Sweta Chakraborty, PhD’s Post

"Bad news today for Monsieur Pompidou: Madame Pompidon't!" - a fave old 'Two Ronnies' news desk gag, from the deepest, darkest 1970s. But perhaps you had to be there? I am tangentially reminded of it by today's Anniversary Boy: (General) Charles de Gaulle, President of France from 1959 to 1969 and leader of the Free French in World War 2, who passed away on this date in 1970 - just shy of his 80th birthday. Amongst many other things, he was a key obstacle to, and delaying factor in, the UK's belatedly joining the European Common Market. Deeply (fatally?) impacting UK voters' longer-term perceptions of our relationships within it, the benefits of membership, and the country's level of influence on some of its worst excesses. Factors that ultra-nationalists and other liars would later play upon. I won't go on at length about him. You're perfectly capable of looking up his Wiki page for more detail, I'm sure (see link, shared below). But his #Lifestory is a compelling one and he was certainly a #PersuasiveCommunicator, at least for many amongst his home #Audience. One particularly telling question he posed might be worth considering. And perhaps re-telling, at dinner parties, etc.: "How can you govern a country that has two hundred and forty-six varieties of cheese?" [Comment voulez-vous gouverner un pays qui a deux cent quarante-six variétés de fromage?] - 'Les Mots du Général', by Ernest Mignon (1962). I believe the USA has only one or two - and is deeply divided over which of them is best... See: https://lnkd.in/ehTZ6NaG

#NorthAmerica stronger when we work together. I attended the meeting of the #NorthAmericanForum in #Ottawa these past two days led by #Canada Co-chair Goldy Hyder, #US Co-chair #ThomasShannon and #Mexico Co-chair #JaimeZabludovsky. Attended by leaders from all three countries, the substantive and frank discussions covering #trade #investment #energy #environment #security #defence and #foreignpolicy made it amply clear that continental cooperation with the #USMCA at its heart is by far the most effective way of enhancing #NorthAmericanCompetitiveness. As one of the founders and Canada Co-chair Emeritus of the Forum, I have witnessed first-hand over the past two decades how relationship-building among Americans, Canadians and Mexicans has contributed to #growth #innovation and #jobcreation. While there have been highly significant political changes recently in the leadership of both Mexico and the United States, and a national election is in the offing in Canada, no one should underestimate the resilience of trilateral cooperation. Admittedly, elements of this cooperation can and should be improved, for example, in addressing trade irritants, protectionism, economic inequality, more inclusive job creation, accelerating innovation and fighting continental crime. As I attest in my recent book #PrivatePowerPublicPurpose, the role of business in advancing the trilateral agenda is seminal. This we must do harnessing the power of our ideas and the massive body of talent residing in our three countries. As former Co-chair of the Forum, I had the privilege of working closely with my U.S. Co-chair and friend Secretary George Shultz, one of America’s greatest statesmen and a powerful advocate of North American cooperation. As he often and wisely reminded us at our Forum meetings, our continental neighbourhood is akin to a garden - it should be top of mind and looked after with great care. #BusinessCouncilofCanada #CanadianChamberofCommerce #CoalitionforaBetterFuture

How could the supposedly intelligent people of the 2024 Olympic committee be so stupid as to have their opening ceremony of the Olympics feature a Drag Queen show of The Last Supper? How dumb can you be? This stupidity has tarnished the good name of the Olympics forever. You will likely lose billions of dollars. Heads should roll! Disclaimer: This content is in part for educational purposes. I unequivocally denounce any form of violence, hate, harassment, or bullying. This page does not endorse or promote dangerous acts, organizations, or any forms of violence. In accordance with the 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, this content is made available for "fair use" purposes, including criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education, and research.

