PASSIVE INCOME

9 April 2024

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/jobs/12k-passive-income-heres-how/

SUMMARY

1. The Allure and Reality of Passive Income

Passive income, often romanticised as earning money effortlessly, usually demands significant upfront work. The article from The Telegraph details personal stories and expert opinions, revealing that while passive income can provide financial benefits, it's not as effortless as it seems. Financial planner Catherine Morgan highlights the misconception of passive income as an easy money stream, pointing out the substantial effort, learning, and initial heavy lifting required to establish a truly passive income source.

2. Success Stories: The Journey to Passive Income

Reshmi Bennett, a bakery owner, generates approximately £1,000 monthly by selling children’s baking eBooks and recipe downloads on Amazon. Despite the passive nature of sales, the initial creative process and marketing efforts are anything but passive. Similarly, Daisy Ferns, a baby sleep consultant, developed an online course to train others, diversifying her income sources. Her experience underscores the initial investment of time and effort needed to establish a sustainable passive income stream. Natalie Stanton, leveraging her expertise in environmental health, creates video courses on food hygiene, balancing content creation with her consultancy work to aim for a more passive workweek.

3. Misleading Notion of Passive Income

The concept of passive income is often misleading, suggesting minimal effort for continuous gain. In reality, success in passive income ventures, such as digital assets, online courses, or property rental, requires significant upfront work, continuous engagement, and strategic marketing. Experts and practitioners alike stress the importance of understanding the initial demands and ongoing commitments associated with creating and maintaining passive income streams.

4. Strategic Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Experts advise starting passive income ventures as side hustles while maintaining a primary income source. This approach allows for financial stability while exploring the potential of passive income projects. It's crucial to venture into areas of passion and expertise, ensuring authenticity and a higher chance of success. Catherine Morgan's experience, generating over £1 million through digital assets, exemplifies the potential rewards of well-strategized passive income efforts, albeit with caution and realistic expectations.

Glossary of Terms

- **Passive Income**: Earnings derived from a rental property, limited partnership, or other enterprise in which a person is not actively involved.

- **Digital Assets**: Content or media that is formatted into a binary source and includes the right to use it.

- **Side Hustle**: A job that someone does in addition to their main job, especially to earn extra money.

Further Reading

https://www.theedgesearch.com/2021/01/5-ways-to-earn-passive-income-that-will.html?m=1

For more insights and detailed stories on passive income, visit [The Telegraph's Money and Jobs section](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/jobs/).

ARTICLE

‘My side hustle brings in thousands – without my even realising it’

Passive income can boost your pension pot or buy a holiday – but don’t quit your day job

Amelia Murray

8 April 2024 • 5:00pm

Reshmi Bennett makes a passive-income by selling digital downloads of recipes for kids.

The dream for many is to earn as much money as possible for the least amount of effort – spending their time with family or on the beach. 

Instead of trading your time for a wage, as with typical jobs, people who earn a so-called “passive income” do so with minimal input. 

More people have taken on “side hustles” – secondary jobs, often linked to hobbies or experience – since the pandemic. Some 43pc of adults in the UK have at least one side-hustle, according to data from comparison site Finder.

But unlike a passion project done on top of your job, earning a passive income should theoretically take as little work as possible. It’s a broad term and includes a variety of different activities. For example, renting out a room, driveway or entire property could be considered as earning passive income, as could investing in index funds. 

Those with a more entrepreneurial spirit could consider creating and selling digital assets, such as templates, courses, eBooks or even knitting templates, which can be bought over and over again. 

Another source of passive income is selling photo editing settings, known as Lightroom presets. Some take stock photos, selling them on sites such as Getty; others have uploaded sounds such as white noise to Spotify, taking a (very small) payment every time they are streamed – which eventually adds up.

But experts say the concept of passive income is misleading, as it often requires lots of work to get started.

Financial planner and coach Catherine Morgan says: “The allure of making money in your pyjamas, with nothing but the soft click of a mouse or the gentle tap of a smartphone screen, is like a modern-day fairytale. 

“But before we can all throw in the towel on the day jobs, behind every seemingly effortless, passive income stream is a backstory filled with hard work, late nights, and probably a fair share of caffeine. 

“Whether it’s writing a book, building a course, or investing in stocks, there’s a significant amount of effort and learning involved upfront. It’s less ‘set it and forget it’ and more ‘set it, nurture it, tweak it, and then maybe forget it for a bit.’”

Morgan says she has generated over £1m in revenue from creating digital assets that teach women how to have a better relationship with money.

However, she warns people to tread carefully.

