist=Whitney Webb|date=|title=Venezuela Accused Of Drug Trafficking After Dropping U.S. Petrodollar|url=https://www.mintpressnews.com/venezuela-drug-trafficking-petrodollar/232056/|newspaper=|archive-url=|archive-date=|retrieved=|quote=}}</ref>

=== 2020s ===
SWIFT (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication) is the digital clearinghouse protocol for international inter-bank USD transactions, all transactions of which are cleared through the New York Federal Reserve Bank. SWIFT has been politicized and used as a financial weapon against states which find themselves in the poor favor of the USA.

In 2021, Russia, China, and the [[European Union|EU]] are all increasingly interested in reducing their reliance on dollars in their trade.<ref>{{News citation|journalist=Divyanshu Jindal|date=2021-09-18|title=Russia, China and EU are pushing towards de-dollarization: Will India follow?|url=https://moderndiplomacy.eu/2021/09/18/russia-china-and-eu-are-pushing-towards-de-dollarization-will-india-follow/|newspaper=Modern Diplomacy|archive-url=|archive-date=|retrieved=|quote=}}</ref><ref>{{News citation|date=2021-07-23|title=De-Dollarization Efforts in China and Russia|url=https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF11885|newspaper=Congressional Research Service}}</ref>This comes after the US threatened to suspend Russia's participation in the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT) system for political reasons.<ref>{{News citation|journalist=|date=|title=Biden Threatens to Cut Russia Off From SWIFT Payment Over ‘Aggression’ Against Ukraine|url=https://21stcenturywire.com/2021/12/07/biden-threatens-to-cut-russia-off-from-swift-payment-aggression-against-ukraine/|newspaper=|archive-url=|archive-date=|retrieved=|quote=}}</ref>

Following the 2022 Russo-Ukrainian conflict, Western nations voiced support for censoring Russia from the SWIFT system.<ref>{{News citation|title=Western nations agree to disconnect Russian banks from SWIFT|url=https://tass.com/economy/1412191|newspaper=TASS}}</ref> Weeks later, the [[Eurasian Economic Union]] (EAEU) and China are confirmed to be working on an "independent international monetary and financial system"<ref>[[Pepe Escobar]] on Twitter: [https://twitter.com/RealPepeEscobar/status/1503466633066655744?s=20&t=uVkIQEbqC9jwJkiT367y1w "...On Friday, the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and China decided to design the project for an INDEPENDENT INTERNATIONAL MONETARY AND FINANCIAL system. ..."] ''[https://web.archive.org/web/20220314202238/https://twitter.com/RealPepeEscobar/status/1503466633066655744 (Archived)]''</ref><ref>{{News citation|date=2022-03-14|title=The EAEU and China will develop a project of an international financial system|url=https://kapital.kz/finance/103768/yeaes-i-knr-razrabotayut-proyekt-mezhdunarodnoy-finsistemy.html|newspaper=Kapital.kz}}</ref> In 2022, the use of dollars for Russia–China trade dropped from 80% to 40% and yuan use rose from 1% to over 40% following Western [[Economic sanctions|sanctions]].<ref>{{Web citation|author=[[Ben Norton]]|newspaper=[[Multipolarista]]|title=Russia dropping US dollar for Chinese yuan – and fast|date=2022-12-26|url=https://multipolarista.com/2022/12/26/russia-us-dollar-chinese-yuan/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221227014748/https://multipolarista.com/2022/12/26/russia-us-dollar-chinese-yuan/|archive-date=2022-12-27|retrieved=2022-12-27}}</ref>

Increasingly, international investors are beginning to realize the risks associated with holding USD which are constantly debased through money printing (also known as quantitative easing, or QE). Investors recognize that Russia and China are propelling the global de-dollarization process.<ref>{{Web citation|author=Louis Gave|newspaper=Wealthion|title=De-Dollarization Is Accelerating, Propelled By China & Russia {{!}} Louis Gave|date=2022-06-29|url=https://youtu.be/IqoUP1YEeM0}}</ref>

In 2022, [[Federative Republic of Brazil|Brazilian]] president-elect [[Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva|Lula da Silva]] proposed creating a new currency for international [[Latin America|Latin American]] trade called the Sur and strengthening [[UNASUR]]. [[Republic of Ecuador|Ecuadorian]] economist and politician [[Andrés Arauz]] said Latin America should reject the IMF and help [[Africa|African]] countries relieve their debt.<ref>{{Web citation|author=[[Ben Norton]]|newspaper=[[Multipolarista]]|title=Latin America’s plan to challenge US dollar with new currency and ‘regional financial architecture’|date=2022-12-01|url=https://multipolarista.com/2022/12/01/latin-america-us-dollar-currency/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221202011312/https://multipolarista.com/2022/12/01/latin-america-us-dollar-currency/|archive-date=2022-12-02|retrieved=2022-12-04}}</ref>

== More reading ==

* ''De-dollarization: The revolt against the dollar and the rise of a new financial world order''<ref>{{Citation|author=Gal Luft|year=2019|title=De-dollarization: The revolt against the dollar and the rise of a new financial world order|title-url=https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/168647959X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=iags-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=168647959X&linkId=8b1b1fb581837c58082d39717b61e332}}</ref>

== References ==
<references />
[[Category:Economics]]

Inflation

2023-10-12T14:54:54Z

SeventyTwoTrillion: Added information on the impacts of inflation in terms of interest rates and their impacts. Added information on the 2023 global inflationary crisis, and added two subsections for causes/solutions and impacts.

'''Inflation''' is the general increase in the prices of goods and services in an economy. This corresponds to the reduction in the purchasing power of [[money]]; each unit of currency is able to buy less and less over time.

Inflation can be caused by many factors, but it is most frequently seen in market-based [[Capitalism|capitalist]] economies. In [[Socialism|socialist]] economies, price levels are carefully regulated to ensure the [[proletariat]] has access to goods and services, but sometimes external factors can still lead socialist countries into inflationary crises.

Inflationary periods harm the [[Poverty|poor]] and the [[Wage slavery|wage-earners]] far more than the [[Bourgeoisie|rich]], as the rich tend to be hedged against inflation through ownership of non-currency assets.<blockquote>"Under inflationary conditions, price rises exceed wage increases. This means that capitalist profits grow at the expense of a decreasing workers’ share in the national income. Inflation is a means of redistributing the national income in favour of the monopolies"

– [[Otto Wille Kuusinen]]<ref>NEEDS PAGE NUMBER [https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5c4a567f4eddecfdf9c627a2/t/5d4a0d4d7b3fb6000145f957/1565134231835/Fundamentals+of+Marxism+Leninism.pdf Fundamentals of Marxism Leninism] by Foreign Languages Publishing House, Moscow 1963 ([https://twitter.com/juche0071/status/1537468523785736193?s=20&t=6OUsY36aOAm6yYhiGILl9w tweet source]) </ref></blockquote>

== Impacts ==
Inflationary episodes can cause economic instability especially among the poor, which sometimes further develops into social and political instability.

Inflation generally prompts many central banks to raise the [[key interest rate]], which is the interest rate at which banks are charged for borrowing money from other banks, including central banks; this then increases the prime interest rate of banks, which is what people with loans (such as mortgages or credit card loans) must pay.

The direct connection between raising interest rates and decreasing inflation is insubstantiated despite being a key tool in the toolbox of orthodox economists. What instead typically occurs is that raising interest rates puts so much pressure on the economy that it results in a recession, and that recession then generally (but not always) results in inflation decreasing. The concept of not inducing a recession while increasing interest rates to lower inflation - which is what orthodox economists predict should occur if their theory is correct - is called a "soft landing". There have been few soft landings in history because of the lack of understanding by orthodox economists of how economies actually function, but they continue to insist with each incoming recession that this will be the time when the soft landing finally happens.

Another major assumption is that the increase of wages results in rising inflation, because stores will merely raise their prices alongside the increase in wages (in the absence of price controls) - this is called the [[wage-price inflationary spiral]]. While wage increases can sometimes be correlated to inflation, they can also have no correlation with inflation, or even be inversely correlated. Since the beginning of the 21st century, there has been little connection between wage increases and inflation.<ref name=":0">{{Web citation|author=Michael Roberts|newspaper=The Next Recession|title=Inflation: causes and solutions|date=2023-04-27|url=https://thenextrecession.wordpress.com/2023/04/27/inflation-causes-and-solutions/|archive-url=https://archive.ph/pGEPT|archive-date=2023-10-12|retrieved=2023-10-12}}</ref>

== Socialist economies==
Social economies are far less affected by inflation than their capitalist counterparts. [[Post-Keynesian]] economists [[Joan Robinson]] and [[John Eatwell]] conceed that “One clear and indisputable advantage of socialist industry over private enterprise is that it can continuously maintain a ‘high and stable level of employment’ without suffering from inflation.”<ref>{{Citation|author=E.L. Wheelwright (ed), Frank J.B. Stilwell (ed), Joan Robinson, John Eatwell|year=1976|title=Readings in Political Economy|chapter=Part Four: A Perspective on Socialist Economic Systems|section=Socialist Economies|page=238|quote=One clear and indisputable advantage of socialist industry over private enterprise is that it can continuously maintain a ‘high and stable level of employment’ without suffering from inflation.|city=Sydney|publisher=Australia and New Zealand Book Co.|isbn=0855520612|volume=2}}</ref> Additionally, this quote exposes the inability for a ‘high and stable level of employment’ to exist under capitalism without increases to inflation.

Between 1960 and 1989, the [[German Democratic Republic (1949–1990)|GDR]] had an average annual inflation rate of 0.5% in the aggregate economy and 0% in consumer goods. Between 1980 and 1990, inflation in the aggregate economy was also 0%.<ref name=":05">{{Citation|author=Austin Murphy|year=2000|title=The Triumph of Evil|chapter=A Post-Mortem Comparison of Communist and Capitalist Societies Using the German Case as an Illustration|page=94|pdf=https://mltheory.files.wordpress.com/2017/06/austin-murphy-the-triumph-of-evil.pdf|city=Fucecchio|publisher=European Press Academic Publishing|isbn=8883980026}}</ref>

==2022 - 2023 Global Inflation Crisis==

==== Causes and solutions ====
Many countries around the world, including both developed and developing countries, have and continue to experience a severe inflationary crisis. Contributing factors include the attempt by the [[Imperial core|West]] to isolate [[Russian Federation|Russia]] from the global markets thus driving up the scarcity and prices of goods, as well as rampant monetary expansion (commonly referred to as "money printing" although most new currency generated is digital, not physical in cash form).<ref>{{News citation|title=‘Breaking point’: soaring inflation drives cuts to hunger-relief programmes|date=2022-05-21|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/world/article/3178635/breaking-point-soaring-inflation-drives-cuts-hunger-relief-programmes?module=more_top_stories_int&pgtype=homepage}}</ref><ref>{{News citation|newspaper=MSN|title=Consumer confidence takes inflation hit|url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/markets/consumer-confidence-takes-inflation-hit/ar-AAXV7Tx}}</ref>

Economists around the world have argued about what the causes of the inflation were - some claiming excessive demand to be the culprit, while others suggest that insufficient supply caused it - and how to best fix it. Marxist economist Michael Roberts has argued that supply chain issues caused inflation to rise, and his solution is public ownership of food and energy corporations throughout global supply chains.<ref name=":0" />

==== Impacts ====
In the United Kingdom, the chief economist of the Bank of England has said that people must accept that they are poorer, and stop asking for wage increases.<ref>{{Web citation|author=Michael Race and Vishala Sri-Pathma|newspaper=BBC|title=Bank of England economist says people need to accept they are poorer|date=2023-04-26|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-65308769|archive-url=https://archive.ph/ifiOt|archive-date=2023-04-26|retrieved=2023-10-12}}</ref>

==See also==

*[[Hyperinflation]]

==References==

<references />
[[Category:Economic concepts]]

Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries

2023-10-07T13:29:56Z

SeventyTwoTrillion: Added a 2020s section, rearranged sentences, and added recent news on oil prices and oil cuts.

[[File:OPEC map.png|thumb|372x372px|OPEC (dark blue) and OPEC+ (light blue)]]
The '''Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries''' ('''OPEC''') is an international organization of 13 oil-producing countries. OPEC+ contains 11 additional countries, including the [[Russian Federation]].

== History ==
[[Abdullah Tariki]] of [[Kingdom of Saudi Arabia|Saudi Arabia]] and [[Juan Pablo Pérez Alfonso]] of [[Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela|Venezuela]] established the [[Oil Consultative Commission]] and agreed to hold yearly meetings. After [[Exxon]] cut oil prices, the oil-producing countries met in Baghdad in September 1960 and founded OPEC. Its first resolution was to criticize the seven oil corporations and demand them to keep prices stable.

In October 1973, because of the [[Yom Kippur War]], OPEC increased the price of oil, which rose from $3 to $36 by 1981.<ref name=":122">{{Citation|author=[[Vijay Prashad]]|year=2008|title=The Darker Nations: A People's History of the Third World|chapter=Caracas|page=183–8|pdf=https://cloudflare-ipfs.com/ipfs/bafykbzaceascnzh26r5d6uitjjs2z7rflhaxlt7rboz5whzdf76qg6xxvecqq?filename=%28A%20New%20Press%20People%27s%20history%29%20Vijay%20Prashad%20-%20The%20darker%20nations_%20a%20people%27s%20history%20of%20the%20third%20world-The%20New%20Press%20%282008%29.pdf|publisher=The New Press|isbn=9781595583420|lg=https://libgen.rs/book/index.php?md5=9B40B96E830128A7FE0E0E887C06829F}}</ref>

== 2020s ==

=== 2022 ===
In October 2022, against the wishes of the [[United States of America|USA]], OPEC announced it would reduce oil production by 2 million barrels (318 million liters) per day.<ref>{{Web citation|author=Prabhat Patnaik|newspaper=[[Peoples Democracy]]|title=The OPEC’s Decision to Cut Oil Output|date=2022-10-16|url=https://peoplesdemocracy.in/2022/1016_pd/opec%E2%80%99s-decision-cut-oil-output|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221014124457/https://peoplesdemocracy.in/2022/1016_pd/opec%E2%80%99s-decision-cut-oil-output|archive-date=2022-10-14|retrieved=2022-10-16}}</ref>

=== 2023 ===
In July 2023, Saudi Arabia announced an oil production cut of approximately 1 million barrels per day,<ref>{{Web citation|author=Maha El Dahan|newspaper=Reuters|title=Saudi plans new oil cuts as part of OPEC+ deal: sources|date=2023-06-04|url=https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/opec-meets-debate-production-quotas-new-cut-sources-2023-06-04/|archive-url=https://archive.ph/BUY4T|archive-date=2023-06-04|retrieved=2023-10-07}}</ref> which resulted in oil prices generally increasing until the autumn of 2023.

As of September 2023, oil prices approached but did not breach $100 per barrel, instead reaching a peak of $95 per barrel before falling.<ref>{{Web citation|author=Irina Slav|newspaper=Oil Price|title=Saudi Arabia’s Oil Gamble Pays Off With $95 Brent|date=2023-09-30|url=https://oilprice.com/Energy/Crude-Oil/Saud-Arabias-Oil-Gamble-Pays-Off-With-95-Brent.html|archive-url=https://archive.ph/AI6Xt|archive-date=2023-10-06|retrieved=2023-10-07}}</ref>

== References ==
[[Category:Intergovernmental organizations]]

Economic sanctions

2023-10-06T18:48:48Z

SeventyTwoTrillion: Added the oil price cap to the Russian sanctions section.

[[File:Economic sanctions map by SanctionsKill.org.png|thumb|331x331px|A map of countries facing economic sanctions imposed by the United States, according to SanctionsKill.org.]]
'''Economic sanctions''' are commercial and financial penalties applied by governments against another government, group, or an individual. They are a form of warfare, similar to siege warfare.<ref>{{News citation|journalist=Jacob G. Hornberger|date=2022-03-11|title=Sanctions Kill Innocent People and Also Destroy Our Liberty|url=https://www.fff.org/2022/03/11/sanctions-kill-innocent-people-and-also-destroy-our-liberty/|newspaper=The Future for Freedom Foundation}}</ref><ref>{{News citation|journalist=[[Eva Bartlett]]|date=2020-04-14|title=SANCTIONS KILL PEOPLE|newspaper=[[Popular Resistance]], [[RT]]}}</ref> Economic sanctions are also known as embargoes. The stated purpose of sanctions is typically to apply economic pressure on a country, in order to influence the government's decision-making, and is often portrayed as a peaceful alternative to armed conflict. However, the material function of sanctions is to create widespread economic hardship, desperation, and destabilization in the targeted country, typically to pave the way for the overthrow of the government or prevent their economic development.

The outcome of economic sanctions is mass suffering and death amongst the targeted population.<ref>@inspektorbucket on [[Twitter]]: [https://twitter.com/inspektorbucket/status/1507787302445228034?s=20&t=raoe2_FM6g6sEqHanC0A-g "Something to keep in mind: dead children are not an unfortunate side-effect of economic sanctions, but are in fact the goal"]</ref><ref>{{Citation|author=Nicholas Mulder|title=The Economic Weapon: The Rise of Sanctions as a Tool of Modern War}}</ref> Often, the suffering and death and economic underdevelopment resulting from the sanctions are then publicized as being inherent to the targeted government's own policies and blamed on the government, and disingenuous [[human rights]] investigations are subsequently launched to further isolate and destabilize the country, and even used as a justification for increasing the severity of the sanctions.
[[File:USA sanctions increase, 2000-2021.png|thumb|Findings of the U.S. Department of the Treasury on the 933% increase in use of sanctions between 2000 and 2021.<ref name=":7">[https://www.gibsondunn.com/2021-year-end-sanctions-and-export-controls-update/ “2021 Year-End Sanctions and Export Controls Update.”] ''Gibson Dunn'', 4 Feb. 2022, Accessed 7 Apr. 2023. [https://web.archive.org/web/20221205144017/https://www.gibsondunn.com/2021-year-end-sanctions-and-export-controls-update/ Archived] 2021-12-05.</ref><ref name=":8">''The Treasury 2021 Sanctions Review'' ([https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/Treasury-2021-sanctions-review.pdf PDF]). [[United States Department of the Treasury|U.S. Department of the Treasury]]. October 2021. [https://web.archive.org/web/20230321145152/https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/Treasury-2021-sanctions-review.pdf Archived] 2023-03-21.</ref>]]
According to a 2021 U.S. Treasury review, 9,421 parties were sanctioned by the US government at the end of 2021, representing a 933% increase since 2000.<ref name=":7" /><ref name=":8" /><ref>[[Ben Norton|Norton, Ben]]. [https://geopoliticaleconomy.com/2023/04/06/west-sanctions-un-human-rights-council/ “West vs the Rest: World Opposes Sanctions, Only US & Europe Support Them - Geopolitical Economy Report.”] ''[[Geopolitical Economy Report]]'', 7 Apr. 2023, Accessed 7 Apr. 2023. [https://web.archive.org/web/20230407022331/https://geopoliticaleconomy.com/2023/04/06/west-sanctions-un-human-rights-council/ Archived] 2023-04-07.</ref> The website of [[Sanctions Kill]] noted in 2021 that US sanctions affect a third of humanity, with more than 8,000 measures impacting more than 40 countries, and that the U.S. far exceeds any other country in the number of countries they have strangled with economic sanctions. Sanctions Kill asserts that in a period of human history when hunger and disease are scientifically solvable, depriving hundreds of millions from getting basic necessities is a crime against humanity.<ref name=":1" />

An essay posted on Monthly Review Online states that economic sanctions function as undeclared war by creating severe economic disruption and hyperinflation, and explains that because sanctions interfere with the functioning of essential infrastructure i.e. electrical grids, water treatment and distribution facilities, transportation hubs, and communication networks by blocking access to key industrial inputs, such as fuel, raw materials, and replacement parts, they lead to droughts, famines, disease, and abject poverty, which results in the death of millions. Exact numbers are difficult to quantify because no international tally of casualties related to economic sanctions is recorded, which obfuscates its overall fatal impact.<ref name=":3">Smith, Lauren. [https://mronline.org/2020/03/10/united-states-imposed-economic-sanctions-the-big-heist/ “United States Imposed Economic Sanctions: The Big Heist”] MR Online. March 10, 2020. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220907150816/https://mronline.org/2020/03/10/united-states-imposed-economic-sanctions-the-big-heist/ Archived] 2022-09-08.

‌</ref>

According to a page on the Sanctions Kill website, the countries imposing economic sanctions "are the wealthiest, the most powerful, and the most industrially developed countries in the world. The intention is to choke the economies of poor, developing countries, most of which were formerly colonized. The sanctions, as well as visiting extreme hardship upon the civilian population, are intended to serve as a dire threat to surrounding countries, as they impact the economies of the whole region."<ref name=":1">W, Jim. Feb. 2, 2021. [https://sanctionskill.org/2021/02/02/sanctions-fact-sheet-39-countries/ “Sanctions Fact Sheet/over 40 Countries | Sanctions Kill.”] Sanctionskill.org. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220907145836/https://sanctionskill.org/2021/02/02/sanctions-fact-sheet-39-countries/ Archived] 2022-09-07.</ref>

Lauren Smith notes in Monthly Review Online that it is not unilateral sanctions imposed by the U.S. alone that devastate a targeted country, it is the imposition of secondary sanctions upon foreign third parties that represents the final blow to its economy and people. These measures threaten to cut off foreign countries, governments, companies, financial institutions and individuals from the U.S. financial system if they engage in prohibited transactions with a sanctioned target—irrespective as to whether or not that activity impacts the [[United States of America|United States]] directly.<ref name=":3" />

In times of natural disaster, [[Progressivism|progressives]] often call for temporary lifting or easing of sanctions in affected countries. However, as sanctions are a form of warfare that are generally used to purposely cause death and suffering in the targeted countries, natural disasters tend to boost the intended deadly effects of sanctions on the targeted countries' populations, as well as create a window of increased [[plausible deniability]] for the aggressor countries responsible for imposing the sanctions, the incentive to ease or remove sanctions is low.

== Use for destabilization and overthrow of governments ==
An example of the rationale behind the use of economic pressure to destabilize and overthrow governments can be found in a 1960 memorandum between U.S. officials under the Secretary of State for Inter-American affairs, discussing obstacles in overthrowing the government of [[Republic of Cuba|Cuba]]. The author of the memo notes that "the majority of Cubans support [[Fidel Castro|Castro]]" and that there was "no effective political [[opposition]]". In light of there being widespread support for the government and no effective opposition for the U.S. to back and empower, and also noting that "Militant opposition to Castro from without Cuba would only serve his and the communist cause" the author wrote that the "only foreseeable means of alienating internal support" would be "through disenchantment and disaffection based on economic dissatisfaction and hardship" and that "every possible means should be undertaken promptly to weaken the economic life of Cuba" and to "call forth a line of action which, while as adroit and inconspicuous as possible, makes the greatest inroads in denying money and supplies to Cuba, to decrease monetary and real wages, to bring about hunger, desperation and overthrow of government." The U.S. State Department's Office of the Historian notes that the recipient of the memorandum initialed the "yes" option in reply to moving forward with these ideas.<ref name=":0">[https://history.state.gov/historicaldocuments/frus1958-60v06/d499 "Memorandum From the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs (Mallory) to the Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs (Rubottom)."] Foreign Relations of the United States, 1958–1960, Cuba, Volume vi - Office of the Historian. State.gov. U.S. Department of State. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220806052659/https://history.state.gov/historicaldocuments/frus1958-60v06/d499 Archived] 2022-08-14.</ref> This is one example of the logic behind the use of economic pressure to destabilize and overthrow governments, and shows that is an option that may be taken when local support for the government is high and explicit external opposition would create a disadvantageous propaganda situation for the aggressor country and strengthen the resolve of the targeted country, and therefore an "inconspicuous" policy of bringing about hunger and desperation is a preferable avenue of attack.

Kim Ji Ho, author of ''Understanding Korea: Human Rights'', observes the deadly, criminal effects of U.S. sanctions on [[Democratic People's Republic of Korea|DPRK]]'s citizens, and writes of their ultimate goal of destabilizing the country with the purpose of overthrowing its system:<blockquote>The economic sanctions and blockade the US, in collusion with its vassal states, has imposed on the DPRK have been unprecedented in their viciousness and tenacity. These moves are aimed, in essence, at isolating and stifling the country and destabilizing it so as to overthrow its system. The moves the US resorts to by enlisting even its vassal states are a crime against human rights and humanity, which check the sovereign state’s right to development and exert a great negative impact on its people’s enjoying of their rights, a crime as serious as wartime genocide.<ref>Kim Ji Ho (2017). ''Understanding Korea 9: Human Rights. Pyongyang: Foreign Languages Publishing House''.</ref></blockquote>

== Opposition to economic sanctions ==
Opposition to sanctions can be found among various ideological camps. Even critics and opponents of governments targeted by sanctions frequently point out the ineffectiveness of the sanctioning in achieving their stated goals and point out the disastrous inhumane effects of sanctions on the general population, even if these critics do not draw the conclusion that the disastrous effects are in fact the purpose of the sanctions. For example, correspondent Ryan Cooper of ''The Week'' writes of "America's brainless addiction to punitive sanctions regimes" which "virtually never achieve the desired effect and too often inflict pointless suffering on innocents" and which have not achieved "any major U.S. policy goal in this century" giving examples of U.S. sanctions on Iran, Russia, DPRK, and Venezuela all failing to achieve the goals they were said to be implemented for, and refers to U.S. sanctions on Afghanistan as "miserable and useless economic seige". The journalist goes on to describe how sanctions are often used to bolster the image of the politicians who call for and impose them:<blockquote>As Henry Farrell and Abraham L. Newman write in ''The New York Times'', American imperialists can't resist the temptation to use U.S. control over the dollar funding system to economically strangle perceived adversaries. Presidents use sanctions to signal they're tough by inflicting pain on "enemies" (most often innocent civilians) who are helpless to fight back from thousands of miles away. Presidents don't remove sanctions because that would be "weak," or because the Kafkaesque imperial bureaucracy only goes in one direction, or because it would be humiliating to admit error.<ref>Cooper, Ryan. 2022. [https://theweek.com/afghanistan-war/1008876/how-us-sanctions-are-driving-afghanistan-to-famine “Driving Afghanistan to Famine.”] The Week. January 12, 2022.</ref></blockquote>Nicholas Mulder, assistant professor of modern European history at Cornell University, characterized the "ratcheting problem" of sanctions which make every new implementation of sanctions less and less likely to succeed, and "defeats the entire-democratic-behavioral model of sanctions". He also explained that historically, sanctions tend to fail at changing the behavior of other states, although they may be more successful at "grinding down" an opponent's material strength:<blockquote>As tools for changing the behavior of other states, the empirical record is quite clear that they fail more often than not. As ways of grinding down opponents’ material strength they might be more successful. But we must ask at what cost. Long-term undeclared economic war oftentimes entrenches antagonism between countries instead of resolving it. The paradox of sanctions is that effective use relies on a credible promise of their removal. You must commit to lifting restrictions when your demands are met. Right now, many Western governments are stuck in a ratcheting problem where they can only ramp up economic pressure but never lift restrictions. This not only defeats the entire democratic-behavioral model for sanctions, it also makes every new sanction less and less likely to succeed.<ref>[https://news.cornell.edu/stories/2022/01/economic-sanctions-evolved-tool-modern-war “Economic Sanctions Evolved into Tool of Modern War.”] ''Cornell Chronicle'', 2022. Accessed 7 Apr. 2023. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220927134644/https://news.cornell.edu/stories/2022/01/economic-sanctions-evolved-tool-modern-war Archived] 2022-09-27.</ref></blockquote>A 2022 article published by the Center for Economic and Policy Research states that economic sanctions have become one of the main tools of US foreign policy, despite little proof of their efficacy, and widespread evidence that they often target civilian populations, with lethal and devastating effects. The article states that though sanctions are a key part of US policy-making, and a defining feature of the global economic order, sanctions, and their human costs, as well as violations of treaties to which the United States is a signatory, receive relatively little attention in most US media outlets.<ref name=":2">Galant, Michael. [https://cepr.net/cepr-sanctions-watch-may-june-2022/ “CEPR Sanctions Watch, May-June 2022”] Center for Economic and Policy Research. July 8, 2022. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220907145545/https://cepr.net/cepr-sanctions-watch-may-june-2022/ Archived] 2022-09-07.</ref>

== Sanctions by targeted country ==
According to Sanctions Kill, US sanctions affect a third of humanity with more than 8,000 measures impacting more than 40 countries and notes that the U.S. far exceeds any other country in the number of countries they have strangled with economic sanctions. The countries listed by Sanctions Kill as being affected by sanctions as of 2022 include the following: [[Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan|Afghanistan]], [[Republic of Belarus|Belarus]], [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]], [[Republic of Burundi|Burundi]], [[Central African Republic]], [[People's Republic of China|China (PR)]], [[Union of the Comoros|Comoros]], [[Crimea|Crimea Region of Ukraine]], [[Republic of Cuba|Cuba]], [[Republic of Cyprus|Cyprus]], [[Democratic Republic of the Congo|Congo – DR]], [[Eritrea]], [[Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia|Ethiopia]], [[Republic of Guinea|Guinea]], [[Republic of Guinea-Bissau|Guinea Bissau]], [[Republic of Haiti|Haiti]], [[Islamic Republic of Iran|Iran]], [[Republic of Iraq|Iraq]], [[Democratic People's Republic of Korea|Korea – DPRK]], [[Kyrgyz Republic|Kyrgyzstan]], [[Lao People's Democratic Republic|Laos]], [[Lebanon]], [[State of Libya|Libya]], [[Republic of Mali|Mali]], [[Islamic Republic of Mauritania|Mauritania]], [[Republic of Moldova|Moldova]], [[Montenegro]], [[Republic of the Union of Myanmar|Myanmar]], [[Republic of Nicaragua|Nicaragua]], [[State of Palestine|Palestine]], [[Russia (disambiguation)|Russia]], [[Republic of Rwanda|Rwanda]], [[Republic of Serbia|Serbia]], [[Somalia]], [[South Sudan]], [[Republic of the Sudan|Sudan]], [[Syrian Arab Republic|Syria]], [[Republic of Tunisia|Tunisia]], [[Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela|Venezuela]], [[Republic of Yemen|Yemen]], and [[Zimbabwe]].<ref name=":1" />

=== Afghanistan ===
Since 2021, the U.S. [[Joe Biden|Biden]] administration has blocked Afghanistan’s central bank from accessing roughly $7 billion in its foreign reserves held in the US. Along with sanctions on government officials and a cutoff of aid, this has contributed to a severe collapse of Afghanistan’s economy.<ref name=":2" />

=== Cuba ===
[[File:Cuba embargo vote.png|thumb|In 2022, all UN members voted against the embargo except the USA and [[State of Israel|Israel]], which voted against, and [[Ukraine]] and [[Republic of Moldova|Moldova]], which did not vote. This marks 30 consecutive years in which the UN has voted to condemn the embargo.<ref name=":9">Ben Norton (Nov 05, 2022). [https://mronline.org/2022/11/05/entire-world-votes-185-to-2-against-blockade-of-cuba-u-s-and-israel-are-rogue-states-at-un/ "Entire world votes 185 to 2 against blockade of Cuba–U.S. and Israel are rogue states at UN"] ''MROnline''. [https://web.archive.org/web/20230113152705/https://mronline.org/2022/11/05/entire-world-votes-185-to-2-against-blockade-of-cuba-u-s-and-israel-are-rogue-states-at-un/ Archived] 2023-01-13.</ref><ref name=":10">[https://news.un.org/en/story/2021/06/1094612 "UN General Assembly calls for US to end Cuba embargo for 29th consecutive year"] (2021-06-23). ''UN News''. [https://web.archive.org/web/20230401151451/https://news.un.org/en/story/2021/06/1094612 Archived] 2023-04-01.</ref>]]
''See also: [[United States embargo against Cuba]]''

The US embargo of Cuba is one of the oldest and strictest of all US sanctions regimes, prohibiting nearly all trade, travel, and financial transactions since the early 1960s.<ref name=":2" />

U.S. officials have written that creating "disenchantment and disaffection based on economic dissatisfaction and hardship" through denying money and supplies to Cuba would be a method they should pursue in order to "bring about hunger, desperation and overthrow of government" in that country.<ref name=":0" />

In an article for The Guardian, David Adler writes of the embargo on Cuba, that "the US embargo impacts every aspect of life on the island – and that is the precisely the point" and goes on to state that "Both the Biden administration and its Republican opposition claim that these measures are targeted at the regime, rather than the Cuban people. But the evidence to the contrary is not only anecdotal. The UN estimates that the embargo has cost Cuba over $130bn in damages" and says that the embargo "fails the test of its own logic" pointing out that "the Biden administration argued that the embargo aims to 'support the Cuban people in their quest to determine their own future'. But the Biden administration does not dare to explain how making Cuba poorer, sicker and more isolated supports their quest for self-determination."<ref>{{Web citation|author=David Adler|newspaper=The Guardian|title=Cuba has been under US embargo for 60 years. It’s time for that to end|date=2022-02-03|url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/feb/03/cuba-us-embargo-must-end|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220613091002/https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/feb/03/cuba-us-embargo-must-end|archive-date=2022-8-14}}</ref>

In 2022, for the 30th year in a row, almost every country voted at the United Nations to condemn the U.S. blockade of Cuba. In the 2022 vote, the USA and Israel voted no, while Ukraine and Moldova did not vote. 185 other countries voted to end the embargo.<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":10" />

=== Democratic People's Republic of Korea ===
The [[Democratic People's Republic of Korea]] (DPRK) is one of the most sanctioned countries in the world, and has been subject to sanctions since just after its foundation in 1948. The United States first imposed sanctions on north Korea during the [[Korean War]] in the 1950s. Following the country’s 2006 nuclear test, the US, EU, and others added more stringent sanctions, which have periodically intensified since. Sanctions now target oil imports, and cover most finance and trade, and the country’s key minerals sector.<ref name=":2" />

In 2017, sanctions imposed by the UN caused thousands of DPRK workers who had been working abroad to be forced to return to DPRK as well as led to the closure of numerous DPRK companies and joint ventures.<ref>[https://www.asianews.it/news-en/North-Korean-workers-leave-China-because-of-UN-sanctions-41942.html “North Korean Workers Leave China because of UN Sanctions.”] Asianews.it. 2017. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220909073331/https://www.asianews.it/news-en/North-Korean-workers-leave-China-because-of-UN-sanctions-41942.html Archived] 2022-09-09.</ref>

A 2020 zine released by [[Nodutdol]] describes the history of sanctions directed against DPRK in the following way:<blockquote>The first of many generations of US sanctions against the DPRK began shortly after the outbreak of the Korean War in 1950, which threatened the US-backed [[Syngman Rhee|Rhee Syngman]] government in the south. Since the beginning of the DPRK nuclear tests in 2003, the [[George W. Bush|Bush]] and [[Barack Obama|Obama]] administrations respectively lifted some sanctions to facilitate negotiations around DPRK denuclearization, and then reinstated them when the negotiations failed to produce the results desired by the US. The sanctions regime reimplemented by the Obama administration targeted three fourths of all DPRK exports, and instituted a labyrinthine network of financial limitations that have functionally cut the DPRK off from accessing international trade or foreign investment. The administrative hurdles placed on international aid organizations and outright bans on items containing metal instituted by Obama’s US and UN sanctions have had devastating effects on the DPRK agricultural, medical, and sanitation systems. In 2018, 3,968 people in the DPRK, who were mostly children under the age of 5, died as a result of shortages and delays to UN aid programs caused by sanctions. The [[Donald Trump|Trump]] administration has elaborated on DPRK sanctions by returning the DPRK to the State Sponsors of Terrorism list, targeting the DPRK’s access to international shipping, instituting a travel ban, and adding new measures targeting a number of DPRK industries.<ref name=":6">[https://nodutdol.org/sanctions-of-empire/ "제국의 제재 - Sanctions of Empire."] Nodutdol. October 20, 2020. [https://nodutdol.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Sanctions-of-Empire.pdf PDF]. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220520095404/https://nodutdol.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Sanctions-of-Empire.pdf Archive].</ref></blockquote>

Foreign Policy in Focus (FPIF) lists out the sanctions and other punishments placed on DPRK as the following:<blockquote>Economic sanctions against North Korea cover trade, finance, investment, even North Korean workers in foreign countries. The earliest of these were imposed by the United States after the Korean War, when Washington imposed a total trade embargo on North Korea and also froze all North Korean holdings in the United States. In the 1970s, the United States tightened these restrictions by prohibiting the import of any agricultural products that contained raw material from North Korea. The United States also prohibits any exports to North Korea if they contain more than 10 percent of U.S.-sourced inputs. There are some minor humanitarian exemptions to these sanctions. Between 2004 and 2019, in the wake of the failed Agreed Framework of the Clinton era, Congress passed eight bills that further restricted economic and financial interactions with North Korea.

On the financial side, the United States has effectively blocked North Korea from participating in the U.S. financial system but more importantly from engaging in any dollar-based transactions. Secondary sanctions target any countries that conduct business with North Korea, which further limits the country’s access to the global economy. Because North Korea remains on the State Sponsors of Terrorism list, it does not enjoy sovereign immunity from prosecution for certain acts such as torture and extrajudicial killing. The United States is further obligated by the stipulations of this regulation to oppose any effort by North Korea to join the IMF or World Bank.<ref name=":5">Feffer, John. 2021. [https://fpif.org/the-problem-of-sanctions-against-north-korea/ “The Problem of Sanctions against North Korea.”] Foreign Policy in Focus. November 22, 2021. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220909072424/https://fpif.org/the-problem-of-sanctions-against-north-korea/ Archived] 2022-09-09.

‌</ref></blockquote>FPIF additionally states that a number of individuals and entities have been singled out for sanctions, from high-level officials and directors of banks to trading and shipping companies to specific vessels and even non-Korean business people. Apart from U.S. sanctions, the UN Security Council has passed "about a dozen" unanimous resolutions that ban trade in arms, luxury goods, electrical equipment, natural gas, and other items. Other sanctions impose a freeze on the assets of designated individuals and entities, prohibit joint ventures with these prohibited entities, and restrict cargo trade with North Korea. Japan has also imposed sanctions, which include measures freeze certain DPRK and Chinese assets, ban bilateral trade with DPRK, restrict the entry of DPRK citizens and ships into Japanese territory, and reportedly prohibit remittances worth more than $880. South Korea, Australia, and the EU also maintain their own sanctions against DPRK.<ref name=":5" />

According to FPIF, sanctions on DPRK have "demonstrably failed." FPIF notes that sanctions didn’t deter DPRK from pursuing a nuclear weapons program, nor have they been subsequently responsible for pushing it toward denuclearization, and adds that DPRK has been under sanctions for nearly its entire existence and it doesn’t have a strong international economic presence that can be penalized, and "has been willing to suffer the effects of isolation in order to build what it considers to be a credible deterrence against foreign attack."<ref name=":5" />

The US consistently interferes in inter-Korean affairs by citing sanctions. According to Nodutdol, only a few months after the Korean leaders signed the Panmunjeom Declaration, the US-led UN Command which oversees the DMZ, blocked development of the inter-Korean railway. In January 2020, South Korean President [[Moon Jae-In]] expressed interest in developing tourism to North Korea, but the US ambassador Harry Harris blocked this effort. Harris claimed that "independent" tourism plans would have to undergo US consultation. He emphasized that the items inside South Korean tourists' luggage could violate sanctions, demonstrating the extent of US interference.<ref name=":6" />

=== Iran ===
US sanctions on Iran began during the 1979 hostage crisis, and currently bar US actors — plus some non-US actors — from most all trade and financial transactions with Iran. Though certain sanctions were lifted as a result of the 2015 nuclear deal, the majority have been reimposed since the US’s unilateral withdrawal.<ref name=":2" />

According to Nodutdol, Iran has virtually been under some form of US sanctions since the 1979 Iranian Revolution deposed the US-backed Shah and established the Islamic Republic of Iran. In 2015, Iran signed on to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), popularly known as the Iran nuclear deal, with the US and EU. In exchange for abiding by certain nuclear restrictions, Iran was promised relief from some sanctions imposed by the US, EU, and UN Security Council. The Trump administration pulled out of JCPOA in 2017, and dramatically escalated sanctions against Iran. This has had a devastating effect on Iran, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Prevented from conducting business with the US dollar, unable to access overseas assets, and blocked off from most international trade, the Iranian economy has been struck by massive unemployment, runaway inflation, and severe shortages of basic goods. This has been particularly devastating for public health, as shortages of vital medical supplies have exacerbated the rate of preventable deaths, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref name=":6" />

=== Iraq ===
When asked about half a million Iraqi children who died due to [[United States of America|US]] sanctions, [[Madeleine Albright]] said in 1996, "the price was worth it."<ref>@nickwestes on [[Twitter]]: [https://twitter.com/nickwestes/status/1506754872187576320?s=20&t=raoe2_FM6g6sEqHanC0A-g "When asked about half a million Iraqi children who died of US sanctions, Madeleine Albright said in 1996, "the price was worth it." The former Secretary of State was never brought to justice. Today, the US sanctions about a third of the world's population."]</ref>

In 2003, President Bush signed an order to take possession of the Iraqi government assets that were frozen in 1990, before the Persian Gulf War. As a result, seventeen of the world’s biggest financial institutions were told by the Treasury Department to hand over $1.7 billion in frozen Iraqi assets that the U.S. government intended to place in an account at the NY Fed.<ref name=":3" />

=== Libya ===
In 2015, it was announced that $67 billion in Libya’s assets remained frozen from 2011. In 2018, it was announced that Libya’s assets had decreased to $34 billion. The UN Libya Experts Panel is “looking for answers” to explain the disappearance of $33 billion in frozen assets.<ref name=":3" />

=== Russia ===
US-imposed sanctions on Russia targeting the financial, energy, and defense sectors began in 2014 after the annexation of Crimea. This regime was expanded, particularly by the US, UK, and EU, in response to the 2022 conflict in [[Ukraine]], by barring most financial transactions, oil and gas imports, and other activities.<ref name=":2" />

In December 2022, the [[G7]] decreed a price cap on Russian oil exports of $60 per barrel; companies who sold Russian oil for higher than this amount would face consequences. Due to Russia's large fossil fuel export economy, the price cap was expected to severely limit the money that Russia could generate by selling their oil. The G7 proposed to meet every two months to discuss whether this price cap should be changed.