As we recognize French-American Heritage Month this July, it's a great moment to reflect on the profound and enduring relationship between the United States and France. This year holds particular significance as we commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day, a pivotal event in World War II that underscored our shared commitment to democracy, justice, and the rule of law - the core tenants of AGA’s International Rule of Law Program. The collaboration and sacrifices made during D-Day exemplify our collective resolve to protect these ideals against tyranny and oppression. As state attorneys general, there are invaluable lessons to be drawn from this shared history. The cooperation exhibited during the Normandy landings demonstrates the strength of unity in the face of adversity. Today, as we navigate complex international legal landscapes, this spirit of collaboration remains crucial.

Visit our online maritime museum https://lnkd.in/dX5TzbQk The Hellas Liberty Floating Museum, originally built in 1943 as the ARTHUR M. HUDDELL, was converted into a museum ship in 2010 and is now located in Piraeus. The Liberty ships played a crucial role in Greece's post-World War II maritime recovery. These sturdy cargo vessels, originally built in the United States during the war, were sold to Greek shipping companies at low prices. Greek shipowners, capitalising on this opportunity, revitalised their fleet, boosting Greece's position as a dominant force in global shipping. The Liberty ships thus became a symbol of Greek maritime resilience and economic resurgence in the mid-20th century. #libertyships #greekshippingmiracle #greekshipping #libertyships

We wish you a happy and safe Belgian National Day Belgium's National Day, celebrated on July 21st, is a significant holiday that commemorates a pivotal event in the nation's history. On this day in 1831, King Leopold I was inaugurated as Belgium's first monarch, symbolizing the country's independence from the Netherlands, declared a year earlier after a successful revolution. What to Expect: 👉 Historical Significance: The day marks the anniversary of King Leopold I's inauguration, a cornerstone of Belgium's independence and unity. 👉 Celebrations: Brussels, the capital city, hosts a grand military parade in front of the Royal Palace, attended by the Belgian royal family, government officials, and foreign dignitaries. The evening culminates with spectacular fireworks. 👉 Activities: Across the country, people enjoy cultural performances, concerts, local fairs, and markets. It's a day for family gatherings and community events, showcasing national pride. 👉 Royal Family: The Belgian royal family plays a central role, with the King addressing the nation and the family participating in various public events, strengthening the connection between the monarchy and the people. 👉 Significance Today: National Day is a reminder of Belgium's unity and rich cultural heritage, fostering national pride and solidarity. 👉 Symbols: The national flag, the anthem "La Brabançonne," and other national symbols are proudly displayed and celebrated. #iPSBaltics #iPS #Belgium #NationalDay #LaFêteNationale #NationaleFeestdag #Independence #Unity #Celebration

In my France in World War II class, we dealt with what was happening to the nation in the 1930s and the Vichy regime's quest for collaboration. After nine weeks of such discussions, taken from Eugen Weber's The Hollow Years and Robert Paxton's Vichy France, we move on to how France deals with the effects of the war in their national conscience; our book for the next four weeks will be Henry Rousso's The Vichy Syndrome. Attached below are my "highlights" from the first few pages of the work.

Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is observed in the United States during the month of May, and recognizes the contributions and influence of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islander Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States. Here are some activities and resources for your Organization this month: https://buff.ly/3UUVxRR

President Emmanuel Macron's recent speech in Paris offered a profound vision on the future of Europe, echoing the gravity and existential risks that the continent faces. His reflections bring to mind the sagacity of Charles de Gaulle in 1968, who famously articulated, 'J'ai une certaine idée de la France.' Macron's parallel assertion, 'J'ai une certaine idée de l'Europe,' not only aligns with De Gaulle's historic sentiment but reinvigorates it in the context of today's challenges. This intersection of history and vision underscores the pressing need for thoughtful leadership as Europe navigates its uncertain path forward. https://lnkd.in/gV-qT4PE

Eighty years of painfully won peace in Europe - and we seem to have forgotten how easily the world can slip into chaos. The rising tide of populist parties and the very real threat of the most right-wing European Parliament ever being elected - with all the danger that may imply for the green transition - means that we can't afford to skip voting in the European elections which began today #EU #useyourvote