“Venturing into the realm of passive income, with the idea of quitting your day job is unlikely to be financially sustainable in the beginning. So before you send your job packing, start your passive income journey as a side hustle. It’s a safer way to dip your toes in the water while still having the security of a steady income.”

‘My eBooks will create a retirement pot’

Bakery owner and author Reshmi Bennett makes around £1,000 a month passively selling children’s baking eBooks and recipe downloads. 

She tests out the recipes as part of her day job and works on the books in her spare time. This month she’s spent about a day-and-a-half doing new sketches and writing copy for Facebook adverts.

While it takes about two months to finalise each book, including collaborating with an illustrator, once it’s uploaded onto Amazon, Bennett, 40, says it “sells itself”. 

Bennett’s venture into self-publishing was by chance. During the pandemic, she wrote and designed a baking book for her son Xavier’s fourth birthday about them making blueberry muffins together. She posted it to her Instagram, which at the time had 55,000 loyal followers, and the inquiries flooded in.

Bennett, who lives in Farnham, Surrey, made it available to order on her website – the following morning she had over 750 orders for the £10.50 book.

She says: “The book was already designed so it was just a case of printing more. But I still had to package them all and send them out – which was not passive enough for me. I want to do the least amount of work with the highest payout.”

Reshmi Bennett makes a passive-income by selling digital downloads of recipes for kids

Bennett believes that creating a community was the key to her success CREDIT: John Nguyen/JNVisuals

So in May last year, she uploaded Xavier and his Magical Blueberry Muffins onto Amazon as part of her StoryBakes series. She now has five books listed on Amazon. The eBook version is sold for £4.50 of which she earns £2.92, and for every £7.99 paperback which Amazon prints and sends, Bennett gets £1.54. 

She says: “Amazon takes a big chunk of sales but what’s left goes straight in my pocket, often without us realising.”

Sales doubled last Christmas and she expects a peak in demand over Easter.

Bennett also stocks the books on a dedicated StoryBakes website, which she gets printed and then ships out. She sells downloadable recipes for sponge cake and cookies on her bakery’s website for £6.50 each.

But while managing the sales of the books is eventually minimal, Bennett recognises the work involved in the first instance. She initially releases them as a physical book sold on her website, which she promotes through her bakery’s social media, school visits and other press activity, before uploading them on Amazon for more passive earnings. 

Bennett says: “My social media followers were already invested in my bakery’s journey and I used the platform to create a community, rather than just selling. I think this could be key to the interest in the books.”

However, she says she would be scared if it were her only income.

She says: “I’m glad I don’t have to rely on it. We had to make £10,000 of refunds during lockdown after all the weddings were cancelled and ploughed a lot of our savings into the business as a result. We don’t have pension savings so this extra monthly income can hopefully build us a retirement pot over the next 10 or 20 years.”

‘The extra income means I can contribute more to my family’

Mother-of-two Daisy Ferns created a passive income stream at the end of last year when she reached “a ceiling” in her earnings as a baby sleep consultant. 

Ferns, 37, did not have the capacity to take on any more clients nor did she feel she could raise her prices. So instead she spent four months designing a self-paced online course to train others to become baby sleep consultants too, in addition to her current job. It costs £2,995 for a place on the course and so far she has 21 students.

Daisy Ferns

Ferns says doing something you love is a surefire way to creating a sustainable side-hustle CREDIT: Daisy Ferns

However, Ferns, who lives in Derby, East Midlands, says the term “passive income” is somewhat misleading.

She says: “There’s lots of work to do at the start and I spend about four-and-a-half hours during the week supporting students with live Q&As, assessing their work and responding to queries in the Facebook group. The marketing of the course also takes up a significant amount of my time – you can’t just build a product and sell it on your website.”

Ferns’ goal is to turn over £100,000 with her business Lavender Blue Sleep Consulting, which would equate to four or five students signing up a month.

She adds: “I’m still working as a baby sleep consultant, but the extra income means I can contribute more to my family, such as paying for a trip for us all to Lapland.”

Ferns says the key to earning passive income is doing something you’re experienced in and you love.

“It feels a bit unethical to set something up just to make money – and it’ll probably be unenjoyable too. I think anyone can make a passive income but I’m not sure how you’d be able to do it unless you were passionate about it.”

‘I am aiming to work just 10 hours a week’

Natalie Stanton is using her 11 years’ experience as a local government environmental health officer to create a video course in food hygiene. As The Safety Expert, she currently makes between £200 and £500 a month selling it to businesses, but says it takes up a lot of her time and she still works part-time as a food safety consultant. 