In reality, these measures have been largely ineffective, as Russia found methods to bypass the price cap, such as by creating a "dark fleet" of oil tankers. The premise was flawed from the beginning, as Russian oil could be mixed with that of other countries - such as oil from [[Kingdom of Saudi Arabia|Saudi Arabia]] - and sold on to other countries. As of September 2023, the G7 has stopped meeting to discuss the oil price cap.<ref>{{Web citation|author=Julia Payne|newspaper=Reuters|title=G7 shelves regular Russian oil cap reviews as prices soar|date=2023-09-06|url=https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/g7-shelves-regular-russian-oil-cap-reviews-prices-soar-sources-2023-09-06/|archive-url=https://archive.ph/ySzcg|archive-date=2023-10-06|retrieved=2023-10-06}}</ref> In October 2023, US Treasury Secretary [[Janet Yellen]] admitted that the oil price cap has not been effective recently due to Russian oil prices nearing $100 per barrel.<ref>{{Web citation|newspaper=Russia Today|title=Russian oil cap not working – Washington|date=2023-09-30|url=https://www.rt.com/business/583814-russia-oil-cap-working-yellen/?|archive-url=https://archive.ph/X8yUB|archive-date=2023-09-30|retrieved=2023-10-06}}</ref>

=== Syria ===
''See also: [[Syrian Arab Republic#Sanctions]]''

A [[Multipolarista]] article by [[Ben Norton]] notes that most of the sanctions imposed on Syria came after the West launched a proxy war against the country in 2011, although the US has had sanctions on Syria going back to 2004. The U.S. sanctions levelled against Syria expanded into a de facto blockade in 2019, with the approval of the [[Caesar Act]], signed into law by president [[Donald Trump]], which came into force in 2020. Special Rapporteur Douhan noted the law “authorized secondary sanctions against non-U.S. persons anywhere in the world who provide financial, material or technological support to the Syrian Government or engage in transactions with it.”<ref>Norton, Ben. [https://multipolarista.com/2022/11/12/un-expert-western-sanctions-syria/ “UN Expert: ‘Outrageous’ Western Sanctions Are ‘Suffocating’ Syria, May Be Crimes against Humanity”] Multipolarista. November 12, 2022. [https://web.archive.org/web/20221115044700/https://multipolarista.com/2022/11/12/un-expert-western-sanctions-syria/ Archived] 2022-11-15.</ref> In accordance with the sanctions under the Caesar Act, anyone doing business with the Syrian authorities, even including transport of basic needs, such as food and medicine into the country, is potentially exposed to travel restrictions and financial sanctions.<ref name=":11">Al Mayadeen English. [https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/hezbollah-sends-aid-convoys-to-quake-hit-syria “Hezbollah Sends Aid Convoys to Quake-Hit Syria.”] ''Al Mayadeen English'', 8 Feb. 2023, Accessed 7 Apr. 2023. [https://web.archive.org/web/20230329054430/https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/hezbollah-sends-aid-convoys-to-quake-hit-syria Archived] 2023-03-29.</ref>

In a November 2022 statement following a 12-day visit to Syria, [[United Nations|UN]] Special Rapporteur Alena Douhan presented information about the catastrophic effects of unilateral sanctions across all walks of life in Syria. Douhan said 90 per cent of Syria’s population was currently living below the poverty line, with limited access to food, water, electricity, shelter, cooking and heating fuel, transportation and healthcare and warned that the country was facing a massive brain-drain due to growing economic hardship. Douhan urged sanctioning states to lift unilateral sanctions against Syria, warning that they were perpetuating and exacerbating the destruction and trauma suffered by the Syrian people since 2011.<ref>[https://www.ohchr.org/en/node/104160 “UN Expert Calls for Lifting of Long-Lasting Unilateral Sanctions ‘Suffocating’ Syrian People.”] 2022. OHCHR. [https://web.archive.org/web/20221115044250/https://www.ohchr.org/en/node/104160 Archived] 2022-11-15.</ref>

During the [[2023 Turkey–Syria earthquake]], Syria was unable to receive immediate direct aid due to sanctions imposed upon the country. The exception was aid from countries whose economies have also been devastated by U.S. sanctions. The governments of Cuba, Venezuela,<ref>[https://www.telesurenglish.net/news/Venezuelan-Relief-Workers-Arrive-in-Syria-With-Humanitarian-Aid-20230209-0001.html “Venezuelan Relief Workers Arrive in Syria with Humanitarian Aid.”] ''Telesurenglish.net'', teleSUR, 2023, Accessed 7 Apr. 2023. [https://web.archive.org/web/20230217205456/https://www.telesurenglish.net/news/Venezuelan-Relief-Workers-Arrive-in-Syria-With-Humanitarian-Aid-20230209-0001.html Archived] 2023-02-17.</ref> Iran and China, Palestinians in Gaza and Hezbollah<ref name=":11" /> in Lebanon all rushed aid to Syria.<ref name=":12">Rahman, Sameena. [https://www.liberationnews.org/us-sanctions-block-earthquake-aid-to-syria/ “U.S. Sanctions Block Earthquake Aid to Syria.”] ''Liberation News'', Liberation News, 21 Feb. 2023, Accessed 7 Apr. 2023. [https://web.archive.org/web/20230407124501/https://www.liberationnews.org/us-sanctions-block-earthquake-aid-to-syria/ Archived] 2023-04-07.</ref> Iran was able to supply Syria with 70 tons of food, tents and medicine.<ref>Natasha Frost, Raja Abdulrahim (2023-02-07). [https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/07/world/europe/turkey-syria-quake-un-aid.html "The only border crossing for U.N. aid from Turkey to Syria is hobbled."] ''[[The New York Times]]''. [https://web.archive.org/web/20230209032139/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/07/world/europe/turkey-syria-quake-un-aid.html Archived] from the original on 2023-02-09.</ref>

Four days after the initial quake, the U.S. State Department announced a temporary lifting of sanctions on Syria, only due to mounting public pressure calling for the exemption. Bassam Sabbagh, Syria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, described the 180-days U.S. sanctions exemption as “insufficient to adequately offset the dire consequences of [the United States’] coercive measures” in the region.<ref>[https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2023/02/14/698188/Assad-Aid-must-be-brought-into-all-quake-hit-areas-Syria “"Syria Slams US Sanctions, Unilateral Actions for Hampering Humanitarian Aid Delivery ".”] ''PressTV'', PressTV News, 14 Feb. 2023, Accessed 7 Apr. 2023. [https://web.archive.org/web/20230321005213/https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2023/02/14/698188/Assad-Aid-must-be-brought-into-all-quake-hit-areas-Syria Archived] 2023-03-21.</ref> A statement released by the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates said, “the misleading decision taken by the U.S. administration to temporarily ease some of the cruel and unilateral sanctions on the Syrian nation is out of shame and hypocrisy and is no different from previous gestures meant to convey an erroneous humanitarian impression.”<ref>[https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/minimal-western-aid-to-syria-yet-despite-temporary-lift-of-s “Minimal Western Aid to Syria, despite Temporary Lift of Sanctions.”] ''Al Mayadeen English'', 11 Feb. 2023, Accessed 7 Apr. 2023. [https://web.archive.org/web/20230407125459/https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/minimal-western-aid-to-syria-yet-despite-temporary-lift-of-s Archived] 2023-04-07.</ref> Even with sanctions exemptions, countries hesitated to send aid, fearing financial and political consequences from the United States, which punishes those who violate US-imposed sanctions.<ref name=":12" />

=== Venezuela ===
US sanctions on Venezuela began under the Obama administration, and were expanded significantly under Trump, including broad financial sanctions targeting the state oil company and sanctions targeting Venezuelan oil exports, all of which have contributed to the country’s economic collapse.<ref name=":2" />

In 2017, the US and its allies in North America and Europe imposed sanctions on Venezuela targeting individuals in government, state institutions, and access to international credit. Since then, the US and its allies have expanded sanctions to target Venezuela’s major industries, banking sector, and international food aid. These measures have acutely impacted the economic situation in Venezuela, and created shortages of medicine, food, and fuel that have led to widespread suffering. In 2019, the Center for Economic Policy Research published a study estimating that 40,000 deaths in Venezuela from 2017- 2018 could be attributed to US sanctions.<ref name=":6" />

According to an article in Monthly Review Online, in August 2019, Venezuela’s foreign minister, Jorge Arreaza, stated that the sanctions the United States imposed against it had left more than $3 billion of its assets frozen in the global financial system. Additionally, The Bank of England blocked Venezuela’s attempts to retrieve $1.2 billion worth of gold stored as the nation’s foreign reserves in Britain. It is reported that former national security advisor to President Donald Trump, John Bolton, pressured England to freeze Venezuelan assets. By some estimates, Venezuela holds more than $8 billion in foreign reserves. Additionally, the U.S. froze all the assets Venezuela’s state-owned oil company, PDVSA, has in the United States. While it allows PDVSA’s U.S.-based subsidiary, Citgo, to operate, it confiscates the money it earns and places it in a blocked account.<ref name=":3" />

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov claims that the U.S. simply confiscates Venezuela’s money under the guise of sanctions, noting that the U.S. is experienced in such illegal affairs, giving Iraq, Libya, Iran, Cuba, Nicaragua, and Panama as examples. According to Lavrov, "US companies operating in Venezuela are excluded from the sanctions regime. Simply put they want to overthrow the government and gain profits at the same time."<ref>[https://www.rt.com/news/450057-cynical-sanctions-us-lavrov-venezuela/ “‘Cynical’ US Sanctions Meant to Confiscate Venezuela’s Assets – Lavrov.”] RT International. RT. January 29, 2019. [https://web.archive.org/web/2/https://www.rt.com/news/450057-cynical-sanctions-us-lavrov-venezuela/ Archived version].</ref>

=== Zimbabwe ===
[[File:Members of the Broad Alliance Against Sanctions in Zimbabwe.jpg|thumb|Members of the Broad Alliance Against Sanctions hold anti-sanctions placards in front of the U.S. embassy in Harare, Zimbabwe, on July 4, 2022.]]According to Chidiebere C. Ogbonna in the African Research Review, from 1966 until the present, "Zimbabwe at one time or another has been under sanctions either by the United Nations the United States, the European Union or all the aforementioned. In total, Zimbabwe has been sanctioned in seven sanction-episodes: 1966, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2008 and 2009, making it one of the most sanctioned countries in the world." Ogbonna states that in a simple analysis, Zimbabwe has become a regular candidate of the "sanctions industry."<ref>Chidiebere C Ogbonna [https://www.researchgate.net/publication/319870565_Targeted_or_Restrictive_Impact_of_US_and_EU_Sanctions_on_Education_and_Healthcare_of_Zimbabweans "Targeted or Restrictive: Impact of U.S. and EU Sanctions on Education and Healthcare of Zimbabweans."] September 2017, African Research Review 11(3):31 DOI:10.4314/afrrev.v11i3.4</ref>

In 2001, Congress passed the Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Act, which placed sanctions on the Zimbabwean government’s access to international loans, credit, and debt relief. Although the US insists that its sanctions against Zimbabwe are “targeted” and only affect individuals and institutions responsible for undemocratic behavior, the government of Zimbabwe has argued that the sanctions are comprehensive in practice and have contributed to the country’s decades-long economic crisis.<ref name=":6" />

According to a 2022 article by Xinhua News, the U.S. sanctions against Zimbabwe have accumulated since 2001, following a government decision to repossess land from minority white farmers for redistribution to landless indigenous Zimbabweans. The Xinhua article notes that though the Zimbabwean government said the land reform would promote democracy and the economy, "Western countries launched repeated sanctions with little regard for the average person's suffering." Linda Masarira, president of the Labour Economists and Afrikan Democrats (LEAD) political party, said sanctions have been used as a tool of economic warfare against Zimbabwe, and that sanctioning Zimbabwe "was an action that the United States of America decided to do on Zimbabwe to ensure that they make our economy scream, they make things hard for Zimbabweans and imply that black Zimbabweans, native Zimbabweans cannot do their own farming, or run their own economy."<ref name=":4">Tichaona Chifamba, Zhang Yuliang, Cao Kai. [https://english.news.cn/20220711/5ed659ab8a7e40c5a2baa116589bcede/c.html "Two-decade-old U.S. sanctions leave Zimbabweans suffering, triggering protests".] Xinhua. 2022-07-11. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220909064843/https://english.news.cn/20220711/5ed659ab8a7e40c5a2baa116589bcede/c.html Archived] 2022-09-09.</ref>

The [[Broad Alliance Against Sanctions]] (BAAS) is an organization in Zimbabwe that opposes sanctions. A spokesperson of BAAS was quoted in the Xinhua article regarding the sanctions: "We realized that most industries closed due to sanctions, meaning that sanctions are actually the major cause for all our other problems in Zimbabwe." According to BAAS Chairperson Calvern Chitsunge, officials from the U.S. embassy have tried to bribe the group's four leaders in response to their anti-sanctions activism, noting that the U.S. embassy staff have offered them each 100,000 U.S. dollars, a car and free accommodations at a location of their choosing.<ref name=":4" />

U.S. state officials claim that sanctions target only 83 individuals and 37 entities and denies the Zimbabwean people as the targets. However, there are certain companies that are not allowed to interact or work with Zimbabwean-based companies, such as the U.S.-based company [[PayPal]], causing difficulty for small start-up companies, and Zimbabwe has struggled to build new roads, hospitals, clinics or even rehabilitate old infrastructure because it has been denied access to affordable finance by international institutions. Obert Gutu, member of the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission and former deputy minister of justice and legal affairs said that "Since 2002 when the sanctions were effected, this economy has never been the same again because the most deadly effect of sanctions on Zimbabwe was just to first and foremost paint Zimbabwe as a pariah state."<ref name=":4" />

Nodutdol, summarizing findings in Chidiebere C. Ogbonna's 2017 study in the African Research Review, stated that US sanctions and corresponding EU restrictive measures have tremendously affected Zimbabweans’ access to healthcare and education. The study found that Zimbabwe’s capacity to treat and prevent HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria in particular was impacted by rising costs, difficulty accessing funds, and increased emigration of educated professionals, including healthcare workers. The prolonged economic crisis in Zimbabwe, inflamed by decades of sanctions, have resulted in massive unemployment and inflation as well as shortages of basic commodities—consequences that have been observed elsewhere in similarly sanctioned countries.<ref name=":6" />

== References ==

International Monetary Fund

2023-10-06T18:04:36Z

SeventyTwoTrillion: put the previous addition in its proper section

{{Infobox company|name=International Monetary Fund|image=IMF logo.png|caption=Logo|founding_date=27 December 1945|headquarters=[[Washington, D.C.]], [[United States of America|United Sttaes]]}}

The '''International Monetary Fund''' ('''IMF''') is a [[Neoliberalism|neoliberal]] financial organization. Although it is a global organization, 38% of it is controlled by [[French Republic|France]], [[Federal Republic of Germany|Germany]], [[Japan]], the [[United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland|United Kingdom]], and [[United States of America|United States]].<ref name=":0">{{News citation|author=Arman Tendulkar|newspaper=International Policy Digest|title=The International Monetary Fund: A Vehicle for Modern Day Imperialism|date=2021-10-11|url=https://intpolicydigest.org/the-platform/the-international-monetary-fund-a-vehicle-for-modern-day-imperialism/|retrieved=2022-06-19}}</ref>

The under-representation of low- and middle-income countries on the IMF and [[The World Bank|World Bank]]'s Executive Boards is exacerbated by the historic "gentleman’s agreement" between the United States and European countries, which has seen the IMF and World Bank led by a European and US national, respectively, since their inception, despite demands for a merit-based, transparent process to be instated.<ref name=":1">[https://www.brettonwoodsproject.org/2019/06/what-are-the-main-criticisms-of-the-world-bank-and-the-imf/ “What Are the Main Criticisms of the World Bank and the IMF?”] Bretton Woods Project. June 4, 2019. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220918164032/https://www.brettonwoodsproject.org/2019/06/what-are-the-main-criticisms-of-the-world-bank-and-the-imf/ Archived] 2022-09-18.</ref>

The <abbr>IMF</abbr> lends money to member countries faced with balance of payments problems. In return for financial assistance from the <abbr>IMF</abbr>, borrower countries must implement a set of economic reforms.<ref>[https://www.brettonwoodsproject.org/2005/08/art-320867/ “How Does the IMF Operate?”] Bretton Woods Project. August 23, 2005. </ref> The reforms stipulated by the IMF typically impose austerity measures, increase privatization, and weaken social services.<ref name=":1" />

In his 100-page resignation letter from the IMF, former IMF senior economist [[Davison Budhoo]] described the extensive and systematic statistical fraud used by the IMF to impose its policies on developing countries, and explained that the consequences of these policies led to massive poverty and starvation. In the letter, Budhoo wrote "We manipulated, blatantly and systematically, certain key statistical indices so as to put ourselves in a position where we could make very false pronouncements about economic and financial performance". He added that the IMF's policies are made in "utter disregard to local conditions" and lead countries to "self destruct" and "unleash unstoppable economic and social chaos". He also stated that the routine policy packages of the IMF "can never serve, under any set of circumstances, the cause of financial balance and economic growth" and that "the ill-gotten, inadvertent power that we revel in wielding over prostrate governments and peoples - can only serve to accentuate world tensions".<ref>Budhoo, Davison. [https://tsd.naomiklein.org/files/resources/pdfs/budhoo.pdf "Enough is Enough."] 1988. [https://web.archive.org/web/2/https://tsd.naomiklein.org/files/resources/pdfs/budhoo.pdf Archived] 2022-05-16.</ref>

The IMF and World Bank's ability to position their policy prescriptions as "best practice" supported by "robust" theoretical and empirical work oftentimes results in the internalization of Bank and Fund positions by scholars, development practitioners and finance ministers. While maintaining they have no obligations under international human rights law, despite objections of myriad human rights experts and the opinion of one of the Bank’s former General Counsels, both the IMF and World Bank claim their work to eradicate poverty and increase economic growth and stability ultimately contributes to global welfare and the fulfilment of human rights, without clear evidence.<ref name=":1" />

== History ==
The [[Bretton Woods Institutions]] (BWIs) are the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). They were set up at a meeting of 43 countries in Bretton Woods, [[New Hampshire]], USA in July 1944. The idea behind them was ostensibly to help rebuild the economy after the [[Second World War]] and to promote international economic cooperation. They were based on the ideas of US Treasury Secretary [[Henry Morganthau]], his chief economic advisor [[Harry Dexter White]], and British economist [[John Maynard Keynes]]. The key decisions leading to the establishment of both institutions were largely steered by the US, and to a lesser extent the UK, and during the post-war period the BWIs were significantly influenced by the US’s geopolitical strength.

While the establishment of the Bank and Fund was presented as an apolitical effort to rebuild the world economy in the aftermath of the Second World War, they served as a method to defend or expand the reach of western capitalism in the face of a potential challenge from the [[Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (1922–1991)|Soviet Union]], and to promote US interests in particular. In the 1980s and 1990s, the policies championed by the BWIs were inspired in principle by the so-called "Washington Consensus", which focused ideologically on promoting free-market economic policies such as deregulation, privatisation and trade liberalisation, as well as targeting unlimited economic growth, and were implemented primarily through Structural Adjustment Programmes (SAPs). The devastating impacts of SAPs have been enduring and persist to this day.<ref name=":1" />

While historically the IMF and Bank enforced conditionality primarily through SAPs, today, the IMF requires a "letter of intent" from governments requesting a loan. To be approved by the IMF for a loan, the letter requires prior actions, quantitative performance criteria and structural benchmarks – the latter of which continues to contain structural macroeconomic policy reforms.<ref name=":1" />

== By country ==

=== Argentina ===
In 2018, the IMF granted [[Argentine Republic|Argentina]] a $56.3 billion loan, causing austerity and privatization. The loan was given the year before an election to favor right-wing candidate [[Mauricio Macri]], an ally of [[Donald Trump]].<ref>{{News citation|author=Fernanda Vallejos|newspaper=The Intercept|title=Argentina Demands Justice From the IMF|date=2022-03-10|url=https://theintercept.com/2022/03/10/argentina-imf-debt-protests/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220616102145/https://theintercept.com/2022/03/10/argentina-imf-debt-protests/|archive-date=2022-06-16|retrieved=2022-06-19}}</ref>

=== Indonesia ===
The IMF caused a banking crisis in [[Republic of Indonesia|Indonesia]] that decreased GDP by 14% and increased poverty by 40%.<ref name=":0" />

=== Jamaica ===
By 1976, [[Jamaica]] had a deficit of $231.2 in Jamaican dollars. The IMF made Jamaica devalue its currency and increase exports. It also forced the government to cut wages, end subsidies and price controls, and privatize industry. The IMF austerity increased the prices of various food items by 71% to 285%. Real wages dropped by 35% in 1978 alone, and the unemployment rate was 30% in 1980.<ref name=":1222">{{Citation|author=[[Vijay Prashad]]|year=2008|title=The Darker Nations: A People's History of the Third World|chapter=Kingston|page=229–34|pdf=https://cloudflare-ipfs.com/ipfs/bafykbzaceascnzh26r5d6uitjjs2z7rflhaxlt7rboz5whzdf76qg6xxvecqq?filename=%28A%20New%20Press%20People%27s%20history%29%20Vijay%20Prashad%20-%20The%20darker%20nations_%20a%20people%27s%20history%20of%20the%20third%20world-The%20New%20Press%20%282008%29.pdf|publisher=The New Press|isbn=9781595583420|lg=https://libgen.rs/book/index.php?md5=9B40B96E830128A7FE0E0E887C06829F}}</ref>

=== Sierra Leone ===
The IMF made [[Republic of Sierra Leone|Sierra Leone]] devalue its currency, which also decreased the cost of its minerals, including diamonds. Increased diamond extraction led to a conflict that killed 70,000 people and displaced 2.6 million.<ref name=":0" />

=== Ukraine ===
[[Ukraine|Ukrainian]] President [[Viktor Yanukovych]] negotiated with the IMF before being overthrown in the [[2014 Ukrainian coup d'etat|2014 Euromaidan coup]]. Because the IMF was demanding a decrease in wages and health and education spending, Yanukovych decided not to take the loan and began negotiating with [[Russian Federation|Russia]] instead.

After the coup, the new government took a $26 billion loan from the IMF after cutting its gas subsidy for citizens by 50%. The IMF has offered Ukraine another loan after the beginning of the [[2022 Russo-Ukrainian conflict]].<ref>{{News citation|author=Prabhat Patnaik|newspaper=Peoples Democracy|title=The IMF Connection with the Ukraine Crisis|date=2022-03-06|url=https://peoplesdemocracy.in/2022/0306_pd/imf-connection-ukraine-crisis|retrieved=2022-06-19}}</ref>

=== Yugoslavia ===
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, [[Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (1945–1992)|Yugoslavia]] tried to borrow from the West to expand its economy. When a [[Economic crisis|recession]] began in the West, the West banned Yugoslavia from exporting goods in order to put the country in [[debt]]. The IMF and [[The World Bank|World Bank]] forced Yugoslavia to restructure its economy by cutting social spending, freezing [[Wage|wages]], eliminating worker-controlled enterprises, and increasing [[unemployment]]. Economic growth dropped from 7% per year in the late 1960s to under 3% by the 1980s and was negative by 1990.<ref>{{Citation|author=[[Michael Parenti]]|year=2000|title=To Kill a Nation|page=19–21|chapter=Third Worldization|publisher=Verso|pdf=https://leftychan.net/edu/src/1614706295182-3.pdf}}</ref>

=== Zambia ===
The IMF forced [[Republic of Zambia|Zambia]]'s government to eliminate subsidies for pesticides and fertilizers, decreasing agricultural output and leaving seven million people short of food.<ref name=":0" />

== COVID-19 pandemic ==
From January to October 2020, the IMF gave [[COVID-19 pandemic|COVID-19]]-related loans to 81 countries, including 41 in Africa. The majority of these loans required countries to cut government spending or wages. 14 African countries were required to implement austerity measures in 2021 and 19 more had to by 2023.<ref>{{News citation|author=Dian Maria Blandina|newspaper=[[Black Agenda Report]]|title=IMF Loans Continue to Undermine Health in Africa|date=2022-06-29|url=https://blackagendareport.com/imf-loans-continue-undermine-health-africa|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630011530/https://blackagendareport.com/imf-loans-continue-undermine-health-africa|archive-date=2022-06-30|retrieved=2022-07-06}}</ref>

A 2023 report by Human Rights Watch, analyzing 39 loan programmes from 2020 to 2023 and affecting a combined total of over 1 billion people, found that the austerity imposed by the IMF on recipient countries has led to an erosion of human rights, disproportionally affecting people with low incomes. This is despite the presence of social spending floors - a minimum that a country must spend on social services - which the IMF falsely claims helps protect the most vulnerable in societies from cuts in public spending. In reality, these social spending floors are improperly and vaguely calculated and many people face increased hardship regardless.<ref>{{Web citation|author=Brian Stauffer|newspaper=Human Rights Watch|title=Bandage on a Bullet Wound|date=2023-09-25|url=https://www.hrw.org/report/2023/09/25/bandage-bullet-wound/imf-social-spending-floors-and-covid-19-pandemic|archive-url=https://archive.ph/p09XB|archive-date=2023-10-06|retrieved=2023-10-06}}</ref>

== References ==
[[Category:Neoliberalism]]

International Monetary Fund

2023-10-06T18:02:41Z

SeventyTwoTrillion: Undo revision 57834 by SeventyTwoTrillion (talk)

International Monetary Fund

2023-10-06T18:01:23Z

SeventyTwoTrillion: Added analysis from a Human Rights Watch 2023 report

{{Infobox company|name=International Monetary Fund|image=IMF logo.png|caption=Logo|founding_date=27 December 1945|headquarters=[[Washington, D.C.]], [[United States of America|United Sttaes]]}}

The '''International Monetary Fund''' ('''IMF''') is a [[Neoliberalism|neoliberal]] financial organization. Although it is a global organization, 38% of it is controlled by [[French Republic|France]], [[Federal Republic of Germany|Germany]], [[Japan]], the [[United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland|United Kingdom]], and [[United States of America|United States]].<ref name=":0">{{News citation|author=Arman Tendulkar|newspaper=International Policy Digest|title=The International Monetary Fund: A Vehicle for Modern Day Imperialism|date=2021-10-11|url=https://intpolicydigest.org/the-platform/the-international-monetary-fund-a-vehicle-for-modern-day-imperialism/|retrieved=2022-06-19}}</ref>

The under-representation of low- and middle-income countries on the IMF and [[The World Bank|World Bank]]'s Executive Boards is exacerbated by the historic "gentleman’s agreement" between the United States and European countries, which has seen the IMF and World Bank led by a European and US national, respectively, since their inception, despite demands for a merit-based, transparent process to be instated.<ref name=":1">[https://www.brettonwoodsproject.org/2019/06/what-are-the-main-criticisms-of-the-world-bank-and-the-imf/ “What Are the Main Criticisms of the World Bank and the IMF?”] Bretton Woods Project. June 4, 2019. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220918164032/https://www.brettonwoodsproject.org/2019/06/what-are-the-main-criticisms-of-the-world-bank-and-the-imf/ Archived] 2022-09-18.</ref>

The <abbr>IMF</abbr> lends money to member countries faced with balance of payments problems. In return for financial assistance from the <abbr>IMF</abbr>, borrower countries must implement a set of economic reforms.<ref>[https://www.brettonwoodsproject.org/2005/08/art-320867/ “How Does the IMF Operate?”] Bretton Woods Project. August 23, 2005. </ref> The reforms stipulated by the IMF typically impose austerity measures, increase privatization, and weaken social services.<ref name=":1" />

In his 100-page resignation letter from the IMF, former IMF senior economist [[Davison Budhoo]] described the extensive and systematic statistical fraud used by the IMF to impose its policies on developing countries, and explained that the consequences of these policies led to massive poverty and starvation. In the letter, Budhoo wrote "We manipulated, blatantly and systematically, certain key statistical indices so as to put ourselves in a position where we could make very false pronouncements about economic and financial performance". He added that the IMF's policies are made in "utter disregard to local conditions" and lead countries to "self destruct" and "unleash unstoppable economic and social chaos". He also stated that the routine policy packages of the IMF "can never serve, under any set of circumstances, the cause of financial balance and economic growth" and that "the ill-gotten, inadvertent power that we revel in wielding over prostrate governments and peoples - can only serve to accentuate world tensions".<ref>Budhoo, Davison. [https://tsd.naomiklein.org/files/resources/pdfs/budhoo.pdf "Enough is Enough."] 1988. [https://web.archive.org/web/2/https://tsd.naomiklein.org/files/resources/pdfs/budhoo.pdf Archived] 2022-05-16.</ref>

The IMF and World Bank's ability to position their policy prescriptions as "best practice" supported by "robust" theoretical and empirical work oftentimes results in the internalization of Bank and Fund positions by scholars, development practitioners and finance ministers. While maintaining they have no obligations under international human rights law, despite objections of myriad human rights experts and the opinion of one of the Bank’s former General Counsels, both the IMF and World Bank claim their work to eradicate poverty and increase economic growth and stability ultimately contributes to global welfare and the fulfilment of human rights, without clear evidence.<ref name=":1" />

A 2023 report by Human Rights Watch, analyzing 39 loan programmes from 2020 to 2023 and affecting a combined total of over 1 billion people, found that the austerity imposed by the IMF on recipient countries has led to an erosion of human rights, disproportionally affecting people with low incomes. This is despite the presence of social spending floors - a minimum that a country must spend on social services - which the IMF falsely claims helps protect the most vulnerable in societies from cuts in public spending. In reality, these social spending floors are improperly and vaguely calculated and many people face increased hardship regardless.<ref>{{Web citation|author=Brian Stauffer|newspaper=Human Rights Watch|title=Bandage on a Bullet Wound|date=2023-09-25|url=https://www.hrw.org/report/2023/09/25/bandage-bullet-wound/imf-social-spending-floors-and-covid-19-pandemic|archive-url=https://archive.ph/p09XB|archive-date=2023-10-06|retrieved=2023-10-06}}</ref>

== History ==
The [[Bretton Woods Institutions]] (BWIs) are the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). They were set up at a meeting of 43 countries in Bretton Woods, [[New Hampshire]], USA in July 1944. The idea behind them was ostensibly to help rebuild the economy after the [[Second World War]] and to promote international economic cooperation. They were based on the ideas of US Treasury Secretary [[Henry Morganthau]], his chief economic advisor [[Harry Dexter White]], and British economist [[John Maynard Keynes]]. The key decisions leading to the establishment of both institutions were largely steered by the US, and to a lesser extent the UK, and during the post-war period the BWIs were significantly influenced by the US’s geopolitical strength.

While the establishment of the Bank and Fund was presented as an apolitical effort to rebuild the world economy in the aftermath of the Second World War, they served as a method to defend or expand the reach of western capitalism in the face of a potential challenge from the [[Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (1922–1991)|Soviet Union]], and to promote US interests in particular. In the 1980s and 1990s, the policies championed by the BWIs were inspired in principle by the so-called "Washington Consensus", which focused ideologically on promoting free-market economic policies such as deregulation, privatisation and trade liberalisation, as well as targeting unlimited economic growth, and were implemented primarily through Structural Adjustment Programmes (SAPs). The devastating impacts of SAPs have been enduring and persist to this day.<ref name=":1" />

While historically the IMF and Bank enforced conditionality primarily through SAPs, today, the IMF requires a "letter of intent" from governments requesting a loan. To be approved by the IMF for a loan, the letter requires prior actions, quantitative performance criteria and structural benchmarks – the latter of which continues to contain structural macroeconomic policy reforms.<ref name=":1" />

== By country ==

=== Argentina ===
In 2018, the IMF granted [[Argentine Republic|Argentina]] a $56.3 billion loan, causing austerity and privatization. The loan was given the year before an election to favor right-wing candidate [[Mauricio Macri]], an ally of [[Donald Trump]].<ref>{{News citation|author=Fernanda Vallejos|newspaper=The Intercept|title=Argentina Demands Justice From the IMF|date=2022-03-10|url=https://theintercept.com/2022/03/10/argentina-imf-debt-protests/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220616102145/https://theintercept.com/2022/03/10/argentina-imf-debt-protests/|archive-date=2022-06-16|retrieved=2022-06-19}}</ref>

=== Indonesia ===
The IMF caused a banking crisis in [[Republic of Indonesia|Indonesia]] that decreased GDP by 14% and increased poverty by 40%.<ref name=":0" />

=== Jamaica ===
By 1976, [[Jamaica]] had a deficit of $231.2 in Jamaican dollars. The IMF made Jamaica devalue its currency and increase exports. It also forced the government to cut wages, end subsidies and price controls, and privatize industry. The IMF austerity increased the prices of various food items by 71% to 285%. Real wages dropped by 35% in 1978 alone, and the unemployment rate was 30% in 1980.<ref name=":1222">{{Citation|author=[[Vijay Prashad]]|year=2008|title=The Darker Nations: A People's History of the Third World|chapter=Kingston|page=229–34|pdf=https://cloudflare-ipfs.com/ipfs/bafykbzaceascnzh26r5d6uitjjs2z7rflhaxlt7rboz5whzdf76qg6xxvecqq?filename=%28A%20New%20Press%20People%27s%20history%29%20Vijay%20Prashad%20-%20The%20darker%20nations_%20a%20people%27s%20history%20of%20the%20third%20world-The%20New%20Press%20%282008%29.pdf|publisher=The New Press|isbn=9781595583420|lg=https://libgen.rs/book/index.php?md5=9B40B96E830128A7FE0E0E887C06829F}}</ref>

=== Sierra Leone ===
The IMF made [[Republic of Sierra Leone|Sierra Leone]] devalue its currency, which also decreased the cost of its minerals, including diamonds. Increased diamond extraction led to a conflict that killed 70,000 people and displaced 2.6 million.<ref name=":0" />

=== Ukraine ===
[[Ukraine|Ukrainian]] President [[Viktor Yanukovych]] negotiated with the IMF before being overthrown in the [[2014 Ukrainian coup d'etat|2014 Euromaidan coup]]. Because the IMF was demanding a decrease in wages and health and education spending, Yanukovych decided not to take the loan and began negotiating with [[Russian Federation|Russia]] instead.

After the coup, the new government took a $26 billion loan from the IMF after cutting its gas subsidy for citizens by 50%. The IMF has offered Ukraine another loan after the beginning of the [[2022 Russo-Ukrainian conflict]].<ref>{{News citation|author=Prabhat Patnaik|newspaper=Peoples Democracy|title=The IMF Connection with the Ukraine Crisis|date=2022-03-06|url=https://peoplesdemocracy.in/2022/0306_pd/imf-connection-ukraine-crisis|retrieved=2022-06-19}}</ref>

=== Yugoslavia ===
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, [[Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (1945–1992)|Yugoslavia]] tried to borrow from the West to expand its economy. When a [[Economic crisis|recession]] began in the West, the West banned Yugoslavia from exporting goods in order to put the country in [[debt]]. The IMF and [[The World Bank|World Bank]] forced Yugoslavia to restructure its economy by cutting social spending, freezing [[Wage|wages]], eliminating worker-controlled enterprises, and increasing [[unemployment]]. Economic growth dropped from 7% per year in the late 1960s to under 3% by the 1980s and was negative by 1990.<ref>{{Citation|author=[[Michael Parenti]]|year=2000|title=To Kill a Nation|page=19–21|chapter=Third Worldization|publisher=Verso|pdf=https://leftychan.net/edu/src/1614706295182-3.pdf}}</ref>

=== Zambia ===
The IMF forced [[Republic of Zambia|Zambia]]'s government to eliminate subsidies for pesticides and fertilizers, decreasing agricultural output and leaving seven million people short of food.<ref name=":0" />

== COVID-19 pandemic ==
From January to October 2020, the IMF gave [[COVID-19 pandemic|COVID-19]]-related loans to 81 countries, including 41 in Africa. The majority of these loans required countries to cut government spending or wages. 14 African countries were required to implement austerity measures in 2021 and 19 more had to by 2023.<ref>{{News citation|author=Dian Maria Blandina|newspaper=[[Black Agenda Report]]|title=IMF Loans Continue to Undermine Health in Africa|date=2022-06-29|url=https://blackagendareport.com/imf-loans-continue-undermine-health-africa|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630011530/https://blackagendareport.com/imf-loans-continue-undermine-health-africa|archive-date=2022-06-30|retrieved=2022-07-06}}</ref>

== References ==
[[Category:Neoliberalism]]

Multipolarity

2023-10-06T17:34:43Z

SeventyTwoTrillion: Added detail in the "Efforts towards multipolarity" section; altered some sentence structure.

[[File:UN resolution A-77-445.png|thumb|[[United Nations|UN]] General Assembly resolution A/77/445 advocated for an end to the unipolar world order.]]
[[File:Multipolarity poll.png|thumb|People from the [[United States of America|USA]], [[United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland|UK]], [[European Union|Western Europe]], [[Russian Federation|Russia]], [[People's Republic of China|China]], and [[Republic of Turkey|Turkey]] expect a multipolar world by 2033 while [[Republic of India|Indians]] expect U.S. dominance to continue.]]
'''Multipolarity''' (from Latin ''multus'', many and ''polarity'', poles) is a term that describes, in politics, a situation where there are more than three so-called world powers existing concurrently.

A multipolar world has existed has various times in history, but after the [[Second World War]], the [[United States of America]] cemented its position as the sole power of the world (sometimes in concurrence with the [[Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (1922–1991)|USSR]]). Starting in the late 2010s however, that position has been challenged by [[People's Republic of China|China]], which is why the concept of multipolarity has entered the discourse recently.

Polarity should not be limited solely to economical powers but generally as influence. [[Japan]], for example, was the second global economy in terms of GDP after the fall of the Soviet Union, but as they were in the sphere of influence of the United States, they did not form a bloc against their influence and thus were not competing, but working alongside them.

The polarity of [[global politics]] can be understood [[Dialectics|dialectically]], but is not solely a [[Marxism|Marxist]] concept and does not necessarily refer to an [[Imperialism|imperialist]] world order.

== History ==
While multipolarity has existed at various times in history and even in close geographical regions (for example, in the 17th century, European colonial powers such as [[France]], [[Spain]] or [[United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland|Great Britain]] were competing as regional powers in the Americas), a multipolar world has not existed since the 20th century, where global trade and information make unipolar hegemony all the more impactful.

After the Second World War, the United States of America came about as the unipolar [[Hegemony|hegemon]], sometimes contested by the USSR in a bipolar world.

This position the USA created for themselves was helped by being mostly untouched during the war, as well as the [[Marshall Plan]] and the creation of the [[petrodollar]], a term describing a process by which oil producers sell their product in US Dollars (even if the buyer is not the USA), which ultimately find themselves circulated back to the US bourgeoisie.

The Soviet Union was able to compete in some ways with the hegemony of the United States, but stretched their resources thin trying to combat the bigger power everywhere, which left them open for [[Colour revolution|colour revolutions]] in their later years, ultimately leading to a coup to overthrow the Soviet government and install a pro-West capitalist puppet in their place.

== Unipolar world (1991 - 2022) ==
After the [[overthrow of the Soviet Union]] in 1991 and the subsequent humanitarian crisis, the USA came about as the world's hegemon -- they essentially enjoyed being above [[international law]], dictating law and government to other countries, circulating trade back to their own economy, etc.

This situation lasted until the 2010s or so, when China, under the [[Belt and Road Initiative]] and helped by their massive economy (they were the second country with the highest [[Gross Domestic Product|GDP]] since 2010) took up a bigger share of the world's trade, eating into the USA's share and aligning countries towards their own policies, as they offer better deals than the imperialist bloc.

Coupled with the end of the US Empire that is happening at this moment, we are seeing the end of a unipolar world and are already in the beginnings of a multipolar world where both China and the USA form competing hegemonies.

== Multipolar world (2022 - today) ==

=== Efforts towards multipolarity ===
The rise of multipolarity is creating blocs which primarily differ in terms of state philosophies towards governance, foreign policy, and economics. The bloc opposing the United States and its Western allies, led by China, is generally aligning to resolve the primary [[contradiction]] in global politics - imperialism, and the exploitation of the resources of developing countries. Meanwhile, the Western bloc is attempting to maintain the primary contradiction for their own interests.

Trade between blocs has grown 5-6% more slowly than trade within blocs since the beginning of the [[2022 Russo-Ukrainian conflict]].<ref>{{Web citation|newspaper=World Trade Organization|title=World Trade Report 2023 - Re-globalization for a secure, inclusive and sustainable future|date=2023|url=https://www.wto.org/english/res_e/publications_e/wtr23_e.htm|archive-url=https://archive.ph/kFIEm|archive-date=2023-10-06|retrieved=2023-10-06}}</ref>

==== De-dollarization ====
Much of the world's trading and investment uses the US dollar as a [[reserve currency]], which gives the United States tremendous control over financial transactions. China, Russia, India, Brazil, and the UAE are increasingly using their local currencies in bilateral transactions, as opposed to, for the time being at least, attempting to create a new single reserve currency.

See: [[De-dollarization]].

==== Development ====
The United States has purposefully underdeveloped the Global South to ensure that their economic development does not create competition for their [[Monopoly capitalism|monopolies]]. What little development does occur is typically to allow exploitation of resources to be made more efficient, such as roads linking mines to ports.

In contrast, China has been financing the construction of infrastructure projects throughout Eurasia, Africa, and South America through the Belt and Road Initiative. The BRICS [[New Development Bank]] also funds projects.

==== Debt ====
The US uses financial institutions like the [[International Monetary Fund|IMF]] and [[The World Bank|World Bank]] to keep developing countries in crippling debt, forcing them to take loans that then need to be repaid. These loan repayments require so much money from developing countries that they have trouble funding their own development projects, and need to continue to export products to attempt to pay the loans back.

=== Response from the imperialist hegemon ===
As imperialism is the highest stage of capitalism, the United States is, of course, the fiercest proponent of an America-dominated unipolar world. Losing its status as the prime imperial power would mean the end of the American way of life for its bourgeoisie. As such, they try everything they can - often with disastrous results - to restore, and maintain, their unipolarity.

==== Military actions ====
In January 2020, the United States illegally killed [[Islamic Republic of Iran|Iranian]] General [[Qasem Soleimani]] in a drone strike,<ref>{{News citation|date=2020-07-09|title=Qasem Soleimani: US strike on Iran general was unlawful, UN expert says|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-53345885|newspaper=BBC}}</ref> after which Iran retorted with a missile strike on two US airbases in [[Republic of Iraq|Iraq]].<ref>{{News citation|journalist=Erdogan Cagatay Zontur, Servet Günerigök|date=2020-01-08|title=Iran hits Iraqi military bases housing US troops|url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/americas/iran-hits-iraqi-military-bases-housing-us-troops/1695644#|newspaper=Anadolu Agency}}</ref>

In 2021, the US Congress voted the [[Strategic Competition Act of 2021]]<ref>{{News citation|title=S.1169 - Strategic Competition Act of 2021|archive-url=https://archive.ph/JaL8I|journalist=US Congress}}</ref> that would give 300 million dollars a year to, notably, "develop and implement a plan for increasing the U.S. presence in the Indo-Pacific region" and "authorize various foreign military financing and diplomatic activities in Southeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific region" a clear admission of regime change operations to come.

==== Sanctions ====
In 2022, following the [[2022 Russo-Ukranian conflict|Russian invasion of Ukraine]], the United States was the first to propose sanctions on [[Russian Federation|Russia]] which were quickly adopted by their lapdogs in Europe<ref>{{News citation|newspaper=Al Jazeera|title=List of sanctions against Russia after it invaded Ukraine|date=2022-03-03|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/2/25/list-of-sanctions-on-russia-after-invasion}}</ref>. As the world still relies on oil (whether Russian or not), this quickly led to price [[inflation]] and the United States is now asking for [[Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela|Venezuelan]] oil<ref>{{News citation|newspaper=New York Times|title=U.S. Officials Travel to Venezuela, a Russia Ally, as the West Isolates Putin|date=2022-03-05|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/05/world/americas/venezuela-russia-usa.html|journalist=Anatoly Kurmanaev, Natalie Kitroeff, Kenneth P. Vogel}}</ref> despite having tried to coup [[Nicolás Maduro]] in favour of [[Juan Guaidó]].

Moreover, due to the sanctions on the SWIFT system (essentially banning Russia from global trade), Russia traded oil in Yuan for the first time, and was shortly followed by [[Kingdom of Saudi Arabia|Saudi Arabia]]. Essentially, countries in the same situation as Russia (powerful but on the periphery of the imperialist hegemon) have received a signal that going against [[North Atlantic Treaty Organization|NATO]]'s wishes would get their economy crippled and their government possibly toppled, and thus they are moving closer to China (joining the CIPS system for example, an alternative to SWIFT) for their own security.

==== Propaganda ====
In 2021, it was revealed by The Herald that the United States was offering 1000 dollars per article in African newspapers that disparaged and lied about China and their investments on the continent.<ref>{{News citation|date=2021-09-21|title=US plan to discredit Chinese investments unmasked|url=https://www.herald.co.zw/us-plan-to-discredit-chinese-investments-unmasked/|newspaper=The Herald|archive-url=https://archive.ph/HrDgm|archive-date=2021-11-14}}</ref>

== References ==
<references />
[[Category:Geopolitics]]
[[Category:Left-wing ideologies]]

Multipolarity

2023-10-05T20:54:44Z

SeventyTwoTrillion: I have altered the page layout, creating a Multipolar section to go with the pre-existing Unipolar section, and adding some preliminary detail which I shall expand on in the near future. Also added various subsections to both Unipolar and Multipolar. I have also added a year timespan to both titles, saying that Unipolarity reigned from 1991 to 2022, and Multipolarity has reigned since 2022 to the present day; the start and end dates are obviously debatable so I welcome alterations.

[[File:UN resolution A-77-445.png|thumb|[[United Nations|UN]] General Assembly resolution A/77/445 advocated for an end to the unipolar world order.]]
[[File:Multipolarity poll.png|thumb|People from the [[United States of America|USA]], [[United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland|UK]], [[European Union|Western Europe]], [[Russian Federation|Russia]], [[People's Republic of China|China]], and [[Republic of Turkey|Turkey]] expect a multipolar world by 2033 while [[Republic of India|Indians]] expect U.S. dominance to continue.]]
'''Multipolarity''' (from Latin ''multus'', many and ''polarity'', poles) is a term that describes, in politics, a situation where there are more than three so-called world powers existing concurrently.

A multipolar world has existed has various times in history, but after the [[Second World War]], the [[United States of America]] cemented its position as the sole power of the world (sometimes in concurrence with the [[Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (1922–1991)|USSR]]). Starting in the late 2010s however, that position has been challenged by [[People's Republic of China|China]], which is why the concept of multipolarity has entered the discourse recently.

Polarity should not be limited solely to economical powers but generally as influence. [[Japan]], for example, was the second global economy in terms of GDP after the fall of the Soviet Union, but as they were in the sphere of influence of the United States, they did not form a bloc against their influence and thus were not competing, but working alongside them.

The polarity of [[global politics]] can be understood [[Dialectics|dialectically]], but is not solely a [[Marxism|Marxist]] concept and does not necessarily refer to an [[Imperialism|imperialist]] world order.

== History ==
While multipolarity has existed at various times in history and even in close geographical regions (for example, in the 17th century, European colonial powers such as [[France]], [[Spain]] or [[United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland|Great Britain]] were competing as regional powers in the Americas), a multipolar world has not existed since the 20th century, where global trade and information make unipolar hegemony all the more impactful.

After the Second World War, the United States of America came about as the unipolar [[Hegemony|hegemon]], sometimes contested by the USSR in a bipolar world.

This position the USA created for themselves was helped by being mostly untouched during the war, as well as the [[Marshall Plan]] and the creation of the [[petrodollar]], a term describing a process by which oil producers sell their product in US Dollars (even if the buyer is not the USA), which ultimately find themselves circulated back to the US bourgeoisie.

The Soviet Union was able to compete in some ways with the hegemony of the United States, but stretched their resources thin trying to combat the bigger power everywhere, which left them open for [[Colour revolution|colour revolutions]] in their later years, ultimately leading to a coup to overthrow the Soviet government and install a pro-West capitalist puppet in their place.

== Unipolar world (1991 - 2022) ==
After the [[overthrow of the Soviet Union]] in 1991 and the subsequent humanitarian crisis, the USA came about as the world's hegemon -- they essentially enjoyed being above [[international law]], dictating law and government to other countries, circulating trade back to their own economy, etc.

This situation lasted until the 2010s or so, when China, under the [[Belt and Road Initiative]] and helped by their massive economy (they were the second country with the highest [[Gross Domestic Product|GDP]] since 2010) took up a bigger share of the world's trade, eating into the USA's share and aligning countries towards their own policies, as they offer better deals than the imperialist bloc.

Coupled with the end of the US Empire that is happening at this moment, we are seeing the end of a unipolar world and are already in the beginnings of a multipolar world where both China and the USA form competing hegemonies.

== Multipolar world (2022 - today) ==

=== Efforts towards multipolarity ===

==== De-dollarization ====
Much of the world's trading and investment uses the US dollar as a [[reserve currency]], which gives the United States tremendous control over financial transactions. China, Russia, India, Brazil, and the UAE are increasingly using their local currencies in bilateral transactions, as opposed to, for the time being at least, attempting to create a new single reserve currency.

See: [[De-dollarization]].

==== Development ====
The United States has purposefully underdeveloped the Global South to ensure that their economic development does not create competition for their [[Monopoly capitalism|monopolies]]. What little development does occur is typically to allow exploitation of resources to be made more efficient, such as roads linking mines to ports.

In contrast, China has been financing the construction of infrastructure projects throughout Eurasia, Africa, and South America through the Belt and Road Initiative. The BRICS [[New Development Bank]] also funds projects.

==== Debt ====
The US uses financial institutions like the [[International Monetary Fund|IMF]] and [[The World Bank|World Bank]] to keep developing countries in crippling debt, forcing them to take loans that then need to be repaid. These loan repayments require so much money from developing countries that they have trouble funding their own development projects, and need to continue to export products to attempt to pay the loans back.