While the course generates a passive income, most of her week is taken up creating content for LinkedIn and Instagram, keeping her website updated and marketing herself. 

Stanton, 36, who lives in east London with her husband Stefan, 36, says her aim is to create enough content that can be repurposed to enable her to reduce her working hours to 10 a week.

She says: “It’s important to have experience in the area you’re wanting to pursue for credibility, but if you know how to sell or have marketing skills, you could probably make something work faster. It’s 100 per cent worth pursuing but I probably wouldn’t have been able to do it without working as a consultant alongside or having savings.”

Read More

BUY GOLD

5 April 2024

Today, gld went past 40kTHB, opening at 41,150. Seems gld should no longer be considered a simple insurance "in case of", or a buffer against loss of main income to tie you over, it is now a respectable asset class taking its own place in many investment strategies.

BUY GOLD IN THAILAND

BUY GOLD IN THAILAND

PRICE

Gold is same price everywhere in the world.

http://www.goldtraders.or.th/

The buy and sell prices of bars and jewellry.

https://gold.price-today.info/en/THB/thailand_chiang-mai_chiang-mai/

The purpose of buying gold is to insure against currency collapse or at least to have money that cannot be touched by any counter-party, for spending in retirement or when unemployed.

However history has shown that there is a real risk that the government will not tolerate individuals holding gold and if they know where you are they will call and take it off you. See last section.

CASH

Buy in cash, not credit card, to save 3% fee.

TAX

No tax on nuggets (bars) (normally 7% in Thailand).

But tax is 7% on jewellry (7% is low compared to my country).

Jewellry - a bracelet and necklace - I can take out of Thailand and into my country. But this is very difficult - I would sell in Thailand.

COMMISSION FEE

Low commission. About 0.02%.

WORKMANSHIP

 (ทักษะฝีมือ)

For jewellry, pay for workmanship (ทักษะฝีมือ) - 500b (?) for a simple necklace.

When you sell, you do not get back the ทักษะฝีมือ fee.

PURITY

Pure - in my country, pure 100% gold is 99.9%  24 karat. Most gold is 18 karat = 75% pure.

In Thailand, you buy 96.5% pure (see the website) which is 23.2 karat.

But be careful with the gold - 96.5% is very soft.

WEIGHT

Need to buy a cheap scale that can fit in your pocket so you can verify weight measurements of any gold you buy. Get a precise 0.01g scale.

จำเป็นต้องซื้อเครื่องชั่งน้ำหนักราคาถูกที่สามารถใส่ในกระเป๋าของคุณได้ เพื่อให้คุณสามารถตรวจสอบการวัดน้ำหนักของทองคำที่คุณซื้อได้  รับสเกล 0.01g ที่แม่นยำ

WHERE TO BUY

Your shop. Is it in Chinatown? We need the biggest and the oldest shops in Chinatown. They won't scam.

CONFISCATION RISK

  COMPARE WEIGHT

There is a big difference between the density of gold and silver: gold is 19.32 g/cm³, silver only 10.49 g/cm³.

With the result that a 1 oz bar of gold will be almost half as small as a 1 oz bar of silver.

  COMPARE VALUE

The gold/silver ratio changes. It is the weight of silver it takes to purchase one ounce of gold. If the ratio is 25 to 1, that means, at the current price, you could use 25 ounces of silver to buy one ounce of gold. 25 to 1 would be considered a narrow ratio. 

A narrow ratio indicates that silver’s relative value is up and a wide ratio indicates that gold’s relative value is up. This ratio is an indicator that can be used to determine the right and wrong times to buy or sell gold and silver.  

SPEND

If you are buying gold to cover a shortfall of income at some point in the future, then bear in mind that you may want to sell small portions of gold - perhaps single coin - and therefore when you purchase gold keep in mind this requirement to later sell gold in small units.

WAYS TO BUY GOLD

There are three main ways to gain exposure to the gold price as a retail investor: bars and coins, gold-backed exchange traded funds and gold mining equities.

Bars and coins give you a piece of metal you can store at home, giving you something physical to hold in your hands. They range in size from one-tenth of an ounce to one kilo or larger. The disadvantage is that the premiums to pay over the spot gold price to buy bars and coins can be substantial, meaning there is a big transaction cost once you sell the gold back, as well as storage and insurance costs.

Gold-backed ETFs have evolved into two main categories of high and low-cost products. These save the buyer from taking physical custody of the bullion. The higher-cost products provide greater liquidity with low transaction costs but are better suited to fund managers moving hundreds of millions of dollars at a time. For retail investors, a newer generation of ETFs with lower management fees and less liquidity are better suited such as Invesco’s Physical Gold ETF or BlackRock’s iShares Gold Trust.