=== Response from the imperialist hegemon ===
Imperialism being the highest stage of capitalism, the USA is of course its fiercest proponent and example. Losing its status as the prime imperial power would mean the end of the American way of life for its bourgeoisie, and as such they try everything they can, often with disastrous results, to maintain a unipolar world.

==== Military actions ====
In January 2020, the United States illegally killed [[Islamic Republic of Iran|Iranian]] General [[Qasem Soleimani]] in a drone strike,<ref>{{News citation|date=2020-07-09|title=Qasem Soleimani: US strike on Iran general was unlawful, UN expert says|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-53345885|newspaper=BBC}}</ref> after which Iran retorted with a missile strike on two US airbases in [[Republic of Iraq|Iraq]].<ref>{{News citation|journalist=Erdogan Cagatay Zontur, Servet Günerigök|date=2020-01-08|title=Iran hits Iraqi military bases housing US troops|url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/americas/iran-hits-iraqi-military-bases-housing-us-troops/1695644#|newspaper=Anadolu Agency}}</ref>

In 2021, the US Congress voted the [[Strategic Competition Act of 2021]]<ref>{{News citation|title=S.1169 - Strategic Competition Act of 2021|archive-url=https://archive.ph/JaL8I|journalist=US Congress}}</ref> that would give 300 million dollars a year to, notably, "develop and implement a plan for increasing the U.S. presence in the Indo-Pacific region" and "authorize various foreign military financing and diplomatic activities in Southeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific region" a clear admission of regime change operations to come.

==== Sanctions ====
In 2022, following the [[2022 Russo-Ukranian conflict|Russian invasion of Ukraine]], the United States was the first to propose sanctions on [[Russian Federation|Russia]] which were quickly adopted by their lapdogs in Europe<ref>{{News citation|newspaper=Al Jazeera|title=List of sanctions against Russia after it invaded Ukraine|date=2022-03-03|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/2/25/list-of-sanctions-on-russia-after-invasion}}</ref>. As the world still relies on oil (whether Russian or not), this quickly led to price [[inflation]] and the United States is now asking for [[Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela|Venezuelan]] oil<ref>{{News citation|newspaper=New York Times|title=U.S. Officials Travel to Venezuela, a Russia Ally, as the West Isolates Putin|date=2022-03-05|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/05/world/americas/venezuela-russia-usa.html|journalist=Anatoly Kurmanaev, Natalie Kitroeff, Kenneth P. Vogel}}</ref> despite having tried to coup [[Nicolás Maduro]] in favour of [[Juan Guaidó]].

Moreover, due to the sanctions on the SWIFT system (essentially banning Russia from global trade), Russia traded oil in Yuan for the first time, and was shortly followed by [[Kingdom of Saudi Arabia|Saudi Arabia]]. Essentially, countries in the same situation as Russia (powerful but on the periphery of the imperialist hegemon) have received a signal that going against [[North Atlantic Treaty Organization|NATO]]'s wishes would get their economy crippled and their government possibly toppled, and thus they are moving closer to China (joining the CIPS system for example, an alternative to SWIFT) for their own security.

==== Propaganda ====
In 2021, it was revealed by The Herald that the United States was offering 1000 dollars per article in African newspapers that disparaged and lied about China and their investments on the continent.<ref>{{News citation|date=2021-09-21|title=US plan to discredit Chinese investments unmasked|url=https://www.herald.co.zw/us-plan-to-discredit-chinese-investments-unmasked/|newspaper=The Herald|archive-url=https://archive.ph/HrDgm|archive-date=2021-11-14}}</ref>

== References ==
<references />
[[Category:Geopolitics]]
[[Category:Left-wing ideologies]]

Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan

2023-10-02T08:39:47Z

SeventyTwoTrillion: altered link

{{Infobox country|name=Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan|native_name=د افغانستان اسلامي امارت‎|image_flag=Flag of Afghanistan.png|largest_city=Kabul|image_coat=Coat of arms of Afghanistan.svg|capital=Kabul|leader_title1=Amir al-Mu'minin|leader_name1=Hibatullah Akhundzada|image_map=Afghanistan map.svg|map_width=260|GDP_PPP=USD $72.911 billion|GDP_PPP_per_capita=USD $2,024|government_type=Islamic Emirate|population_estimate=32,225,560|mode_of_production=[[Capitalism]] (semi-[[feudalism|feudal]])}}

The '''Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan''' (د افغانستان اسلامي جمهوریت), also known as '''Afghanistan''' (افغانستان), is a country in [[Central Asia]].

Currently active communist parties in the country include the [[Communist (Maoist) Party of Afghanistan]].

== History ==

=== British invasion ===
The [[United Kingdom]] invaded Afghanistan for a third time in 1919, leading [[Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic (1917–1991)|Soviet Russia]] to establish the first diplomatic relations with Afghanistan and recognize its borders. When the British tried to assassinate Afghan leader [[Amanullah Khan]] in 1920, the RSFSR and Afghanistan signed a non-aggression pact.<ref>{{Web citation|newspaper=[[Proletarian (newspaper)|Proletarian]]|title=The October Revolution and the east|date=2018-04-21|url=https://thecommunists.org/2018/04/21/news/the-october-revolution-and-the-east/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220517164416/https://thecommunists.org/2018/04/21/news/the-october-revolution-and-the-east/|archive-date=2022-05-17|retrieved=2022-12-27}}</ref>

=== Democratic Republic and civil war ===
In 1978, the [[Democratic Republic of Afghanistan]] was formed.

After a long war between the DRA and the [[Mujahideen]], [[Operation Cyclone|armed and funded]] by the [[United States of America|USA]], the government was lost to the Mujahideen terrorist organization in 1992.

In 1994, a group of students in Kandahar founded the [[Taliban]], which managed to overthrow the USA puppet Mujahideen government by 1996.

=== U.S. invasion ===
{{Main article|War in Afghanistan}}
In 2001, after Mujahideen members carried out the [[September 11 attacks|9/11 attacks]] in New York, the USA invaded Afghanistan to support the Mujahideen, telling the American public that the Taliban were the real perpetrators. From 2002 to 2021 the Mujahideen had control of most of the country and was the officially recognized government by most countries.

In 2011, journalist [[Julian Assange]] claimed that "The goal is an endless war, not a successful war" to enrich the "transnational security elite"<ref>Wikileaks on Twitter: [https://twitter.com/wikileaks/status/1427929346262642688 Julian Assange speaking in 2011: "The goal is to use Afghanistan to wash money out of the tax bases of the US and Europe through Afghanistan and back into the hands of a transnational security elite. The goal is an endless war, not a successful war" #Afghanistan]</ref>

According to [[WikiLeaks]], the [[Central Intelligence Agency|CIA]] sought to sway public sentiment in favor of the Afghan war by promoting stories of how the US occupation is 'good for women'.<ref>[https://rokfin.com/stream/8488/LIVE-Wikileaks-Exposes-CIA-Woke-Imperialism-Propaganda-In-Afghanistan LIVE: Wikileaks Exposes CIA Woke Imperialism Propaganda In Afghanistan] by [[Jackson Hinkle]] on [[Rokfin]]</ref><ref>[https://www.commondreams.org/views/2010/07/31/cia-document-calls-using-afghan-women-messengers-humanize-war CIA Document Calls For Using Afghan Women as Messengers to Humanize the War] by Lucinda Marshall on [[Common Dreams]]</ref>

During the occupation, the US extensively polluted the country with chemicals like perchlorate, PFAS, and RDX. These chemicals came both from the use of military equipment in Afghanistan - perchlorate is used in rocket and missile fuel, for example - and also from the sewage and waste of US military bases. These pollutants have caused skin rashes, organ problems, cancer, and harmed mental development of children. In 2022, US President [[Joe Biden]] only expressed concern about the impact these chemicals had on US troops, and not Afghanistan's civilians.<ref>{{Web citation|author=Lynzy Billing|newspaper=Inside Climate News|title=America’s War in Afghanistan Devastated the Country’s Environment in Ways That May Never Be Cleaned Up|date=2023-09-25|url=https://insideclimatenews.org/news/25092023/war-in-afghanistan-devastated-the-countrys-environment/|archive-url=https://archive.ph/AIHKw|archive-date=2023-09-26|retrieved=2023-10-02}}</ref>

In 2021, after US president Biden announced a full troop withdrawal from Afghanistan<ref>[https://www.defense.gov/Explore/News/Article/Article/2573268/biden-announces-full-us-troop-withdrawal-from-afghanistan-by-sept-11/ Biden Announces Full U.S. Troop Withdrawal From Afghanistan by Sept. 11]</ref>, the Taliban retook the entirety of Afghanistan with little to no fighting.<ref>[https://www.financialexpress.com/defence/the-fall-of-kabul-beginning-of-taliban-2-0/2311839/ The Fall of Kabul: Beginning of Taliban 2.0] by Financial Express</ref> This move has been described as a strategic repositioning by the US, likely to seek to destabilize the [[People's Republic of China|Chinese]] and [[Russian Federation|Russian]] efforts to develop the [[Shanghai Cooperation Organisation|Shanghai Cooperation Organization]].<ref>[https://youtu.be/QiF3TQZSxhs Inside US Afghanistan pullout, CIA opium ratline, pipeline conflict, new cold war] by [[The Grayzone]] with guest journalist [[Pepe Escobar]]</ref> Former Prime Minister of the [[Imperialism|imperialist]] UK [[Tony Blair]] called the US withdrawal from Afghanistan "imbecilic" and criticized the slogan "forever wars", illustrating the UK's support for continued imperialist activity in Afghanistan.<ref>[https://youtu.be/vjJyfMsDFjo War Criminal Tony Blair: Afghanistan Withdrawal "Imbecilic"] | [[Richard Medhurst]] for [[RT (TV network)|RT]]</ref>

=== Post-occupation ===
On August 26, 2021, there was a suicide bombing at the Kabul airport. It's likely that this attack was carried out with either tacit approval or explicit involvement of US proxies, given that the threat of the attack was known beforehand. It is also a potentially convenient excuse for imperialist militaries to remain in Afghanistan, despite the Taliban demand to withdraw by 31 August.<ref>[https://youtu.be/LQPGqeb8Ikg Blast Rocks Kabul Airport] by [[Richard Medhurst]]</ref>

The Taliban administration continue to fight an armed struggle against Islamic State - Khorasan Province, a group aligned with [[Islamic State|ISIL]].

The US [[Economic sanctions|sanctions]] are currently driving Afghanistan to famine.<ref>{{News citation|title=How U.S. sanctions are driving Afghanistan to famine|url=https://news.yahoo.com/u-sanctions-driving-afghanistan-famine-105210718.html}}</ref>

== References ==
[[Category:Countries]]
[[Category:Global south]]
<references />
[[Category:Countries sanctioned by the US]]
[[Category:Asian countries]]
[[Category:Countries invaded by the United States]]

Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan

2023-10-02T08:39:10Z

SeventyTwoTrillion: Added a paragraph on the environmental impact of the Afghanistan occupation.

{{Infobox country|name=Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan|native_name=د افغانستان اسلامي امارت‎|image_flag=Flag of Afghanistan.png|largest_city=Kabul|image_coat=Coat of arms of Afghanistan.svg|capital=Kabul|leader_title1=Amir al-Mu'minin|leader_name1=Hibatullah Akhundzada|image_map=Afghanistan map.svg|map_width=260|GDP_PPP=USD $72.911 billion|GDP_PPP_per_capita=USD $2,024|government_type=Islamic Emirate|population_estimate=32,225,560|mode_of_production=[[Capitalism]] (semi-[[feudalism|feudal]])}}

The '''Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan''' (د افغانستان اسلامي جمهوریت), also known as '''Afghanistan''' (افغانستان), is a country in [[Central Asia]].

Currently active communist parties in the country include the [[Communist (Maoist) Party of Afghanistan]].

== History ==

=== British invasion ===
The [[United Kingdom]] invaded Afghanistan for a third time in 1919, leading [[Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic (1917–1991)|Soviet Russia]] to establish the first diplomatic relations with Afghanistan and recognize its borders. When the British tried to assassinate Afghan leader [[Amanullah Khan]] in 1920, the RSFSR and Afghanistan signed a non-aggression pact.<ref>{{Web citation|newspaper=[[Proletarian (newspaper)|Proletarian]]|title=The October Revolution and the east|date=2018-04-21|url=https://thecommunists.org/2018/04/21/news/the-october-revolution-and-the-east/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220517164416/https://thecommunists.org/2018/04/21/news/the-october-revolution-and-the-east/|archive-date=2022-05-17|retrieved=2022-12-27}}</ref>

=== Democratic Republic and civil war ===
In 1978, the [[Democratic Republic of Afghanistan]] was formed.

After a long war between the DRA and the [[Mujahideen]], [[Operation Cyclone|armed and funded]] by the [[United States of America|USA]], the government was lost to the Mujahideen terrorist organization in 1992.

In 1994, a group of students in Kandahar founded the [[Taliban]], which managed to overthrow the USA puppet Mujahideen government by 1996.

=== U.S. invasion ===
{{Main article|War in Afghanistan}}
In 2001, after Mujahideen members carried out the [[September 11 attacks|9/11 attacks]] in New York, the USA invaded Afghanistan to support the Mujahideen, telling the American public that the Taliban were the real perpetrators. From 2002 to 2021 the Mujahideen had control of most of the country and was the officially recognized government by most countries.

In 2011, journalist [[Julian Assange]] claimed that "The goal is an endless war, not a successful war" to enrich the "transnational security elite"<ref>Wikileaks on Twitter: [https://twitter.com/wikileaks/status/1427929346262642688 Julian Assange speaking in 2011: "The goal is to use Afghanistan to wash money out of the tax bases of the US and Europe through Afghanistan and back into the hands of a transnational security elite. The goal is an endless war, not a successful war" #Afghanistan]</ref>

According to [[WikiLeaks]], the [[Central Intelligence Agency|CIA]] sought to sway public sentiment in favor of the Afghan war by promoting stories of how the US occupation is 'good for women'.<ref>[https://rokfin.com/stream/8488/LIVE-Wikileaks-Exposes-CIA-Woke-Imperialism-Propaganda-In-Afghanistan LIVE: Wikileaks Exposes CIA Woke Imperialism Propaganda In Afghanistan] by [[Jackson Hinkle]] on [[Rokfin]]</ref><ref>[https://www.commondreams.org/views/2010/07/31/cia-document-calls-using-afghan-women-messengers-humanize-war CIA Document Calls For Using Afghan Women as Messengers to Humanize the War] by Lucinda Marshall on [[Common Dreams]]</ref>

During the occupation, the US extensively polluted the country with chemicals like perchlorate, PFAS, and RDX. These chemicals came both from the use of military equipment in Afghanistan - perchlorate is used in rocket and missile fuel, for example - and also from the sewage and waste of US military bases. These pollutants have caused skin rashes, organ problems, cancer, and harmed mental development of children. In 2022, US President [[Joe Biden]] only expressed concern about the impact these chemicals had on US troops, and not Afghanistan's civilians.<ref>{{Web citation|author=Lynzy Billing|newspaper=Inside Climate News|title=America’s War in Afghanistan Devastated the Country’s Environment in Ways That May Never Be Cleaned Up|date=2023-09-25|url=https://insideclimatenews.org/news/25092023/war-in-afghanistan-devastated-the-countrys-environment/|archive-url=https://archive.ph/AIHKw|archive-date=2023-09-26|retrieved=2023-10-02}}</ref>

In 2021, after US president [[Joe Biden|Biden]] announced a full troop withdrawal from Afghanistan<ref>[https://www.defense.gov/Explore/News/Article/Article/2573268/biden-announces-full-us-troop-withdrawal-from-afghanistan-by-sept-11/ Biden Announces Full U.S. Troop Withdrawal From Afghanistan by Sept. 11]</ref>, the Taliban retook the entirety of Afghanistan with little to no fighting.<ref>[https://www.financialexpress.com/defence/the-fall-of-kabul-beginning-of-taliban-2-0/2311839/ The Fall of Kabul: Beginning of Taliban 2.0] by Financial Express</ref> This move has been described as a strategic repositioning by the US, likely to seek to destabilize the [[People's Republic of China|Chinese]] and [[Russian Federation|Russian]] efforts to develop the [[Shanghai Cooperation Organisation|Shanghai Cooperation Organization]].<ref>[https://youtu.be/QiF3TQZSxhs Inside US Afghanistan pullout, CIA opium ratline, pipeline conflict, new cold war] by [[The Grayzone]] with guest journalist [[Pepe Escobar]]</ref> Former Prime Minister of the [[Imperialism|imperialist]] UK [[Tony Blair]] called the US withdrawal from Afghanistan "imbecilic" and criticized the slogan "forever wars", illustrating the UK's support for continued imperialist activity in Afghanistan.<ref>[https://youtu.be/vjJyfMsDFjo War Criminal Tony Blair: Afghanistan Withdrawal "Imbecilic"] | [[Richard Medhurst]] for [[RT (TV network)|RT]]</ref>

=== Post-occupation ===
On August 26, 2021, there was a suicide bombing at the Kabul airport. It's likely that this attack was carried out with either tacit approval or explicit involvement of US proxies, given that the threat of the attack was known beforehand. It is also a potentially convenient excuse for imperialist militaries to remain in Afghanistan, despite the Taliban demand to withdraw by 31 August.<ref>[https://youtu.be/LQPGqeb8Ikg Blast Rocks Kabul Airport] by [[Richard Medhurst]]</ref>

The Taliban administration continue to fight an armed struggle against Islamic State - Khorasan Province, a group aligned with [[Islamic State|ISIL]].

The US [[Economic sanctions|sanctions]] are currently driving Afghanistan to famine.<ref>{{News citation|title=How U.S. sanctions are driving Afghanistan to famine|url=https://news.yahoo.com/u-sanctions-driving-afghanistan-famine-105210718.html}}</ref>

== References ==
[[Category:Countries]]
[[Category:Global south]]
<references />
[[Category:Countries sanctioned by the US]]
[[Category:Asian countries]]
[[Category:Countries invaded by the United States]]

Republic of Artsakh (1991–2024)

2023-10-01T17:19:40Z

SeventyTwoTrillion: Added detail of recent events, including the dissolution of Artsakh.

{{Infobox country|name=Republic of Artsakh|native_name=Արցախի Հանրապետություն Нагорно-Карабахская Республика|image_flag=Artsakh flag.svg|image_coat=Artsakh COA.svg|capital=Stepanakert|largest_city=Stepanakert|image_map=Artsakh map.svg|map_width=290|official_languages=Armenian Russian|area_km2=3,170|population_census=150,932|population_census_year=2015}}

'''Artsakh''', officially the '''Republic of Artsakh''', also known as '''Artsakh''' or '''Nagorno-Karabakh''', is a partially recognized state in the [[Caucasus]]. [[Republic of Azerbaijan|Azerbaijan]] claims Artsakh as part of its territory.

== History ==
In the 1920s, [[Sergei Kirov|Kirov]] and [[Sergo Orjonikidze|Orjonikidze]] wanted Artsakh to be part of [[Armenia Soviet Socialist Republic (1936–1991)|Armenia]]. [[Nariman Narimanov]], the Chairman of the Revkom of [[Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic (1936–1991)|Azerbaijan]], made Artsakh an [[autonomous oblast]] of Azerbaijan instead.<ref>{{Web citation|author=Edgar Konstanyan|newspaper=[[Politsturm]]|title=Nagorno-Karabakh: Marxist Point of View|date=2022-10-28|url=https://us.politsturm.com/nagorno-karabakh-marxist-point-of-view/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221028161250/https://us.politsturm.com/nagorno-karabakh-marxist-point-of-view/#Self-determination_of_Nagorno-Karabakh|archive-date=2022-10-28|retrieved=2022-10-29}}</ref>

== Dissolution ==
On 19 September 2023, Azerbaijan launched a military offensive into Artsakh.<ref>{{Web citation|newspaper=Reuters|title=Azerbaijani forces strike Armenian-controlled Karabakh, raising risk of new Caucasus war|date=2023-09-19|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/azerbaijan-says-six-its-citizens-were-killed-by-land-mines-karabakh-2023-09-19/|archive-url=https://archive.ph/NWpUQ|archive-date=2023-09-19|retrieved=2023-10-01}}</ref> The day after, on 20 September, Azerbaijan and Artsakh agreed to a ceasefire mediated by Russian peacekeepers.<ref>{{Web citation|newspaper=Armenpress|title=BREAKING: Russian-mediated ceasefire announced in Nagorno-Karabakh|date=2023-09-20|url=https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1120051.html|archive-url=https://archive.ph/xlEZg|archive-date=2023-09-29|retrieved=2023-10-01}}</ref>

The government of Artsakh was forced to dissolve as an entity, and the Republic of Artsakh will no longer exist on January 1st, 2024. The deal reached between Azerbaijan and Artsakh allows the free and unhindered movement of the residents of Artsakh in exchange for the disarmement of Armenian troops.<ref>{{Web citation|newspaper=Le Monde|title=Nagorno-Karabakh separatist government says it will dissolve itself by January 2024|date=2023-09-28|url=https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2023/09/28/nagorno-karabakh-separatist-government-says-it-will-dissolve-itself-by-january-2024_6140487_4.html|archive-url=https://archive.ph/TSlsa|archive-date=2023-10-01|retrieved=2023-10-01}}</ref> Armenians living in Artsakh have therefore been escaping across the border to Armenia, fearing the retribution of the Azerbaijan government. The Armenian government has denounced this as ethnic cleansing. Over 100,000 people, over 80% of Artsakh's population, had left by early October 2023.<ref>{{Web citation|newspaper=The Guardian|title=Almost all ethnic Armenians have left Nagorno-Karabakh|date=2023-09-30|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/sep/30/almost-all-ethnic-armenians-have-left-nagorno-karabakh-azerbaijan|archive-url=https://archive.ph/C6OpD|archive-date=2023-10-01|retrieved=2023-10-01}}</ref>

== References ==
[[Category:Countries]]

Republic of Slovenia

2023-10-01T16:53:59Z

SeventyTwoTrillion: Added the August flooding event to History.

{{Infobox country|name=Republic of Slovenia|native_name=Republika Slovenija|image_flag=Flag of Slovenia.svg|image_coat=Coat of arms of Slovenia.svg|capital=Ljubljana|largest_city=Ljubljana|mode_of_production=[[Capitalism]]|image_map=Slovenia map.svg|map_width=260|official_languages=Slovene|area_km2=20,271|population_estimate=2,116,972|population_estimate_year=2022}}

'''Slovenia''', officially the '''Republic of Slovenia''', is a country in the [[Balkans]]. It was part of [[Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (1945–1992)|Yugoslavia]] from 1945 to 1991.

== History ==

=== War of Secession ===
In 1989, the [[Central Intelligence Agency|CIA]]-installed Slovenian government closed its borders with other republics and banned anti-secession protests. After the 1991 Foreign Operations Appropriations Act, [[Federal Republic of Germany|Germany]] and [[Republic of Austria|Austria]] sent weapons and military advisors into Slovenia.

In June 1991, Slovenia seceded from Yugoslavia, and Germany and the [[Vatican City State|Vatican]] recognized it as an independent state. The secession caused a brief ten-day war with the federal government.<ref name=":0">{{Citation|author=[[Michael Parenti]]|year=2000|title=To Kill a Nation|chapter=Divide and Conquer|page=26–29|pdf=https://leftychan.net/edu/src/1614706295182-3.pdf|publisher=Verso}}</ref>

=== Independence ===
After seceding from Yugoslavia, Slovenia avoided the [[shock therapy]] policies of other countries like [[Hungary]]. By 2000, it had only privatized about half of state-owned enterprises and had avoided foreign takeovers of industry and land.

In early 1999, Slovenia legalized foreign ownership of land and expanded movement of [[capital]].<ref name=":02">{{Citation|author=[[Michael Parenti]]|year=2000|title=To Kill a Nation|chapter=Slovenia: Somewhat out of Step|page=36–38|pdf=https://leftychan.net/edu/src/1614706295182-3.pdf|publisher=Verso}}</ref> [[Milan Kučan]] violated the constitution by remaining president after the end of his second term.<ref name=":03">{{Citation|author=[[Michael Parenti]]|year=2000|title=To Kill a Nation|chapter=Multiculturalism in Yugoslavia|page=180|pdf=https://leftychan.net/edu/src/1614706295182-3.pdf|publisher=Verso}}</ref>

=== 2023 ===
In August 2023, Slovenia was struck by the worst flooding in its history. The Drava, Savinja, Kamniška Bistrica, Sora, Sava, Mura, and Ljubljanica river basins were extensively flooded, and two thirds of the country was affected.<ref>{{Web citation|author=Richard Davies|newspaper=European Flood Awareness System|title=Flooding in Slovenia - August 2023|date=2023-09-12|url=https://www.efas.eu/en/news/flooding-slovenia-august-2023|archive-url=https://archive.ph/KZtHX|archive-date=2023-10-01|retrieved=2023-10-01}}</ref> The IFRC reported that by mid-August, 1.5 million people had been affected, with 6 fatalities and 8000 people evacuated; 400 buildings and 70 bridges had been destroyed or severely damaged; 30 kilometers of roads were damaged; and 750 hectares of land were flooded.<ref>{{Web citation|newspaper=ReliefWeb|title=Slovenia Flood 2023 - DREF Operation (MDRSI003)|date=2023-08-18|url=https://reliefweb.int/report/slovenia/slovenia-flood-2023-dref-operation-mdrsi003|archive-url=https://archive.ph/ZJdFi|archive-date=2023-10-01|retrieved=2023-10-01}}</ref>

== Economy ==
In early 1991, two-thirds of Slovenia's trade was with other Yugoslav republics. By 1999, 70% of trade was with the [[European Union|EU]]. [[Unemployment]] rose to 7% but was still low compared to the rest of [[Eastern Europe]], and [[inflation]] was under 10%. The annual GDP growth rate in 1998 was 4%.<ref name=":02" />

== Politics ==
In 2000, two pro-EU parties ruled Slovenia: the centrist [[Liberal Democracy of Slovenia|Liberal Democrats]] and [[Populism|populist]] [[Slovenian People's Party|People's Party]].<ref name=":02" />

== References ==
[[Category:European countries]]
[[Category:Stubs]]

Italian Republic

2023-10-01T15:47:25Z

SeventyTwoTrillion: Added a Politics section, added a Brothers of Italy section, and added Meloni's election.

{{Infobox country|name=Italian Republic|leader_name1=Sergio Mattarella|established_date1=17 March 1861|established_event2=Republic|established_event1=Unification|area_km2=301,340|population_estimate_year=2020|population_estimate=60,317,116|leader_name2=[[Giorgia Meloni]]|leader_title2=Prime Minister|native_name=Repubblica Italiana|leader_title1=President|government_type=Unitary parliamentary republic|image_map=Map_of_Italy.svg|image_map_size=200|official_languages=Italian|largest_city=Rome|image_coat=Emblem_of_Italy.svg|capital=Rome|mode_of_production=Capitalism|image_flag=Flag of Italy.svg|established_date2=2 June 1946}}
'''Italy''', officially the '''Italian Republic''', is a country in [[Southern Europe]].

== History ==

=== Unification ===
{{Main article|Risorgimento}}

=== Fascism (1922–1943) ===
{{Main article|Kingdom of Italy (1861–1946)#Fascism}}
During most of the Interwar period and the [[Second World War]], a [[Fascism|fascist]] regime under [[Benito Mussolini]] ruled Italy, the economy declined, many ethnic groups, particularly in Italian colonies such as [[Libya]], saw heavy repression, and some of the first mass privatizations occurred.

=== Cold War ===
The USA briefly ended its occupation of Italy in 1947 but returned in 1949 when Italy joined [[North Atlantic Treaty Organization|NATO]].<ref name=":02222">{{Citation|author=David Vine|year=2020|title=The United States of War|chapter=The Spoils of War|page=298|city=Oakland|publisher=University of California Press|isbn=9780520972070|lg=http://library.lol/main/191568BFAC73F009132DB00ECD0F0F05}}</ref> Statesian and Italian leaders worried that [[Italian Communist Party|communist]] and socialist parties would come to power.<ref name=":022222">{{Citation|author=David Vine|year=2020|title=The United States of War|chapter=Normalizing Occupation|page=308–9|city=Oakland|publisher=University of California Press|isbn=9780520972070|lg=http://library.lol/main/191568BFAC73F009132DB00ECD0F0F05}}</ref>

In 1948, the communist [[Palmiro Togliatti]] ran in the Italian general election. The [[CIA]] rigged the election and spread capitalist propaganda,<ref>{{Citation|author=William Blum|year=2004|title=Killing Hope|chapter=Italy, 1947-1948: Free elections, Hollywood-style|section=|page=|quote=|pdf=|city=|publisher=|isbn=|doi=|lg=|mia=|title-url=|chapter-url=https://williamblum.org/chapters/killing-hope/italy|trans-title=|trans-lang=}}</ref> causing Togliatti to lose to the [[Christian Democracy (Italy)|Christian Democracy Party]]. The U.S. military stationed warships around Italy before the election.<ref name=":022222" />

The CIA interfered in seven more elections in Italy before 2000.<ref name=":0222222">{{Citation|author=David Vine|year=2020|title=The United States of War|chapter=Normalizing Occupation|page=311–2|city=Oakland|publisher=University of California Press|isbn=9780520972070|lg=http://library.lol/main/191568BFAC73F009132DB00ECD0F0F05}}</ref>

== Politics ==

=== Brothers of Italy ===
In the October 2022 elections, the leader of the party, Giorgia Meloni, was voted as the Prime Minister of Italy,<ref>{{Web citation|newspaper=The Guardian|title=Far-right Giorgia Meloni appointed Italy’s first female prime minister|date=2022-10-21|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/oct/21/giorgia-meloni-tells-italian-president-she-is-ready-to-become-pm-berlusconi-salvini|archive-url=https://archive.ph/90s1b|archive-date=2022-10-22|retrieved=2023-10-01}}</ref> with her party achieving a majority in parliament via the so-called "Center-right coalition" which nonetheless contains fascist parties.

== References ==
<references/>
[[Category:Countries]]
[[Category:Global north]]
[[Category:European countries]]

Coalition of the Radical Left – Progressive Alliance

2023-10-01T15:37:03Z

SeventyTwoTrillion: Added information about the party's new leader.

{{Infobox political party|name=Coalition of the Radical Left – Progressive Alliance|native_name=Συνασπισμός Ριζοσπαστικής Αριστεράς – Προοδευτική Συμμαχία|founded=January 2004|president=[[Alexis Tsipras]]|political_orientation=[[Social democracy]] [[Imperialism]]}}

The '''Coalition of the Radical Left – Progressive Alliance''', abbreviated as '''SYRIZA''', is a [[Social democracy|social-democratic]] party in [[Hellenic Republic|Greece]]. Despite being nominally left-wing, it provided military bases to [[North Atlantic Treaty Organization|NATO]] during its invasions of [[Republic of Iraq|Iraq]], [[Syrian Arab Republic|Syria]], and [[Libyan Arab Jamahiriya (1977–2011)|Libya]].<ref>{{Web citation|author=[[Nikos Mottas]]|newspaper=[[In Defense of Communism]]|title=SYRIZA: The "left" servants of NATO|date=2017-06-22|url=https://www.idcommunism.com/2017/06/syriza-left-servants-of-nato.html?m=1|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130050611/https://www.idcommunism.com/2017/06/syriza-left-servants-of-nato.html?m=1|archive-date=2021-11-30|retrieved=2023-04-30}}</ref>

== History ==
In September 2023, the party elected [[Stefanos Kasselakis]] as the leader of the party, to replace Aléxis Tsípras. Kasselakis is a former shipping executive and [[Goldman Sachs]] trader, has worked for the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, and volunteered for [[Joe Biden]]'s 2008 presidential primary campaign.<ref>{{Web citation|author=Thomas Scripps|newspaper=World Socialist Web Site|title=Syriza elects Goldman Sachs banker Stefanos Kasselakis as party leader|date=2023-09-27|url=https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2023/09/27/frzy-s27.html|archive-url=https://archive.ph/W9tVT|archive-date=2023-09-28|retrieved=2023-10-01}}</ref>

== References ==
[[Category:Social democratic parties]]

Hellenic Republic

2023-10-01T15:36:48Z

SeventyTwoTrillion: Added a Politics section, added a Syriza section, and added information about the party's new leader.

{{Infobox country|native_name=Ελληνική Δημοκρατία|name=Hellenic Republic|largest_city=Athens|mode_of_production=[[Capitalism]]|image_coat=Coat of arms of Greece.svg|capital=Athens|area_km2=131,957|population_census=10,432,481|population_census_year=2021|currency=Euro|image_map=Greece map.png|map_width=290|official_languages=Greek|image_flag=Flag of Greece.svg}}
The '''Hellenic Republic''', also known as '''Greece''', is a country located in southeastern [[Europe]]. Its ancient civilization saw a huge revival during the Renaissance, where ancient Greek society began to be considered the origin of Western civilization. Greece is home to many philosophers that inspired both [[Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel|Hegel]] and [[Karl Marx|Marx]]. Greece is a member of the [[European Union|EU]], the [[Council of Europe]], [[North Atlantic Treaty Organization|NATO]], the [[Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development|OECD]], the [[World Trade Organization|WTO]], the [[Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe|OSCE]], and the [[Organisation internationale de la Francophonie|OIF]].

Communist parties in Greece include the [[Communist Party of Greece]], the [[Communist Organization of Greece]], and the [[Movement for the Reorganization of the Communist Party of Greece 1918–55]].

==History==

=== Bronze Age ===
The Minoan civilization rose to power from 1950 to 1450 BCE on the island of Crete. It became a major power in the Mediterranean by using powerful sailboats, and its rulers lived in large stone palaces.<ref name=":02222">{{Citation|author=Neil Faulkner|year=2013|title=A Marxist History of the World: From Neanderthals to Neoliberals|chapter=The First Class Societies|page=20|pdf=https://cloudflare-ipfs.com/ipfs/bafykbzacedljwr5izotdclz23o3c5p4di4t3ero3ncbfytip55slhiz4otuls?filename=Neil%20Faulkner%20-%20A%20Marxist%20History%20of%20the%20World_%20From%20Neanderthals%20to%20Neoliberals-Pluto%20Press%20%282013%29.pdf|publisher=Pluto Press|isbn=9781849648639|lg=https://libgen.rs/book/index.php?md5=91CA6C708BFE15444FE27899217FBA8E}}</ref>

=== Ancient Greece ===
Ancient Greece was divided into at least thousand city-states that frequently fought each other for land and resources.

In the 6th century BCE, the Athens overthrew a 30-year-old dictatorship and installed an aristocratic government, which was then overthrown by a popular democratic revolution. [[Sparta]] attempted a [[Counterrevolution|counterrevolutionary]] invasion but was defeated, and Athenian democracy spread to many other Greek city-states, lasting almost 200 years. Philosophers such as [[Socrates]], [[Plato]], and [[Aristotle]] opposed democratic rule. In the early 5th century BCE, Greece defeated invasions from the [[Achaemenid Empire (550–330 BCE)|Persian Empire]], but a conservative alliance led by Sparta defeated Athens in the [[Peloponnesian War]] in 404 BCE.

The city-states remained divided, with Thebes conquering Sparta in 371 BCE before [[Macedonia (808–168 BCE)|Macedon]] conquered all of Greece starting in 338 BCE.<ref name=":03">{{Citation|author=Neil Faulkner|year=2013|title=A Marxist History of the World: From Neanderthals to Neoliberals|chapter=Ancient Empires|page=36–40|pdf=https://cloudflare-ipfs.com/ipfs/bafykbzacedljwr5izotdclz23o3c5p4di4t3ero3ncbfytip55slhiz4otuls?filename=Neil%20Faulkner%20-%20A%20Marxist%20History%20of%20the%20World_%20From%20Neanderthals%20to%20Neoliberals-Pluto%20Press%20%282013%29.pdf|publisher=Pluto Press|isbn=9781849648639|lg=https://libgen.rs/book/index.php?md5=91CA6C708BFE15444FE27899217FBA8E}}</ref>

Between 200 and 150 BCE, [[Roman Republic (509–27 BCE)|Rome]] conquered Greece and crushed any leaders who tried to forgive [[Debt|debts]].<ref name=":1" />

==== Athens ====
Athens did not allow [[Slavery|slaves]], women, or foreigners to vote but did enfranchise poor [[Peasantry|farmers]] and artisans. Out of a total population of 200,000 people, only 30,000 could vote. The government consisted of ten leading officials (''strategoi'') who were elected every year, an elected council of 400 people (''boule''), and a popular assembly (''ekklesia'') of all free citizens. Courts of up to 2,500 people administered justice, and people who received 6,000 negative votes could be exiled from the city for ten years.<ref name=":03" />

[[Solon]] cancelled debts in the early fifth century BCE, and [[Pisistratus]] and his descendants democratized the economy.<ref name=":1">{{Web citation|date=2023-05-05|title=Origins of debt: Michael Hudson reveals how financial oligarchies in Greece & Rome shaped our world|url=https://geopoliticaleconomy.com/2023/05/24/debt-michael-hudson-oligarchies-greece-rome/|newspaper=[[Geopolitical Economy Report]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230528041512/https://geopoliticaleconomy.com/2023/05/24/debt-michael-hudson-oligarchies-greece-rome/|archive-date=2023-05-28|author=[[Ben Norton]], [[Michael Hudson]]}}</ref>

==== Sparta ====
Sparta banned [[money]] in an attempt to avoid the existence of debt. Later, Rome attacked Sparta when kings [[Agis IV|Agis]] and [[Cleomenes III|Cleomenes]] tried to cancel their citizens' debt and create their own army instead of using mercenaries.<ref name=":1" />

=== Second World War ===
[[German Reich (1933–1945)|Nazi Germany]] invaded and occupied Greece during the [[Second World War]]. In 1941, the Communist Party of Greece formed the [[Greek People's Liberation Army]] (ELAS) and the [[National Liberation Front (Greece)|National Liberation Front]] (EAM) to fight against the [[Fascism|fascist]] occupiers. The EAM grew to over a million members and ranged from communists to the center-left. In November 1944, the [[United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland|British]] army entered Greece and began fighting against ELAS with the help of former Nazi collaborators. In January 1945, ELAS surrendered and the British took over Greece.<ref name=":0">{{Citation|author=William Blum|year=2003|title=Killing Hope|chapter=Greece 1947 to early 1950s: From cradle of democracy to client state|page=33–37|pdf=https://cloudflare-ipfs.com/ipfs/bafykbzacedfo2kzml5sodng4rtlybjdvertim3nybowazzlo6rztq6khixbv4?filename=William%20Blum%20-%20Killing%20Hope_%20US%20Military%20and%20CIA%20Interventions%20Since%20World%20War%20II-Zed%20Books%20Ltd%20%282003%29.pdf|city=London|publisher=Zed Books|isbn=1842773682}}</ref>

=== Civil War ===
{{Main article|Greek Civil War}}
Greek leftists began a rebellion in the fall of 1946 and the British left Greece in February 1947 to be replaced by the [[United States of America|USA]]. [[People's Socialist Republic of Albania (1946–1992)|Albania]], [[People's Republic of Bulgaria (1946–1990)|Bulgaria]], and [[Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (1945–1992)|Yugoslavia]] assisted the Greek communists. By the end of 1947, the Greek government received all of its military supplies from the United States. The Greek revolutionary forces surrendered in October 1949.

By the 1950s, Greece was an [[Anti-communism|anti-communist]] puppet state of the USA and a member of NATO. Greece sent troops to fight against the [[Korean People's Army]] during the [[Fatherland Liberation War]].<ref name=":0" />

=== Military junta ===
Liberal [[Georgios Papandreou]] won the February 1964 election, but King [[Constantine II|Constantine]] removed him from power in July 1965.<ref name=":02">{{Citation|author=William Blum|year=2003|title=Killing Hope|chapter=Greece 1964-1974: "Fuck your Parliament and your Constitution," said the President of the United States|page=215|pdf=https://cloudflare-ipfs.com/ipfs/bafykbzacedfo2kzml5sodng4rtlybjdvertim3nybowazzlo6rztq6khixbv4?filename=William%20Blum%20-%20Killing%20Hope_%20US%20Military%20and%20CIA%20Interventions%20Since%20World%20War%20II-Zed%20Books%20Ltd%20%282003%29.pdf|city=London|publisher=Zed Books|isbn=1842773682}}</ref>

In April 1967, the [[Central Intelligence Agency|CIA]] overthrew the Greek government and installed the Nazi-aligned CIA agent [[Georgios Papadopoulos]] as the military dictator of Greece. Papadopoulos banned all political parties and killed 8,000 people in the first month of his rule.<ref>{{Citation|author=William Blum|year=1995|title=Killing Hope|chapter=|section=|page=219|quote=|pdf=|city=Monroe|publisher=|isbn=1567510523|doi=|lg=|mia=|title-url=https://archive.org/details/killinghopeusmil00blum_0/page/219/mode/2up|chapter-url=|trans-title=|trans-lang=}}</ref> He sent over 6,000 suspected communists to prisons or remote islands.<ref>{{News citation|journalist=|date=1975-09-01|title=Answering to History|url=|newspaper=Time|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081212222634/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,947162,00.html|archive-date=|retrieved=}}</ref> The CIA gave the junta 74,000 tons of military equipment to defend U.S. interests.

=== 2023 ===
In July, Greece was struck by a 15-day [[Climate change|heatwave]] which was the longest in their recorded history,<ref>{{Web citation|author=Tasos Kokkinidis|newspaper=Greek Reporter|title=Greece Heatwave: Record-breaking 46.4°C Recorded|date=2023-07-24|url=https://greekreporter.com/2023/07/24/greece-heatwave-record-breaking-46-4-recorded/|archive-url=https://archive.ph/knjSz|archive-date=2023-09-25|retrieved=2023-10-01}}</ref> with some areas reaching highs of 46C.<ref>{{Web citation|author=Helena Smith|newspaper=The Guardian|title=‘Everyone is indoors’: life on pause on hottest day of Greek heatwave|date=2023-07-26|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/26/life-at-a-standstill-on-hottest-day-of-greek-heatwave-mystras|archive-url=https://archive.ph/TGlrb|archive-date=2023-07-26|retrieved=2023-10-01}}</ref> The country was, in the summer, the victim of severe wildfires, particularly in the Dadia national park, in which over 70,000 hectares were incinerated, one of the worst in Europe up to this point.<ref>{{Web citation|newspaper=Reuters|title=Greece wildfire 'worst on European soil in years', Copernicus says|date=2023-08-25|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/greece-wildfire-worst-european-soil-years-copernicus-says-2023-08-25/|archive-url=https://archive.ph/nhnxZ|archive-date=2023-08-25|retrieved=2023-10-01}}</ref> Rhodes was particularly badly affected, with wildfires on [[Rhodes]] destroying towns and villages, resulting in the evacuation of nearly 20,000 people.<ref>{{Web citation|author=Anna Conkling|newspaper=Real News Network|title=Welcome to my burnt paradise’: Summer fires in Greece leave devastation in their wake|date=2023-09-19|url=https://therealnews.com/welcome-to-my-burnt-paradise-summer-fires-in-greece-leave-devastation-in-their-wake|archive-url=https://archive.ph/eY4mW|archive-date=2023-09-19|retrieved=2023-10-01}}</ref> Throughout Europe, the wildfires burned nearly 470,000 hectares of European land.<ref>{{Web citation|newspaper=European Commission|title=Wildfires in 2023: 41 % of the burnt area in the EU within Natura 2000 protected sites|date=2023-09-08|url=https://joint-research-centre.ec.europa.eu/jrc-news-and-updates/wildfires-2023-41-burnt-area-eu-within-natura-2000-protected-sites-2023-09-08_en|archive-url=https://archive.ph/fxmmB|archive-date=2023-10-01|retrieved=2023-10-01}}</ref> In early September, [[Thessaly]] was then flooded after 18 months of rainfall fell in 24 hours due to Storm Daniel,<ref>{{Web citation|newspaper=World Metereological Organization|title=Storm Daniel leads to extreme rain and floods in Mediterranean, heavy loss of life in Libya|date=2023-09-12|url=https://public.wmo.int/en/media/news/storm-daniel-leads-extreme-rain-and-floods-mediterranean-heavy-loss-of-life-libya|archive-url=https://archive.ph/g36j7|archive-date=2023-09-20|retrieved=2023-10-01}}</ref> and in late September, central Greece was once again struck by flooding due to Storm Elias.<ref>{{Web citation|newspaper=TeleSUR|title=Central Greece Battered by Storm Elias|date=2023-09-28|url=https://www.telesurenglish.net/news/Central-Greece-Battered-by-Storm-Elias-20230928-0006.html|archive-url=https://archive.ph/9edce|archive-date=2023-09-28|retrieved=2023-10-01}}</ref> A quarter of Greece's agricultural yields were wiped out and will be degraded for several years due to silt and mud.<ref>{{Web citation|author=Roberta Harrington|newspaper=Business News Europe|title=Greek agriculture devastated for five or more years|date=2023-09-25|url=https://www.intellinews.com/greek-agriculture-devastated-for-five-or-more-years-293963/|archive-url=https://archive.ph/4HEGL|archive-date=2023-09-28|retrieved=2023-10-01}}</ref>

== Politics ==

=== Syriza ===
In September 2023, the party elected [[Stefanos Kasselakis]] as the leader of the [[Syriza|party]], to replace Aléxis Tsípras. Kasselakis is a former shipping executive and [[Goldman Sachs]] trader, has worked for the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, and volunteered for [[Joe Biden]]'s 2008 presidential primary campaign.<ref>{{Web citation|author=Thomas Scripps|newspaper=World Socialist Web Site|title=Syriza elects Goldman Sachs banker Stefanos Kasselakis as party leader|date=2023-09-27|url=https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2023/09/27/frzy-s27.html|archive-url=https://archive.ph/W9tVT|archive-date=2023-09-28|retrieved=2023-10-01}}</ref>

==References==
<references />
[[Category:Countries]]
[[Category:Global north]]
[[Category:Imperialist countries]]
[[Category:European countries]]
[[Category:Countries targeted by CIA coups]]

Hellenic Republic

2023-10-01T15:27:27Z

SeventyTwoTrillion: Added some modern events.

{{Infobox country|native_name=Ελληνική Δημοκρατία|name=Hellenic Republic|largest_city=Athens|mode_of_production=[[Capitalism]]|image_coat=Coat of arms of Greece.svg|capital=Athens|area_km2=131,957|population_census=10,432,481|population_census_year=2021|currency=Euro|image_map=Greece map.png|map_width=290|official_languages=Greek|image_flag=Flag of Greece.svg}}
The '''Hellenic Republic''', also known as '''Greece''', is a country located in southeastern [[Europe]]. Its ancient civilization saw a huge revival during the Renaissance, where ancient Greek society began to be considered the origin of Western civilization. Greece is home to many philosophers that inspired both [[Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel|Hegel]] and [[Karl Marx|Marx]]. Greece is a member of the [[European Union|EU]], the [[Council of Europe]], [[North Atlantic Treaty Organization|NATO]], the [[Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development|OECD]], the [[World Trade Organization|WTO]], the [[Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe|OSCE]], and the [[Organisation internationale de la Francophonie|OIF]].

Communist parties in Greece include the [[Communist Party of Greece]], the [[Communist Organization of Greece]], and the [[Movement for the Reorganization of the Communist Party of Greece 1918–55]].

==History==

=== Bronze Age ===
The Minoan civilization rose to power from 1950 to 1450 BCE on the island of Crete. It became a major power in the Mediterranean by using powerful sailboats, and its rulers lived in large stone palaces.<ref name=":02222">{{Citation|author=Neil Faulkner|year=2013|title=A Marxist History of the World: From Neanderthals to Neoliberals|chapter=The First Class Societies|page=20|pdf=https://cloudflare-ipfs.com/ipfs/bafykbzacedljwr5izotdclz23o3c5p4di4t3ero3ncbfytip55slhiz4otuls?filename=Neil%20Faulkner%20-%20A%20Marxist%20History%20of%20the%20World_%20From%20Neanderthals%20to%20Neoliberals-Pluto%20Press%20%282013%29.pdf|publisher=Pluto Press|isbn=9781849648639|lg=https://libgen.rs/book/index.php?md5=91CA6C708BFE15444FE27899217FBA8E}}</ref>

=== Ancient Greece ===
Ancient Greece was divided into at least thousand city-states that frequently fought each other for land and resources.

In the 6th century BCE, the Athens overthrew a 30-year-old dictatorship and installed an aristocratic government, which was then overthrown by a popular democratic revolution. [[Sparta]] attempted a [[Counterrevolution|counterrevolutionary]] invasion but was defeated, and Athenian democracy spread to many other Greek city-states, lasting almost 200 years. Philosophers such as [[Socrates]], [[Plato]], and [[Aristotle]] opposed democratic rule. In the early 5th century BCE, Greece defeated invasions from the [[Achaemenid Empire (550–330 BCE)|Persian Empire]], but a conservative alliance led by Sparta defeated Athens in the [[Peloponnesian War]] in 404 BCE.

The city-states remained divided, with Thebes conquering Sparta in 371 BCE before [[Macedonia (808–168 BCE)|Macedon]] conquered all of Greece starting in 338 BCE.<ref name=":03">{{Citation|author=Neil Faulkner|year=2013|title=A Marxist History of the World: From Neanderthals to Neoliberals|chapter=Ancient Empires|page=36–40|pdf=https://cloudflare-ipfs.com/ipfs/bafykbzacedljwr5izotdclz23o3c5p4di4t3ero3ncbfytip55slhiz4otuls?filename=Neil%20Faulkner%20-%20A%20Marxist%20History%20of%20the%20World_%20From%20Neanderthals%20to%20Neoliberals-Pluto%20Press%20%282013%29.pdf|publisher=Pluto Press|isbn=9781849648639|lg=https://libgen.rs/book/index.php?md5=91CA6C708BFE15444FE27899217FBA8E}}</ref>

Between 200 and 150 BCE, [[Roman Republic (509–27 BCE)|Rome]] conquered Greece and crushed any leaders who tried to forgive [[Debt|debts]].<ref name=":1" />

==== Athens ====
Athens did not allow [[Slavery|slaves]], women, or foreigners to vote but did enfranchise poor [[Peasantry|farmers]] and artisans. Out of a total population of 200,000 people, only 30,000 could vote. The government consisted of ten leading officials (''strategoi'') who were elected every year, an elected council of 400 people (''boule''), and a popular assembly (''ekklesia'') of all free citizens. Courts of up to 2,500 people administered justice, and people who received 6,000 negative votes could be exiled from the city for ten years.<ref name=":03" />

[[Solon]] cancelled debts in the early fifth century BCE, and [[Pisistratus]] and his descendants democratized the economy.<ref name=":1">{{Web citation|date=2023-05-05|title=Origins of debt: Michael Hudson reveals how financial oligarchies in Greece & Rome shaped our world|url=https://geopoliticaleconomy.com/2023/05/24/debt-michael-hudson-oligarchies-greece-rome/|newspaper=[[Geopolitical Economy Report]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230528041512/https://geopoliticaleconomy.com/2023/05/24/debt-michael-hudson-oligarchies-greece-rome/|archive-date=2023-05-28|author=[[Ben Norton]], [[Michael Hudson]]}}</ref>

==== Sparta ====
Sparta banned [[money]] in an attempt to avoid the existence of debt. Later, Rome attacked Sparta when kings [[Agis IV|Agis]] and [[Cleomenes III|Cleomenes]] tried to cancel their citizens' debt and create their own army instead of using mercenaries.<ref name=":1" />

=== Second World War ===
[[German Reich (1933–1945)|Nazi Germany]] invaded and occupied Greece during the [[Second World War]]. In 1941, the Communist Party of Greece formed the [[Greek People's Liberation Army]] (ELAS) and the [[National Liberation Front (Greece)|National Liberation Front]] (EAM) to fight against the [[Fascism|fascist]] occupiers. The EAM grew to over a million members and ranged from communists to the center-left. In November 1944, the [[United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland|British]] army entered Greece and began fighting against ELAS with the help of former Nazi collaborators. In January 1945, ELAS surrendered and the British took over Greece.<ref name=":0">{{Citation|author=William Blum|year=2003|title=Killing Hope|chapter=Greece 1947 to early 1950s: From cradle of democracy to client state|page=33–37|pdf=https://cloudflare-ipfs.com/ipfs/bafykbzacedfo2kzml5sodng4rtlybjdvertim3nybowazzlo6rztq6khixbv4?filename=William%20Blum%20-%20Killing%20Hope_%20US%20Military%20and%20CIA%20Interventions%20Since%20World%20War%20II-Zed%20Books%20Ltd%20%282003%29.pdf|city=London|publisher=Zed Books|isbn=1842773682}}</ref>

=== Civil War ===
{{Main article|Greek Civil War}}
Greek leftists began a rebellion in the fall of 1946 and the British left Greece in February 1947 to be replaced by the [[United States of America|USA]]. [[People's Socialist Republic of Albania (1946–1992)|Albania]], [[People's Republic of Bulgaria (1946–1990)|Bulgaria]], and [[Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (1945–1992)|Yugoslavia]] assisted the Greek communists. By the end of 1947, the Greek government received all of its military supplies from the United States. The Greek revolutionary forces surrendered in October 1949.

By the 1950s, Greece was an [[Anti-communism|anti-communist]] puppet state of the USA and a member of NATO. Greece sent troops to fight against the [[Korean People's Army]] during the [[Fatherland Liberation War]].<ref name=":0" />

=== Military junta ===
Liberal [[Georgios Papandreou]] won the February 1964 election, but King [[Constantine II|Constantine]] removed him from power in July 1965.<ref name=":02">{{Citation|author=William Blum|year=2003|title=Killing Hope|chapter=Greece 1964-1974: "Fuck your Parliament and your Constitution," said the President of the United States|page=215|pdf=https://cloudflare-ipfs.com/ipfs/bafykbzacedfo2kzml5sodng4rtlybjdvertim3nybowazzlo6rztq6khixbv4?filename=William%20Blum%20-%20Killing%20Hope_%20US%20Military%20and%20CIA%20Interventions%20Since%20World%20War%20II-Zed%20Books%20Ltd%20%282003%29.pdf|city=London|publisher=Zed Books|isbn=1842773682}}</ref>

In April 1967, the [[Central Intelligence Agency|CIA]] overthrew the Greek government and installed the Nazi-aligned CIA agent [[Georgios Papadopoulos]] as the military dictator of Greece. Papadopoulos banned all political parties and killed 8,000 people in the first month of his rule.<ref>{{Citation|author=William Blum|year=1995|title=Killing Hope|chapter=|section=|page=219|quote=|pdf=|city=Monroe|publisher=|isbn=1567510523|doi=|lg=|mia=|title-url=https://archive.org/details/killinghopeusmil00blum_0/page/219/mode/2up|chapter-url=|trans-title=|trans-lang=}}</ref> He sent over 6,000 suspected communists to prisons or remote islands.<ref>{{News citation|journalist=|date=1975-09-01|title=Answering to History|url=|newspaper=Time|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081212222634/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,947162,00.html|archive-date=|retrieved=}}</ref> The CIA gave the junta 74,000 tons of military equipment to defend U.S. interests.

=== 2023 ===
In July, Greece was struck by a 15-day [[Climate change|heatwave]] which was the longest in their recorded history,<ref>{{Web citation|author=Tasos Kokkinidis|newspaper=Greek Reporter|title=Greece Heatwave: Record-breaking 46.4°C Recorded|date=2023-07-24|url=https://greekreporter.com/2023/07/24/greece-heatwave-record-breaking-46-4-recorded/|archive-url=https://archive.ph/knjSz|archive-date=2023-09-25|retrieved=2023-10-01}}</ref> with some areas reaching highs of 46C.<ref>{{Web citation|author=Helena Smith|newspaper=The Guardian|title=‘Everyone is indoors’: life on pause on hottest day of Greek heatwave|date=2023-07-26|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/26/life-at-a-standstill-on-hottest-day-of-greek-heatwave-mystras|archive-url=https://archive.ph/TGlrb|archive-date=2023-07-26|retrieved=2023-10-01}}</ref> The country was, in the summer, the victim of severe wildfires, particularly in the Dadia national park, in which over 70,000 hectares were incinerated, one of the worst in Europe up to this point.<ref>{{Web citation|newspaper=Reuters|title=Greece wildfire 'worst on European soil in years', Copernicus says|date=2023-08-25|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/greece-wildfire-worst-european-soil-years-copernicus-says-2023-08-25/|archive-url=https://archive.ph/nhnxZ|archive-date=2023-08-25|retrieved=2023-10-01}}</ref> Rhodes was particularly badly affected, with wildfires on [[Rhodes]] destroying towns and villages, resulting in the evacuation of nearly 20,000 people.<ref>{{Web citation|author=Anna Conkling|newspaper=Real News Network|title=Welcome to my burnt paradise’: Summer fires in Greece leave devastation in their wake|date=2023-09-19|url=https://therealnews.com/welcome-to-my-burnt-paradise-summer-fires-in-greece-leave-devastation-in-their-wake|archive-url=https://archive.ph/eY4mW|archive-date=2023-09-19|retrieved=2023-10-01}}</ref> Throughout Europe, the wildfires burned nearly 470,000 hectares of European land.<ref>{{Web citation|newspaper=European Commission|title=Wildfires in 2023: 41 % of the burnt area in the EU within Natura 2000 protected sites|date=2023-09-08|url=https://joint-research-centre.ec.europa.eu/jrc-news-and-updates/wildfires-2023-41-burnt-area-eu-within-natura-2000-protected-sites-2023-09-08_en|archive-url=https://archive.ph/fxmmB|archive-date=2023-10-01|retrieved=2023-10-01}}</ref> In early September, [[Thessaly]] was then flooded after 18 months of rainfall fell in 24 hours due to Storm Daniel,<ref>{{Web citation|newspaper=World Metereological Organization|title=Storm Daniel leads to extreme rain and floods in Mediterranean, heavy loss of life in Libya|date=2023-09-12|url=https://public.wmo.int/en/media/news/storm-daniel-leads-extreme-rain-and-floods-mediterranean-heavy-loss-of-life-libya|archive-url=https://archive.ph/g36j7|archive-date=2023-09-20|retrieved=2023-10-01}}</ref> and in late September, central Greece was once again struck by flooding due to Storm Elias.<ref>{{Web citation|newspaper=TeleSUR|title=Central Greece Battered by Storm Elias|date=2023-09-28|url=https://www.telesurenglish.net/news/Central-Greece-Battered-by-Storm-Elias-20230928-0006.html|archive-url=https://archive.ph/9edce|archive-date=2023-09-28|retrieved=2023-10-01}}</ref> A quarter of Greece's agricultural yields were wiped out and will be degraded for several years due to silt and mud.<ref>{{Web citation|author=Roberta Harrington|newspaper=Business News Europe|title=Greek agriculture devastated for five or more years|date=2023-09-25|url=https://www.intellinews.com/greek-agriculture-devastated-for-five-or-more-years-293963/|archive-url=https://archive.ph/4HEGL|archive-date=2023-09-28|retrieved=2023-10-01}}</ref>

==References==
<references />
[[Category:Countries]]
[[Category:Global north]]
[[Category:Imperialist countries]]
[[Category:European countries]]
[[Category:Countries targeted by CIA coups]]

Federal Republic of Germany

2023-10-01T14:22:16Z

SeventyTwoTrillion: Added two paragraphs on Germany post-2022.

{{Infobox country
| name = Federal Republic of Germany
| native_name = Bundesrepublik Deutschland
| image_flag = File:Flag of Germany.svg
| image_coat = File:Coat of arms of Germany.svg
|national_motto=Einigkeit und Recht und Freiheit<ref group=Note>From 1949 to 1962, this was 'Gott mit uns' ('God with us').</ref>|englishmotto=Unity and Justice and Freedom| image_map = Germany (ortographic projection).svg
| map_width = 220px
| capital = [[Berlin]]<ref group=Note>From 1949 until unification in 1990, the capital city was [[Bonn]]. In 1990, as dictated by the [[Two plus Four Agreement]], Berlin was made the capital; and in the following year, the [[Bundestag]] was moved there.</ref>
| largest_city = capital
|mode_of_production=[[Capitalism]]| government_type = [[Federation|Federal]] [[Parliamentary system|parliamentary]] [[Dictatorship of the bourgeoisie|bourgeois state]]
| established_event1 = Dissolution of the [[Holy Roman Empire]]
| established_date1 = 6 August 1806
| established_event2 = Creation of the [[German Confederation]]
| established_date2 = 8 June 1815
| established_event3 = [[German Revolutions of 1848–1849|German Revolutions]]
| established_date3 = 13 March 1848
| established_event4 = Dissolution of the German Confederation
| established_date4 = 24 August 1866
| established_event5 = [[North German Confederation]] gains statehood
| established_date5 = 1 July 1867
|established_event6=Proclamation of the [[German Empire]]|established_date6=18 January 1871|established_event7=Proclamation of the [[Weimar Republic]]|established_date7=9 November 1918|established_event8=Beginning of the [[Nazi Germany|Nazi regime]]|established_date8=30 January 1933|established_event9=[[German Instrument of Surrender|Nazi surrender]]|established_date9=8 May 1945|established_event10=Proclamation of the Federal Republic|established_date10=27 May 1949|established_event11=[[German reunification|West German annexation of the GDR]]|established_date11=3 October 1990| population_estimate = 83,190,556
| population_estimate_year = 2020
| leader_title1 = President
| leader_name1 = [[Frank-Walter Steinmeier]]
| leader_title2 = Chancellor
| leader_name2 = [[Olaf Scholz]]
}}'''Germany''', officially the '''Federal Republic of Germany''' ''(German: Bundesrepublik Deutschland)'', is a country in [[Central Europe]]. It is the second-most populous country in [[Europe]] after [[Russian Federation|Russia]], and the most populous member state of the [[European Union]].
==History==

=== Foundation ===
[[File:Divided Germany.png|thumb|280x280px|British-occupied Germany (green), French-occupied Germany (blue), Soviet-occupied Germany (red), and US-occupied Germany (yellow)]]
After the defeat of Axis forces during the [[Second World War]], Germany was divided into four zones occupied by the [[Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (1922–1991)|Soviet Union]], [[United States of America|USA]], [[French Republic|France]] and [[United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland|Great Britain]]. At the [[Yalta Conference]] in early 1945, they agreed to make all of Germany pay $10 billion reparations to the USSR. The USA violated this agreement in May 1946 and only let the USSR take reparations from the east.<ref name=":052" />

In 1946, Hesse (part of the US zone) held a referendum on nationalizing [[Bank|banks]] and essential industries. 62% voted in favor for the first vote and 72% did the second time. In British-occupied North Rhine-Westphalia, a majority also voted to expropriate the ruling class. The occupying powers vetoed the results of these referendums.<ref name=":1">{{Citation|author=Bruni de la Motte, John Green|year=2015|title=Stasi State or Socialist Paradise?|chapter=A Difficult Birth - How the GDR Came About|page=|city=London|publisher=Artery Publications|lg=https://libgen.rs/book/index.php?md5=F1F044D71B58A8E0438E6343D942F662}}</ref>:14–5

In 1948, France, the UK, and the USA merged their occupation zones to form West Germany. The Soviet Union then tried to blockade West Berlin to make it pay reparations, but the USA broke the blockade with an airlift.<ref name=":052">{{Citation|author=Austin Murphy|year=2000|title=The Triumph of Evil|chapter=A Comparative Analysis of East and West German Financial Systems in Light of the New Evidence|page=154|pdf=https://mltheory.files.wordpress.com/2017/06/austin-murphy-the-triumph-of-evil.pdf|city=Fucecchio|publisher=European Press Academic Publishing|isbn=8883980026}}</ref> The USA wrote the constitution of West Germany, which was never approved by voters. The constitution refused to recognize the GDR as a legitimate country.<ref name=":05">{{Citation|author=Austin Murphy|year=2000|title=The Triumph of Evil|chapter=A Detailed Autopsy of the Collapse of the Superior System in the Divided Germany|page=|pdf=https://mltheory.files.wordpress.com/2017/06/austin-murphy-the-triumph-of-evil.pdf|city=Fucecchio|publisher=European Press Academic Publishing|isbn=8883980026}}</ref>:114

In 1952, Chancellor [[Konrad Adenauer]] rejected a Soviet offer for reunification.<ref name=":1" />:17

=== Annexation of the GDR ===
In December 1989, the West pressured the GDR into adopting a 3:1 exchange rate between the Eastern and Western currencies even though the eastern mark had a much higher purchasing power for basic consumer goods. Westerners flowed into the GDR and plundered the country by buying commodities for less than 10% of their normal prices using the new exchange rate.

The majority of East Germans only began to support unification in 1990, when Westerners had dropped the GDR's standard of living by more than two-thirds by shopping there with the 3:1 exchange rate. At this time, they still wanted a left-wing government. Western conservatives promised to establish a 1:1 exchange rate if bourgeois parties won the GDR's elections, leading those parties to narrowly win the 1990 elections and impose a [[Capitalism|capitalist]] counterrevolution.<ref name=":05" />:149–50
=== Russo-Ukrainian conflict ===
Germany joined NATO's sanctions regime against Russia during the [[2022 Russo-Ukrainian conflict]], and have supplied billions of dollars to support Ukraine.<ref>{{Web citation|newspaper=Russia Today|title=Germany to spend billions on weapons for Ukraine – media|date=2022-04-15|url=https://www.rt.com/news/553958-germany-ukraine-weapons-funding/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS|archive-url=https://archive.ph/uYl7S|archive-date=2023-07-23|retrieved=2023-10-01}}</ref> Despite promises early in the war that they would not send tanks, eventually acquiesced to demands to supply Ukraine with Leopard and Leopard II tanks.<ref>{{Web citation|author=Adam Durbin|newspaper=BBC|title=Ukraine war: Germany sends much-awaited Leopard tanks|date=2023-03-28|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-65095126|archive-url=https://archive.ph/8Nqrt|archive-date=2023-03-28|retrieved=2023-10-01}}</ref>

Chancellor [[Olaf Scholz]] announced he would more than double Germany's military budget, putting it on track to become the third largest military in the world.<ref>{{News citation|author=Rob Schmitz|newspaper=NPR|title=Germany is building what's expected to become Europe's largest military|date=2022-03-17|url=https://www.npr.org/2022/03/17/1087137501/germany-is-building-whats-expected-to-become-europe-s-largest-military?t=1647958115615|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220324053152/https://www.npr.org/2022/03/17/1087137501/germany-is-building-whats-expected-to-become-europe-s-largest-military|archive-date=2022-03-24|retrieved=2022-05-08}}</ref> The German government banned displaying the [[Flag of the Soviet Union|Soviet flag]], flown by the liberators during the Second World War, and allowed the use of the [[Ukraine|Ukrainian]] flag, which was only used by Nazi collaborators during the war.<ref>{{Web citation|author=Peter Schwarz|newspaper=[[WSWS]]|title=May 8 and the rehabilitation of Nazism in Germany|date=2023-05-12|url=https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2023/05/12/agbd-m12.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230512063725/https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2023/05/12/agbd-m12.html|archive-date=2023-05-12}}</ref>

As a consequence of the [[Economic sanctions|sanctions regime]] against Russia, and particularly because of the country's refusal to buy relatively cheap Russian natural gas via pipelines and the [[26 September Nord Stream explosion]], the German economy has fallen into a prolonged economic stagnation and recession.<ref>{{Web citation|newspaper=People's Daily|title=Germany's economy mired in woes|date=2023-09-29|url=http://en.people.cn/n3/2023/0929/c90000-20078556.html|archive-url=https://archive.ph/MX0Rk|archive-date=2023-09-30|retrieved=2023-10-01}}</ref>

==Economy==
The vast amount of [[Social democracy|social programs]] in Germany are largely sustained off economic exploitation of less developed parts of [[Europe]], with German finance capital having a large amount of influence over the European banking system, the [[eurozone]], and the euro. Furthermore, the German economy, along with the other highly developed economies of Western Europe, are able to benefit greatly as a result of human capital flight from other areas in Europe, particularly the former [[Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (1945–1992)|Yugoslavia]] and Balkans,<ref>{{News citation|author=Satyajit Das|newspaper=MarketWatch|title=Germany and France can’t afford euro-zone bailout|date=2012-6-7|url=https://www.marketwatch.com/story/germany-and-france-cant-afford-euro-zone-bailout-2012-06-07?link=MW_story_investinginsight|retrieved=2022-7-2}}</ref><ref>{{News citation|author=Fred Goldstein|newspaper=Workers World|title=German imperialism and the Greek debt crisis|date=2015-3-15|url=https://www.workers.org/2015/03/18697/|retrieved=2022-7-2}}</ref><ref>{{News citation|newspaper=OECD|title=HIGH-LEVEL CONFERENCE ON SOUTH EAST EUROPE
HUMAN CAPITAL FLIGHT - SHAPING THE FUTURE TOGETHER|date=2022-5-17|url=https://www.oecd.org/south-east-europe/programme/up-coming.htm|retrieved=2022-7-2|quote=Emigration from the Western Balkan Six (WB6) region has been significant for decades, generating a large diaspora. In 2020, more than one in five citizens born in the region lived abroad, predominantly in a handful of OECD countries. This trend is set to continue as more than one third of WB6 citizens surveyed in 2021 consider emigrating. While sustained high emigration levels, especially of young talents}}</ref><ref>{{News citation|newspaper=The Global Economy|title=Human flight and brain drain in Europe|date=2021|url=https://www.theglobaleconomy.com/rankings/human_flight_brain_drain_index/Europe/|retrieved=2022-7-2}}</ref> which is one of the primary goals of the [[European Union]], that being the unfettered transportation of capital.<ref>{{News citation|newspaper=The EU single market|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071001122551/http://ec.europa.eu/internal_market/index_en.htm|archive-date=2007-9-1}}</ref>

==Politics==
[[File:Germany election map.png|thumb|2019 German election: [[Christian Democratic Union of Germany|CDU]] (gray), [[Alliance 90/The Greens|Greens]] (green), [[Social Democratic Party of Germany|SPD]] (red), and [[Alternative for Germany|AfD]] (blue)]]
The [[Far-right politics|far-right]] Alternative for Germany received 11% of the vote in the 2019 German elections. Since 2015, it has become openly [[Racism|racist]] and [[Antisemitism|anti-Semitic]] and many of its leaders promote Nazi concepts. The AfD also denies [[climate change]].<ref>{{Web citation|date=2019-07-22|title=Dissecting Identity & Democracy: the EU’s new far-right super group|url=https://covertactionmagazine.com/2019/07/22/dissecting-identity-democracy-the-eus-new-far-right-super-group/|newspaper=[[CovertAction Magazine]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200921200918/https://covertactionmagazine.com/2019/07/22/dissecting-identity-democracy-the-eus-new-far-right-super-group/|archive-date=2020-09-21|retrieved=2022-11-23|author=Ellen Rivera, Marsha P. Davis}}</ref>

=== Lack of democracy ===
Unlike the later formed DDR, the West German constitution was passed without ratification of citizens and a thorough denazification policy was not implemented.

Candidates for elections were chosen by rich bureaucrats, and write-in votes were not allowed. It was illegal to work with any organization connected to the GDR.<ref name=":05" />:122–3

=== Neo-Nazism ===
The majority of officials in the West German Justice Ministry were former members of the [[National Socialist German Workers' Party|Nazi Party]]. 34 out of 170 officials had been members of the ''[[Sturmabteilung]]'' Nazi paramilitary. In 1957, there were more senior officials who were former Nazis than there had been during [[Adolf Hitler|Hitler]]'s rule. Between 1949 and 1980, 54% of interior ministry staffers had been Nazis and 8% had been in the Nazi Interior Ministry led by [[Heinrich Himmler]].<ref name=":0">{{News citation|newspaper=The Jerusalem Post|title=Report: Majority of West German Justice Ministry officials were ex-Nazis following WWII|date=2016-10-11|url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/report-majority-of-west-german-justice-ministry-officials-were-ex-nazis-following-wwii-469899|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210920141306/https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/report-majority-of-west-german-justice-ministry-officials-were-ex-nazis-following-wwii-469899|archive-date=2021-09-20|retrieved=2022-06-11}}</ref>

The [[Neo-Nazism|neo-Nazi]] [[National Democratic Party of Germany]] was founded in 1964 and grew from 473 to 50,000 members in 1969. It held sixty seats in the legislatures of eight German states. In 1968, West Germany appointed General [[Albert Schnez]] to commander-and-chief of the Bundeswehr. Schnez had joined the Nazi Party in 1933 and was a colonel in the Nazi army.<ref>{{Citation|author=Herbert Aptheker|year=1969|title=Czechoslovakia and Counter-Revolution|title-url=https://archive.org/details/ApthekerCzechoslovakia/page/n5/mode/1up?view=theater|chapter=The Question of West Germany|page=12–13|city=[[New York City]]|publisher=[[New Outlook Publishers]]}}</ref>

==Infrastructure==
==Demographics==
==Culture==

== References ==
<references />

===Notes===
<references group=Note />
[[Category:Imperialist countries]]
[[Category:Global north]]
[[Category:Outline needs additional content]]
[[Category:European countries]]
[[Category:Formerly fascist countries]]

Republic of Mali

2023-10-01T13:27:26Z

SeventyTwoTrillion: Added detail to post-coup events

{{Infobox country|name=Republic of Mali|native_name=République du Mali|image_flag=Flag of Mali.svg|image_coat=Coat of arms of Mali.svg|capital=Bamako|largest_city=Bamako|mode_of_production=[[Capitalism]]|image_map=Mali map.png|map_width=290|official_languages=French|area_km2=1,240,192|population_estimate=21,473,764|population_estimate_year=2022}}

'''Mali''', officially the '''Republic of Mali''', is a country in West Africa. It became [[Neocolonialism|nominally independent]] from [[French Republic|French]] [[Colonialism|colonizers]] in 1960.<ref name=":0">{{Web citation|author=[[Ben Norton]]|newspaper=[[Geopolitical Economy Report]]|title=US/France threaten intervention in resource-rich Niger: Fears of war in West Africa|date=2023-08-05|url=https://geopoliticaleconomy.com/2023/08/05/us-france-intervention-niger-west-africa/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230807132357/https://geopoliticaleconomy.com/2023/08/05/us-france-intervention-niger-west-africa/|archive-date=2023-08-07}}</ref>

== History ==
Democratically elected president [[Amadou Toumani Touré]] was overthrown in 2012 by a military coup. The leader of the coup, [[Amadou Haya Sanogo]], was trained by [[United States Africa Command|AFRICOM]]. In 2020, the military overthrew President [[Ibrahim Boubacar Keita]] with popular support.<ref>{{Web citation|author=K. Philippe Gendrault|newspaper=[[Black Agenda Report]]|title=French Imperialism and Neo-colonialism in Mali|date=2020-11-04|url=https://blackagendareport.com/french-imperialism-and-neo-colonialism-mali|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220321214545/https://blackagendareport.com/french-imperialism-and-neo-colonialism-mali|archive-date=2022-03-21|retrieved=2022-08-26}}</ref>

[[Russian Federation|Russia]] signed an agreement with Mali in 2022 to fight against terrorism.<ref>{{Web citation|newspaper=[[Workers World]]|title=They want to lead us into war – interview with historic African leader from Mali|date=2022-12-02|url=https://www.workers.org/2022/12/68022/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221204000544/https://www.workers.org/2022/12/68022/|archive-date=2022-12-04|retrieved=2022-12-17}}</ref> In 2023, along with [[Burkina Faso]], Mali warned [[Imperialism|imperialist]] forces not to intervene in [[Republic of the Niger|Niger]].<ref name=":0" />

On September 16 2023, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali formed a collective defense pact called the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), in which an attack on one of the countries is regarded as an attack on the other members.<ref>{{Web citation|newspaper=Reuters|title=Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso sign Sahel security pact|date=2023-09-16|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/mali-niger-burkina-faso-sign-sahel-security-pact-2023-09-16/|archive-url=https://archive.ph/DYGxF|archive-date=2023-09-17|retrieved=2023-10-01}}</ref>

== French aggression ==
France began an invasion of Mali in 2013.<ref name=":0" />

More than 50 foreign aircraft, mostly French, have deliberately violated Mali's airspace. French drones have spied on Malian forces.<ref>{{Web citation|author=Abdoulaye Diop|newspaper=[[Black Agenda Report]]|title=Letter from Republic of Mali to UN on French Aggression and Support for Terrorism in Region|date=2022-08-24|url=https://blackagendareport.com/letter-republic-mali-un-french-aggression-and-support-terrorism-region|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220825133223/https://www.blackagendareport.com/letter-republic-mali-un-french-aggression-and-support-terrorism-region|archive-date=2022-08-25|retrieved=2022-08-26}}</ref>

== References ==
[[Category:Countries]]
[[Category:African countries]]
[[Category:Global south]]

Burkina Faso

2023-10-01T13:25:56Z

SeventyTwoTrillion: Added detail to post-coup events

{{Infobox country|name=Burkina Faso|native_name=𞤄𞤵𞤪𞤳𞤭𞤲𞤢 𞤊𞤢𞤧𞤮|image_flag=Flag of Burkina Faso.svg|image_coat=Coat of arms of Burkina Faso.svg|capital=Ouagadougou|largest_city=capital|government_type=Military junta|leader_title1=President|leader_name1=[[Ibrahim Traoré]]|image_map=Burkina_Faso_map.svg|map_width=260|official_languages=French|area_km2=274,200|population_estimate=21,510,181|population_estimate_year=2020}}

'''Burkina Faso''' is a country in West Africa. It was formerly known as '''Upper Volta''' before being renamed by [[Thomas Sankara]] in 1984.

== History ==
The Upper Volta was [[Colonialism|colonized]] by the [[French Republic|French]] and became independent in 1960. After independence, it became the [[Neocolonialism|neocolonial]] [[Republic of Upper Volta (1958–1984)|Republic of Upper Volta]], which was one of the poorest and least literate countries in the world. Before Sankara's revolution in 1983, the life expectancy was only 40 years and only 2% of the population could read.<ref name=":0">{{Web citation|author=Curry Malott|newspaper=[[Liberation School]]|title=Thomas Sankara: Leadership and action that inspires 71 years later|date=2020-12-21|url=https://www.liberationschool.org/thomas-sankara-71-years-later/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220404114917/https://www.liberationschool.org/thomas-sankara-71-years-later/|archive-date=2022-04-04|retrieved=2022-09-03}}</ref>

=== Revolution ===
In 1983, Prime Minister and former Secretary of State Thomas Sankara invited [[Libyan Arab Jamahiriya (1977–2011)|Libyan]] leader [[Muammar Gaddafi|Muammar Qaddafi]] to Upper Volta without permission from President [[Jean-Baptiste Ouédraogo]]. Protests began in May after Ouédraogo arrested Sankara, leading to a military coup that made Sankara president.

Within weeks, Sankara's government vaccinated 2.5 million children and began a literacy campaign. By 1987, the literacy rate had increased to 73%. Burkina Faso planted ten million trees to prevent desertification and built roads and railroads. Sankara redistributed land from [[Feudalism|feudal]] lords to the [[Peasantry|peasants]], and wheat production per hectare more than doubled.<ref name=":0" />

=== Counterrevolution ===
On 15 October 1987, [[Blaise Compaoré]] murdered Sankara and took power of the country. He privatized natural resources and joined the [[International Monetary Fund|IMF]]. Compaoré ruled until an uprising in 2014.<ref name=":0" />

=== 2022 coups ===
In January 2022, a group of [[Nationalism|nationalist]] military officers overthrew President [[Roch Kaboré]], a wealthy [[comprador]] and established the [[Patriotic Movement for Safeguard and Restoration]]. [[Paul-Henri Damiba]] took power and was initially popular. He expelled hundreds of French troops but failed to defeated [[Salafi]] [[Jihadism|jihadists]].<ref name=":1">{{Web citation|author=[[Ben Norton]]|newspaper=[[Geopolitical Economy Report]]|title=Burkina Faso’s new president condemns imperialism, quotes Che Guevara, allies with Nicaragua, Venezuela, Cuba|date=2023-07-31|url=https://geopoliticaleconomy.com/2023/07/30/burkina-faso-ibrahim-traore-sankara-imperialism/|retrieved=2023-08-03}}</ref>

In September 2022, [[Ibrahim Traoré]] led another anti-French coup. In February 2023, he met with the governments of [[Republic of Guinea|Guinea]] and [[Republic of Mali|Mali]] and proposed creating a federation. He criticized the [[African Union]] for siding with the [[North Atlantic Treaty Organization|West]].<ref name=":02">{{Web citation|author=[[Vijay Prashad]], [[Kambale Musavuli]]|newspaper=Independent Media Institute|title=Niger Is the Fourth Country in the Sahel to Experience an Anti-Western Coup|date=2023-08-01|url=https://portal.independentmediainstitute.org/2023/08/01/niger-is-the-fourth-country-in-the-sahel-to-experience-an-anti-western-coup/|retrieved=2023-08-03}}</ref> Traoré appointed [[Apollinaire Tambèla]], a former ally of Sankara, as prime minister to help with the "refoundation of the nation."<ref name=":1" />

On September 16 2023, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali formed a collective defense pact called the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), in which an attack on one of the countries is regarded as an attack on the other members.<ref>{{Web citation|newspaper=Reuters|title=Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso sign Sahel security pact|date=2023-09-16|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/mali-niger-burkina-faso-sign-sahel-security-pact-2023-09-16/|archive-url=https://archive.ph/DYGxF|archive-date=2023-09-17|retrieved=2023-10-01}}</ref>

== References ==
[[Category:Countries]]
[[Category:African countries]]
[[Category:Global south]]

Republic of the Niger

2023-09-30T18:18:47Z

SeventyTwoTrillion:

{{Message box/currentevent}}{{Infobox country|name=Republic of the Niger|native_name=Jamhuriyar Nijar|image_flag=Flag of Niger.svg|image_coat=Coat of arms of Niger.svg|capital=Niamey|largest_city=capital|government_type=Military junta|leader_title1=President|leader_name1=[[Abdourahamane Tchiani]]|image_map=Niger map.svg|map_width=260|official_languages=French|area_km2=1,267,000|population_estimate=25,396,840|population_estimate_year=2023}}

'''Niger''', officially the '''Republic of the Niger''', is a country in West Africa. In 1980, it relied on uranium for more than 70% of its export revenue.<ref name=":122">{{Citation|author=[[Vijay Prashad]]|year=2008|title=The Darker Nations: A People's History of the Third World|chapter=Caracas|page=182|pdf=https://cloudflare-ipfs.com/ipfs/bafykbzaceascnzh26r5d6uitjjs2z7rflhaxlt7rboz5whzdf76qg6xxvecqq?filename=%28A%20New%20Press%20People%27s%20history%29%20Vijay%20Prashad%20-%20The%20darker%20nations_%20a%20people%27s%20history%20of%20the%20third%20world-The%20New%20Press%20%282008%29.pdf|publisher=The New Press|isbn=9781595583420|lg=https://libgen.rs/book/index.php?md5=9B40B96E830128A7FE0E0E887C06829F}}</ref> It also has large reserves of gold and [[Petroleum politics|oil]], but more than 40% of its population lives in [[Poverty|extreme poverty]].<ref name=":1">{{Web citation|author=[[Ben Norton]]|newspaper=[[Geopolitical Economy Report]]|title=US/France threaten intervention in resource-rich Niger: Fears of war in West Africa|date=2023-08-05|url=https://geopoliticaleconomy.com/2023/08/05/us-france-intervention-niger-west-africa/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230807132357/https://geopoliticaleconomy.com/2023/08/05/us-france-intervention-niger-west-africa/|archive-date=2023-08-07}}</ref>

== History ==

=== 2010 coup ===
[[Salifou Mody]] led a coup against President [[Mamadou Tandja]] in February 2010. [[Mahamadou Issoufou]] came to power in 2011 as a pro-[[North Atlantic Treaty Organization|Western]] leader. During Issoufou's rule, the USA built the world's largest drone base in Agadez, and [[French Republic|France]] garrisoned Irlit on behalf of the uranium company [[Orano]].<ref name=":0">{{Web citation|author=[[Vijay Prashad]], [[Kambale Musavuli]]|newspaper=Independent Media Institute|title=Niger Is the Fourth Country in the Sahel to Experience an Anti-Western Coup|date=2023-08-01|url=https://portal.independentmediainstitute.org/2023/08/01/niger-is-the-fourth-country-in-the-sahel-to-experience-an-anti-western-coup/|retrieved=2023-08-03}}</ref>

=== 2023 coup ===
On 26 July 2023, [[Abdourahamane Tchiani]] led a coup against President [[Mohamed Bazoum]], who was a [[Corruption|corrupt]] French puppet. The [[European Union|EU]] and other [[Imperialism|imperialist]] organizations condemned the coup. Two days later, Niger released the names of the ten officers leading the [[National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland]].<ref name=":0" />

On behalf of the [[United States of America|USA]] and France, [[Economic Community of West African States|ECOWAS]] is threatening to invade Niger, but [[People's Democratic Republic of Algeria|Algeria]], [[Burkina Faso]], [[Republic of Guinea|Guinea]], and [[Republic of Mali|Mali]] have rejected these threats. On 6 August, 30,000 people rallied in support of the new government.<ref>{{Web citation|author=Kayla Marie|newspaper=[[Liberation News]]|title=Niger’s new government defies imperialist-backed ECOWAS war threats|date=2023-08-11|url=https://www.liberationnews.org/nigers-new-government-defies-imperialist-backed-ecowas-war-threats/|retrieved=2023-08-11}}</ref>

In the months following the coup, the French ambassador to Niger, [[Sylvain Itté]], refused to leave the country despite pressure from the new Nigerien government because France did not recognize Tchiani's authority, causing a diplomatic crisis.<ref>{{Web citation|author=Wedaeli Chibelushi|newspaper=BBC|title=Niger coup: France defies ultimatum for ambassador to leave Niamey|date=2023-08-28|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-66639167|archive-url=https://archive.ph/1gfSt|archive-date=2023-09-30|retrieved=2023-09-30}}</ref> In late September, the ambassador was given the order to return by French President Macron after the disposed Bazoum gave permission. The ambassador had returned to Paris by September 27th.<ref>{{Web citation|newspaper=Africa News|title=France's former envoy to Niger returns to Paris after weeks of tension|date=2023-09-27|url=https://www.africanews.com/2023/09/27/frances-former-envoy-to-niger-returns-to-paris-after-weeks-of-tension/|archive-url=https://archive.ph/OMLU6|archive-date=2023-09-28|retrieved=2023-09-30}}</ref>

On September 16 2023, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali formed a collective defense pact called the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), in which an attack on one of the countries is regarded as an attack on the other members.<ref>{{Web citation|newspaper=Reuters|title=Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso sign Sahel security pact|date=2023-09-16|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/mali-niger-burkina-faso-sign-sahel-security-pact-2023-09-16/|archive-url=https://archive.ph/DYGxF|archive-date=2023-09-17|retrieved=2023-09-30}}</ref>

== U.S. occupation ==
The USA has one of its largest drone bases, Air Base 201, in Niger. The base cost $110 million to build. Roughly 1,000 U.S. soldiers are occupying the country.<ref name=":1" />

== References ==
[[Category:African countries]]
{{DEFAULTSORT:Niger}}

Republic of the Niger

2023-09-30T16:59:56Z

SeventyTwoTrillion: Added detail to post-coup events

{{Message box/currentevent}}{{Infobox country|name=Republic of the Niger|native_name=Jamhuriyar Nijar|image_flag=Flag of Niger.svg|image_coat=Coat of arms of Niger.svg|capital=Niamey|largest_city=capital|government_type=Military junta|leader_title1=President|leader_name1=[[Abdourahamane Tchiani]]|image_map=Niger map.svg|map_width=260|official_languages=French|area_km2=1,267,000|population_estimate=25,396,840|population_estimate_year=2023}}

'''Niger''', officially the '''Republic of the Niger''', is a country in West Africa. In 1980, it relied on uranium for more than 70% of its export revenue.<ref name=":122">{{Citation|author=[[Vijay Prashad]]|year=2008|title=The Darker Nations: A People's History of the Third World|chapter=Caracas|page=182|pdf=https://cloudflare-ipfs.com/ipfs/bafykbzaceascnzh26r5d6uitjjs2z7rflhaxlt7rboz5whzdf76qg6xxvecqq?filename=%28A%20New%20Press%20People%27s%20history%29%20Vijay%20Prashad%20-%20The%20darker%20nations_%20a%20people%27s%20history%20of%20the%20third%20world-The%20New%20Press%20%282008%29.pdf|publisher=The New Press|isbn=9781595583420|lg=https://libgen.rs/book/index.php?md5=9B40B96E830128A7FE0E0E887C06829F}}</ref> It also has large reserves of gold and [[Petroleum politics|oil]], but more than 40% of its population lives in [[Poverty|extreme poverty]].<ref name=":1">{{Web citation|author=[[Ben Norton]]|newspaper=[[Geopolitical Economy Report]]|title=US/France threaten intervention in resource-rich Niger: Fears of war in West Africa|date=2023-08-05|url=https://geopoliticaleconomy.com/2023/08/05/us-france-intervention-niger-west-africa/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230807132357/https://geopoliticaleconomy.com/2023/08/05/us-france-intervention-niger-west-africa/|archive-date=2023-08-07}}</ref>

== History ==

=== 2010 coup ===
[[Salifou Mody]] led a coup against President [[Mamadou Tandja]] in February 2010. [[Mahamadou Issoufou]] came to power in 2011 as a pro-[[North Atlantic Treaty Organization|Western]] leader. During Issoufou's rule, the USA built the world's largest drone base in Agadez, and [[French Republic|France]] garrisoned Irlit on behalf of the uranium company [[Orano]].<ref name=":0">{{Web citation|author=[[Vijay Prashad]], [[Kambale Musavuli]]|newspaper=Independent Media Institute|title=Niger Is the Fourth Country in the Sahel to Experience an Anti-Western Coup|date=2023-08-01|url=https://portal.independentmediainstitute.org/2023/08/01/niger-is-the-fourth-country-in-the-sahel-to-experience-an-anti-western-coup/|retrieved=2023-08-03}}</ref>

=== 2023 coup ===
On 26 July 2023, [[Abdourahamane Tchiani]] led a coup against President [[Mohamed Bazoum]], who was a [[Corruption|corrupt]] French puppet. The [[European Union|EU]] and other [[Imperialism|imperialist]] organizations condemned the coup. Two days later, Niger released the names of the ten officers leading the [[National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland]].<ref name=":0" />

On behalf of the [[United States of America|USA]] and France, [[Economic Community of West African States|ECOWAS]] is threatening to invade Niger, but [[People's Democratic Republic of Algeria|Algeria]], [[Burkina Faso]], [[Republic of Guinea|Guinea]], and [[Republic of Mali|Mali]] have rejected these threats. On 6 August, 30,000 people rallied in support of the new government.<ref>{{Web citation|author=Kayla Marie|newspaper=[[Liberation News]]|title=Niger’s new government defies imperialist-backed ECOWAS war threats|date=2023-08-11|url=https://www.liberationnews.org/nigers-new-government-defies-imperialist-backed-ecowas-war-threats/|retrieved=2023-08-11}}</ref>

In the months following the coup, the French ambassador to Niger, [[Sylvain Itté]], refused to leave the country despite pressure from the new Nigerien government because France did not recognize Tchiani's authority, causing a diplomatic crisis.<ref>{{Web citation|author=Wedaeli Chibelushi|newspaper=BBC|title=Niger coup: France defies ultimatum for ambassador to leave Niamey|date=2023-08-28|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-66639167|archive-url=https://archive.ph/1gfSt|archive-date=2023-09-30|retrieved=2023-09-30}}</ref> In late September, the ambassador was given the order to return by French President Macron after the disposed Bazoum gave permission, and returned to Paris by September 27th.<ref>{{Web citation|newspaper=Africa News|title=France's former envoy to Niger returns to Paris after weeks of tension|date=2023-09-27|url=https://www.africanews.com/2023/09/27/frances-former-envoy-to-niger-returns-to-paris-after-weeks-of-tension/|archive-url=https://archive.ph/OMLU6|archive-date=2023-09-28|retrieved=2023-09-30}}</ref>

On September 16 2023, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali formed a collective defense pact called the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), in which an attack on one of the countries is regarded as an attack on the other members.<ref>{{Web citation|newspaper=Reuters|title=Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso sign Sahel security pact|date=2023-09-16|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/mali-niger-burkina-faso-sign-sahel-security-pact-2023-09-16/|archive-url=https://archive.ph/DYGxF|archive-date=2023-09-17|retrieved=2023-09-30}}</ref>

== U.S. occupation ==
The USA has one of its largest drone bases, Air Base 201, in Niger. The base cost $110 million to build. Roughly 1,000 U.S. soldiers are occupying the country.<ref name=":1" />

== References ==
[[Category:African countries]]
{{DEFAULTSORT:Niger}}

Commonwealth of Australia

2023-09-30T15:42:26Z

SeventyTwoTrillion: Added reference to AUKUS article.

{{DISPLAYTITLE:Commonwealth of Australia}}
{{Infobox country|name=Commonwealth of Australia|native_name=Yarraanbaa Koey Daudai|image_flag=Australia flag.png|mode_of_production=[[Capitalism]]|image_coat=Coat of Arms of Australia.svg|capital=Canberra|legislature=Westminster System|upper_house=Senate|lower_house=House of Representatives|established_event2=British Colonisation|established_date2=26 January 1788|established_event3=Federation|established_date3=1 January 1901|established_event4=Adoption of the Statute of Westminster|established_date4=9 October 1942|established_event5=US Coup D'État|established_date5=11 November 1975|area_km2=7,692,024|largest_city=Sydney|population_estimate=26,636,700|population_estimate_year=2023|government_type=[[Dictatorship of the bourgeoisie]]|leader_title1=Monarch|leader_name1=Charles III|leader_title2=Governor-General|leader_name2=David Hurley|leader_title3=Prime Minister|leader_name3=Anthony Albanese|anthems=Advance Australia Fair (Official), Waltzing Matilda (Colloquial)|image_map=Australia map.svg|map_width=260|map_caption=Map of Australia with Antarctic claim in light green|national_languages=English}}

'''Australia''', officially the '''Commonwealth of Australia''', is a continent and [[Settler colonialism|settler-colonial]] state. Since the [[Central Intelligence Agency|CIA]] [[1975 Australian coup d'état|overthrew the Australian government]] in 1975, Australia has been a de facto vassal state of the [[United States of America|USA]].<ref name=":02">{{News citation|author=John Pilger|newspaper=[[MintPress News]]|title=The Forgotten Coup against the 'Most Loyal Ally'|date=2020-06-01|url=https://www.mintpressnews.com/forgotten-cia-coup-against-australia-gough-whitlam/268164/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220313225320/https://www.mintpressnews.com/forgotten-cia-coup-against-australia-gough-whitlam/268164/|archive-date=2022-03-13|retrieved=2022-07-02}}</ref>

== History ==

=== British colonization ===
In the 1770s, Captain [[James Cook]] claimed Australia for the [[United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland|British]] according to the ''terra nullius'' (nobody's land) principle even though it had already been inhabited for tens of thousands of years. The first European settlement was established at Sydney cove in 1788. In 1790, a Bidjigal man named [[Pemulwuy]] began a twelve-year [[Guerrilla warfare|guerrilla]] campaign against the settlers when he fatally speared Philip John McEntire.<ref name=":0">{{News citation|author=Gary Pearce|newspaper=[[Jacobin]]|title=Australia Was Founded on an Act of Genocide. It’s Time to Make Amends.|date=2021-06-27|url=https://www.jacobinmag.com/2021/06/australia-genocide-first-nations-indigenous-truth-telling-henry-reynolds-review|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220430221322/https://www.jacobinmag.com/2021/06/australia-genocide-first-nations-indigenous-truth-telling-henry-reynolds-review|archive-date=2022-04-30|retrieved=2022-05-15}}</ref> He raided settlers' farms, both to obtain food and as revenge for violence against other Aboriginals. He survived two bullet wounds but was eventually killed in 1802.<ref name=":3">{{News citation|newspaper=Australians Together|title=Busting the myth of peaceful settlement|url=https://australianstogether.org.au/discover/australian-history/busting-the-myth-of-peaceful-settlement/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220306022223/https://australianstogether.org.au/discover/australian-history/busting-the-myth-of-peaceful-settlement/|archive-date=2022-03-06|retrieved=2022-05-15}}</ref> In 1803, the British landed on the island Tasmania, which was inhabited by 5,000 people.<ref name=":1">{{News citation|newspaper=[[CGTN]]|title=The truth about white Australia: The genocide few talk about|date=2021-09-17|url=https://news.cgtn.com/news/2021-09-17/The-truth-about-white-Australia-The-genocide-few-talk-about-13DwrA1osoM/index.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210919000001/https://news.cgtn.com/news/2021-09-17/The-truth-about-white-Australia-The-genocide-few-talk-about-13DwrA1osoM/index.html|archive-date=2021-09-19|retrieved=2022-05-15}}</ref>

In August 1824, the Bathurst region of [[New South Wales]] was placed under martial law after conflicts between Aboriginal people led by [[Windradyne]] and settlers. [[Yagan]], a Noongar leader, led the resistance in Western Australia until being killed in 1833.<ref name=":3" />

In 1854, gold miners in Ballarat, [[Victoria]] began an uprising known as the [[Eureka rebellion]]. The rebellion was sparked by police harassment and arrests of miners.<ref>{{News citation|newspaper=The Socialist|title=The Eureka rebellion|date=2016-04-28|url=https://thesocialist.org.au/the-eureka-rebellion/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210703204023/https://thesocialist.org.au/the-eureka-rebellion/|archive-date=2021-07-03|retrieved=2022-05-27}}</ref>

=== Independence ===
In January 1901, Australia became an independent federation. Soon after, the [[Immigration Restriction Act of 1901]] was passed, preventing non-Europeans from entering the country.<ref name=":2">{{News citation|author=Jed Graham|newspaper=History of Yesterday|title=History of the White Australia Policy|date=2020-07-22|url=https://historyofyesterday.com/history-of-the-white-australia-policy-ff0a256fcef1|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220324024001/https://historyofyesterday.com/history-of-the-white-australia-policy-ff0a256fcef1|archive-date=2022-03-24|retrieved=2022-05-15}}</ref>

In 1956, Australia joined the imperialist [[Five Eyes]] alliance.<ref>{{News citation|journalist=Richard Norton-Taylor|date=2010-06-25|title=Not so secret: deal at the heart of UK-US intelligence|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/jun/25/intelligence-deal-uk-us-released|newspaper=The Guardian|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131205003607/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/jun/25/intelligence-deal-uk-us-released|archive-date=2013-12-05|retrieved=2022-01-08|quote=}}</ref>

==== 1975 coup ====
{{Main article|1975 Australian coup d'état}}
In 1972, Prime Minister [[Gough Whitlam]] from the [[Australian Labor Party|Labor Party]] was elected and implemented [[universal healthcare]] and free college.<ref>{{Citation|author=Jenny Hocking|year=2008|title=Gough Whitlam: A Moment in History|chapter=|section=|page=321–5|quote=|pdf=|city=|publisher=The Miegunyah Press|isbn=9780522857054|doi=|lg=|mia=|title-url=|chapter-url=|trans-title=|trans-lang=}}</ref> In 1973, the White Australia policy was officially removed.<ref name=":2" /> In 1975, he recognized independence of [[Papua New Guinea]] and returned ancestral lands to the Gurindji people<ref>{{News citation|journalist=|date=|title=Gough Whitlam – In Office|url=https://www.naa.gov.au/explore-collection/australias-prime-ministers|newspaper=National Archives of Australia|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130419124214/http://primeministers.naa.gov.au/primeministers/whitlam/in-office.aspx|archive-date=2013-04-19|retrieved=2022-01-08|quote=}}</ref> but was overthrown by the [[Central Intelligence Agency|CIA]] shortly after<ref>{{Citation|author=William Blum|year=2003|title=Killing Hope: U.S. Military and CIA Interventions Since World War II|chapter=|section=|page=|quote=|pdf=|city=London|publisher=Common Courage Press|isbn=1-56751-252-6|doi=|lg=|mia=|title-url=https://williamblum.org/books/killing-hope/|chapter-url=|trans-title=|trans-lang=}}</ref> with the help of governor-general [[John Kerr]], who was a former CIA asset.<ref>{{News citation|author=Guy Rundle|newspaper=Crikey|title=The PM, the spy and the governor-general: what John Kerr didn’t tell the palace|date=2020-07-17|url=https://www.crikey.com.au/2020/07/17/john-kerr-palace-letters-whitlam-cia/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220323230431/https://www.crikey.com.au/2020/07/17/john-kerr-palace-letters-whitlam-cia/|archive-date=2022-03-23|retrieved=2022-05-08}}</ref>

== Aboriginal genocide ==
[[File:Pre-colonial Australia.png|thumb|360x360px|Map of indigenous nations in pre-colonial Australia]]
Early contact between Indigenous Nations and Settlers was first characterised by Indigenous curiosity at the new settlers, though this had largely ended by 1790 and was followed by hostility and violence. While acts of Indigenous enslavement and genocide were constant throughout much of the 19th and early-to-mid 20th centuries, deliberate persecution has now largely ended; though many Indigenous groups recognise that Colonial Genocide in Australia is still ongoing. Australia is the only Colonial Settler-State to never sign any form of agreement or treaty between the colonisers and the colonised. "Sovereignty was never ceded" is a common Aboriginal Land Rights slogan, the question of Aboriginal rights have been a consistent and constant part of Australian politics for centuries.

Early governors of New South Wales sent detachments to terrorize the indigenous populations.<ref name=":03" /> In [[Queensland]] alone, 65,000 Aboriginals were killed by white settlers from 1820 to the early 1900s. Throughout Australia, more than 140 frontier massacres occurred between 1831 and 1918, though as most were not reported, it is unknown how many actually occurred. In Tasmania, the entire indigenous population was wiped out by 1876. The most recent massacre was in Coniston in the [[Northern Territory]], where 60 Aboriginals, including children, were killed after the death of one settler in 1928.<ref name=":12">{{News citation|newspaper=[[CGTN]]|title=The truth about white Australia: The genocide few talk about|date=2021-09-17|url=https://news.cgtn.com/news/2021-09-17/The-truth-about-white-Australia-The-genocide-few-talk-about-13DwrA1osoM/index.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210919000001/https://news.cgtn.com/news/2021-09-17/The-truth-about-white-Australia-The-genocide-few-talk-about-13DwrA1osoM/index.html|archive-date=2021-09-19|retrieved=2022-05-15}}</ref>

=== Frontier Wars and British Warfare against Indigenous Nations ===
British Colonialism began in what is now the city of Sydney and gradually spread across the Eastern Seaboard, first south to the now-states of Victoria and the island Tasmania, then westward. During this time of gradual urbanisation, violence between Aboriginal and White Australians escalated dramatically. The historian Henry Reynolds points out how Government offices at the time often described themselves as being "At war" with Aboriginal nations, using words like "invasion" and "warfare" to describe their own presence in Australia. Indigenous Resistance, near-constant and a stark contrast to the myth of peaceful expansion of "Australian" society, amounted to nothing less than all-out Guerrilla war against the encroachments of white settlers. David Collins, senior legal officer of the Sydney Colony, wrote of the Aboriginal Australians:<blockquote>''While they'' [Aboriginals] ''entertain the idea of our having dispossessed them of their residences, they must always consider us as enemies; and upon this principle they [have] made a point of attacking the white people whenever opportunity and safety concurred.''<ref>{{Citation|author=Henry Reynolds|year=1999|title=Why Weren't We Told?|page=165|publisher=Pengiun Books|isbn=978-0-14-027842-2}}</ref></blockquote>In Western Australia, the barrister E.W. Landor likened the Colonisation of Australia akin to [[Julius Caesar|Julius Caesar's]] conquest of Britain: <blockquote>''We have seized upon the country, and shot down the inhabitants, until the survivors have found it expedient to submit to our rule. We have acted as [[Julius Caesar]] did when he [[Caesar's invasions of Britain|took possession of Britain]].''<ref>{{Citation|author=Henry Reynolds|year=1999|title=Why Weren't We Told?|page=163|publisher=Penguin Books|isbn=978-0-14-027842-2}}</ref></blockquote>One Settler in Launceston, Tasmania, wrote in a letter to a local newspaper:<blockquote>''We are at war with them: they look upon us as enemies – as invaders – as oppressors and persecutors – they resist our invasion. They have never been subdued, therefore they are not rebellious subjects, but an injured nation, defending in their own way, their rightful possessions which have been torn from them by force.''<ref>{{Citation|author=Henry Reynolds|year=1999|title=Why Weren't We Told?|page=148|publisher=Penguin Books|isbn=978-0-14-027842-2}}</ref></blockquote>

=== Black War and Extermination of Aboriginal Tasmanians ===
Tasmania in particular was a site of especially violent colonial genocide - one that resulted in the (nearly) total extermination of the Aboriginal Population.

Dutch explorer Abel Tasman sighted the island on 24 November 1642, naming it "Van Diemen's Land" after his sponsor Anthony Van Diemen, governor of the Dutch East Indies. In 1798-99, George Bass and Matthew Flinders sailed the Bass Strait, confirming for the first time that Tasmania was an island.

In 1803, the British landed on the island, which was already inhabited by roughly 3,000-7,000 people in nine seperate nations.<ref name=":13" /> Originally setting up an outpost to deter any possible French claims on the island, it was expanded to a penal colony, exploited for natural resources and sheep farming, coming into contact and conflict with the local Aboriginal population. Explorer and Naval Officer John Oxley noted the "many atrocious cruelties"<ref>{{Citation|author=Nicholas Clements|year=2014|title=The Black War|page=36|publisher=University of Queensland Press|isbn=978-0-70225-006-4}}</ref> inflicted by White Settlers against the Aboriginals, prompting the latter to exact revenge killings - While Leiutenant Governor David Collins arrived in February 1804 with instructions from London that attacks against Indigenous Peoples by Europeans were to be punished, he failed to publish these instructions, leading to no legal framework under which such punishments could be carried out.<ref>{{Citation|author=Lyndall Ryan|year=2012|title=Tasmanian Aborigines|page=48|publisher=Allen & Unwin|isbn=978-1-74237-068-2}}</ref> On 3 May 1804, roughly 9 months after the British had arrived, soldiers fired grapeshot at a group of roughly 100 Aboriginal Tasmanians, with supporting Musket fire from settlers - while official inquiries stated 6 dead, witnesses reported at least 50 men, women and children were killed.<ref>{{Citation|author=Lyndall Ryan|year=2012|title=Tasmanian Aborigines|page=49-51|publisher=Allen & Unwin|isbn=978-1-74237-068-2}}</ref> This, combined with the dramatic transformation of the land itself which harmed indigenous livelihoods and farming, eventually led to the escalation of conflict into the Black War, a brutal guerrilla war between the White Settlers and Indigenous Tasmanians between 1824 to 1831. In November 1826, Governor Sir George Arthur issued government notice declaring that settlers were free to kill Aboriginal people when they attacked settlers or their property - subsequently, more than 200 Aboriginal Tasmanians were killed in the following eight months as reprisal for the deaths of 15 settlers.<ref>{{Citation|author=Lyndall Ryan|year=2012|title=Tasmanian Aborigines|page=93-100|publisher=Allen & Unwin|isbn=978-1-74237-068-2}}</ref>

The war ended in the near-total annihilation of the Indigenous population, having fallen from 5,000 in 1815 to 300 in 1830. Afterwards, the Aboriginal population was coerced or forced into moving to either Flinders Island or the Tasman Peninsula, where the remainder of the population either left Tasmania or succumbed to disease. Though Aboriginal Tasmanians have survived in some amount to this day, last full-blooded Aboriginal Tasmanian, a woman named Truganini, died in 1876.<ref>{{Citation|author=Lyndall Ryan, Neil Smith|year=1976|title=Trugernanner (Truganini) (1812–1876)|title-url=https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/trugernanner-truganini-4752|publisher=Australian Dictionary of Biography. National Centre of Biography, Australian National University|volume=6}}</ref> Many historians argue that this violence constitutes an act of Genocide.<ref>{{Citation|author=Robert Hughes|year=1987|title=The Fatal Shore|page=120-125|city=London|isbn=978-0-330-29892-6}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|author=James Boyce|title=Van Diemen's Land|page=296|city=Melbourne|publisher=Black Inc|isbn=978-1-86395-491-4}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|author=Lyndall Ryan|year=2012|title=Tasmanian Aborigines|page=xix, 215|isbn=978-1-74237-068-2}}</ref>

=== Blackbirding and Slavery ===
While Australia never formally adopted slavery, with the Slave Trade being abolished in the British Empire in 1807, an informal practice of slavery quickly became commonplace in Australia from the first fleet in 1788 until as recently as the 1970s - nicknamed "Blackbirding". Blackbirding involved kidnapping Aboriginal People (but also Indian, Chinese, Indochinese, Melanesian or Pacific Islanders, who were collectively referred to as "Coolies"), sometimes children, and forcing or coercing them into indentured servitude as labourers, servants, or the like.<ref>{{Citation|author=Ried Mortensen|year=2009|title=Slaving in Australian Courts: Blackbirding Cases 1869-1871|title-url=http://www.paclii.org/journals/fJSPL/vol04/7.shtml|publisher=Journal of South Pacific Law}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|author=Emma Willoughby|year=2006|title=Our Federation Journey: 1901-2001|title-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060625205722/http://www.museum.vic.gov.au/federation/pdfs/multiw.pdf|publisher=Museum Victoria}}</ref> While not technically slavery, those in such conditions were effectively under the same conditions as slavery: they could not escape their confinements, usually due to the threat of violence, and those who did were hunted by police. They were almost never paid for their labour - if they were, it was rarer still to be paid in money; "payments" usually consisted of food, or commodities like tea or tobacco. This was justified as Blackbirded Labourers were "Savages who did not understand the use of Money".<ref>{{Web citation|newspaper=The Brisbane Courier|title=A Fair thing for the Polynesians|date=1871-03-21|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article1300671|retrieved=2023-07-22}}</ref>

Though this practice was legally dubious, It was not illegal, and as such extremely widespread. Aboriginal Australians were not considered citizens until the constitutional referendum of 1967, and were not legally required to receive payment from ''any'' kind of work, be it coerced slavery or not, until the victory of the Pilbara strike of 1946-49. However even in spite of this, Blackbirding of both Indigenous Australians and Pacific Islanders continued informally in much of Australia for decades afterwards.<ref>{{Citation|author=Emelda Davis|year=2021|title=Legacy of Blackbirding|title-url=https://issuu.com/anmmuseum/docs/signals134_pages/s/13112867#:~:text=BLACKBIRDING%20WAS%20A%20ONCE%2DCOMMON,of%20kinship%20and%20civil%20society.|publisher=Australian Maritime Museum|series=Signals|volume=134}}</ref>

=== Stolen Generations, Cultural Genocide and Ethnic Cleansing ===
Stolen Generations is the name given to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children who were kidnapped or otherwise forcibly removed from their parents, either through the process of Blackbirding or, more formally, as a result of deliberate policies of Colonial Authorities specifically designed to exterminate the Aboriginal population of Australia through assimilation. It is estimated that at least one in ten to as much as one in three of all Indigenous Australians born between 1900 and 1977 (around 100,000-300,000 people) were affected by this policy.

After colonisation, the population of Aboriginal Australians dramatically declined. This led to a belief of scientific racism: the "Doomed Race" theory. The theory assumed that "full-blooded" Aboriginal peoples were unable to support themselves and their communities and thus were doomed to extinction, and would eventually be erased by interbreeding with whites and assimilated into Anglo-Saxon [White] Society.<ref>{{Citation|author=Russell McGregor|year=1997|title=Imagined Destinies: Aboriginal Australians and the Doomed Race Theory, 1900-1972|city=Melbourne}}</ref> This theory originated around the 1860s and was propagated as late as 1930. Other justifications usually centred on vaguely-defined "concern" for the welfare of Aboriginal Children, the sincerity of which was even at the time questioned. At least two (out of 135) members of the New South Wales parliament opposed the ''Aborigine Protection Amending Act 1915'', which would have provided the Aborigine Protection Board the ability to remove Aboriginal Children from their families "without having to establish in court that they were neglected", on the grounds that it would allow the government to "steal the child away from its parents", and potentially render Aboriginal Children into unpaid working conditions in state care "Tantamount to Slavery".<ref name=":6">{{Citation|author=Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission|year=1997|title=Bringing them Home: Part 2: 3 New South Wales and the ACT|title-url=http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/other/IndigLRes/stolen/stolen09.html|publisher=Australian Legal Information Institute}}</ref> In other cases, justifications for the removal of Aboriginal Children was blatantly stated - at least one member of the Aborigine Protection Board justified their removal of a child on the basis that it was "being Aboriginal."<ref name=":6">{{Citation|author=Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission|year=1997|title=Bringing them Home: Part 2: 3 New South Wales and the ACT|title-url=http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/other/IndigLRes/stolen/stolen09.html|publisher=Australian Legal Information Institute}}</ref>

Regardless, the parliaments of various Australian colonies passed legislation that authorised federal and state authorities (and in some cases, Church missions) to forcibly remove Aboriginal children from their families and place them under the care of the state or white families. This act of deliberate Genocide and Ethnic Cleansing was first enacted as the ''Aboriginal Protection Act 1869'' in the colony of Victoria, and continued officially for the next 101 years until being ''de jure'' scrapped in 1970. However, although the policy was officially dropped, the Stolen Generations still carried on well into the 1970s, and still continues to exist ''de facto'' through the actions of Federal and State Child Protection Agencies.

Additionally, the Stolen Generations also provided an unofficial basis for Segregation in Australia, which, like Blackbirding, was never formally legal on a state or federal level but was ''de facto'' extremely widespread in many businesses and communities. The legal basis for the Stolen Generations was that gradually each colony (and later state) appointed an offical to be the "Aboriginal Protector", who was the sole legal guardian of all Indigenous Australians up to the age of either 16, 18, or 21 depending on the colony/state. Police or other agents of the state (some designated as "Aboriginal Protection Officers") were given the power to locate and transfer babies and children of mixed descent from their mothers, families, and communities into institutions for care, whereupon they were forcibly assimilated into white families and had their "Aboriginality" removed from them - made to forget any connection they had to their original culture and identity, forbidden from speaking any indigenous language. In most instances, the main targets of the Stolen Generations were those of mixed-race, referred to as "half-castes", and, depending on the generation in which they were mixed-race, "crossbreeds", "quadroons", and "octoroons", terms now considered derogatory by Indigenous Australians. Removal was often violent; most parents resisted from having their children taken. In some cases, infants were stolen from their parents shortly after birth - in the overwhelming majority of cases, families and children never saw each other again. A firsthand account of the Stolen Generations from 1935 in Western Australia was recounted as such:<blockquote>''I was at the post office with my Mum and Auntie [and cousin]. They put us in the police ute and said they were taking us to Broome. They put the mums in there as well. But when we'd gone [about ten miles (16 km)] they stopped, and threw the mothers out of the car. We jumped on our mothers' backs, crying, trying not to be left behind. But the policemen pulled us off and threw us back in the car. They pushed the mothers away and drove off, while our mothers were chasing the car, running and crying after us. We were screaming in the back of that car. When we got to Broome they put me and my cousin in the Broome lock-up. We were only ten years old. We were in the lock-up for two days waiting for the boat to Perth.''<ref>{{Citation|author=Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission|year=1997|title=Bringing Them Home: Part 1: The Scope of the Inquiry|title-url=http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/other/IndigLRes/stolen/stolen04.html|publisher=Australasian Legal Information Institute}}</ref></blockquote>"Care" within foster families was also often abusive and violent. 7.7% of Men and 17.6% of Women within such arrangements reported experiencing some form of Sexual Assault, speaking indigenous languages, among other alleged offences, was often violently punished, and, according to the ''Bringing Them Home'' Report: <blockquote>''the physical infrastructure of missions, government institutions and children's homes was often very poor and resources were insufficient to improve them or to keep the children adequately clothed, fed and sheltered.'' <ref>{{Citation|author=Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission|year=1997|title=Bringing Them Home: Part 3: 10 Children's Experiences|title-url=http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/other/IndigLRes/stolen/stolen18.html|publisher=Australasian Legal Information Institute}}</ref></blockquote>Since the rise of the term "Stolen Generation", coined by historian Peter Read in 1981, acknowledgement of the Stolen Generations has increased in public consciousness. First in tokenistic gestures, such as the organisation of the first "National Sorry Day" in 1998, in the 21st Century Australian States have all adopted some version of a reparations scheme for Aboriginal Australians who "experienced abuse while in state care", though the strength and sincerity of these compensation schemes vary significantly from each state, and have only come about after increasing numbers of legal cases against the state governments by individual Aboriginal claimants. New South Wales, for example, ended its reparations scheme in 2022,<ref>{{Web citation|author=Jens Korff|newspaper=Creative Spirits|title=Compensation for Stolen Generation members|date=2021-08-08|url=https://www.creativespirits.info/aboriginalculture/politics/stolen-generations/compensation-for-stolen-generation-members|retrieved=2023-07-18}}</ref> neither Queensland nor Western Australia's is exclusive to Indigenous Australians, the maximum awarded payments for those eligible ranges between AU$20,000-AU$50,000 in South Australia, and AU$100,000 in Victoria. However, few are able to actually access these payments.

=== "Closing The Gap" ===
"Closing The Gap", in Australia, refers to "the Gap" in reference to Indigenous Australians - a distinct and noticeable disparity between the vital statistics of Indigenous Australians and their non-Indigenous counterparts as a result of intergenerational trauma and the effects of colonialism.<ref>{{Citation|author=Australian Human Rights Commission|year=2019|title=Close the Gap: Indigenous Health Campaign|title-url=https://www.humanrights.gov.au/our-work/aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-social-justice/projects/close-gap-indigenous-health}}</ref> More than 35% of Australian Aboriginals are now unemployed. In some rural areas, it is as high as 90%. Aboriginal life expectancy is 20 years lower than the rest of Australia and Aboriginals are 29 times more likely than settlers to be in prison.<ref>{{News citation|author=Yabu Bilyana|newspaper=[[World Socialist Web Site]]|title=Yabu Bilyana addresses ICFI World Conference: “Genocide of indigenous peoples is still practiced throughout Australia”|date=2019-04-15|url=https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2019/04/15/berl-a15.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125070036/https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2019/04/15/berl-a15.html|archive-date=2021-01-25|retrieved=2022-06-30}}</ref> Despite making up a small percentage of the young population, indigenous youth account for 75% of mandatory sentences.<ref>{{Web citation|newspaper=[[Lalkar]]|title=Racist persecution of Aborigines in Australia continues unabated|date=2022-12-15|url=https://thecommunists.org/2022/12/15/news/australia-racist-persecution-aborigines-in-australia-unabated/|retrieved=2022-12-17}}</ref>

=== Uluru Statement and Voice to Parliament ===
In 2017, delegates from 250 indigenous communities made a proposal for an indigenous advisory body to the Australian parliament. Prime Minister [[Malcolm Turnbull]] ruled out a referendum that could have enshrined the proposal in the constitution.<ref>{{News citation|newspaper=CGTN|title=Australian PM accused of 'humiliating' indigenous leaders|date=2018-08-09|url=https://news.cgtn.com/news/3d3d774d336b6a4d79457a6333566d54/index.html|retrieved=2022-07-01}}</ref>

In 2022 the Anthony Albanese Government supported such an advisory body, and laid out its plans to establish just that, an Indigenous "Voice to Parliament", established through a constitutional referendum. This has been met with widespread criticism and rejection from both left and right wings of politics, mostly due to the fact that the proposed Voice "Does not have Veto Power", and therefore is non-binding, and so can be ignored by Parliament at will.<ref>{{Citation|author=Federal Government of Australia|year=2023|title=Design Principles of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice|pdf=https://voice.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-06/design-principles-aboriginal-torres-strait-islander-voice.pdf}}</ref>

In spite of this, the proposal is supported by many working-class organisations, such as the Australian Council of Trade Unions and most left-wing organisations. The Central Committee of the [[Communist Party of Australia (current)|Communist Party of Australia]] has announced a position of critical support in favour of the voice; acknowledging its uselessness but citing the dangers of bolstering far-right politics if the referendum fails.<ref>{{Web citation|author=Vinnie Molina|newspaper=Communist Party of Australia|title=Yes to the Voice to Parliament|url=https://cpa.org.au/yes-to-the-voice-to-parliament/}}</ref> In contrast, the [[Australian Communist Party (2019)|Australian Communist Party]] and some Aboriginal Nationalist Groups have rejected the voice, declaring it to be a useless tokenistic gesture that only serves to placate and stifle more radical movements such as Landback and Decolonisation.<ref>{{Web citation|author=Dan Kelly|newspaper=Australian Communist Party|title=The Voice, Imprisonment and the Movement|date=2023-04-14|url=https://www.auscp.org.au/militant-worker/the-voice-imprisonment-and-the-movement?rq=voice}}</ref>

=== Denialism ===
In order to avoid persecution for the genocide of the indigenous peoples, the Australian government refused to recognize genocide as a crime until 2002 and has continued to refuse to make it apply to previous genocides.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kaaYvauNho The Holodomor Genocide Question: How Wikipedia Lies to You]</ref>

== Foreign policy ==

=== Aggression against China ===
In September 2021, Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States formed the [[AUKUS]] trilateral military pact, which is almost explicitly aimed at combating China in the Indo-Pacific.<ref>{{Web citation|author=Julian Borger, Dan Sabbagh|newspaper=The Guardian|title=US, UK and Australia forge military alliance to counter China|date=2021-09-15|url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2021/sep/15/australia-nuclear-powered-submarines-us-uk-security-partnership-aukus|archive-url=https://archive.ph/4Qlww|archive-date=2021-09-16|retrieved=2023-09-30}}</ref>

Australian major general and war criminal [[Jim Moran]] said in 2021 that Australia was going to go to war with China within 10 years and perhaps as early as 2024. He called pacifists "panda huggers" and said China would invade Australia after reunifying with [[Taiwan Province|Taiwan]]. Australian news program ''60 Minutes'' said that Australians must be prepared to die to protect the [[Republic of China]] and called [[New Zealand]] "New [[Xi Jinping|Xi]]-Land" for refusing to align with the [[United States of America|United States]].<ref>{{News citation|author=Caitlin A. Johnstone|newspaper=[[Monthly Review]]|title=Australian war propaganda keeps getting crazier|date=2021-11-18|url=https://mronline.org/2021/11/18/australian-war-propaganda-keeps-getting-crazier/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220217211854/https://mronline.org/2021/11/18/australian-war-propaganda-keeps-getting-crazier/|archive-date=2022-02-17|retrieved=2022-06-30}}</ref>

== References ==
[[Category:Countries]]
[[Category:Imperialist countries]]
<references />
[[Category:Settler-colonial states]]
[[Category:Countries targeted by CIA coups]]
[[Category:Continents]]

2022 Russo-Ukrainian conflict

2023-09-14T22:04:26Z

SeventyTwoTrillion: changed wording

{{Message box/currentevent}}{{Infobox military conflict|combatant1={{icon|Flag of Russia.svg}}[[Russian Federation]] {{icon|Flag of DPR.jpg}}[[DPR]] (February–September 2022) {{icon|Flag of LPR.svg}}[[LPR]] (February–September 2022) '''Supported by:''' {{icon|Flag of Belarus.png}}[[Belarus]]|conflict=Russian Special Military Operation|combatant2={{icon|Flag of Ukraine.svg}}[[Ukraine]] '''Supported by:''' {{icon|Flag of NATO.png}}[[NATO]]|date=24 February 2022|place=Ukraine and [[Donbass]]|units1=Russian-Separatist Forces [[Russian Armed Forces]]|units2=[[Armed Forces of Ukraine]] [[National Guard of Ukraine]] Irregular Forces Foreign Volunteers|result=Ongoing|image=Special Military Operation Image.jpg}}

The '''2022 Russo-Ukrainian conflict''' is a proxy conflict between [[NATO]] and the [[Russian Federation]] taking place in [[Ukraine]], backed by the imperialist [[United States of America|United States]]. The conflict began with Russian military operations in 24 February 2022 with an incursion on Ukrainian-administered territory.<ref>{{News citation|date=2022-02-24|title=Russia invades Ukraine: Political, military leaders' reactions|url=https://www.reuters.com/markets/europe/leaders-key-quotes-after-russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24/|newspaper=Reuters|retrieved=2022-03-10}}</ref> The imperialist US and [[European Union|EU]] camp is sacrificing Ukraine to 'weaken Russia' according to a former NATO advisor.<ref>{{News citation|author=[[Aaron Mate]]|newspaper=[[The Grayzone]]|title=US, EU sacrificing Ukraine to ‘weaken Russia’: fmr. NATO adviser|date=2022-04-15|url=https://thegrayzone.com/2022/04/15/us-eu-sacrificing-ukraine-to-weaken-russia-fmr-nato-adviser/}}</ref> The prominent [[French Republic|French]] intellectual [[Emmanuel Todd]] has argued that the war in Ukraine is the beginning of the [[Third World War]].<ref>{{Web citation|author=[[Ben Norton]]|newspaper=[[Geopolitical Economy Report]]|title=‘World War 3 has already started’ between US and Russia/China, argues French scholar|date=2023-01-14|url=https://geopoliticaleconomy.com/2023/01/14/world-war-3-us-russia-china-emmanuel-todd/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230118161028/https://geopoliticaleconomy.com/2023/01/14/world-war-3-us-russia-china-emmanuel-todd/|archive-date=2023-01-18|retrieved=2023-01-22}}</ref>

In 2014, the US installed a pro-Western government through the [[2014 Ukrainian coup d'etat|Euromaidan coup]],<ref>{{News citation|title=How and Why the US Government Perpetrated the 2014 Coup in Ukraine|url=https://www.strategic-culture.org/news/2018/06/03/how-why-us-government-perpetrated-2014-coup-ukraine/}}</ref> which resulted in the rise of [[neo-Nazism]] in Ukraine.<ref>{{News citation|date=2018-03-19|title=Commentary: Ukraine’s neo-Nazi problem|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-cohen-ukraine-commentary-idUSKBN1GV2TY}}</ref><ref>{{News citation|date=2022-03-14|title=Ukrainian Jewish Committee: Our government encourages the glorification of Nazi collaborators|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wU2wOLvWik|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220323123229/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wU2wOLvWik|archive-date=2022-03-23|quote=Our government encourages glorification of Nazi collaborators, mass-murderers, and murderers of Jews. Literally, there are hundreds of monuments, streets, named after killers of Jews. [...] We have anti-Semitic incidents every day. There is vandalism of mass graves - Holocaust mass graves. Vandalism on Jewish monuments. Sholem Aleichem latest - was vandalised with swastikas in Kiev, central Kiev.}}</ref> The most prominent neo-Nazi group in Ukraine is the [[Azov Battalion]], a former paramilitary group that terrorised the [[Donbass]] since 2014 and was officially incorporated into the Armed Forces of Ukraine during the conflict. This right-wing pro-West government maintained hostilities towards ethnic Russians in the Donbass region of Ukraine.<ref>{{News citation|date=2022-02-17|title=Ethnic Russians in eastern Ukraine say attacked by govt. forces|url=https://parstoday.com/en/news/world-i166324-ethnic_russians_in_eastern_ukraine_say_attacked_by_govt._forces}}</ref> These hostilities led to the separatist movements to establish the [[Luhansk People's Republic]] and the [[Donetsk People's Republic]], which were later annexed into the Russian Federation as of 30 September 2022.

The 2022 conflict began with Russian forces rapidly advancing across Ukraine from the [[Republic of Belarus|Belarusian]] border, [[Crimea]], and the Donbass, seizing over a fifth of Ukrainian territory,<ref>{{Web citation|newspaper=TeleSUR|title=Russia Controls About 20% of Ukrainian Territory: Zelensky|date=2022-06-02|url=https://www.telesurenglish.net/news/Russia-Controls-About-20-of-Ukrainian-Territory-Zelensky-20220602-0007.html|archive-url=https://archive.ph/WsynE|archive-date=2023-09-14|retrieved=2023-09-14}}</ref> including the city of [[Kherson]].<ref>{{Web citation|newspaper=Reuters|title=Russia says it captures Ukrainian city of Kherson -RIA|date=2022-03-02|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russia-says-it-captures-ukrainian-city-kherson-ria-2022-03-02/|archive-url=https://archive.ph/HE7xF|archive-date=2022-03-02|retrieved=2023-09-14}}</ref> Russian forces retreated from northern Ukraine in April 2022.<ref>{{YouTube citation|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_jQQw0TNiw|channel=The New Atlas|title=Russian Operations in Ukraine: Week 6 Update|date=2022-04-04}}</ref> The war then transitioned into attrition, with relatively slow Russian advances taking the cities of [[Mariupol]]<ref>{{Web citation|newspaper=TeleSUR|title=Peaceful Life Returning to Mariupol — City Head|date=2022-05-21|url=https://www.telesurenglish.net/news/Peaceful-Life-Returning-to-Mariupol--City-Head-20220521-0008.html|archive-url=https://archive.ph/x18fI|archive-date=2023-09-14|retrieved=2023-09-14}}</ref> and [[Severodonetsk]]<ref>{{Web citation|newspaper=TeleSUR|title=Russia Confirms Full Control of Severodonetsk City|date=2022-06-25|url=https://www.telesurenglish.net/news/Russia-Confirms-Full-Control-of-Severodonetsk-City-20220625-0006.html|archive-url=https://archive.ph/RQHsT|archive-date=2023-09-14|retrieved=2023-09-14}}</ref> in the spring and summer. In September 2022, Ukraine launched its first successful counteroffensive which retook all of Russian-occupied [[Kharkov]] oblast and a section of Luhansk oblast.<ref>{{YouTube citation|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEoXDjwqePY|channel=The New Atlas|title=Escalate or Grind On? Russian Ops in Ukraine Update for September 14, 2022|date=2022-09-14}}</ref> Russian forces west of the Dnieper River in Kherson oblast retreated in November 2022.<ref>{{YouTube citation|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_DeH3-H4SQ|channel=The New Atlas|title=Russian Kherson Withdrawal: Trap? Or Necessary Chess Move?|date=2022-10-09}}</ref> The winter of 2022 and spring of 2023 saw few territorial changes, as Russia and Ukraine fought a grinding attritional battle over the city of [[Bakhmut]] in Donetsk oblast,<ref>{{Web citation|newspaper=CGTN|title=Why Russia and Ukraine have fought for five months over Bakhmut|date=2022-12-22|url=https://newseu.cgtn.com/news/2022-12-22/Why-Russia-and-Ukraine-have-fought-for-five-months-over-Bakhmut-1fVC6G1QeKQ/index.html|archive-url=https://archive.ph/8t6fE|archive-date=2023-09-14|retrieved=2023-09-14}}</ref> and Russia constructed substantial defenses in [[Zaporozhye]] oblast during this time in preparation for a Ukrainian attempt to reach Crimea.<ref>{{Web citation|author=Gerry Doyle, Vijdan Mohammad Kawoosa and Adolfo Arranz|newspaper=Reuters|title=Digging in: How Russia has heavily fortified swathes of Ukraine – a development that could complicate a spring counteroffensive.|date=2023-04-24|url=https://www.reuters.com/graphics/UKRAINE-CRISIS/COUNTEROFFENSIVE/mopakddwbpa/|archive-url=https://archive.ph/p9RYS|archive-date=2023-05-01|retrieved=2023-09-14}}</ref> Russia had consolidated control over Bakhmut by the end of May 2023.<ref>{{Web citation|newspaper=CGTN|title=Russia claims 'full' control of Bakhmut while Ukraine says situation 'critical'|date=2023-05-21|url=https://news.cgtn.com/news/2023-05-21/Russia-claims-control-of-Bakhmut-Ukraine-says-situation-critical--1jZiuPuoaaI/index.html|archive-url=https://archive.ph/crjDm|archive-date=2023-09-14|retrieved=2023-09-14}}</ref> At the beginning of June 2023, Ukraine launched its long-awaited counteroffensive against Russian forces in Zaporozhye.<ref>{{Web citation|author=Guy Faulconbridge|newspaper=Reuters|title=Russia says it thwarted major Ukrainian offensive, Kyiv says Moscow spreads lies|date=2023-06-05|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russia-says-its-forces-thwarted-major-ukrainian-offensive-2023-06-04/|archive-url=https://archive.ph/JwdAP|archive-date=2023-06-05|retrieved=2023-09-14}}</ref> As of September 2023, three months after the Ukrainian counteroffensive began, Ukraine has failed to make substantial progress against Russian defences.<ref>{{Web citation|newspaper=CGTN|title=Ukraine tells counter-offensive critics to 'shut up', Russia 'sinking ships' to block Crimea bridge attacks|date=2023-09-01|url=https://newseu.cgtn.com/news/2023-09-01/Ukraine-tells-critics-of-counter-offensive-to-shut-up--1mKf7W4dZio/index.html|archive-url=https://archive.ph/YfuSx|archive-date=2023-09-14|retrieved=2023-09-14}}</ref><ref>{{Web citation|newspaper=TeleSUR|title=Ukraine Has Lost 71,500 Soldiers in Counteroffensive: Putin|date=2023-09-12|url=https://www.telesurenglish.net/news/Ukraine-Has-Lost-71500-Soldiers-in-Counteroffensive-Putin-20230912-0010.html|archive-url=https://archive.ph/hLk1m|archive-date=2023-09-14|retrieved=2023-09-14}}</ref><ref>{{Web citation|author=Lou Robinson, Sophie Tanno, Tim Lister and Byron Manley|newspaper=CNN|title=Seeking a breakthrough: A visual guide to Ukraine’s counteroffensive|date=2023-09-08|url=https://edition.cnn.com/interactive/2023/09/world/ukraine-war-counteroffensive-maps-guide-dg/|archive-url=https://archive.ph/WRiA6|archive-date=2023-09-08|retrieved=2023-09-14}}</ref>

Since the beginning of the conflict, at least 61,207 Ukrainian troops were killed and 49,368 wounded up to 21 September 2022 according to the Russian Ministry of Defense. The number of Russian troops killed amount to 5,397.<ref>{{Web citation|newspaper=RT|title=Russia reveals military losses in Ukraine|date=2022-09-21|url=https://www.rt.com/russia/563213-ukraine-donbass-military-losses/|retrieved=2022-09-22|quote="Initially, the Armed Forces of Ukraine amounted to between 201,000 and 202,000 people, and since then they have suffered losses of around 100,000, with 61,207 killed and 49,368 others wounded," [Minister of Defense Sergei Shoigu] said.}}</ref> In addition, over 7 million refugees have fled Ukraine. Of these, over 2.8 million have fled to Russia, which has taken in more refugees than any other country.<ref>{{Web citation|newspaper=UN Refugee Agency|title=Ukraine Refugee Situation|date=2022-11-17|url=https://data.unhcr.org/en/situations/ukraine|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221116022311/https://data.unhcr.org/en/situations/ukraine|archive-date=2022-11-17|retrieved=2022-11-17}}</ref>
==Timeline==
===Background===
In 1990, in a meeting between [[United States of America|United States]] secretary of state [[James Baker]] and [[Mikhail Gorbachev]], the US official guaranteed that "not an inch of NATO’s present military jurisdiction will spread in an eastern direction."<ref>{{News citation|journalist=Svetlana Savranskaya & Tom Blanton|date=2017-12-12|title=NATO expansion: what Gorbachev heard|url=https://nsarchive.gwu.edu/briefing-book/russia-programs/2017-12-12/nato-expansion-what-gorbachev-heard-western-leaders-early|newspaper=National Security Archive}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|author=[[James Baker]], [[Mikhail Gorbachev|Mikhail Gorbachyov]]|year=1990|title=Memorandum of conversation between Mikhail Gorbachev and James Baker in Moscow|title-url=https://nsarchive.gwu.edu/document/16116-document-05-memorandum-conversation-between|page=6|quote=Baker: We understand the need for assurances to the countries in the East. If we maintain a presence in Germany that is part of NATO, there would be no extension of NATO's jurisdiction for forces of NATO one inch to the east.|pdf=https://nsarchive.gwu.edu/sites/default/files/documents/4325679/Document-05-Memorandum-of-conversation-between.pdf|publisher=National Security Archive}}</ref>

While Russia was distracted with the Sochi Olympics, the US supported the [[2014 Ukrainian coup d'etat|Maidan coup]] which overthrew recently re-elected anti-NATO president [[Viktor Yanukovych]] and replaced him with a [[Far-right politics|far-right]], pro-[[Imperial core|Western]] government. In response to this coup, Crimeans voted overwhelmingly in favour of seceding from Ukraine and joining into the Russian Federation.<ref>{{News citation|title=Crimeans vote overwhelmingly to secede from Ukraine, join Russia|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/crimeans-vote-overwhelmingly-to-secede-from-ukraine-join-russia/}}</ref>

[[Donetsk People's Republic (2014–2022)|Donetsk]] and [[Luhansk People's Republic|Luhansk]] also seceded. These breakaway republics were locked in war with the Ukrainian army, which included outright [[National Socialism|Nazi]] regiments like the Azov battalion.

[[Russell Bentley]] predicted that US president [[Joe Biden]] was seeking to reignite a dirty war in Ukraine with his support for the Nazi fanatics.<ref>{{News citation|journalist=[[Russell Bentley]]|date=2021-10-12|title=Is Biden Looking to Reignite a Dirty War in Ukraine? Recent Visit by U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin Raises Concerns|url=https://covertactionmagazine.com/2021/11/12/is-biden-looking-to-reignite-a-dirty-war-in-ukraine-recent-visit-by-u-s-defense-secretary-lloyd-austin-raises-concerns/|newspaper=[[CovertAction Magazine]]}}</ref>
===Crisis===
Tensions rose sharply in 2021 when the Brussels summit of the [[North Atlantic Treaty Organization]] (NATO) reiterated that Ukraine would become aligned with NATO,<ref>{{News citation|date=2021-04-14|title=Brussels Summit Communiqué|url=https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/news_185000.htm|newspaper=NATO|quote=We reiterate the decision made at the 2008 Bucharest Summit that Ukraine will become a member of the Alliance with the Membership Action Plan (MAP) as an integral part of the process; we reaffirm all elements of that decision, as well as subsequent decisions, including that each partner will be judged on its own merits.}}</ref> sparking outrage from Russian officials who considered the expansion of NATO a threat of their national security.<ref>{{News citation|date=2022-01-16|title=NATO expansion one of main threats to Russia’s national security - ambassador|url=https://tass.com/russia/1388653|newspaper=Russian News Agency TASS|retrieved=2022-01-24|quote="After the collapse of the USSR, the security situation in Europe deteriorated sharply. Five ‘waves’ of NATO expansion have brought the Alliance States forces closer to our borders," [the Russian ambassador to the United States Anatoly Antonov] stated. "NATO is constantly building up its offensive potential, demonstrating military force along the perimeter of the Russian territory. [...]}}</ref> Russia began to build up troops closer to their borders, demanding that NATO stop its expansion towards Russia.<ref>{{News citation|date=2022-02-18|title=West promised not to expand NATO|url=https://www.rt.com/news/549921-nato-expansion-russia-document/|newspaper=[[RT (TV Network)|RT]]}}</ref>

The [[bourgeois media]] of the [[United States of America|United States]] has been hypocritically feigning support for the citizens of Ukraine while completely disregarding the humanity of those who suffer under their own heinous wars.<ref>{{News citation|journalist=[[Richard Medhurst]]|title=Hypocrisy of the West Is Unbelievable" {{!}} Richard Medhurst on Ukraine|url=https://youtu.be/lwkMBge05IA}}</ref><ref>{{News citation|journalist=Daniel McAdams|date=2022-02-25|title=Washington's Crocodile Tears Over Ukraine's Destruction|url=http://ronpaulinstitute.org/archives/featured-articles/2022/february/25/washingtons-crocodile-tears-over-ukraines-destruction/|newspaper=Ron Paul Institute}}</ref>

Former UN inspector [[Scott Ritter]] has said that NATO is too weak to face Russia.<ref>{{News citation|journalist=[[Richard Medhurst]]|date=2022-02-24|title=NATO Too Weak to Face Russia: Scott Ritter on Russian Offensive|url=https://youtu.be/3GkmdCaBECs}}</ref>

Germany violated its recent pattern of neutrality by sending weapons to Ukraine.<ref>{{News citation|journalist=[[Richard Medhurst]]|date=2022-03-02|title=Germany Sends Weapons to Ukraine, Breaks with Neutrality|url=https://www.rokfin.com/post/76665?utm_medium=Email&utm_source=Campaign&utm_campaign=New+Post+Email|newspaper=[[Rokfin]]}}</ref>

During diplomatic talks, Ukraine and Russia have agreed upon humanitarian corridors to allow displaced persons to flee war zones safely.<ref>{{News citation|title=Ukraine says talks with Russia agreed on humanitarian corridors|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-says-talks-with-russia-agreed-humanitarian-corridors-2022-03-03/|newspaper=Reuters}}</ref>

Al Qaeda, Hyatt Tahrir al-Sham, and other islamist jihadist groups are joining alongside Ukrainian neo-Nazis to fight against the Russians, eerily similar to their original task in Operation Cyclone.<ref>{{News citation|date=2022-03-08|title=450 Arab and foreign extremists from Idlib arrive in Ukraine|url=https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/450-arab-and-foreign-extremists-from-idlib-arrive-in-ukraine}}</ref><ref>{{News citation|date=2022-03-13|title=Al Qaeda Fighters Join Ukraine|url=https://youtu.be/BJFHxsS23Sw}}</ref>

On March 7, Mikhail and Aleksander Kononovich, members of the [[Leninist Communist Youth Union of Ukraine|Komsomol of Ukraine]], were arrested by Ukrainian authorities and imprisoned in [[Kiev]].<ref>{{News citation|date=2022-03-13|title=Ukraine: Communist Youth Union members beaten badly, remain detained in Kiev|url=http://www.idcommunism.com/2022/03/ukraine-communist-youth-union-members-beaten-badly-remain-detained-in-kiev.html|newspaper=In Defense of Communism|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220313015316/http://www.idcommunism.com/2022/03/ukraine-communist-youth-union-members-beaten-badly-remain-detained-in-kiev.html|archive-date=2022-03-13|retrieved=2022-03-20}}</ref>

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, Ukraine has lost 23 thousand soldiers during the conflict,<ref>{{News citation|newspaper=RUSSIAN NEWS AGENCY|title=Russian Defense Ministry to publish data on military deaths from Ukrainian documents|date=2022-4-16|url=https://tass.com/defense/1438729?utm_source=en.wikipedia.org&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=en.wikipedia.org&utm_referrer=en.wikipedia.org}}</ref> however, the Ukrainian Government claims merely 10 thousand of its solders have been lost during the conflict.<ref>{{News citation|author=Claire Heald|newspaper=BBC|title=10,000 Ukrainian soldiers killed, Kyiv says|date=2022-6-11|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-europe-61764008?ns_mchannel=social&ns_source=twitter&ns_campaign=bbc_live&ns_linkname=62a45eb8a48d0547a34bfcc2%2610%2C000%20Ukrainian%20soldiers%20killed%2C%20Kyiv%20says%262022-06-11T11%3A28%3A41.032Z&ns_fee=0&pinned_post_locator=urn:asset:a87e683d-139b-43c4-9e75-e63f285d618c&pinned_post_asset_id=62a45eb8a48d0547a34bfcc2&pinned_post_type=share}}</ref>

== Reactions ==
[[File:UN General Assembly ES-11-1.svg|thumb|UN General Assembly resolution ES-11/1 demanding immediate Russian withdrawal from Ukraine.Green: ForYellow: Abstained

Red: Against]]
[[File:US support for Ukraine poll.png|thumb|Perceived reasons for U.S. support for Ukraine by country.]]
[[File:EU support for Ukraine.png|thumb|Perceived reasons for [[European Union|EU]] support for Ukraine by country.]]
[[File:Ukraine war poll.png|thumb|Most Westerners want to prolong the war in order for Ukraine to retake all lost territory while people from Russia and the [[Global South]] want the war to end as soon as possible.]]
[[File:Russia strength poll.png|thumb|People from [[Republic of India|India]], [[Republic of Turkey|Turkey]], and [[People's Republic of China|China]] believe the war made Russia look stronger while Westerners believe it made Russia look weaker.]]

=== From the West ===
All major [[Imperialism|imperialist]] countries, such as [[United States of America|United States]], [[United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland|United Kingdom]], [[Canada]], [[Japan]], and most [[European Union]] countries sanctioned since Russia began their military operations on February 24,<ref>{{News citation|journalist=Al Jazeera Staff|date=2022-03-03|title=List of sanctions against Russia after it invaded Ukraine|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/2/25/list-of-sanctions-on-russia-after-invasion|newspaper=[[Al Jazeera]]|retrieved=2022-03-08}}</ref> and as a result, it became the most sanctioned economy in the world.<ref>{{News citation|journalist=Nick Wadhams|date=2022-03-07|title=Russia is now the world's most-sanctioned nation|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-03-07/russia-surges-past-iran-to-become-world-s-most-sanctioned-nation|retrieved=2022-03-09}}</ref> On March 7th, twenty Russian [[Bourgeoisie|capitalists]] were also sanctioned by Japan.<ref>{{News citation|date=2022-03-07|title=Japan sanctions 20 more Russian businessmen, officials — MFA|url=https://tass.com/world/1418497|newspaper=Russian News Agency TASS|retrieved=2022-03-10}}</ref> The Russian government compiled a list of countries who have taken hostile actions against the country.<ref>{{News citation|date=2022-03-07|title=Russian government approves list of unfriendly countries and territories|url=https://tass.com/politics/1418197|newspaper=Russian News Agency TASS}}</ref>

79% of French people blame the USA and/or NATO for starting the war, and 46% blame Putin or Russia. In Germany, 51% of people blame the USA or NATO and 29% blame Putin or Russia. The French poll allowed people to blame both sides, but the German poll only allowed one choice.<ref>{{Web citation|author=[[Ben Norton]]|newspaper=[[Geopolitical Economy Report]]|title=USA & NATO responsible for Ukraine war, German & French public say in poll|date=2023-08-21|url=https://geopoliticaleconomy.com/2023/08/21/us-nato-responsible-ukraine-war-germany-france-poll/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230908122732/https://geopoliticaleconomy.com/2023/08/21/us-nato-responsible-ukraine-war-germany-france-poll/|archive-date=2023-09-08}}</ref>

=== From the Global South ===
[[State of Eritrea|Eritrea]], [[Islamic Republic of Iran|Iran]], [[Republic of Nicaragua|Nicaragua]], [[Republic of South Africa|South Africa]], and [[Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela|Venezuela]] blamed NATO for the war. [[Republic of India|India]], [[Mexican United States|Mexico]], [[Islamic Republic of Pakistan|Pakistan]], and many other [[Global North and South|Global South]] countries remained neutral, including over a dozen countries in [[Africa]]. [[Mahathir Mohamad]], the former president of [[Malaysia]], said that the conflict was caused by "Europeans' love of war".<ref name=":2">{{Web citation|author=[[Ben Norton]]|newspaper=[[Geopolitical Economy Report]]|title=Many Global South countries blame US/NATO for Ukraine war, not Russia|date=2022-03-28|url=https://geopoliticaleconomy.com/2022/03/28/global-south-blame-us-nato-ukraine-war-russia/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230306064126/https://geopoliticaleconomy.com/2022/03/28/global-south-blame-us-nato-ukraine-war-russia/|archive-date=2023-03-06|retrieved=2023-04-02}}</ref>

=== From communist movements ===

==== Ruling ====
The [[Communist Party of Cuba]] released a statement calling for a solution that guarantees security and sovereignty for all, describing NATO's progressive expansion as a military siege.<ref>{{News citation|date=2022-02-28|title=“Cuba advocates a solution that guarantees the security and sovereignty of all”|url=https://en.granma.cu/cuba/2022-02-28/cuba-advocates-a-solution-that-guarantees-the-security-and-sovereignty-of-all|newspaper=Granma|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228164107/https://en.granma.cu/cuba/2022-02-28/cuba-advocates-a-solution-that-guarantees-the-security-and-sovereignty-of-all|archive-date=2022-02-28}}</ref>

The [[Democratic People's Republic of Korea]] backed Russia's actions in Ukraine and claimed that US provocations and military aggression are entirely to blame for the present situation.<ref>{{News citation|date=2022-02-26|title=The U.S. Should Not Shake International Peace and Stability at the Basis|url=http://www.mfa.gov.kp/view/article/14444|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220227002204/http://www.mfa.gov.kp/view/article/14444|archive-date=2022-02-27}}</ref>

[[People's Republic of China|China]] and [[Socialist Republic of Vietnam|Vietnam]] have both remained neutral while maintaining friendly relations with Russia.<ref name=":2" />

==== Non-ruling ====
The [[Communist Party of the Russian Federation]] has expressed support for Putin's aims to denazify and demilitarize Ukraine, while also calling for the strengthening of local self-government.<ref>{{News citation|date=2022-03-02|title=The Response to External Pressure Must Be a Radical Change of International Policy|url=https://cprf.ru/2022/03/the-response-to-external-pressure-must-be-a-radical-change-of-international-policy/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220302144216/https://cprf.ru/2022/03/the-response-to-external-pressure-must-be-a-radical-change-of-international-policy/|archive-date=2022-03-02}}</ref>

The [[Party for Socialism and Liberation]] in the United States has made a statement describing how the intervention was the result of NATO provocations against Russia.<ref>{{News citation|journalist=Party for Socialism and Liberation|date=2022-02-24|title=PSL Statement on Russia’s Military Intervention in Ukraine|url=https://telegra.ph/PSL-Statement-on-Russias-Military-Intervention-in-Ukraine-02-25|newspaper=Liberation News}}</ref>

The [[Communist Party of Britain]], while opposing NATO expansion, called Russia's military offensive unjustified and demanded a withdrawal of troops. It also pointed out that the unilateral Russian recognition of the DPR and LPR undermines the founding principles of the [[United Nations|UN]] and gives imperialist powers an excuse to abuse such methods against other nations.<ref>{{News citation|title=Stop the war - start the peace|url=https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/stop-war-start-peace|newspaper=Morning Star|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228090419/https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/stop-war-start-peace|archive-date=2022-02-28}}</ref><ref>{{News citation|title=For peace and a just solution to the conflict in Ukraine|url=https://www.communistparty.org.uk/for-peace-and-a-just-solution-to-the-conflict-in-ukraine/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301190552/https://www.communistparty.org.uk/for-peace-and-a-just-solution-to-the-conflict-in-ukraine/|archive-date=2022-03-01}}</ref> It supported the [[Stop the War Coalition]]'s call for the withdrawal of Russian troops.<ref>{{News citation|title=Yes, Russia should pull out — but Nato's warlike manoeuvres must end too|url=https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/e/yes-russia-should-pull-out-natos-warlike-manoeuvres-must-end-too|newspaper=Morning Star|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220222194209/https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/e/yes-russia-should-pull-out-natos-warlike-manoeuvres-must-end-too|archive-date=2022-02-22}}</ref>

The [[Socialist Labour Party (UK)|Socialist Labour Party]] said the conflict can be resolved quickly, but only with a neutral Ukraine. It criticized the Communist Party of Britain's ''[[Morning Star]]'' in its recent coverage of Ukraine.<ref>{{News citation|journalist=Arthur Scargill|title=Scargill's reply to the Morning Star|url=https://www.socialistlabourparty.org/post/scargill-s-reply-to-the-morning-star|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220307195208/https://www.socialistlabourparty.org/post/scargill-s-reply-to-the-morning-star|archive-date=2022-03-07}}</ref>

The [[Communist Party of Great Britain (Marxist–Leninist)]], on the basis that NATO has been conducting a three decade long slow-motion war against Russia, welcomed Russia's military challenge to NATO. It called denazification the surest way to peace.<ref name=":0">{{News citation|date=2022-03-01|title=Kiev junta facing defeat as Russia roots out fascist militias from Ukraine|url=https://thecommunists.org/2022/03/01/news/ukraine-kiev-junta-facing-defeat-russia-roots-out-fascist-militias/|newspaper=Proletarian|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301214648/https://thecommunists.org/2022/03/01/news/ukraine-kiev-junta-facing-defeat-russia-roots-out-fascist-militias/|archive-date=2022-03-01}}</ref> The party criticized Stop the War's platforming of activists calling for imperialist escalation, as well as its call for a Russian withdrawal.<ref>{{News citation|date=2022-03-08|title=Renegacy of Stop the War on display once again at ‘antiwar’ events|url=https://thecommunists.org/2022/03/08/news/stop-the-war-renegacy-exposed-again-antiwar-movement-corbyn/|newspaper=Proletarian|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220308172322/https://thecommunists.org/2022/03/08/news/stop-the-war-renegacy-exposed-again-antiwar-movement-corbyn/|archive-date=2022-03-08}}</ref> It welcomes Russia's recognition of the DPR and LPR.<ref name=":0" />

The [[Portuguese Communist Party]] expressed its deep concern about developments in the situation in Eastern Europe, the current situation and that its recent developments are inseparable from decades of political tension and growing confrontation between the USA and NATO against the Russian Federation, on the military, economic and political planes, in which the continuous enlargement of NATO and the systematic advance of the installation of military assets and contingents of this political-military bloc increasingly closer to the borders of the Russian Federation. Calling for a solution that guarantees security and sovereignty for all, describing NATO's progressive expansion as a provocation.

"The situation in Ukraine cannot but be dissociated from the 2014 coup d'état, promoted by the USA, NATO and the EU, carried out by fascist groups, and which led to the imposition of a xenophobic and warmongering regime, whose violent action is responsible by the worsening of fractures and divisions, by the discrimination and denial of fundamental rights and citizenship of the population, and by the outbreak of war in that country. The PCP reaffirms the need to develop initiatives that contribute to de-escalation and that favor a process of dialogue with a view to a peaceful solution to the conflict, as well as the promotion of peace and security."<ref>{{Web citation|author=PCP|newspaper=pcp.pt|title=Sobre os recentes desenvolvimentos no Leste da Europa|date=2022-02-22|url=https://www.pcp.pt/sobre-recentes-desenvolvimentos-no-leste-da-europa}}</ref>

==Information warfare==
===Censorship===
In response to the crisis, Western governments and corporations have been actively censoring voices that promote alternative narratives, notably those emerging from Russia or Russia-aligned states. [[Reddit]] has banned links to Russian media.<ref>{{News citation|journalist=Todd Spangler|date=2022-03-03|title=Reddit Bans Links to Russian State Media Across Entire Site|url=https://variety.com/2022/digital/news/reddit-bans-links-to-russian-state-media-1235195612/|newspaper=Variety}}</ref> The previously uncensored [[search engine]] [[DuckDuckGo]] began censoring Russian news outlets because of the war.<ref name=":1">{{News citation|title=Alternative Search Engine DuckDuckGo Will Censor Sites ‘Associated With Russian Disinformation’|url=https://www.visiontimes.com/2022/03/10/duckduckgo-information-censorship-russia-ukraine-war.html|newspaper=Vision Times}}</ref>

In an effort to help netizens circumvent Western propaganda about the situation, ProleWiki has collected information about [[Alternative social media platforms|alternative social media sites]].
===Propaganda===
The [[Government of the United States of America|US government]] has been briefing [[TikTok]] influencers to promote the NATO/US narrative.<ref>{{News citation|journalist=Sara Cook|date=2022-03-11|title=White House briefs social media influencers on Ukraine crisis|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ukraine-russia-tiktok-white-house/|newspaper=CBS News}}</ref><ref>{{News citation|journalist=[[Richard Medhurst]]|date=2022-03-12|title=CRINGE! White House Hires TikTokers to Spread Anti-Russian Propaganda|url=https://youtu.be/Qs7FjpeaXuE}}</ref>
==References==
<references />
[[Category:Conflicts]]
[[Category:2022 Russo-Ukrainian conflict]]
[[Category:History of Ukraine]]
[[Category:History of Russia]]

2022 Russo-Ukrainian conflict

2023-09-14T21:26:30Z

SeventyTwoTrillion: Added year of 2022 for clarity.

{{Message box/currentevent}}{{Infobox military conflict|combatant1={{icon|Flag of Russia.svg}}[[Russian Federation]] {{icon|Flag of DPR.jpg}}[[DPR]] (February–September 2022) {{icon|Flag of LPR.svg}}[[LPR]] (February–September 2022) '''Supported by:''' {{icon|Flag of Belarus.png}}[[Belarus]]|conflict=Russian Special Military Operation|combatant2={{icon|Flag of Ukraine.svg}}[[Ukraine]] '''Supported by:''' {{icon|Flag of NATO.png}}[[NATO]]|date=24 February 2022|place=Ukraine and [[Donbass]]|units1=Russian-Separatist Forces [[Russian Armed Forces]]|units2=[[Armed Forces of Ukraine]] [[National Guard of Ukraine]] Irregular Forces Foreign Volunteers|result=Ongoing|image=Special Military Operation Image.jpg}}

The '''2022 Russo-Ukrainian conflict''' is a proxy conflict between [[NATO]] and the [[Russian Federation]] taking place in [[Ukraine]], backed by the imperialist [[United States of America|United States]]. The conflict began with Russian military operations in 24 February 2022 with an incursion on Ukrainian-administered territory.<ref>{{News citation|date=2022-02-24|title=Russia invades Ukraine: Political, military leaders' reactions|url=https://www.reuters.com/markets/europe/leaders-key-quotes-after-russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24/|newspaper=Reuters|retrieved=2022-03-10}}</ref> The imperialist US and [[European Union|EU]] camp is sacrificing Ukraine to 'weaken Russia' according to a former NATO advisor.<ref>{{News citation|author=[[Aaron Mate]]|newspaper=[[The Grayzone]]|title=US, EU sacrificing Ukraine to ‘weaken Russia’: fmr. NATO adviser|date=2022-04-15|url=https://thegrayzone.com/2022/04/15/us-eu-sacrificing-ukraine-to-weaken-russia-fmr-nato-adviser/}}</ref> The prominent [[French Republic|French]] intellectual [[Emmanuel Todd]] has argued that the war in Ukraine is the beginning of the [[Third World War]].<ref>{{Web citation|author=[[Ben Norton]]|newspaper=[[Geopolitical Economy Report]]|title=‘World War 3 has already started’ between US and Russia/China, argues French scholar|date=2023-01-14|url=https://geopoliticaleconomy.com/2023/01/14/world-war-3-us-russia-china-emmanuel-todd/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230118161028/https://geopoliticaleconomy.com/2023/01/14/world-war-3-us-russia-china-emmanuel-todd/|archive-date=2023-01-18|retrieved=2023-01-22}}</ref>

In 2014, the US installed a pro-Western government through the [[2014 Ukrainian coup d'etat|Euromaidan coup]],<ref>{{News citation|title=How and Why the US Government Perpetrated the 2014 Coup in Ukraine|url=https://www.strategic-culture.org/news/2018/06/03/how-why-us-government-perpetrated-2014-coup-ukraine/}}</ref> which resulted in the rise of [[neo-Nazism]] in Ukraine.<ref>{{News citation|date=2018-03-19|title=Commentary: Ukraine’s neo-Nazi problem|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-cohen-ukraine-commentary-idUSKBN1GV2TY}}</ref><ref>{{News citation|date=2022-03-14|title=Ukrainian Jewish Committee: Our government encourages the glorification of Nazi collaborators|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wU2wOLvWik|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220323123229/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wU2wOLvWik|archive-date=2022-03-23|quote=Our government encourages glorification of Nazi collaborators, mass-murderers, and murderers of Jews. Literally, there are hundreds of monuments, streets, named after killers of Jews. [...] We have anti-Semitic incidents every day. There is vandalism of mass graves - Holocaust mass graves. Vandalism on Jewish monuments. Sholem Aleichem latest - was vandalised with swastikas in Kiev, central Kiev.}}</ref> The most prominent neo-Nazi group in Ukraine is the [[Azov Battalion]], a former paramilitary group that terrorised the [[Donbass]] since 2014 and was officially incorporated into the Armed Forces of Ukraine during the conflict. This right-wing pro-West government maintained hostilities towards ethnic Russians in the Donbass region of Ukraine.<ref>{{News citation|date=2022-02-17|title=Ethnic Russians in eastern Ukraine say attacked by govt. forces|url=https://parstoday.com/en/news/world-i166324-ethnic_russians_in_eastern_ukraine_say_attacked_by_govt._forces}}</ref> These hostilities led to the separatist movements to establish the [[Luhansk People's Republic]] and the [[Donetsk People's Republic]], which were later annexed into the Russian Federation as of 30 September 2022.

The conflict began with Russian forces rapidly advancing across Ukraine from from the Belarusian border, [[Crimea]], and the Donbass, seizing over a fifth of Ukrainian territory,<ref>{{Web citation|newspaper=TeleSUR|title=Russia Controls About 20% of Ukrainian Territory: Zelensky|date=2022-06-02|url=https://www.telesurenglish.net/news/Russia-Controls-About-20-of-Ukrainian-Territory-Zelensky-20220602-0007.html|archive-url=https://archive.ph/WsynE|archive-date=2023-09-14|retrieved=2023-09-14}}</ref> including the city of [[Kherson]].<ref>{{Web citation|newspaper=Reuters|title=Russia says it captures Ukrainian city of Kherson -RIA|date=2022-03-02|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russia-says-it-captures-ukrainian-city-kherson-ria-2022-03-02/|archive-url=https://archive.ph/HE7xF|archive-date=2022-03-02|retrieved=2023-09-14}}</ref> Russian forces retreated from northern Ukraine in April 2022.<ref>{{YouTube citation|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_jQQw0TNiw|channel=The New Atlas|title=Russian Operations in Ukraine: Week 6 Update|date=2022-04-04}}</ref> The war then transitioned into attrition, with relatively slow Russian advances taking the cities of [[Mariupol]]<ref>{{Web citation|newspaper=TeleSUR|title=Peaceful Life Returning to Mariupol — City Head|date=2022-05-21|url=https://www.telesurenglish.net/news/Peaceful-Life-Returning-to-Mariupol--City-Head-20220521-0008.html|archive-url=https://archive.ph/x18fI|archive-date=2023-09-14|retrieved=2023-09-14}}</ref> and [[Severodonetsk]]<ref>{{Web citation|newspaper=TeleSUR|title=Russia Confirms Full Control of Severodonetsk City|date=2022-06-25|url=https://www.telesurenglish.net/news/Russia-Confirms-Full-Control-of-Severodonetsk-City-20220625-0006.html|archive-url=https://archive.ph/RQHsT|archive-date=2023-09-14|retrieved=2023-09-14}}</ref> in the spring and summer. In September 2022, Ukraine launched its first successful counteroffensive which retook all of Russian-occupied [[Kharkov]] oblast and a section of Luhansk oblast.<ref>{{YouTube citation|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEoXDjwqePY|channel=The New Atlas|title=Escalate or Grind On? Russian Ops in Ukraine Update for September 14, 2022|date=2022-09-14}}</ref> Russian forces west of the Dnieper River in Kherson oblast retreated in November 2022.<ref>{{YouTube citation|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_DeH3-H4SQ|channel=The New Atlas|title=Russian Kherson Withdrawal: Trap? Or Necessary Chess Move?|date=2022-10-09}}</ref> The winter of 2022 and spring of 2023 saw few territorial changes, as Russia and Ukraine fought a grinding attritional battle over the city of [[Bakhmut]] in Donetsk oblast,<ref>{{Web citation|newspaper=CGTN|title=Why Russia and Ukraine have fought for five months over Bakhmut|date=2022-12-22|url=https://newseu.cgtn.com/news/2022-12-22/Why-Russia-and-Ukraine-have-fought-for-five-months-over-Bakhmut-1fVC6G1QeKQ/index.html|archive-url=https://archive.ph/8t6fE|archive-date=2023-09-14|retrieved=2023-09-14}}</ref> and Russia constructed substantial defenses in [[Zaporozhye]] oblast.<ref>{{Web citation|author=Gerry Doyle, Vijdan Mohammad Kawoosa and Adolfo Arranz|newspaper=Reuters|title=Digging in: How Russia has heavily fortified swathes of Ukraine – a development that could complicate a spring counteroffensive.|date=2023-04-24|url=https://www.reuters.com/graphics/UKRAINE-CRISIS/COUNTEROFFENSIVE/mopakddwbpa/|archive-url=https://archive.ph/p9RYS|archive-date=2023-05-01|retrieved=2023-09-14}}</ref> Russia had consolidated control over Bakhmut by the end of May 2023.<ref>{{Web citation|newspaper=CGTN|title=Russia claims 'full' control of Bakhmut while Ukraine says situation 'critical'|date=2023-05-21|url=https://news.cgtn.com/news/2023-05-21/Russia-claims-control-of-Bakhmut-Ukraine-says-situation-critical--1jZiuPuoaaI/index.html|archive-url=https://archive.ph/crjDm|archive-date=2023-09-14|retrieved=2023-09-14}}</ref> At the beginning of June 2023, Ukraine launched its long-awaited counteroffensive against Russian forces in Zaporozhye.<ref>{{Web citation|author=Guy Faulconbridge|newspaper=Reuters|title=Russia says it thwarted major Ukrainian offensive, Kyiv says Moscow spreads lies|date=2023-06-05|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russia-says-its-forces-thwarted-major-ukrainian-offensive-2023-06-04/|archive-url=https://archive.ph/JwdAP|archive-date=2023-06-05|retrieved=2023-09-14}}</ref> As of September 2023, three months after the Ukrainian counteroffensive began, Ukraine has failed to make substantial progress against Russian defences.<ref>{{Web citation|newspaper=CGTN|title=Ukraine tells counter-offensive critics to 'shut up', Russia 'sinking ships' to block Crimea bridge attacks|date=2023-09-01|url=https://newseu.cgtn.com/news/2023-09-01/Ukraine-tells-critics-of-counter-offensive-to-shut-up--1mKf7W4dZio/index.html|archive-url=https://archive.ph/YfuSx|archive-date=2023-09-14|retrieved=2023-09-14}}</ref><ref>{{Web citation|newspaper=TeleSUR|title=Ukraine Has Lost 71,500 Soldiers in Counteroffensive: Putin|date=2023-09-12|url=https://www.telesurenglish.net/news/Ukraine-Has-Lost-71500-Soldiers-in-Counteroffensive-Putin-20230912-0010.html|archive-url=https://archive.ph/hLk1m|archive-date=2023-09-14|retrieved=2023-09-14}}</ref><ref>{{Web citation|author=Lou Robinson, Sophie Tanno, Tim Lister and Byron Manley|newspaper=CNN|title=Seeking a breakthrough: A visual guide to Ukraine’s counteroffensive|date=2023-09-08|url=https://edition.cnn.com/interactive/2023/09/world/ukraine-war-counteroffensive-maps-guide-dg/|archive-url=https://archive.ph/WRiA6|archive-date=2023-09-08|retrieved=2023-09-14}}</ref>

Since the beginning of the conflict, at least 61,207 Ukrainian troops were killed and 49,368 wounded up to 21 September 2022 according to the Russian Ministry of Defense. The number of Russian troops killed amount to 5,397.<ref>{{Web citation|newspaper=RT|title=Russia reveals military losses in Ukraine|date=2022-09-21|url=https://www.rt.com/russia/563213-ukraine-donbass-military-losses/|retrieved=2022-09-22|quote="Initially, the Armed Forces of Ukraine amounted to between 201,000 and 202,000 people, and since then they have suffered losses of around 100,000, with 61,207 killed and 49,368 others wounded," [Minister of Defense Sergei Shoigu] said.}}</ref> In addition, over 7 million refugees have fled Ukraine. Of these, over 2.8 million have fled to Russia, which has taken in more refugees than any other country.<ref>{{Web citation|newspaper=UN Refugee Agency|title=Ukraine Refugee Situation|date=2022-11-17|url=https://data.unhcr.org/en/situations/ukraine|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221116022311/https://data.unhcr.org/en/situations/ukraine|archive-date=2022-11-17|retrieved=2022-11-17}}</ref>
==Timeline==
===Background===
In 1990, in a meeting between [[United States of America|United States]] secretary of state [[James Baker]] and [[Mikhail Gorbachev]], the US official guaranteed that "not an inch of NATO’s present military jurisdiction will spread in an eastern direction."<ref>{{News citation|journalist=Svetlana Savranskaya & Tom Blanton|date=2017-12-12|title=NATO expansion: what Gorbachev heard|url=https://nsarchive.gwu.edu/briefing-book/russia-programs/2017-12-12/nato-expansion-what-gorbachev-heard-western-leaders-early|newspaper=National Security Archive}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|author=[[James Baker]], [[Mikhail Gorbachev|Mikhail Gorbachyov]]|year=1990|title=Memorandum of conversation between Mikhail Gorbachev and James Baker in Moscow|title-url=https://nsarchive.gwu.edu/document/16116-document-05-memorandum-conversation-between|page=6|quote=Baker: We understand the need for assurances to the countries in the East. If we maintain a presence in Germany that is part of NATO, there would be no extension of NATO's jurisdiction for forces of NATO one inch to the east.|pdf=https://nsarchive.gwu.edu/sites/default/files/documents/4325679/Document-05-Memorandum-of-conversation-between.pdf|publisher=National Security Archive}}</ref>

While Russia was distracted with the Sochi Olympics, the US supported the [[2014 Ukrainian coup d'etat|Maidan coup]] which overthrew recently re-elected anti-NATO president [[Viktor Yanukovych]] and replaced him with a [[Far-right politics|far-right]], pro-[[Imperial core|Western]] government. In response to this coup, Crimeans voted overwhelmingly in favour of seceding from Ukraine and joining into the Russian Federation.<ref>{{News citation|title=Crimeans vote overwhelmingly to secede from Ukraine, join Russia|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/crimeans-vote-overwhelmingly-to-secede-from-ukraine-join-russia/}}</ref>

[[Donetsk People's Republic (2014–2022)|Donetsk]] and [[Luhansk People's Republic|Luhansk]] also seceded. These breakaway republics were locked in war with the Ukrainian army, which included outright [[National Socialism|Nazi]] regiments like the Azov battalion.

[[Russell Bentley]] predicted that US president [[Joe Biden]] was seeking to reignite a dirty war in Ukraine with his support for the Nazi fanatics.<ref>{{News citation|journalist=[[Russell Bentley]]|date=2021-10-12|title=Is Biden Looking to Reignite a Dirty War in Ukraine? Recent Visit by U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin Raises Concerns|url=https://covertactionmagazine.com/2021/11/12/is-biden-looking-to-reignite-a-dirty-war-in-ukraine-recent-visit-by-u-s-defense-secretary-lloyd-austin-raises-concerns/|newspaper=[[CovertAction Magazine]]}}</ref>
===Crisis===
Tensions rose sharply in 2021 when the Brussels summit of the [[North Atlantic Treaty Organization]] (NATO) reiterated that Ukraine would become aligned with NATO,<ref>{{News citation|date=2021-04-14|title=Brussels Summit Communiqué|url=https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/news_185000.htm|newspaper=NATO|quote=We reiterate the decision made at the 2008 Bucharest Summit that Ukraine will become a member of the Alliance with the Membership Action Plan (MAP) as an integral part of the process; we reaffirm all elements of that decision, as well as subsequent decisions, including that each partner will be judged on its own merits.}}</ref> sparking outrage from Russian officials who considered the expansion of NATO a threat of their national security.<ref>{{News citation|date=2022-01-16|title=NATO expansion one of main threats to Russia’s national security - ambassador|url=https://tass.com/russia/1388653|newspaper=Russian News Agency TASS|retrieved=2022-01-24|quote="After the collapse of the USSR, the security situation in Europe deteriorated sharply. Five ‘waves’ of NATO expansion have brought the Alliance States forces closer to our borders," [the Russian ambassador to the United States Anatoly Antonov] stated. "NATO is constantly building up its offensive potential, demonstrating military force along the perimeter of the Russian territory. [...]}}</ref> Russia began to build up troops closer to their borders, demanding that NATO stop its expansion towards Russia.<ref>{{News citation|date=2022-02-18|title=West promised not to expand NATO|url=https://www.rt.com/news/549921-nato-expansion-russia-document/|newspaper=[[RT (TV Network)|RT]]}}</ref>

The [[bourgeois media]] of the [[United States of America|United States]] has been hypocritically feigning support for the citizens of Ukraine while completely disregarding the humanity of those who suffer under their own heinous wars.<ref>{{News citation|journalist=[[Richard Medhurst]]|title=Hypocrisy of the West Is Unbelievable" {{!}} Richard Medhurst on Ukraine|url=https://youtu.be/lwkMBge05IA}}</ref><ref>{{News citation|journalist=Daniel McAdams|date=2022-02-25|title=Washington's Crocodile Tears Over Ukraine's Destruction|url=http://ronpaulinstitute.org/archives/featured-articles/2022/february/25/washingtons-crocodile-tears-over-ukraines-destruction/|newspaper=Ron Paul Institute}}</ref>

Former UN inspector [[Scott Ritter]] has said that NATO is too weak to face Russia.<ref>{{News citation|journalist=[[Richard Medhurst]]|date=2022-02-24|title=NATO Too Weak to Face Russia: Scott Ritter on Russian Offensive|url=https://youtu.be/3GkmdCaBECs}}</ref>

Germany violated its recent pattern of neutrality by sending weapons to Ukraine.<ref>{{News citation|journalist=[[Richard Medhurst]]|date=2022-03-02|title=Germany Sends Weapons to Ukraine, Breaks with Neutrality|url=https://www.rokfin.com/post/76665?utm_medium=Email&utm_source=Campaign&utm_campaign=New+Post+Email|newspaper=[[Rokfin]]}}</ref>

During diplomatic talks, Ukraine and Russia have agreed upon humanitarian corridors to allow displaced persons to flee war zones safely.<ref>{{News citation|title=Ukraine says talks with Russia agreed on humanitarian corridors|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-says-talks-with-russia-agreed-humanitarian-corridors-2022-03-03/|newspaper=Reuters}}</ref>

Al Qaeda, Hyatt Tahrir al-Sham, and other islamist jihadist groups are joining alongside Ukrainian neo-Nazis to fight against the Russians, eerily similar to their original task in Operation Cyclone.<ref>{{News citation|date=2022-03-08|title=450 Arab and foreign extremists from Idlib arrive in Ukraine|url=https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/450-arab-and-foreign-extremists-from-idlib-arrive-in-ukraine}}</ref><ref>{{News citation|date=2022-03-13|title=Al Qaeda Fighters Join Ukraine|url=https://youtu.be/BJFHxsS23Sw}}</ref>

On March 7, Mikhail and Aleksander Kononovich, members of the [[Leninist Communist Youth Union of Ukraine|Komsomol of Ukraine]], were arrested by Ukrainian authorities and imprisoned in [[Kiev]].<ref>{{News citation|date=2022-03-13|title=Ukraine: Communist Youth Union members beaten badly, remain detained in Kiev|url=http://www.idcommunism.com/2022/03/ukraine-communist-youth-union-members-beaten-badly-remain-detained-in-kiev.html|newspaper=In Defense of Communism|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220313015316/http://www.idcommunism.com/2022/03/ukraine-communist-youth-union-members-beaten-badly-remain-detained-in-kiev.html|archive-date=2022-03-13|retrieved=2022-03-20}}</ref>

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, Ukraine has lost 23 thousand soldiers during the conflict,<ref>{{News citation|newspaper=RUSSIAN NEWS AGENCY|title=Russian Defense Ministry to publish data on military deaths from Ukrainian documents|date=2022-4-16|url=https://tass.com/defense/1438729?utm_source=en.wikipedia.org&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=en.wikipedia.org&utm_referrer=en.wikipedia.org}}</ref> however, the Ukrainian Government claims merely 10 thousand of its solders have been lost during the conflict.<ref>{{News citation|author=Claire Heald|newspaper=BBC|title=10,000 Ukrainian soldiers killed, Kyiv says|date=2022-6-11|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-europe-61764008?ns_mchannel=social&ns_source=twitter&ns_campaign=bbc_live&ns_linkname=62a45eb8a48d0547a34bfcc2%2610%2C000%20Ukrainian%20soldiers%20killed%2C%20Kyiv%20says%262022-06-11T11%3A28%3A41.032Z&ns_fee=0&pinned_post_locator=urn:asset:a87e683d-139b-43c4-9e75-e63f285d618c&pinned_post_asset_id=62a45eb8a48d0547a34bfcc2&pinned_post_type=share}}</ref>

== Reactions ==
[[File:UN General Assembly ES-11-1.svg|thumb|UN General Assembly resolution ES-11/1 demanding immediate Russian withdrawal from Ukraine.Green: ForYellow: Abstained

Red: Against]]
[[File:US support for Ukraine poll.png|thumb|Perceived reasons for U.S. support for Ukraine by country.]]
[[File:EU support for Ukraine.png|thumb|Perceived reasons for [[European Union|EU]] support for Ukraine by country.]]
[[File:Ukraine war poll.png|thumb|Most Westerners want to prolong the war in order for Ukraine to retake all lost territory while people from Russia and the [[Global South]] want the war to end as soon as possible.]]
[[File:Russia strength poll.png|thumb|People from [[Republic of India|India]], [[Republic of Turkey|Turkey]], and [[People's Republic of China|China]] believe the war made Russia look stronger while Westerners believe it made Russia look weaker.]]

=== From the West ===
All major [[Imperialism|imperialist]] countries, such as [[United States of America|United States]], [[United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland|United Kingdom]], [[Canada]], [[Japan]], and most [[European Union]] countries sanctioned since Russia began their military operations on February 24,<ref>{{News citation|journalist=Al Jazeera Staff|date=2022-03-03|title=List of sanctions against Russia after it invaded Ukraine|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/2/25/list-of-sanctions-on-russia-after-invasion|newspaper=[[Al Jazeera]]|retrieved=2022-03-08}}</ref> and as a result, it became the most sanctioned economy in the world.<ref>{{News citation|journalist=Nick Wadhams|date=2022-03-07|title=Russia is now the world's most-sanctioned nation|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-03-07/russia-surges-past-iran-to-become-world-s-most-sanctioned-nation|retrieved=2022-03-09}}</ref> On March 7th, twenty Russian [[Bourgeoisie|capitalists]] were also sanctioned by Japan.<ref>{{News citation|date=2022-03-07|title=Japan sanctions 20 more Russian businessmen, officials — MFA|url=https://tass.com/world/1418497|newspaper=Russian News Agency TASS|retrieved=2022-03-10}}</ref> The Russian government compiled a list of countries who have taken hostile actions against the country.<ref>{{News citation|date=2022-03-07|title=Russian government approves list of unfriendly countries and territories|url=https://tass.com/politics/1418197|newspaper=Russian News Agency TASS}}</ref>

79% of French people blame the USA and/or NATO for starting the war, and 46% blame Putin or Russia. In Germany, 51% of people blame the USA or NATO and 29% blame Putin or Russia. The French poll allowed people to blame both sides, but the German poll only allowed one choice.<ref>{{Web citation|author=[[Ben Norton]]|newspaper=[[Geopolitical Economy Report]]|title=USA & NATO responsible for Ukraine war, German & French public say in poll|date=2023-08-21|url=https://geopoliticaleconomy.com/2023/08/21/us-nato-responsible-ukraine-war-germany-france-poll/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230908122732/https://geopoliticaleconomy.com/2023/08/21/us-nato-responsible-ukraine-war-germany-france-poll/|archive-date=2023-09-08}}</ref>

=== From the Global South ===
[[State of Eritrea|Eritrea]], [[Islamic Republic of Iran|Iran]], [[Republic of Nicaragua|Nicaragua]], [[Republic of South Africa|South Africa]], and [[Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela|Venezuela]] blamed NATO for the war. [[Republic of India|India]], [[Mexican United States|Mexico]], [[Islamic Republic of Pakistan|Pakistan]], and many other [[Global North and South|Global South]] countries remained neutral, including over a dozen countries in [[Africa]]. [[Mahathir Mohamad]], the former president of [[Malaysia]], said that the conflict was caused by "Europeans' love of war".<ref name=":2">{{Web citation|author=[[Ben Norton]]|newspaper=[[Geopolitical Economy Report]]|title=Many Global South countries blame US/NATO for Ukraine war, not Russia|date=2022-03-28|url=https://geopoliticaleconomy.com/2022/03/28/global-south-blame-us-nato-ukraine-war-russia/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230306064126/https://geopoliticaleconomy.com/2022/03/28/global-south-blame-us-nato-ukraine-war-russia/|archive-date=2023-03-06|retrieved=2023-04-02}}</ref>

=== From communist movements ===

==== Ruling ====
The [[Communist Party of Cuba]] released a statement calling for a solution that guarantees security and sovereignty for all, describing NATO's progressive expansion as a military siege.<ref>{{News citation|date=2022-02-28|title=“Cuba advocates a solution that guarantees the security and sovereignty of all”|url=https://en.granma.cu/cuba/2022-02-28/cuba-advocates-a-solution-that-guarantees-the-security-and-sovereignty-of-all|newspaper=Granma|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228164107/https://en.granma.cu/cuba/2022-02-28/cuba-advocates-a-solution-that-guarantees-the-security-and-sovereignty-of-all|archive-date=2022-02-28}}</ref>

The [[Democratic People's Republic of Korea]] backed Russia's actions in Ukraine and claimed that US provocations and military aggression are entirely to blame for the present situation.<ref>{{News citation|date=2022-02-26|title=The U.S. Should Not Shake International Peace and Stability at the Basis|url=http://www.mfa.gov.kp/view/article/14444|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220227002204/http://www.mfa.gov.kp/view/article/14444|archive-date=2022-02-27}}</ref>

[[People's Republic of China|China]] and [[Socialist Republic of Vietnam|Vietnam]] have both remained neutral while maintaining friendly relations with Russia.<ref name=":2" />

==== Non-ruling ====
The [[Communist Party of the Russian Federation]] has expressed support for Putin's aims to denazify and demilitarize Ukraine, while also calling for the strengthening of local self-government.<ref>{{News citation|date=2022-03-02|title=The Response to External Pressure Must Be a Radical Change of International Policy|url=https://cprf.ru/2022/03/the-response-to-external-pressure-must-be-a-radical-change-of-international-policy/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220302144216/https://cprf.ru/2022/03/the-response-to-external-pressure-must-be-a-radical-change-of-international-policy/|archive-date=2022-03-02}}</ref>

The [[Party for Socialism and Liberation]] in the United States has made a statement describing how the intervention was the result of NATO provocations against Russia.<ref>{{News citation|journalist=Party for Socialism and Liberation|date=2022-02-24|title=PSL Statement on Russia’s Military Intervention in Ukraine|url=https://telegra.ph/PSL-Statement-on-Russias-Military-Intervention-in-Ukraine-02-25|newspaper=Liberation News}}</ref>

The [[Communist Party of Britain]], while opposing NATO expansion, called Russia's military offensive unjustified and demanded a withdrawal of troops. It also pointed out that the unilateral Russian recognition of the DPR and LPR undermines the founding principles of the [[United Nations|UN]] and gives imperialist powers an excuse to abuse such methods against other nations.<ref>{{News citation|title=Stop the war - start the peace|url=https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/stop-war-start-peace|newspaper=Morning Star|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228090419/https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/stop-war-start-peace|archive-date=2022-02-28}}</ref><ref>{{News citation|title=For peace and a just solution to the conflict in Ukraine|url=https://www.communistparty.org.uk/for-peace-and-a-just-solution-to-the-conflict-in-ukraine/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301190552/https://www.communistparty.org.uk/for-peace-and-a-just-solution-to-the-conflict-in-ukraine/|archive-date=2022-03-01}}</ref> It supported the [[Stop the War Coalition]]'s call for the withdrawal of Russian troops.<ref>{{News citation|title=Yes, Russia should pull out — but Nato's warlike manoeuvres must end too|url=https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/e/yes-russia-should-pull-out-natos-warlike-manoeuvres-must-end-too|newspaper=Morning Star|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220222194209/https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/e/yes-russia-should-pull-out-natos-warlike-manoeuvres-must-end-too|archive-date=2022-02-22}}</ref>

The [[Socialist Labour Party (UK)|Socialist Labour Party]] said the conflict can be resolved quickly, but only with a neutral Ukraine. It criticized the Communist Party of Britain's ''[[Morning Star]]'' in its recent coverage of Ukraine.<ref>{{News citation|journalist=Arthur Scargill|title=Scargill's reply to the Morning Star|url=https://www.socialistlabourparty.org/post/scargill-s-reply-to-the-morning-star|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220307195208/https://www.socialistlabourparty.org/post/scargill-s-reply-to-the-morning-star|archive-date=2022-03-07}}</ref>

The [[Communist Party of Great Britain (Marxist–Leninist)]], on the basis that NATO has been conducting a three decade long slow-motion war against Russia, welcomed Russia's military challenge to NATO. It called denazification the surest way to peace.<ref name=":0">{{News citation|date=2022-03-01|title=Kiev junta facing defeat as Russia roots out fascist militias from Ukraine|url=https://thecommunists.org/2022/03/01/news/ukraine-kiev-junta-facing-defeat-russia-roots-out-fascist-militias/|newspaper=Proletarian|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301214648/https://thecommunists.org/2022/03/01/news/ukraine-kiev-junta-facing-defeat-russia-roots-out-fascist-militias/|archive-date=2022-03-01}}</ref> The party criticized Stop the War's platforming of activists calling for imperialist escalation, as well as its call for a Russian withdrawal.<ref>{{News citation|date=2022-03-08|title=Renegacy of Stop the War on display once again at ‘antiwar’ events|url=https://thecommunists.org/2022/03/08/news/stop-the-war-renegacy-exposed-again-antiwar-movement-corbyn/|newspaper=Proletarian|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220308172322/https://thecommunists.org/2022/03/08/news/stop-the-war-renegacy-exposed-again-antiwar-movement-corbyn/|archive-date=2022-03-08}}</ref> It welcomes Russia's recognition of the DPR and LPR.<ref name=":0" />

The [[Portuguese Communist Party]] expressed its deep concern about developments in the situation in Eastern Europe, the current situation and that its recent developments are inseparable from decades of political tension and growing confrontation between the USA and NATO against the Russian Federation, on the military, economic and political planes, in which the continuous enlargement of NATO and the systematic advance of the installation of military assets and contingents of this political-military bloc increasingly closer to the borders of the Russian Federation. Calling for a solution that guarantees security and sovereignty for all, describing NATO's progressive expansion as a provocation.

"The situation in Ukraine cannot but be dissociated from the 2014 coup d'état, promoted by the USA, NATO and the EU, carried out by fascist groups, and which led to the imposition of a xenophobic and warmongering regime, whose violent action is responsible by the worsening of fractures and divisions, by the discrimination and denial of fundamental rights and citizenship of the population, and by the outbreak of war in that country. The PCP reaffirms the need to develop initiatives that contribute to de-escalation and that favor a process of dialogue with a view to a peaceful solution to the conflict, as well as the promotion of peace and security."<ref>{{Web citation|author=PCP|newspaper=pcp.pt|title=Sobre os recentes desenvolvimentos no Leste da Europa|date=2022-02-22|url=https://www.pcp.pt/sobre-recentes-desenvolvimentos-no-leste-da-europa}}</ref>

==Information warfare==
===Censorship===
In response to the crisis, Western governments and corporations have been actively censoring voices that promote alternative narratives, notably those emerging from Russia or Russia-aligned states. [[Reddit]] has banned links to Russian media.<ref>{{News citation|journalist=Todd Spangler|date=2022-03-03|title=Reddit Bans Links to Russian State Media Across Entire Site|url=https://variety.com/2022/digital/news/reddit-bans-links-to-russian-state-media-1235195612/|newspaper=Variety}}</ref> The previously uncensored [[search engine]] [[DuckDuckGo]] began censoring Russian news outlets because of the war.<ref name=":1">{{News citation|title=Alternative Search Engine DuckDuckGo Will Censor Sites ‘Associated With Russian Disinformation’|url=https://www.visiontimes.com/2022/03/10/duckduckgo-information-censorship-russia-ukraine-war.html|newspaper=Vision Times}}</ref>

In an effort to help netizens circumvent Western propaganda about the situation, ProleWiki has collected information about [[Alternative social media platforms|alternative social media sites]].
===Propaganda===
The [[Government of the United States of America|US government]] has been briefing [[TikTok]] influencers to promote the NATO/US narrative.<ref>{{News citation|journalist=Sara Cook|date=2022-03-11|title=White House briefs social media influencers on Ukraine crisis|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ukraine-russia-tiktok-white-house/|newspaper=CBS News}}</ref><ref>{{News citation|journalist=[[Richard Medhurst]]|date=2022-03-12|title=CRINGE! White House Hires TikTokers to Spread Anti-Russian Propaganda|url=https://youtu.be/Qs7FjpeaXuE}}</ref>
==References==
<references />
[[Category:Conflicts]]
[[Category:2022 Russo-Ukrainian conflict]]
[[Category:History of Ukraine]]
[[Category:History of Russia]]

2022 Russo-Ukrainian conflict

2023-09-14T21:24:39Z

SeventyTwoTrillion: Added sources and links to the added paragraph and changed the wording slightly.

{{Message box/currentevent}}{{Infobox military conflict|combatant1={{icon|Flag of Russia.svg}}[[Russian Federation]] {{icon|Flag of DPR.jpg}}[[DPR]] (February–September 2022) {{icon|Flag of LPR.svg}}[[LPR]] (February–September 2022) '''Supported by:''' {{icon|Flag of Belarus.png}}[[Belarus]]|conflict=Russian Special Military Operation|combatant2={{icon|Flag of Ukraine.svg}}[[Ukraine]] '''Supported by:''' {{icon|Flag of NATO.png}}[[NATO]]|date=24 February 2022|place=Ukraine and [[Donbass]]|units1=Russian-Separatist Forces [[Russian Armed Forces]]|units2=[[Armed Forces of Ukraine]] [[National Guard of Ukraine]] Irregular Forces Foreign Volunteers|result=Ongoing|image=Special Military Operation Image.jpg}}

The '''2022 Russo-Ukrainian conflict''' is a proxy conflict between [[NATO]] and the [[Russian Federation]] taking place in [[Ukraine]], backed by the imperialist [[United States of America|United States]]. The conflict began with Russian military operations in 24 February 2022 with an incursion on Ukrainian-administered territory.<ref>{{News citation|date=2022-02-24|title=Russia invades Ukraine: Political, military leaders' reactions|url=https://www.reuters.com/markets/europe/leaders-key-quotes-after-russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24/|newspaper=Reuters|retrieved=2022-03-10}}</ref> The imperialist US and [[European Union|EU]] camp is sacrificing Ukraine to 'weaken Russia' according to a former NATO advisor.<ref>{{News citation|author=[[Aaron Mate]]|newspaper=[[The Grayzone]]|title=US, EU sacrificing Ukraine to ‘weaken Russia’: fmr. NATO adviser|date=2022-04-15|url=https://thegrayzone.com/2022/04/15/us-eu-sacrificing-ukraine-to-weaken-russia-fmr-nato-adviser/}}</ref> The prominent [[French Republic|French]] intellectual [[Emmanuel Todd]] has argued that the war in Ukraine is the beginning of the [[Third World War]].<ref>{{Web citation|author=[[Ben Norton]]|newspaper=[[Geopolitical Economy Report]]|title=‘World War 3 has already started’ between US and Russia/China, argues French scholar|date=2023-01-14|url=https://geopoliticaleconomy.com/2023/01/14/world-war-3-us-russia-china-emmanuel-todd/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230118161028/https://geopoliticaleconomy.com/2023/01/14/world-war-3-us-russia-china-emmanuel-todd/|archive-date=2023-01-18|retrieved=2023-01-22}}</ref>

In 2014, the US installed a pro-Western government through the [[2014 Ukrainian coup d'etat|Euromaidan coup]],<ref>{{News citation|title=How and Why the US Government Perpetrated the 2014 Coup in Ukraine|url=https://www.strategic-culture.org/news/2018/06/03/how-why-us-government-perpetrated-2014-coup-ukraine/}}</ref> which resulted in the rise of [[neo-Nazism]] in Ukraine.<ref>{{News citation|date=2018-03-19|title=Commentary: Ukraine’s neo-Nazi problem|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-cohen-ukraine-commentary-idUSKBN1GV2TY}}</ref><ref>{{News citation|date=2022-03-14|title=Ukrainian Jewish Committee: Our government encourages the glorification of Nazi collaborators|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wU2wOLvWik|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220323123229/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wU2wOLvWik|archive-date=2022-03-23|quote=Our government encourages glorification of Nazi collaborators, mass-murderers, and murderers of Jews. Literally, there are hundreds of monuments, streets, named after killers of Jews. [...] We have anti-Semitic incidents every day. There is vandalism of mass graves - Holocaust mass graves. Vandalism on Jewish monuments. Sholem Aleichem latest - was vandalised with swastikas in Kiev, central Kiev.}}</ref> The most prominent neo-Nazi group in Ukraine is the [[Azov Battalion]], a former paramilitary group that terrorised the [[Donbass]] since 2014 and was officially incorporated into the Armed Forces of Ukraine during the conflict. This right-wing pro-West government maintained hostilities towards ethnic Russians in the Donbass region of Ukraine.<ref>{{News citation|date=2022-02-17|title=Ethnic Russians in eastern Ukraine say attacked by govt. forces|url=https://parstoday.com/en/news/world-i166324-ethnic_russians_in_eastern_ukraine_say_attacked_by_govt._forces}}</ref> These hostilities led to the separatist movements to establish the [[Luhansk People's Republic]] and the [[Donetsk People's Republic]], which were later annexed into the Russian Federation as of 30 September 2022.

The conflict began with Russian forces rapidly advancing across Ukraine from from the Belarusian border, [[Crimea]], and the Donbass, seizing over a fifth of Ukrainian territory,<ref>{{Web citation|newspaper=TeleSUR|title=Russia Controls About 20% of Ukrainian Territory: Zelensky|date=2022-06-02|url=https://www.telesurenglish.net/news/Russia-Controls-About-20-of-Ukrainian-Territory-Zelensky-20220602-0007.html|archive-url=https://archive.ph/WsynE|archive-date=2023-09-14|retrieved=2023-09-14}}</ref> including the city of [[Kherson]].<ref>{{Web citation|newspaper=Reuters|title=Russia says it captures Ukrainian city of Kherson -RIA|date=2022-03-02|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russia-says-it-captures-ukrainian-city-kherson-ria-2022-03-02/|archive-url=https://archive.ph/HE7xF|archive-date=2022-03-02|retrieved=2023-09-14}}</ref> Russian forces retreated from northern Ukraine in April 2022.<ref>{{YouTube citation|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_jQQw0TNiw|channel=The New Atlas|title=Russian Operations in Ukraine: Week 6 Update|date=2022-04-04}}</ref> The war then transitioned into attrition, with relatively slow Russian advances taking the cities of [[Mariupol]]<ref>{{Web citation|newspaper=TeleSUR|title=Peaceful Life Returning to Mariupol — City Head|date=2022-05-21|url=https://www.telesurenglish.net/news/Peaceful-Life-Returning-to-Mariupol--City-Head-20220521-0008.html|archive-url=https://archive.ph/x18fI|archive-date=2023-09-14|retrieved=2023-09-14}}</ref> and [[Severodonetsk]]<ref>{{Web citation|newspaper=TeleSUR|title=Russia Confirms Full Control of Severodonetsk City|date=2022-06-25|url=https://www.telesurenglish.net/news/Russia-Confirms-Full-Control-of-Severodonetsk-City-20220625-0006.html|archive-url=https://archive.ph/RQHsT|archive-date=2023-09-14|retrieved=2023-09-14}}</ref> in the spring and summer. In September 2022, Ukraine launched its first successful counteroffensive which retook all of Russian-occupied [[Kharkov]] oblast and a section of Luhansk oblast.<ref>{{YouTube citation|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEoXDjwqePY|channel=The New Atlas|title=Escalate or Grind On? Russian Ops in Ukraine Update for September 14, 2022|date=2022-09-14}}</ref> Russian forces west of the Dnieper River in Kherson oblast retreated in November.<ref>{{YouTube citation|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_DeH3-H4SQ|channel=The New Atlas|title=Russian Kherson Withdrawal: Trap? Or Necessary Chess Move?|date=2022-10-09}}</ref> The winter of 2022 and spring of 2023 saw few territorial changes, as Russia and Ukraine fought a grinding attritional battle over the city of [[Bakhmut]] in Donetsk oblast,<ref>{{Web citation|newspaper=CGTN|title=Why Russia and Ukraine have fought for five months over Bakhmut|date=2022-12-22|url=https://newseu.cgtn.com/news/2022-12-22/Why-Russia-and-Ukraine-have-fought-for-five-months-over-Bakhmut-1fVC6G1QeKQ/index.html|archive-url=https://archive.ph/8t6fE|archive-date=2023-09-14|retrieved=2023-09-14}}</ref> and Russia constructed substantial defenses in [[Zaporozhye]] oblast.<ref>{{Web citation|author=Gerry Doyle, Vijdan Mohammad Kawoosa and Adolfo Arranz|newspaper=Reuters|title=Digging in: How Russia has heavily fortified swathes of Ukraine – a development that could complicate a spring counteroffensive.|date=2023-04-24|url=https://www.reuters.com/graphics/UKRAINE-CRISIS/COUNTEROFFENSIVE/mopakddwbpa/|archive-url=https://archive.ph/p9RYS|archive-date=2023-05-01|retrieved=2023-09-14}}</ref> Russia had consolidated control over Bakhmut by the end of May 2023.<ref>{{Web citation|newspaper=CGTN|title=Russia claims 'full' control of Bakhmut while Ukraine says situation 'critical'|date=2023-05-21|url=https://news.cgtn.com/news/2023-05-21/Russia-claims-control-of-Bakhmut-Ukraine-says-situation-critical--1jZiuPuoaaI/index.html|archive-url=https://archive.ph/crjDm|archive-date=2023-09-14|retrieved=2023-09-14}}</ref> At the beginning of June 2023, Ukraine launched its long-awaited counteroffensive against Russian forces in Zaporozhye.<ref>{{Web citation|author=Guy Faulconbridge|newspaper=Reuters|title=Russia says it thwarted major Ukrainian offensive, Kyiv says Moscow spreads lies|date=2023-06-05|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russia-says-its-forces-thwarted-major-ukrainian-offensive-2023-06-04/|archive-url=https://archive.ph/JwdAP|archive-date=2023-06-05|retrieved=2023-09-14}}</ref> As of September 2023, three months after the Ukrainian counteroffensive began, Ukraine has failed to make substantial progress against Russian defences.<ref>{{Web citation|newspaper=CGTN|title=Ukraine tells counter-offensive critics to 'shut up', Russia 'sinking ships' to block Crimea bridge attacks|date=2023-09-01|url=https://newseu.cgtn.com/news/2023-09-01/Ukraine-tells-critics-of-counter-offensive-to-shut-up--1mKf7W4dZio/index.html|archive-url=https://archive.ph/YfuSx|archive-date=2023-09-14|retrieved=2023-09-14}}</ref><ref>{{Web citation|newspaper=TeleSUR|title=Ukraine Has Lost 71,500 Soldiers in Counteroffensive: Putin|date=2023-09-12|url=https://www.telesurenglish.net/news/Ukraine-Has-Lost-71500-Soldiers-in-Counteroffensive-Putin-20230912-0010.html|archive-url=https://archive.ph/hLk1m|archive-date=2023-09-14|retrieved=2023-09-14}}</ref><ref>{{Web citation|author=Lou Robinson, Sophie Tanno, Tim Lister and Byron Manley|newspaper=CNN|title=Seeking a breakthrough: A visual guide to Ukraine’s counteroffensive|date=2023-09-08|url=https://edition.cnn.com/interactive/2023/09/world/ukraine-war-counteroffensive-maps-guide-dg/|archive-url=https://archive.ph/WRiA6|archive-date=2023-09-08|retrieved=2023-09-14}}</ref>

Since the beginning of the conflict, at least 61,207 Ukrainian troops were killed and 49,368 wounded up to 21 September 2022 according to the Russian Ministry of Defense. The number of Russian troops killed amount to 5,397.<ref>{{Web citation|newspaper=RT|title=Russia reveals military losses in Ukraine|date=2022-09-21|url=https://www.rt.com/russia/563213-ukraine-donbass-military-losses/|retrieved=2022-09-22|quote="Initially, the Armed Forces of Ukraine amounted to between 201,000 and 202,000 people, and since then they have suffered losses of around 100,000, with 61,207 killed and 49,368 others wounded," [Minister of Defense Sergei Shoigu] said.}}</ref> In addition, over 7 million refugees have fled Ukraine. Of these, over 2.8 million have fled to Russia, which has taken in more refugees than any other country.<ref>{{Web citation|newspaper=UN Refugee Agency|title=Ukraine Refugee Situation|date=2022-11-17|url=https://data.unhcr.org/en/situations/ukraine|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221116022311/https://data.unhcr.org/en/situations/ukraine|archive-date=2022-11-17|retrieved=2022-11-17}}</ref>
==Timeline==
===Background===
In 1990, in a meeting between [[United States of America|United States]] secretary of state [[James Baker]] and [[Mikhail Gorbachev]], the US official guaranteed that "not an inch of NATO’s present military jurisdiction will spread in an eastern direction."<ref>{{News citation|journalist=Svetlana Savranskaya & Tom Blanton|date=2017-12-12|title=NATO expansion: what Gorbachev heard|url=https://nsarchive.gwu.edu/briefing-book/russia-programs/2017-12-12/nato-expansion-what-gorbachev-heard-western-leaders-early|newspaper=National Security Archive}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|author=[[James Baker]], [[Mikhail Gorbachev|Mikhail Gorbachyov]]|year=1990|title=Memorandum of conversation between Mikhail Gorbachev and James Baker in Moscow|title-url=https://nsarchive.gwu.edu/document/16116-document-05-memorandum-conversation-between|page=6|quote=Baker: We understand the need for assurances to the countries in the East. If we maintain a presence in Germany that is part of NATO, there would be no extension of NATO's jurisdiction for forces of NATO one inch to the east.|pdf=https://nsarchive.gwu.edu/sites/default/files/documents/4325679/Document-05-Memorandum-of-conversation-between.pdf|publisher=National Security Archive}}</ref>

While Russia was distracted with the Sochi Olympics, the US supported the [[2014 Ukrainian coup d'etat|Maidan coup]] which overthrew recently re-elected anti-NATO president [[Viktor Yanukovych]] and replaced him with a [[Far-right politics|far-right]], pro-[[Imperial core|Western]] government. In response to this coup, Crimeans voted overwhelmingly in favour of seceding from Ukraine and joining into the Russian Federation.<ref>{{News citation|title=Crimeans vote overwhelmingly to secede from Ukraine, join Russia|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/crimeans-vote-overwhelmingly-to-secede-from-ukraine-join-russia/}}</ref>

[[Donetsk People's Republic (2014–2022)|Donetsk]] and [[Luhansk People's Republic|Luhansk]] also seceded. These breakaway republics were locked in war with the Ukrainian army, which included outright [[National Socialism|Nazi]] regiments like the Azov battalion.

[[Russell Bentley]] predicted that US president [[Joe Biden]] was seeking to reignite a dirty war in Ukraine with his support for the Nazi fanatics.<ref>{{News citation|journalist=[[Russell Bentley]]|date=2021-10-12|title=Is Biden Looking to Reignite a Dirty War in Ukraine? Recent Visit by U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin Raises Concerns|url=https://covertactionmagazine.com/2021/11/12/is-biden-looking-to-reignite-a-dirty-war-in-ukraine-recent-visit-by-u-s-defense-secretary-lloyd-austin-raises-concerns/|newspaper=[[CovertAction Magazine]]}}</ref>
===Crisis===
Tensions rose sharply in 2021 when the Brussels summit of the [[North Atlantic Treaty Organization]] (NATO) reiterated that Ukraine would become aligned with NATO,<ref>{{News citation|date=2021-04-14|title=Brussels Summit Communiqué|url=https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/news_185000.htm|newspaper=NATO|quote=We reiterate the decision made at the 2008 Bucharest Summit that Ukraine will become a member of the Alliance with the Membership Action Plan (MAP) as an integral part of the process; we reaffirm all elements of that decision, as well as subsequent decisions, including that each partner will be judged on its own merits.}}</ref> sparking outrage from Russian officials who considered the expansion of NATO a threat of their national security.<ref>{{News citation|date=2022-01-16|title=NATO expansion one of main threats to Russia’s national security - ambassador|url=https://tass.com/russia/1388653|newspaper=Russian News Agency TASS|retrieved=2022-01-24|quote="After the collapse of the USSR, the security situation in Europe deteriorated sharply. Five ‘waves’ of NATO expansion have brought the Alliance States forces closer to our borders," [the Russian ambassador to the United States Anatoly Antonov] stated. "NATO is constantly building up its offensive potential, demonstrating military force along the perimeter of the Russian territory. [...]}}</ref> Russia began to build up troops closer to their borders, demanding that NATO stop its expansion towards Russia.<ref>{{News citation|date=2022-02-18|title=West promised not to expand NATO|url=https://www.rt.com/news/549921-nato-expansion-russia-document/|newspaper=[[RT (TV Network)|RT]]}}</ref>

The [[bourgeois media]] of the [[United States of America|United States]] has been hypocritically feigning support for the citizens of Ukraine while completely disregarding the humanity of those who suffer under their own heinous wars.<ref>{{News citation|journalist=[[Richard Medhurst]]|title=Hypocrisy of the West Is Unbelievable" {{!}} Richard Medhurst on Ukraine|url=https://youtu.be/lwkMBge05IA}}</ref><ref>{{News citation|journalist=Daniel McAdams|date=2022-02-25|title=Washington's Crocodile Tears Over Ukraine's Destruction|url=http://ronpaulinstitute.org/archives/featured-articles/2022/february/25/washingtons-crocodile-tears-over-ukraines-destruction/|newspaper=Ron Paul Institute}}</ref>

Former UN inspector [[Scott Ritter]] has said that NATO is too weak to face Russia.<ref>{{News citation|journalist=[[Richard Medhurst]]|date=2022-02-24|title=NATO Too Weak to Face Russia: Scott Ritter on Russian Offensive|url=https://youtu.be/3GkmdCaBECs}}</ref>

Germany violated its recent pattern of neutrality by sending weapons to Ukraine.<ref>{{News citation|journalist=[[Richard Medhurst]]|date=2022-03-02|title=Germany Sends Weapons to Ukraine, Breaks with Neutrality|url=https://www.rokfin.com/post/76665?utm_medium=Email&utm_source=Campaign&utm_campaign=New+Post+Email|newspaper=[[Rokfin]]}}</ref>

During diplomatic talks, Ukraine and Russia have agreed upon humanitarian corridors to allow displaced persons to flee war zones safely.<ref>{{News citation|title=Ukraine says talks with Russia agreed on humanitarian corridors|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-says-talks-with-russia-agreed-humanitarian-corridors-2022-03-03/|newspaper=Reuters}}</ref>

Al Qaeda, Hyatt Tahrir al-Sham, and other islamist jihadist groups are joining alongside Ukrainian neo-Nazis to fight against the Russians, eerily similar to their original task in Operation Cyclone.<ref>{{News citation|date=2022-03-08|title=450 Arab and foreign extremists from Idlib arrive in Ukraine|url=https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/450-arab-and-foreign-extremists-from-idlib-arrive-in-ukraine}}</ref><ref>{{News citation|date=2022-03-13|title=Al Qaeda Fighters Join Ukraine|url=https://youtu.be/BJFHxsS23Sw}}</ref>

On March 7, Mikhail and Aleksander Kononovich, members of the [[Leninist Communist Youth Union of Ukraine|Komsomol of Ukraine]], were arrested by Ukrainian authorities and imprisoned in [[Kiev]].<ref>{{News citation|date=2022-03-13|title=Ukraine: Communist Youth Union members beaten badly, remain detained in Kiev|url=http://www.idcommunism.com/2022/03/ukraine-communist-youth-union-members-beaten-badly-remain-detained-in-kiev.html|newspaper=In Defense of Communism|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220313015316/http://www.idcommunism.com/2022/03/ukraine-communist-youth-union-members-beaten-badly-remain-detained-in-kiev.html|archive-date=2022-03-13|retrieved=2022-03-20}}</ref>

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, Ukraine has lost 23 thousand soldiers during the conflict,<ref>{{News citation|newspaper=RUSSIAN NEWS AGENCY|title=Russian Defense Ministry to publish data on military deaths from Ukrainian documents|date=2022-4-16|url=https://tass.com/defense/1438729?utm_source=en.wikipedia.org&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=en.wikipedia.org&utm_referrer=en.wikipedia.org}}</ref> however, the Ukrainian Government claims merely 10 thousand of its solders have been lost during the conflict.<ref>{{News citation|author=Claire Heald|newspaper=BBC|title=10,000 Ukrainian soldiers killed, Kyiv says|date=2022-6-11|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-europe-61764008?ns_mchannel=social&ns_source=twitter&ns_campaign=bbc_live&ns_linkname=62a45eb8a48d0547a34bfcc2%2610%2C000%20Ukrainian%20soldiers%20killed%2C%20Kyiv%20says%262022-06-11T11%3A28%3A41.032Z&ns_fee=0&pinned_post_locator=urn:asset:a87e683d-139b-43c4-9e75-e63f285d618c&pinned_post_asset_id=62a45eb8a48d0547a34bfcc2&pinned_post_type=share}}</ref>

== Reactions ==
[[File:UN General Assembly ES-11-1.svg|thumb|UN General Assembly resolution ES-11/1 demanding immediate Russian withdrawal from Ukraine.Green: ForYellow: Abstained

Red: Against]]
[[File:US support for Ukraine poll.png|thumb|Perceived reasons for U.S. support for Ukraine by country.]]
[[File:EU support for Ukraine.png|thumb|Perceived reasons for [[European Union|EU]] support for Ukraine by country.]]
[[File:Ukraine war poll.png|thumb|Most Westerners want to prolong the war in order for Ukraine to retake all lost territory while people from Russia and the [[Global South]] want the war to end as soon as possible.]]
[[File:Russia strength poll.png|thumb|People from [[Republic of India|India]], [[Republic of Turkey|Turkey]], and [[People's Republic of China|China]] believe the war made Russia look stronger while Westerners believe it made Russia look weaker.]]

=== From the West ===
All major [[Imperialism|imperialist]] countries, such as [[United States of America|United States]], [[United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland|United Kingdom]], [[Canada]], [[Japan]], and most [[European Union]] countries sanctioned since Russia began their military operations on February 24,<ref>{{News citation|journalist=Al Jazeera Staff|date=2022-03-03|title=List of sanctions against Russia after it invaded Ukraine|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/2/25/list-of-sanctions-on-russia-after-invasion|newspaper=[[Al Jazeera]]|retrieved=2022-03-08}}</ref> and as a result, it became the most sanctioned economy in the world.<ref>{{News citation|journalist=Nick Wadhams|date=2022-03-07|title=Russia is now the world's most-sanctioned nation|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-03-07/russia-surges-past-iran-to-become-world-s-most-sanctioned-nation|retrieved=2022-03-09}}</ref> On March 7th, twenty Russian [[Bourgeoisie|capitalists]] were also sanctioned by Japan.<ref>{{News citation|date=2022-03-07|title=Japan sanctions 20 more Russian businessmen, officials — MFA|url=https://tass.com/world/1418497|newspaper=Russian News Agency TASS|retrieved=2022-03-10}}</ref> The Russian government compiled a list of countries who have taken hostile actions against the country.<ref>{{News citation|date=2022-03-07|title=Russian government approves list of unfriendly countries and territories|url=https://tass.com/politics/1418197|newspaper=Russian News Agency TASS}}</ref>

79% of French people blame the USA and/or NATO for starting the war, and 46% blame Putin or Russia. In Germany, 51% of people blame the USA or NATO and 29% blame Putin or Russia. The French poll allowed people to blame both sides, but the German poll only allowed one choice.<ref>{{Web citation|author=[[Ben Norton]]|newspaper=[[Geopolitical Economy Report]]|title=USA & NATO responsible for Ukraine war, German & French public say in poll|date=2023-08-21|url=https://geopoliticaleconomy.com/2023/08/21/us-nato-responsible-ukraine-war-germany-france-poll/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230908122732/https://geopoliticaleconomy.com/2023/08/21/us-nato-responsible-ukraine-war-germany-france-poll/|archive-date=2023-09-08}}</ref>

=== From the Global South ===
[[State of Eritrea|Eritrea]], [[Islamic Republic of Iran|Iran]], [[Republic of Nicaragua|Nicaragua]], [[Republic of South Africa|South Africa]], and [[Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela|Venezuela]] blamed NATO for the war. [[Republic of India|India]], [[Mexican United States|Mexico]], [[Islamic Republic of Pakistan|Pakistan]], and many other [[Global North and South|Global South]] countries remained neutral, including over a dozen countries in [[Africa]]. [[Mahathir Mohamad]], the former president of [[Malaysia]], said that the conflict was caused by "Europeans' love of war".<ref name=":2">{{Web citation|author=[[Ben Norton]]|newspaper=[[Geopolitical Economy Report]]|title=Many Global South countries blame US/NATO for Ukraine war, not Russia|date=2022-03-28|url=https://geopoliticaleconomy.com/2022/03/28/global-south-blame-us-nato-ukraine-war-russia/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230306064126/https://geopoliticaleconomy.com/2022/03/28/global-south-blame-us-nato-ukraine-war-russia/|archive-date=2023-03-06|retrieved=2023-04-02}}</ref>

=== From communist movements ===

==== Ruling ====
The [[Communist Party of Cuba]] released a statement calling for a solution that guarantees security and sovereignty for all, describing NATO's progressive expansion as a military siege.<ref>{{News citation|date=2022-02-28|title=“Cuba advocates a solution that guarantees the security and sovereignty of all”|url=https://en.granma.cu/cuba/2022-02-28/cuba-advocates-a-solution-that-guarantees-the-security-and-sovereignty-of-all|newspaper=Granma|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228164107/https://en.granma.cu/cuba/2022-02-28/cuba-advocates-a-solution-that-guarantees-the-security-and-sovereignty-of-all|archive-date=2022-02-28}}</ref>

The [[Democratic People's Republic of Korea]] backed Russia's actions in Ukraine and claimed that US provocations and military aggression are entirely to blame for the present situation.<ref>{{News citation|date=2022-02-26|title=The U.S. Should Not Shake International Peace and Stability at the Basis|url=http://www.mfa.gov.kp/view/article/14444|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220227002204/http://www.mfa.gov.kp/view/article/14444|archive-date=2022-02-27}}</ref>

[[People's Republic of China|China]] and [[Socialist Republic of Vietnam|Vietnam]] have both remained neutral while maintaining friendly relations with Russia.<ref name=":2" />

==== Non-ruling ====
The [[Communist Party of the Russian Federation]] has expressed support for Putin's aims to denazify and demilitarize Ukraine, while also calling for the strengthening of local self-government.<ref>{{News citation|date=2022-03-02|title=The Response to External Pressure Must Be a Radical Change of International Policy|url=https://cprf.ru/2022/03/the-response-to-external-pressure-must-be-a-radical-change-of-international-policy/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220302144216/https://cprf.ru/2022/03/the-response-to-external-pressure-must-be-a-radical-change-of-international-policy/|archive-date=2022-03-02}}</ref>

The [[Party for Socialism and Liberation]] in the United States has made a statement describing how the intervention was the result of NATO provocations against Russia.<ref>{{News citation|journalist=Party for Socialism and Liberation|date=2022-02-24|title=PSL Statement on Russia’s Military Intervention in Ukraine|url=https://telegra.ph/PSL-Statement-on-Russias-Military-Intervention-in-Ukraine-02-25|newspaper=Liberation News}}</ref>

The [[Communist Party of Britain]], while opposing NATO expansion, called Russia's military offensive unjustified and demanded a withdrawal of troops. It also pointed out that the unilateral Russian recognition of the DPR and LPR undermines the founding principles of the [[United Nations|UN]] and gives imperialist powers an excuse to abuse such methods against other nations.<ref>{{News citation|title=Stop the war - start the peace|url=https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/stop-war-start-peace|newspaper=Morning Star|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228090419/https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/stop-war-start-peace|archive-date=2022-02-28}}</ref><ref>{{News citation|title=For peace and a just solution to the conflict in Ukraine|url=https://www.communistparty.org.uk/for-peace-and-a-just-solution-to-the-conflict-in-ukraine/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301190552/https://www.communistparty.org.uk/for-peace-and-a-just-solution-to-the-conflict-in-ukraine/|archive-date=2022-03-01}}</ref> It supported the [[Stop the War Coalition]]'s call for the withdrawal of Russian troops.<ref>{{News citation|title=Yes, Russia should pull out — but Nato's warlike manoeuvres must end too|url=https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/e/yes-russia-should-pull-out-natos-warlike-manoeuvres-must-end-too|newspaper=Morning Star|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220222194209/https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/e/yes-russia-should-pull-out-natos-warlike-manoeuvres-must-end-too|archive-date=2022-02-22}}</ref>

The [[Socialist Labour Party (UK)|Socialist Labour Party]] said the conflict can be resolved quickly, but only with a neutral Ukraine. It criticized the Communist Party of Britain's ''[[Morning Star]]'' in its recent coverage of Ukraine.<ref>{{News citation|journalist=Arthur Scargill|title=Scargill's reply to the Morning Star|url=https://www.socialistlabourparty.org/post/scargill-s-reply-to-the-morning-star|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220307195208/https://www.socialistlabourparty.org/post/scargill-s-reply-to-the-morning-star|archive-date=2022-03-07}}</ref>

The [[Communist Party of Great Britain (Marxist–Leninist)]], on the basis that NATO has been conducting a three decade long slow-motion war against Russia, welcomed Russia's military challenge to NATO. It called denazification the surest way to peace.<ref name=":0">{{News citation|date=2022-03-01|title=Kiev junta facing defeat as Russia roots out fascist militias from Ukraine|url=https://thecommunists.org/2022/03/01/news/ukraine-kiev-junta-facing-defeat-russia-roots-out-fascist-militias/|newspaper=Proletarian|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301214648/https://thecommunists.org/2022/03/01/news/ukraine-kiev-junta-facing-defeat-russia-roots-out-fascist-militias/|archive-date=2022-03-01}}</ref> The party criticized Stop the War's platforming of activists calling for imperialist escalation, as well as its call for a Russian withdrawal.<ref>{{News citation|date=2022-03-08|title=Renegacy of Stop the War on display once again at ‘antiwar’ events|url=https://thecommunists.org/2022/03/08/news/stop-the-war-renegacy-exposed-again-antiwar-movement-corbyn/|newspaper=Proletarian|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220308172322/https://thecommunists.org/2022/03/08/news/stop-the-war-renegacy-exposed-again-antiwar-movement-corbyn/|archive-date=2022-03-08}}</ref> It welcomes Russia's recognition of the DPR and LPR.<ref name=":0" />

The [[Portuguese Communist Party]] expressed its deep concern about developments in the situation in Eastern Europe, the current situation and that its recent developments are inseparable from decades of political tension and growing confrontation between the USA and NATO against the Russian Federation, on the military, economic and political planes, in which the continuous enlargement of NATO and the systematic advance of the installation of military assets and contingents of this political-military bloc increasingly closer to the borders of the Russian Federation. Calling for a solution that guarantees security and sovereignty for all, describing NATO's progressive expansion as a provocation.

"The situation in Ukraine cannot but be dissociated from the 2014 coup d'état, promoted by the USA, NATO and the EU, carried out by fascist groups, and which led to the imposition of a xenophobic and warmongering regime, whose violent action is responsible by the worsening of fractures and divisions, by the discrimination and denial of fundamental rights and citizenship of the population, and by the outbreak of war in that country. The PCP reaffirms the need to develop initiatives that contribute to de-escalation and that favor a process of dialogue with a view to a peaceful solution to the conflict, as well as the promotion of peace and security."<ref>{{Web citation|author=PCP|newspaper=pcp.pt|title=Sobre os recentes desenvolvimentos no Leste da Europa|date=2022-02-22|url=https://www.pcp.pt/sobre-recentes-desenvolvimentos-no-leste-da-europa}}</ref>

==Information warfare==
===Censorship===
In response to the crisis, Western governments and corporations have been actively censoring voices that promote alternative narratives, notably those emerging from Russia or Russia-aligned states. [[Reddit]] has banned links to Russian media.<ref>{{News citation|journalist=Todd Spangler|date=2022-03-03|title=Reddit Bans Links to Russian State Media Across Entire Site|url=https://variety.com/2022/digital/news/reddit-bans-links-to-russian-state-media-1235195612/|newspaper=Variety}}</ref> The previously uncensored [[search engine]] [[DuckDuckGo]] began censoring Russian news outlets because of the war.<ref name=":1">{{News citation|title=Alternative Search Engine DuckDuckGo Will Censor Sites ‘Associated With Russian Disinformation’|url=https://www.visiontimes.com/2022/03/10/duckduckgo-information-censorship-russia-ukraine-war.html|newspaper=Vision Times}}</ref>

In an effort to help netizens circumvent Western propaganda about the situation, ProleWiki has collected information about [[Alternative social media platforms|alternative social media sites]].
===Propaganda===
The [[Government of the United States of America|US government]] has been briefing [[TikTok]] influencers to promote the NATO/US narrative.<ref>{{News citation|journalist=Sara Cook|date=2022-03-11|title=White House briefs social media influencers on Ukraine crisis|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ukraine-russia-tiktok-white-house/|newspaper=CBS News}}</ref><ref>{{News citation|journalist=[[Richard Medhurst]]|date=2022-03-12|title=CRINGE! White House Hires TikTokers to Spread Anti-Russian Propaganda|url=https://youtu.be/Qs7FjpeaXuE}}</ref>
==References==
<references />
[[Category:Conflicts]]
[[Category:2022 Russo-Ukrainian conflict]]
[[Category:History of Ukraine]]
[[Category:History of Russia]]

2022 Russo-Ukrainian conflict

2023-09-14T20:22:56Z

SeventyTwoTrillion: Added a general overview of the military events in the conflict.

{{Message box/currentevent}}{{Infobox military conflict|combatant1={{icon|Flag of Russia.svg}}[[Russian Federation]] {{icon|Flag of DPR.jpg}}[[DPR]] (February–September 2022) {{icon|Flag of LPR.svg}}[[LPR]] (February–September 2022) '''Supported by:''' {{icon|Flag of Belarus.png}}[[Belarus]]|conflict=Russian Special Military Operation|combatant2={{icon|Flag of Ukraine.svg}}[[Ukraine]] '''Supported by:''' {{icon|Flag of NATO.png}}[[NATO]]|date=24 February 2022|place=Ukraine and [[Donbass]]|units1=Russian-Separatist Forces [[Russian Armed Forces]]|units2=[[Armed Forces of Ukraine]] [[National Guard of Ukraine]] Irregular Forces Foreign Volunteers|result=Ongoing|image=Special Military Operation Image.jpg}}

The '''2022 Russo-Ukrainian conflict''' is a proxy conflict between [[NATO]] and the [[Russian Federation]] taking place in [[Ukraine]], backed by the imperialist [[United States of America|United States]]. The conflict began with Russian military operations in 24 February 2022 with an incursion on Ukrainian-administered territory.<ref>{{News citation|date=2022-02-24|title=Russia invades Ukraine: Political, military leaders' reactions|url=https://www.reuters.com/markets/europe/leaders-key-quotes-after-russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24/|newspaper=Reuters|retrieved=2022-03-10}}</ref> The imperialist US and [[European Union|EU]] camp is sacrificing Ukraine to 'weaken Russia' according to a former NATO advisor.<ref>{{News citation|author=[[Aaron Mate]]|newspaper=[[The Grayzone]]|title=US, EU sacrificing Ukraine to ‘weaken Russia’: fmr. NATO adviser|date=2022-04-15|url=https://thegrayzone.com/2022/04/15/us-eu-sacrificing-ukraine-to-weaken-russia-fmr-nato-adviser/}}</ref> The prominent [[French Republic|French]] intellectual [[Emmanuel Todd]] has argued that the war in Ukraine is the beginning of the [[Third World War]].<ref>{{Web citation|author=[[Ben Norton]]|newspaper=[[Geopolitical Economy Report]]|title=‘World War 3 has already started’ between US and Russia/China, argues French scholar|date=2023-01-14|url=https://geopoliticaleconomy.com/2023/01/14/world-war-3-us-russia-china-emmanuel-todd/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230118161028/https://geopoliticaleconomy.com/2023/01/14/world-war-3-us-russia-china-emmanuel-todd/|archive-date=2023-01-18|retrieved=2023-01-22}}</ref>

In 2014, the US installed a pro-Western government through the [[2014 Ukrainian coup d'etat|Euromaidan coup]],<ref>{{News citation|title=How and Why the US Government Perpetrated the 2014 Coup in Ukraine|url=https://www.strategic-culture.org/news/2018/06/03/how-why-us-government-perpetrated-2014-coup-ukraine/}}</ref> which resulted in the rise of [[neo-Nazism]] in Ukraine.<ref>{{News citation|date=2018-03-19|title=Commentary: Ukraine’s neo-Nazi problem|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-cohen-ukraine-commentary-idUSKBN1GV2TY}}</ref><ref>{{News citation|date=2022-03-14|title=Ukrainian Jewish Committee: Our government encourages the glorification of Nazi collaborators|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wU2wOLvWik|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220323123229/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wU2wOLvWik|archive-date=2022-03-23|quote=Our government encourages glorification of Nazi collaborators, mass-murderers, and murderers of Jews. Literally, there are hundreds of monuments, streets, named after killers of Jews. [...] We have anti-Semitic incidents every day. There is vandalism of mass graves - Holocaust mass graves. Vandalism on Jewish monuments. Sholem Aleichem latest - was vandalised with swastikas in Kiev, central Kiev.}}</ref> The most prominent neo-Nazi group in Ukraine is the [[Azov Battalion]], a former paramilitary group that terrorised the [[Donbass]] since 2014 and was officially incorporated into the Armed Forces of Ukraine during the conflict. This right-wing pro-West government maintained hostilities towards ethnic Russians in the Donbass region of Ukraine.<ref>{{News citation|date=2022-02-17|title=Ethnic Russians in eastern Ukraine say attacked by govt. forces|url=https://parstoday.com/en/news/world-i166324-ethnic_russians_in_eastern_ukraine_say_attacked_by_govt._forces}}</ref> These hostilities led to the separatist movements to establish the [[Luhansk People's Republic]] and the [[Donetsk People's Republic]], which were later annexed into the Russian Federation as of 30 September 2022.

The conflict began with a massive missile barrage across Ukraine in the first hours and days. Russia rapidly advanced across Ukraine, with forces coming from the Belarusian border, Crimea, and the Donbass, seizing approximately a quarter of Ukrainian territory in two months. The war then transitioned into attrition, with relatively slow Russian advances taking the cities of Mariupol and Severodonetsk in the spring and summer. In September 2022, Ukraine launched its first successful counteroffensive which retook all of Russian-occupied Kharkov and a section of Lugansk oblast. Russian forces west of the Dnieper River in Kherson oblast retreated in October. The winter of 2022 and spring of 2023 saw few territorial changes, as Russia and Ukraine fought a grinding attritional battle over the city of Bakhmut in Donetsk oblast, and Russia constructed substantial defenses in Zaporozhye oblast. Russia had consolidated control over Bakhmut by the end of May 2023. At the beginning of June 2023, Ukraine launched its long-awaited counteroffensive against Russian forces in Zaporozhye. As of September 2023, three months after the Ukrainian counteroffensive began, Ukraine has failed to make substantial progress against Russian defences.

Since the beginning of the conflict, at least 61,207 Ukrainian troops were killed and 49,368 wounded up to 21 September 2022 according to the Russian Ministry of Defense. The number of Russian troops killed amount to 5,397.<ref>{{Web citation|newspaper=RT|title=Russia reveals military losses in Ukraine|date=2022-09-21|url=https://www.rt.com/russia/563213-ukraine-donbass-military-losses/|retrieved=2022-09-22|quote="Initially, the Armed Forces of Ukraine amounted to between 201,000 and 202,000 people, and since then they have suffered losses of around 100,000, with 61,207 killed and 49,368 others wounded," [Minister of Defense Sergei Shoigu] said.}}</ref> In addition, over 7 million refugees have fled Ukraine. Of these, over 2.8 million have fled to Russia, which has taken in more refugees than any other country.<ref>{{Web citation|newspaper=UN Refugee Agency|title=Ukraine Refugee Situation|date=2022-11-17|url=https://data.unhcr.org/en/situations/ukraine|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221116022311/https://data.unhcr.org/en/situations/ukraine|archive-date=2022-11-17|retrieved=2022-11-17}}</ref>
==Timeline==
===Background===
In 1990, in a meeting between [[United States of America|United States]] secretary of state [[James Baker]] and [[Mikhail Gorbachev]], the US official guaranteed that "not an inch of NATO’s present military jurisdiction will spread in an eastern direction."<ref>{{News citation|journalist=Svetlana Savranskaya & Tom Blanton|date=2017-12-12|title=NATO expansion: what Gorbachev heard|url=https://nsarchive.gwu.edu/briefing-book/russia-programs/2017-12-12/nato-expansion-what-gorbachev-heard-western-leaders-early|newspaper=National Security Archive}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|author=[[James Baker]], [[Mikhail Gorbachev|Mikhail Gorbachyov]]|year=1990|title=Memorandum of conversation between Mikhail Gorbachev and James Baker in Moscow|title-url=https://nsarchive.gwu.edu/document/16116-document-05-memorandum-conversation-between|page=6|quote=Baker: We understand the need for assurances to the countries in the East. If we maintain a presence in Germany that is part of NATO, there would be no extension of NATO's jurisdiction for forces of NATO one inch to the east.|pdf=https://nsarchive.gwu.edu/sites/default/files/documents/4325679/Document-05-Memorandum-of-conversation-between.pdf|publisher=National Security Archive}}</ref>

While Russia was distracted with the Sochi Olympics, the US supported the [[2014 Ukrainian coup d'etat|Maidan coup]] which overthrew recently re-elected anti-NATO president [[Viktor Yanukovych]] and replaced him with a [[Far-right politics|far-right]], pro-[[Imperial core|Western]] government. In response to this coup, [[Crimea|Crimeans]] voted overwhelmingly in favour of seceding from Ukraine and joining into the Russian Federation.<ref>{{News citation|title=Crimeans vote overwhelmingly to secede from Ukraine, join Russia|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/crimeans-vote-overwhelmingly-to-secede-from-ukraine-join-russia/}}</ref>

[[Donetsk People's Republic (2014–2022)|Donetsk]] and [[Luhansk People's Republic|Luhansk]] also seceded. These breakaway republics were locked in war with the Ukrainian army, which included outright [[National Socialism|Nazi]] regiments like the Azov battalion.

[[Russell Bentley]] predicted that US president [[Joe Biden]] was seeking to reignite a dirty war in Ukraine with his support for the Nazi fanatics.<ref>{{News citation|journalist=[[Russell Bentley]]|date=2021-10-12|title=Is Biden Looking to Reignite a Dirty War in Ukraine? Recent Visit by U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin Raises Concerns|url=https://covertactionmagazine.com/2021/11/12/is-biden-looking-to-reignite-a-dirty-war-in-ukraine-recent-visit-by-u-s-defense-secretary-lloyd-austin-raises-concerns/|newspaper=[[CovertAction Magazine]]}}</ref>
===Crisis===
Tensions rose sharply in 2021 when the Brussels summit of the [[North Atlantic Treaty Organization]] (NATO) reiterated that Ukraine would become aligned with NATO,<ref>{{News citation|date=2021-04-14|title=Brussels Summit Communiqué|url=https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/news_185000.htm|newspaper=NATO|quote=We reiterate the decision made at the 2008 Bucharest Summit that Ukraine will become a member of the Alliance with the Membership Action Plan (MAP) as an integral part of the process; we reaffirm all elements of that decision, as well as subsequent decisions, including that each partner will be judged on its own merits.}}</ref> sparking outrage from Russian officials who considered the expansion of NATO a threat of their national security.<ref>{{News citation|date=2022-01-16|title=NATO expansion one of main threats to Russia’s national security - ambassador|url=https://tass.com/russia/1388653|newspaper=Russian News Agency TASS|retrieved=2022-01-24|quote="After the collapse of the USSR, the security situation in Europe deteriorated sharply. Five ‘waves’ of NATO expansion have brought the Alliance States forces closer to our borders," [the Russian ambassador to the United States Anatoly Antonov] stated. "NATO is constantly building up its offensive potential, demonstrating military force along the perimeter of the Russian territory. [...]}}</ref> Russia began to build up troops closer to their borders, demanding that NATO stop its expansion towards Russia.<ref>{{News citation|date=2022-02-18|title=West promised not to expand NATO|url=https://www.rt.com/news/549921-nato-expansion-russia-document/|newspaper=[[RT (TV Network)|RT]]}}</ref>

The [[bourgeois media]] of the [[United States of America|United States]] has been hypocritically feigning support for the citizens of Ukraine while completely disregarding the humanity of those who suffer under their own heinous wars.<ref>{{News citation|journalist=[[Richard Medhurst]]|title=Hypocrisy of the West Is Unbelievable" {{!}} Richard Medhurst on Ukraine|url=https://youtu.be/lwkMBge05IA}}</ref><ref>{{News citation|journalist=Daniel McAdams|date=2022-02-25|title=Washington's Crocodile Tears Over Ukraine's Destruction|url=http://ronpaulinstitute.org/archives/featured-articles/2022/february/25/washingtons-crocodile-tears-over-ukraines-destruction/|newspaper=Ron Paul Institute}}</ref>

Former UN inspector [[Scott Ritter]] has said that NATO is too weak to face Russia.<ref>{{News citation|journalist=[[Richard Medhurst]]|date=2022-02-24|title=NATO Too Weak to Face Russia: Scott Ritter on Russian Offensive|url=https://youtu.be/3GkmdCaBECs}}</ref>

Germany violated its recent pattern of neutrality by sending weapons to Ukraine.<ref>{{News citation|journalist=[[Richard Medhurst]]|date=2022-03-02|title=Germany Sends Weapons to Ukraine, Breaks with Neutrality|url=https://www.rokfin.com/post/76665?utm_medium=Email&utm_source=Campaign&utm_campaign=New+Post+Email|newspaper=[[Rokfin]]}}</ref>

During diplomatic talks, Ukraine and Russia have agreed upon humanitarian corridors to allow displaced persons to flee war zones safely.<ref>{{News citation|title=Ukraine says talks with Russia agreed on humanitarian corridors|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-says-talks-with-russia-agreed-humanitarian-corridors-2022-03-03/|newspaper=Reuters}}</ref>

Al Qaeda, Hyatt Tahrir al-Sham, and other islamist jihadist groups are joining alongside Ukrainian neo-Nazis to fight against the Russians, eerily similar to their original task in Operation Cyclone.<ref>{{News citation|date=2022-03-08|title=450 Arab and foreign extremists from Idlib arrive in Ukraine|url=https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/450-arab-and-foreign-extremists-from-idlib-arrive-in-ukraine}}</ref><ref>{{News citation|date=2022-03-13|title=Al Qaeda Fighters Join Ukraine|url=https://youtu.be/BJFHxsS23Sw}}</ref>

On March 7, Mikhail and Aleksander Kononovich, members of the [[Leninist Communist Youth Union of Ukraine|Komsomol of Ukraine]], were arrested by Ukrainian authorities and imprisoned in [[Kiev]].<ref>{{News citation|date=2022-03-13|title=Ukraine: Communist Youth Union members beaten badly, remain detained in Kiev|url=http://www.idcommunism.com/2022/03/ukraine-communist-youth-union-members-beaten-badly-remain-detained-in-kiev.html|newspaper=In Defense of Communism|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220313015316/http://www.idcommunism.com/2022/03/ukraine-communist-youth-union-members-beaten-badly-remain-detained-in-kiev.html|archive-date=2022-03-13|retrieved=2022-03-20}}</ref>

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, Ukraine has lost 23 thousand soldiers during the conflict,<ref>{{News citation|newspaper=RUSSIAN NEWS AGENCY|title=Russian Defense Ministry to publish data on military deaths from Ukrainian documents|date=2022-4-16|url=https://tass.com/defense/1438729?utm_source=en.wikipedia.org&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=en.wikipedia.org&utm_referrer=en.wikipedia.org}}</ref> however, the Ukrainian Government claims merely 10 thousand of its solders have been lost during the conflict.<ref>{{News citation|author=Claire Heald|newspaper=BBC|title=10,000 Ukrainian soldiers killed, Kyiv says|date=2022-6-11|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-europe-61764008?ns_mchannel=social&ns_source=twitter&ns_campaign=bbc_live&ns_linkname=62a45eb8a48d0547a34bfcc2%2610%2C000%20Ukrainian%20soldiers%20killed%2C%20Kyiv%20says%262022-06-11T11%3A28%3A41.032Z&ns_fee=0&pinned_post_locator=urn:asset:a87e683d-139b-43c4-9e75-e63f285d618c&pinned_post_asset_id=62a45eb8a48d0547a34bfcc2&pinned_post_type=share}}</ref>

== Reactions ==
[[File:UN General Assembly ES-11-1.svg|thumb|UN General Assembly resolution ES-11/1 demanding immediate Russian withdrawal from Ukraine.Green: ForYellow: Abstained

Red: Against]]
[[File:US support for Ukraine poll.png|thumb|Perceived reasons for U.S. support for Ukraine by country.]]
[[File:EU support for Ukraine.png|thumb|Perceived reasons for [[European Union|EU]] support for Ukraine by country.]]
[[File:Ukraine war poll.png|thumb|Most Westerners want to prolong the war in order for Ukraine to retake all lost territory while people from Russia and the [[Global South]] want the war to end as soon as possible.]]
[[File:Russia strength poll.png|thumb|People from [[Republic of India|India]], [[Republic of Turkey|Turkey]], and [[People's Republic of China|China]] believe the war made Russia look stronger while Westerners believe it made Russia look weaker.]]

=== From the West ===
All major [[Imperialism|imperialist]] countries, such as [[United States of America|United States]], [[United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland|United Kingdom]], [[Canada]], [[Japan]], and most [[European Union]] countries sanctioned since Russia began their military operations on February 24,<ref>{{News citation|journalist=Al Jazeera Staff|date=2022-03-03|title=List of sanctions against Russia after it invaded Ukraine|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/2/25/list-of-sanctions-on-russia-after-invasion|newspaper=[[Al Jazeera]]|retrieved=2022-03-08}}</ref> and as a result, it became the most sanctioned economy in the world.<ref>{{News citation|journalist=Nick Wadhams|date=2022-03-07|title=Russia is now the world's most-sanctioned nation|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-03-07/russia-surges-past-iran-to-become-world-s-most-sanctioned-nation|retrieved=2022-03-09}}</ref> On March 7th, twenty Russian [[Bourgeoisie|capitalists]] were also sanctioned by Japan.<ref>{{News citation|date=2022-03-07|title=Japan sanctions 20 more Russian businessmen, officials — MFA|url=https://tass.com/world/1418497|newspaper=Russian News Agency TASS|retrieved=2022-03-10}}</ref> The Russian government compiled a list of countries who have taken hostile actions against the country.<ref>{{News citation|date=2022-03-07|title=Russian government approves list of unfriendly countries and territories|url=https://tass.com/politics/1418197|newspaper=Russian News Agency TASS}}</ref>

79% of French people blame the USA and/or NATO for starting the war, and 46% blame Putin or Russia. In Germany, 51% of people blame the USA or NATO and 29% blame Putin or Russia. The French poll allowed people to blame both sides, but the German poll only allowed one choice.<ref>{{Web citation|author=[[Ben Norton]]|newspaper=[[Geopolitical Economy Report]]|title=USA & NATO responsible for Ukraine war, German & French public say in poll|date=2023-08-21|url=https://geopoliticaleconomy.com/2023/08/21/us-nato-responsible-ukraine-war-germany-france-poll/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230908122732/https://geopoliticaleconomy.com/2023/08/21/us-nato-responsible-ukraine-war-germany-france-poll/|archive-date=2023-09-08}}</ref>

=== From the Global South ===
[[State of Eritrea|Eritrea]], [[Islamic Republic of Iran|Iran]], [[Republic of Nicaragua|Nicaragua]], [[Republic of South Africa|South Africa]], and [[Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela|Venezuela]] blamed NATO for the war. [[Republic of India|India]], [[Mexican United States|Mexico]], [[Islamic Republic of Pakistan|Pakistan]], and many other [[Global North and South|Global South]] countries remained neutral, including over a dozen countries in [[Africa]]. [[Mahathir Mohamad]], the former president of [[Malaysia]], said that the conflict was caused by "Europeans' love of war".<ref name=":2">{{Web citation|author=[[Ben Norton]]|newspaper=[[Geopolitical Economy Report]]|title=Many Global South countries blame US/NATO for Ukraine war, not Russia|date=2022-03-28|url=https://geopoliticaleconomy.com/2022/03/28/global-south-blame-us-nato-ukraine-war-russia/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230306064126/https://geopoliticaleconomy.com/2022/03/28/global-south-blame-us-nato-ukraine-war-russia/|archive-date=2023-03-06|retrieved=2023-04-02}}</ref>

=== From communist movements ===

==== Ruling ====
The [[Communist Party of Cuba]] released a statement calling for a solution that guarantees security and sovereignty for all, describing NATO's progressive expansion as a military siege.<ref>{{News citation|date=2022-02-28|title=“Cuba advocates a solution that guarantees the security and sovereignty of all”|url=https://en.granma.cu/cuba/2022-02-28/cuba-advocates-a-solution-that-guarantees-the-security-and-sovereignty-of-all|newspaper=Granma|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228164107/https://en.granma.cu/cuba/2022-02-28/cuba-advocates-a-solution-that-guarantees-the-security-and-sovereignty-of-all|archive-date=2022-02-28}}</ref>

The [[Democratic People's Republic of Korea]] backed Russia's actions in Ukraine and claimed that US provocations and military aggression are entirely to blame for the present situation.<ref>{{News citation|date=2022-02-26|title=The U.S. Should Not Shake International Peace and Stability at the Basis|url=http://www.mfa.gov.kp/view/article/14444|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220227002204/http://www.mfa.gov.kp/view/article/14444|archive-date=2022-02-27}}</ref>

[[People's Republic of China|China]] and [[Socialist Republic of Vietnam|Vietnam]] have both remained neutral while maintaining friendly relations with Russia.<ref name=":2" />

==== Non-ruling ====
The [[Communist Party of the Russian Federation]] has expressed support for Putin's aims to denazify and demilitarize Ukraine, while also calling for the strengthening of local self-government.<ref>{{News citation|date=2022-03-02|title=The Response to External Pressure Must Be a Radical Change of International Policy|url=https://cprf.ru/2022/03/the-response-to-external-pressure-must-be-a-radical-change-of-international-policy/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220302144216/https://cprf.ru/2022/03/the-response-to-external-pressure-must-be-a-radical-change-of-international-policy/|archive-date=2022-03-02}}</ref>

The [[Party for Socialism and Liberation]] in the United States has made a statement describing how the intervention was the result of NATO provocations against Russia.<ref>{{News citation|journalist=Party for Socialism and Liberation|date=2022-02-24|title=PSL Statement on Russia’s Military Intervention in Ukraine|url=https://telegra.ph/PSL-Statement-on-Russias-Military-Intervention-in-Ukraine-02-25|newspaper=Liberation News}}</ref>

The [[Communist Party of Britain]], while opposing NATO expansion, called Russia's military offensive unjustified and demanded a withdrawal of troops. It also pointed out that the unilateral Russian recognition of the DPR and LPR undermines the founding principles of the [[United Nations|UN]] and gives imperialist powers an excuse to abuse such methods against other nations.<ref>{{News citation|title=Stop the war - start the peace|url=https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/stop-war-start-peace|newspaper=Morning Star|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228090419/https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/stop-war-start-peace|archive-date=2022-02-28}}</ref><ref>{{News citation|title=For peace and a just solution to the conflict in Ukraine|url=https://www.communistparty.org.uk/for-peace-and-a-just-solution-to-the-conflict-in-ukraine/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301190552/https://www.communistparty.org.uk/for-peace-and-a-just-solution-to-the-conflict-in-ukraine/|archive-date=2022-03-01}}</ref> It supported the [[Stop the War Coalition]]'s call for the withdrawal of Russian troops.<ref>{{News citation|title=Yes, Russia should pull out — but Nato's warlike manoeuvres must end too|url=https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/e/yes-russia-should-pull-out-natos-warlike-manoeuvres-must-end-too|newspaper=Morning Star|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220222194209/https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/e/yes-russia-should-pull-out-natos-warlike-manoeuvres-must-end-too|archive-date=2022-02-22}}</ref>

The [[Socialist Labour Party (UK)|Socialist Labour Party]] said the conflict can be resolved quickly, but only with a neutral Ukraine. It criticized the Communist Party of Britain's ''[[Morning Star]]'' in its recent coverage of Ukraine.<ref>{{News citation|journalist=Arthur Scargill|title=Scargill's reply to the Morning Star|url=https://www.socialistlabourparty.org/post/scargill-s-reply-to-the-morning-star|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220307195208/https://www.socialistlabourparty.org/post/scargill-s-reply-to-the-morning-star|archive-date=2022-03-07}}</ref>

The [[Communist Party of Great Britain (Marxist–Leninist)]], on the basis that NATO has been conducting a three decade long slow-motion war against Russia, welcomed Russia's military challenge to NATO. It called denazification the surest way to peace.<ref name=":0">{{News citation|date=2022-03-01|title=Kiev junta facing defeat as Russia roots out fascist militias from Ukraine|url=https://thecommunists.org/2022/03/01/news/ukraine-kiev-junta-facing-defeat-russia-roots-out-fascist-militias/|newspaper=Proletarian|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301214648/https://thecommunists.org/2022/03/01/news/ukraine-kiev-junta-facing-defeat-russia-roots-out-fascist-militias/|archive-date=2022-03-01}}</ref> The party criticized Stop the War's platforming of activists calling for imperialist escalation, as well as its call for a Russian withdrawal.<ref>{{News citation|date=2022-03-08|title=Renegacy of Stop the War on display once again at ‘antiwar’ events|url=https://thecommunists.org/2022/03/08/news/stop-the-war-renegacy-exposed-again-antiwar-movement-corbyn/|newspaper=Proletarian|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220308172322/https://thecommunists.org/2022/03/08/news/stop-the-war-renegacy-exposed-again-antiwar-movement-corbyn/|archive-date=2022-03-08}}</ref> It welcomes Russia's recognition of the DPR and LPR.<ref name=":0" />

The [[Portuguese Communist Party]] expressed its deep concern about developments in the situation in Eastern Europe, the current situation and that its recent developments are inseparable from decades of political tension and growing confrontation between the USA and NATO against the Russian Federation, on the military, economic and political planes, in which the continuous enlargement of NATO and the systematic advance of the installation of military assets and contingents of this political-military bloc increasingly closer to the borders of the Russian Federation. Calling for a solution that guarantees security and sovereignty for all, describing NATO's progressive expansion as a provocation.

"The situation in Ukraine cannot but be dissociated from the 2014 coup d'état, promoted by the USA, NATO and the EU, carried out by fascist groups, and which led to the imposition of a xenophobic and warmongering regime, whose violent action is responsible by the worsening of fractures and divisions, by the discrimination and denial of fundamental rights and citizenship of the population, and by the outbreak of war in that country. The PCP reaffirms the need to develop initiatives that contribute to de-escalation and that favor a process of dialogue with a view to a peaceful solution to the conflict, as well as the promotion of peace and security."<ref>{{Web citation|author=PCP|newspaper=pcp.pt|title=Sobre os recentes desenvolvimentos no Leste da Europa|date=2022-02-22|url=https://www.pcp.pt/sobre-recentes-desenvolvimentos-no-leste-da-europa}}</ref>

==Information warfare==
===Censorship===
In response to the crisis, Western governments and corporations have been actively censoring voices that promote alternative narratives, notably those emerging from Russia or Russia-aligned states. [[Reddit]] has banned links to Russian media.<ref>{{News citation|journalist=Todd Spangler|date=2022-03-03|title=Reddit Bans Links to Russian State Media Across Entire Site|url=https://variety.com/2022/digital/news/reddit-bans-links-to-russian-state-media-1235195612/|newspaper=Variety}}</ref> The previously uncensored [[search engine]] [[DuckDuckGo]] began censoring Russian news outlets because of the war.<ref name=":1">{{News citation|title=Alternative Search Engine DuckDuckGo Will Censor Sites ‘Associated With Russian Disinformation’|url=https://www.visiontimes.com/2022/03/10/duckduckgo-information-censorship-russia-ukraine-war.html|newspaper=Vision Times}}</ref>

In an effort to help netizens circumvent Western propaganda about the situation, ProleWiki has collected information about [[Alternative social media platforms|alternative social media sites]].
===Propaganda===
The [[Government of the United States of America|US government]] has been briefing [[TikTok]] influencers to promote the NATO/US narrative.<ref>{{News citation|journalist=Sara Cook|date=2022-03-11|title=White House briefs social media influencers on Ukraine crisis|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ukraine-russia-tiktok-white-house/|newspaper=CBS News}}</ref><ref>{{News citation|journalist=[[Richard Medhurst]]|date=2022-03-12|title=CRINGE! White House Hires TikTokers to Spread Anti-Russian Propaganda|url=https://youtu.be/Qs7FjpeaXuE}}</ref>
==References==
<references />
[[Category:Conflicts]]
[[Category:2022 Russo-Ukrainian conflict]]
[[Category:History of Ukraine]]
[[Category:History of Russia]]

Topic:Xpka8ygoexgm84df

2023-09-12T02:13:52Z

SeventyTwoTrillion (talk | contribs) commented on "To what depth should this article delve into on the course of the fighting?" (I could write something relatively in-depth over time, but is it instead better to describe events in broad strokes? E.g. the initial adv...)

2022 Russo-Ukrainian conflict

2023-09-12T02:13:01Z

SeventyTwoTrillion: clarified that the number of deaths was by September 21st 2022, as opposed to 2023 or beyond.

{{Message box/currentevent}}{{Infobox military conflict|combatant1={{icon|Flag of Russia.svg}}[[Russian Federation]] {{icon|Flag of DPR.jpg}}[[DPR]] (February–September 2022) {{icon|Flag of LPR.svg}}[[LPR]] (February–September 2022) '''Supported by:''' {{icon|Flag of Belarus.png}}[[Belarus]]|conflict=Russian Special Military Operation|combatant2={{icon|Flag of Ukraine.svg}}[[Ukraine]] '''Supported by:''' {{icon|Flag of NATO.png}}[[NATO]]|date=24 February 2022|place=Ukraine and [[Donbass]]|units1=Russian-Separatist Forces [[Russian Armed Forces]]|units2=[[Armed Forces of Ukraine]] [[National Guard of Ukraine]] Irregular Forces Foreign Volunteers|result=Ongoing|image=Special Military Operation Image.jpg}}

The '''2022 Russo-Ukrainian conflict''' is a proxy conflict between [[NATO]] and the [[Russian Federation]] taking place in [[Ukraine]], backed by the imperialist [[United States of America|United States]]. The conflict began with Russian military operations in 24 February 2022 with an incursion on Ukrainian-administered territory.<ref>{{News citation|date=2022-02-24|title=Russia invades Ukraine: Political, military leaders' reactions|url=https://www.reuters.com/markets/europe/leaders-key-quotes-after-russia-invades-ukraine-2022-02-24/|newspaper=Reuters|retrieved=2022-03-10}}</ref> The imperialist US and [[European Union|EU]] camp is sacrificing Ukraine to 'weaken Russia' according to a former NATO advisor.<ref>{{News citation|author=[[Aaron Mate]]|newspaper=[[The Grayzone]]|title=US, EU sacrificing Ukraine to ‘weaken Russia’: fmr. NATO adviser|date=2022-04-15|url=https://thegrayzone.com/2022/04/15/us-eu-sacrificing-ukraine-to-weaken-russia-fmr-nato-adviser/}}</ref> The prominent [[French Republic|French]] intellectual [[Emmanuel Todd]] has argued that the war in Ukraine is the beginning of the [[Third World War]].<ref>{{Web citation|author=[[Ben Norton]]|newspaper=[[Geopolitical Economy Report]]|title=‘World War 3 has already started’ between US and Russia/China, argues French scholar|date=2023-01-14|url=https://geopoliticaleconomy.com/2023/01/14/world-war-3-us-russia-china-emmanuel-todd/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230118161028/https://geopoliticaleconomy.com/2023/01/14/world-war-3-us-russia-china-emmanuel-todd/|archive-date=2023-01-18|retrieved=2023-01-22}}</ref>

In 2014, the US installed a pro-Western government through the [[2014 Ukrainian coup d'etat|Euromaidan coup]],<ref>{{News citation|title=How and Why the US Government Perpetrated the 2014 Coup in Ukraine|url=https://www.strategic-culture.org/news/2018/06/03/how-why-us-government-perpetrated-2014-coup-ukraine/}}</ref> which resulted in the rise of [[neo-Nazism]] in Ukraine.<ref>{{News citation|date=2018-03-19|title=Commentary: Ukraine’s neo-Nazi problem|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-cohen-ukraine-commentary-idUSKBN1GV2TY}}</ref><ref>{{News citation|date=2022-03-14|title=Ukrainian Jewish Committee: Our government encourages the glorification of Nazi collaborators|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wU2wOLvWik|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220323123229/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wU2wOLvWik|archive-date=2022-03-23|quote=Our government encourages glorification of Nazi collaborators, mass-murderers, and murderers of Jews. Literally, there are hundreds of monuments, streets, named after killers of Jews. [...] We have anti-Semitic incidents every day. There is vandalism of mass graves - Holocaust mass graves. Vandalism on Jewish monuments. Sholem Aleichem latest - was vandalised with swastikas in Kiev, central Kiev.}}</ref> The most prominent neo-Nazi group in Ukraine is the [[Azov Battalion]], a former paramilitary group that terrorised the [[Donbass]] since 2014 and was officially incorporated into the Armed Forces of Ukraine during the conflict. This right-wing pro-West government maintained hostilities towards ethnic Russians in the Donbass region of Ukraine.<ref>{{News citation|date=2022-02-17|title=Ethnic Russians in eastern Ukraine say attacked by govt. forces|url=https://parstoday.com/en/news/world-i166324-ethnic_russians_in_eastern_ukraine_say_attacked_by_govt._forces}}</ref> These hostilities led to the separatist movements to establish the [[Luhansk People's Republic]] and the [[Donetsk People's Republic]], which were later annexed into the Russian Federation as of 30 September 2022.

Since the beginning of the conflict, at least 61,207 Ukrainian troops were killed and 49,368 wounded up to 21 September 2022 according to the Russian Ministry of Defense. The number of Russian troops killed amount to 5,397.<ref>{{Web citation|newspaper=RT|title=Russia reveals military losses in Ukraine|date=2022-09-21|url=https://www.rt.com/russia/563213-ukraine-donbass-military-losses/|retrieved=2022-09-22|quote="Initially, the Armed Forces of Ukraine amounted to between 201,000 and 202,000 people, and since then they have suffered losses of around 100,000, with 61,207 killed and 49,368 others wounded," [Minister of Defense Sergei Shoigu] said.}}</ref> In addition, over 7 million refugees have fled Ukraine. Of these, over 2.8 million have fled to Russia, which has taken in more refugees than any other country.<ref>{{Web citation|newspaper=UN Refugee Agency|title=Ukraine Refugee Situation|date=2022-11-17|url=https://data.unhcr.org/en/situations/ukraine|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221116022311/https://data.unhcr.org/en/situations/ukraine|archive-date=2022-11-17|retrieved=2022-11-17}}</ref>
==Timeline==
===Background===
In 1990, in a meeting between [[United States of America|United States]] secretary of state [[James Baker]] and [[Mikhail Gorbachev]], the US official guaranteed that "not an inch of NATO’s present military jurisdiction will spread in an eastern direction."<ref>{{News citation|journalist=Svetlana Savranskaya & Tom Blanton|date=2017-12-12|title=NATO expansion: what Gorbachev heard|url=https://nsarchive.gwu.edu/briefing-book/russia-programs/2017-12-12/nato-expansion-what-gorbachev-heard-western-leaders-early|newspaper=National Security Archive}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|author=[[James Baker]], [[Mikhail Gorbachev|Mikhail Gorbachyov]]|year=1990|title=Memorandum of conversation between Mikhail Gorbachev and James Baker in Moscow|title-url=https://nsarchive.gwu.edu/document/16116-document-05-memorandum-conversation-between|page=6|quote=Baker: We understand the need for assurances to the countries in the East. If we maintain a presence in Germany that is part of NATO, there would be no extension of NATO's jurisdiction for forces of NATO one inch to the east.|pdf=https://nsarchive.gwu.edu/sites/default/files/documents/4325679/Document-05-Memorandum-of-conversation-between.pdf|publisher=National Security Archive}}</ref>

While Russia was distracted with the Sochi Olympics, the US supported the [[2014 Ukrainian coup d'etat|Maidan coup]] which overthrew recently re-elected anti-NATO president [[Viktor Yanukovych]] and replaced him with a [[Far-right politics|far-right]], pro-[[Imperial core|Western]] government. In response to this coup, [[Crimea|Crimeans]] voted overwhelmingly in favour of seceding from Ukraine and joining into the Russian Federation.<ref>{{News citation|title=Crimeans vote overwhelmingly to secede from Ukraine, join Russia|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/crimeans-vote-overwhelmingly-to-secede-from-ukraine-join-russia/}}</ref>

[[Donetsk People's Republic (2014–2022)|Donetsk]] and [[Luhansk People's Republic|Luhansk]] also seceded. These breakaway republics were locked in war with the Ukrainian army, which included outright [[National Socialism|Nazi]] regiments like the Azov battalion.

[[Russell Bentley]] predicted that US president [[Joe Biden]] was seeking to reignite a dirty war in Ukraine with his support for the Nazi fanatics.<ref>{{News citation|journalist=[[Russell Bentley]]|date=2021-10-12|title=Is Biden Looking to Reignite a Dirty War in Ukraine? Recent Visit by U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin Raises Concerns|url=https://covertactionmagazine.com/2021/11/12/is-biden-looking-to-reignite-a-dirty-war-in-ukraine-recent-visit-by-u-s-defense-secretary-lloyd-austin-raises-concerns/|newspaper=[[CovertAction Magazine]]}}</ref>
===Crisis===
Tensions rose sharply in 2021 when the Brussels summit of the [[North Atlantic Treaty Organization]] (NATO) reiterated that Ukraine would become aligned with NATO,<ref>{{News citation|date=2021-04-14|title=Brussels Summit Communiqué|url=https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/news_185000.htm|newspaper=NATO|quote=We reiterate the decision made at the 2008 Bucharest Summit that Ukraine will become a member of the Alliance with the Membership Action Plan (MAP) as an integral part of the process; we reaffirm all elements of that decision, as well as subsequent decisions, including that each partner will be judged on its own merits.}}</ref> sparking outrage from Russian officials who considered the expansion of NATO a threat of their national security.<ref>{{News citation|date=2022-01-16|title=NATO expansion one of main threats to Russia’s national security - ambassador|url=https://tass.com/russia/1388653|newspaper=Russian News Agency TASS|retrieved=2022-01-24|quote="After the collapse of the USSR, the security situation in Europe deteriorated sharply. Five ‘waves’ of NATO expansion have brought the Alliance States forces closer to our borders," [the Russian ambassador to the United States Anatoly Antonov] stated. "NATO is constantly building up its offensive potential, demonstrating military force along the perimeter of the Russian territory. [...]}}</ref> Russia began to build up troops closer to their borders, demanding that NATO stop its expansion towards Russia.<ref>{{News citation|date=2022-02-18|title=West promised not to expand NATO|url=https://www.rt.com/news/549921-nato-expansion-russia-document/|newspaper=[[RT (TV Network)|RT]]}}</ref>

The [[bourgeois media]] of the [[United States of America|United States]] has been hypocritically feigning support for the citizens of Ukraine while completely disregarding the humanity of those who suffer under their own heinous wars.<ref>{{News citation|journalist=[[Richard Medhurst]]|title=Hypocrisy of the West Is Unbelievable" {{!}} Richard Medhurst on Ukraine|url=https://youtu.be/lwkMBge05IA}}</ref><ref>{{News citation|journalist=Daniel McAdams|date=2022-02-25|title=Washington's Crocodile Tears Over Ukraine's Destruction|url=http://ronpaulinstitute.org/archives/featured-articles/2022/february/25/washingtons-crocodile-tears-over-ukraines-destruction/|newspaper=Ron Paul Institute}}</ref>

Former UN inspector [[Scott Ritter]] has said that NATO is too weak to face Russia.<ref>{{News citation|journalist=[[Richard Medhurst]]|date=2022-02-24|title=NATO Too Weak to Face Russia: Scott Ritter on Russian Offensive|url=https://youtu.be/3GkmdCaBECs}}</ref>

Germany violated its recent pattern of neutrality by sending weapons to Ukraine.<ref>{{News citation|journalist=[[Richard Medhurst]]|date=2022-03-02|title=Germany Sends Weapons to Ukraine, Breaks with Neutrality|url=https://www.rokfin.com/post/76665?utm_medium=Email&utm_source=Campaign&utm_campaign=New+Post+Email|newspaper=[[Rokfin]]}}</ref>

During diplomatic talks, Ukraine and Russia have agreed upon humanitarian corridors to allow displaced persons to flee war zones safely.<ref>{{News citation|title=Ukraine says talks with Russia agreed on humanitarian corridors|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-says-talks-with-russia-agreed-humanitarian-corridors-2022-03-03/|newspaper=Reuters}}</ref>

Al Qaeda, Hyatt Tahrir al-Sham, and other islamist jihadist groups are joining alongside Ukrainian neo-Nazis to fight against the Russians, eerily similar to their original task in Operation Cyclone.<ref>{{News citation|date=2022-03-08|title=450 Arab and foreign extremists from Idlib arrive in Ukraine|url=https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/450-arab-and-foreign-extremists-from-idlib-arrive-in-ukraine}}</ref><ref>{{News citation|date=2022-03-13|title=Al Qaeda Fighters Join Ukraine|url=https://youtu.be/BJFHxsS23Sw}}</ref>

On March 7, Mikhail and Aleksander Kononovich, members of the [[Leninist Communist Youth Union of Ukraine|Komsomol of Ukraine]], were arrested by Ukrainian authorities and imprisoned in [[Kiev]].<ref>{{News citation|date=2022-03-13|title=Ukraine: Communist Youth Union members beaten badly, remain detained in Kiev|url=http://www.idcommunism.com/2022/03/ukraine-communist-youth-union-members-beaten-badly-remain-detained-in-kiev.html|newspaper=In Defense of Communism|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220313015316/http://www.idcommunism.com/2022/03/ukraine-communist-youth-union-members-beaten-badly-remain-detained-in-kiev.html|archive-date=2022-03-13|retrieved=2022-03-20}}</ref>

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, Ukraine has lost 23 thousand soldiers during the conflict,<ref>{{News citation|newspaper=RUSSIAN NEWS AGENCY|title=Russian Defense Ministry to publish data on military deaths from Ukrainian documents|date=2022-4-16|url=https://tass.com/defense/1438729?utm_source=en.wikipedia.org&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=en.wikipedia.org&utm_referrer=en.wikipedia.org}}</ref> however, the Ukrainian Government claims merely 10 thousand of its solders have been lost during the conflict.<ref>{{News citation|author=Claire Heald|newspaper=BBC|title=10,000 Ukrainian soldiers killed, Kyiv says|date=2022-6-11|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-europe-61764008?ns_mchannel=social&ns_source=twitter&ns_campaign=bbc_live&ns_linkname=62a45eb8a48d0547a34bfcc2%2610%2C000%20Ukrainian%20soldiers%20killed%2C%20Kyiv%20says%262022-06-11T11%3A28%3A41.032Z&ns_fee=0&pinned_post_locator=urn:asset:a87e683d-139b-43c4-9e75-e63f285d618c&pinned_post_asset_id=62a45eb8a48d0547a34bfcc2&pinned_post_type=share}}</ref>

== Reactions ==
[[File:UN General Assembly ES-11-1.svg|thumb|UN General Assembly resolution ES-11/1 demanding immediate Russian withdrawal from Ukraine.Green: ForYellow: Abstained

Red: Against]]
[[File:US support for Ukraine poll.png|thumb|Perceived reasons for U.S. support for Ukraine by country.]]
[[File:EU support for Ukraine.png|thumb|Perceived reasons for [[European Union|EU]] support for Ukraine by country.]]
[[File:Ukraine war poll.png|thumb|Most Westerners want to prolong the war in order for Ukraine to retake all lost territory while people from Russia and the [[Global South]] want the war to end as soon as possible.]]
[[File:Russia strength poll.png|thumb|People from [[Republic of India|India]], [[Republic of Turkey|Turkey]], and [[People's Republic of China|China]] believe the war made Russia look stronger while Westerners believe it made Russia look weaker.]]

=== From the West ===
All major [[Imperialism|imperialist]] countries, such as [[United States of America|United States]], [[United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland|United Kingdom]], [[Canada]], [[Japan]], and most [[European Union]] countries sanctioned since Russia began their military operations on February 24,<ref>{{News citation|journalist=Al Jazeera Staff|date=2022-03-03|title=List of sanctions against Russia after it invaded Ukraine|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/2/25/list-of-sanctions-on-russia-after-invasion|newspaper=[[Al Jazeera]]|retrieved=2022-03-08}}</ref> and as a result, it became the most sanctioned economy in the world.<ref>{{News citation|journalist=Nick Wadhams|date=2022-03-07|title=Russia is now the world's most-sanctioned nation|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-03-07/russia-surges-past-iran-to-become-world-s-most-sanctioned-nation|retrieved=2022-03-09}}</ref> On March 7th, twenty Russian [[Bourgeoisie|capitalists]] were also sanctioned by Japan.<ref>{{News citation|date=2022-03-07|title=Japan sanctions 20 more Russian businessmen, officials — MFA|url=https://tass.com/world/1418497|newspaper=Russian News Agency TASS|retrieved=2022-03-10}}</ref> The Russian government compiled a list of countries who have taken hostile actions against the country.<ref>{{News citation|date=2022-03-07|title=Russian government approves list of unfriendly countries and territories|url=https://tass.com/politics/1418197|newspaper=Russian News Agency TASS}}</ref>

79% of French people blame the USA and/or NATO for starting the war, and 46% blame Putin or Russia. In Germany, 51% of people blame the USA or NATO and 29% blame Putin or Russia. The French poll allowed people to blame both sides, but the German poll only allowed one choice.<ref>{{Web citation|author=[[Ben Norton]]|newspaper=[[Geopolitical Economy Report]]|title=USA & NATO responsible for Ukraine war, German & French public say in poll|date=2023-08-21|url=https://geopoliticaleconomy.com/2023/08/21/us-nato-responsible-ukraine-war-germany-france-poll/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230908122732/https://geopoliticaleconomy.com/2023/08/21/us-nato-responsible-ukraine-war-germany-france-poll/|archive-date=2023-09-08}}</ref>

=== From the Global South ===
[[State of Eritrea|Eritrea]], [[Islamic Republic of Iran|Iran]], [[Republic of Nicaragua|Nicaragua]], [[Republic of South Africa|South Africa]], and [[Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela|Venezuela]] blamed NATO for the war. [[Republic of India|India]], [[Mexican United States|Mexico]], [[Islamic Republic of Pakistan|Pakistan]], and many other [[Global North and South|Global South]] countries remained neutral, including over a dozen countries in [[Africa]]. [[Mahathir Mohamad]], the former president of [[Malaysia]], said that the conflict was caused by "Europeans' love of war".<ref name=":2">{{Web citation|author=[[Ben Norton]]|newspaper=[[Geopolitical Economy Report]]|title=Many Global South countries blame US/NATO for Ukraine war, not Russia|date=2022-03-28|url=https://geopoliticaleconomy.com/2022/03/28/global-south-blame-us-nato-ukraine-war-russia/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230306064126/https://geopoliticaleconomy.com/2022/03/28/global-south-blame-us-nato-ukraine-war-russia/|archive-date=2023-03-06|retrieved=2023-04-02}}</ref>

=== From communist movements ===

==== Ruling ====
The [[Communist Party of Cuba]] released a statement calling for a solution that guarantees security and sovereignty for all, describing NATO's progressive expansion as a military siege.<ref>{{News citation|date=2022-02-28|title=“Cuba advocates a solution that guarantees the security and sovereignty of all”|url=https://en.granma.cu/cuba/2022-02-28/cuba-advocates-a-solution-that-guarantees-the-security-and-sovereignty-of-all|newspaper=Granma|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228164107/https://en.granma.cu/cuba/2022-02-28/cuba-advocates-a-solution-that-guarantees-the-security-and-sovereignty-of-all|archive-date=2022-02-28}}</ref>

The [[Democratic People's Republic of Korea]] backed Russia's actions in Ukraine and claimed that US provocations and military aggression are entirely to blame for the present situation.<ref>{{News citation|date=2022-02-26|title=The U.S. Should Not Shake International Peace and Stability at the Basis|url=http://www.mfa.gov.kp/view/article/14444|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220227002204/http://www.mfa.gov.kp/view/article/14444|archive-date=2022-02-27}}</ref>

[[People's Republic of China|China]] and [[Socialist Republic of Vietnam|Vietnam]] have both remained neutral while maintaining friendly relations with Russia.<ref name=":2" />

==== Non-ruling ====
The [[Communist Party of the Russian Federation]] has expressed support for Putin's aims to denazify and demilitarize Ukraine, while also calling for the strengthening of local self-government.<ref>{{News citation|date=2022-03-02|title=The Response to External Pressure Must Be a Radical Change of International Policy|url=https://cprf.ru/2022/03/the-response-to-external-pressure-must-be-a-radical-change-of-international-policy/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220302144216/https://cprf.ru/2022/03/the-response-to-external-pressure-must-be-a-radical-change-of-international-policy/|archive-date=2022-03-02}}</ref>

The [[Party for Socialism and Liberation]] in the United States has made a statement describing how the intervention was the result of NATO provocations against Russia.<ref>{{News citation|journalist=Party for Socialism and Liberation|date=2022-02-24|title=PSL Statement on Russia’s Military Intervention in Ukraine|url=https://telegra.ph/PSL-Statement-on-Russias-Military-Intervention-in-Ukraine-02-25|newspaper=Liberation News}}</ref>

The [[Communist Party of Britain]], while opposing NATO expansion, called Russia's military offensive unjustified and demanded a withdrawal of troops. It also pointed out that the unilateral Russian recognition of the DPR and LPR undermines the founding principles of the [[United Nations|UN]] and gives imperialist powers an excuse to abuse such methods against other nations.<ref>{{News citation|title=Stop the war - start the peace|url=https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/stop-war-start-peace|newspaper=Morning Star|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228090419/https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/stop-war-start-peace|archive-date=2022-02-28}}</ref><ref>{{News citation|title=For peace and a just solution to the conflict in Ukraine|url=https://www.communistparty.org.uk/for-peace-and-a-just-solution-to-the-conflict-in-ukraine/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301190552/https://www.communistparty.org.uk/for-peace-and-a-just-solution-to-the-conflict-in-ukraine/|archive-date=2022-03-01}}</ref> It supported the [[Stop the War Coalition]]'s call for the withdrawal of Russian troops.<ref>{{News citation|title=Yes, Russia should pull out — but Nato's warlike manoeuvres must end too|url=https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/e/yes-russia-should-pull-out-natos-warlike-manoeuvres-must-end-too|newspaper=Morning Star|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220222194209/https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/e/yes-russia-should-pull-out-natos-warlike-manoeuvres-must-end-too|archive-date=2022-02-22}}</ref>

The [[Socialist Labour Party (UK)|Socialist Labour Party]] said the conflict can be resolved quickly, but only with a neutral Ukraine. It criticized the Communist Party of Britain's ''[[Morning Star]]'' in its recent coverage of Ukraine.<ref>{{News citation|journalist=Arthur Scargill|title=Scargill's reply to the Morning Star|url=https://www.socialistlabourparty.org/post/scargill-s-reply-to-the-morning-star|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220307195208/https://www.socialistlabourparty.org/post/scargill-s-reply-to-the-morning-star|archive-date=2022-03-07}}</ref>

The [[Communist Party of Great Britain (Marxist–Leninist)]], on the basis that NATO has been conducting a three decade long slow-motion war against Russia, welcomed Russia's military challenge to NATO. It called denazification the surest way to peace.<ref name=":0">{{News citation|date=2022-03-01|title=Kiev junta facing defeat as Russia roots out fascist militias from Ukraine|url=https://thecommunists.org/2022/03/01/news/ukraine-kiev-junta-facing-defeat-russia-roots-out-fascist-militias/|newspaper=Proletarian|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301214648/https://thecommunists.org/2022/03/01/news/ukraine-kiev-junta-facing-defeat-russia-roots-out-fascist-militias/|archive-date=2022-03-01}}</ref> The party criticized Stop the War's platforming of activists calling for imperialist escalation, as well as its call for a Russian withdrawal.<ref>{{News citation|date=2022-03-08|title=Renegacy of Stop the War on display once again at ‘antiwar’ events|url=https://thecommunists.org/2022/03/08/news/stop-the-war-renegacy-exposed-again-antiwar-movement-corbyn/|newspaper=Proletarian|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220308172322/https://thecommunists.org/2022/03/08/news/stop-the-war-renegacy-exposed-again-antiwar-movement-corbyn/|archive-date=2022-03-08}}</ref> It welcomes Russia's recognition of the DPR and LPR.<ref name=":0" />

The [[Portuguese Communist Party]] expressed its deep concern about developments in the situation in Eastern Europe, the current situation and that its recent developments are inseparable from decades of political tension and growing confrontation between the USA and NATO against the Russian Federation, on the military, economic and political planes, in which the continuous enlargement of NATO and the systematic advance of the installation of military assets and contingents of this political-military bloc increasingly closer to the borders of the Russian Federation. Calling for a solution that guarantees security and sovereignty for all, describing NATO's progressive expansion as a provocation.

"The situation in Ukraine cannot but be dissociated from the 2014 coup d'état, promoted by the USA, NATO and the EU, carried out by fascist groups, and which led to the imposition of a xenophobic and warmongering regime, whose violent action is responsible by the worsening of fractures and divisions, by the discrimination and denial of fundamental rights and citizenship of the population, and by the outbreak of war in that country. The PCP reaffirms the need to develop initiatives that contribute to de-escalation and that favor a process of dialogue with a view to a peaceful solution to the conflict, as well as the promotion of peace and security."<ref>{{Web citation|author=PCP|newspaper=pcp.pt|title=Sobre os recentes desenvolvimentos no Leste da Europa|date=2022-02-22|url=https://www.pcp.pt/sobre-recentes-desenvolvimentos-no-leste-da-europa}}</ref>

==Information warfare==
===Censorship===
In response to the crisis, Western governments and corporations have been actively censoring voices that promote alternative narratives, notably those emerging from Russia or Russia-aligned states. [[Reddit]] has banned links to Russian media.<ref>{{News citation|journalist=Todd Spangler|date=2022-03-03|title=Reddit Bans Links to Russian State Media Across Entire Site|url=https://variety.com/2022/digital/news/reddit-bans-links-to-russian-state-media-1235195612/|newspaper=Variety}}</ref> The previously uncensored [[search engine]] [[DuckDuckGo]] began censoring Russian news outlets because of the war.<ref name=":1">{{News citation|title=Alternative Search Engine DuckDuckGo Will Censor Sites ‘Associated With Russian Disinformation’|url=https://www.visiontimes.com/2022/03/10/duckduckgo-information-censorship-russia-ukraine-war.html|newspaper=Vision Times}}</ref>

In an effort to help netizens circumvent Western propaganda about the situation, ProleWiki has collected information about [[Alternative social media platforms|alternative social media sites]].
===Propaganda===
The [[Government of the United States of America|US government]] has been briefing [[TikTok]] influencers to promote the NATO/US narrative.<ref>{{News citation|journalist=Sara Cook|date=2022-03-11|title=White House briefs social media influencers on Ukraine crisis|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ukraine-russia-tiktok-white-house/|newspaper=CBS News}}</ref><ref>{{News citation|journalist=[[Richard Medhurst]]|date=2022-03-12|title=CRINGE! White House Hires TikTokers to Spread Anti-Russian Propaganda|url=https://youtu.be/Qs7FjpeaXuE}}</ref>
==References==
<references />
[[Category:Conflicts]]
[[Category:2022 Russo-Ukrainian conflict]]
[[Category:History of Ukraine]]
[[Category:History of Russia]]