Gold mining company equities is another option to gain exposure to prices of the yellow metal. However, these can come with surprises, positive and negative. If discoveries are made, the share price may rally sharply but if there are technical or political problems, the shares can tank irrespective of the gold price. The world’s largest gold mining companies — Newmont, Barrick Gold and Agnico Eagle Mines — are all dual-listed on the New York and Toronto stock exchanges. Gold mining equity funds including VanEck Vectors Gold Miners ETF are a way to diversify risks.

Precious metals streaming companies are another set of equities to consider, since they take small cuts on sales of many projects in return for providing financing, meaning the risks of each project or company is diluted in a broader portfolio. Among the largest listed precious metals streaming groups are Canada’s Franco-Nevada and Wheaton Precious Metals.

BIG WARNING

Here is a persuasive set of arguments for buying gold. This is at 25 March 2023

https://youtu.be/A2G3MAxdZfU

I follow and agree with all the arguments made in that video. In particular, there's a line something like, 

"How to manage members of the general public, who have more faith in the system than people people sitting round this table do"

At offset Kitco 13'40".

Notice who is sitting round the table. This is an FDIC meeting and the table is members of its systemic resolution advisory committee, SRAC

The SRAC advises the FDIC on how to manage threats to "too big to fail" financial institutions. Love it. 

The quandary they are in is how to prepare such institutions - and the bond holders and depositors - for a systemic failure, whilst at the same time making sure these depositors and bondholders do nothing about it ... for example they don't pull their deposits or sell their bonds.

I suppose first you sting them, to numb and paralyse; and then you suck out all their funds. Ha ha.

But I would say two things about this video and its concluding advice to buy gold.

1. One is that it's a video promoted by the Gold Mining whatever they call themselves, so raise one eyebrow "-).

2. And the other thing is that if all goes in the way they suggest, and you have a safe under the floorboards stuffed full of gold and silver, tge fiat currency collapses as per the govt plan, there's a smooth transition to the new central bank digital curreny, and now the government is running a tight ship using its digital currency.

So, what makes you think that if you take your gold to the bank, they will give you the digital currency equivalent that you need to buy bread and pay your rent?

Wouldn't it be more likely that before the transition, the government says,
"bring us your gold! Bring us your silver! and  we will give you the digital currency equivalent, but after the transition we will not recognise your gold"

And probably what they'll do instead, is call on you - because when you buy gold you have to declare your name and address - locate and break into your safe, and take your gold and put it into their safe!

So raise the other eyebrow ""-).

CONCLUSION

Considering relative weight and price, in the light of confiscation risk, you might like to consider whether it is worth holding this insurance in silver rather than gold or some mixture of the two. This is because the authorities would be very unlikely to call to collect your silver, whereas with gold if the s*** hits the fan they will almost certainly find out where you are and take your gold.

NOTE ON MEASURES - TROY OUNCES / BAHT

Gold internationally is usually measured in Troy ounces. One ounce = 31.1035 grams.

A baht of gold is just under one half troy ounce.

When wr speak of “One ounce of gold”, we typically mean one troy ounce = 31,1035 gram of 100% pure gold.

When a Thai speaks of “One baht of gold”, you typically mean 15.24 grams of 96,5% pure gold = 14.71 grams of 100% pure gold.

NEED 

-Scales

-Passport

-Cash

-Check shop

FLY INTO HEATHROW WITH GOLD IN YOUR POCKETS

When flying into Heathrow Airport (or any UK entry point) with pure gold in bars, there are specific rules you must follow. These rules concern customs declarations, tax implications, and security measures.

### 1. **Customs Declaration**

You must declare any goods that you bring into the UK from outside the EU if their total value exceeds £390. For gold, this rule applies regardless of its form (bars, coins, etc.). The declaration should be made at the customs red channel or red-point phone.

### 2. **Value and Taxes**

Gold, particularly in significant amounts, can easily surpass the value threshold for declarations. Failure to declare could result in fines or confiscation of the gold. Additionally, you might be subject to Value Added Tax (VAT) or other taxes upon entry, depending on the current legislation.

### 3. **Quantitative Restrictions**

While there's no limit to the amount of gold you can bring into the UK for personal use, large quantities may raise suspicion and necessitate proof of ownership and the origin of the gold. This is part of measures to prevent money laundering and the illegal trade.

### 4. **Safety and Security**

Transporting valuable items like gold bars requires careful consideration of security. You should ensure they are securely stored and consider using secure transport services if the value is particularly high.

### 5. **Insurance**

It's advisable to have insurance coverage for the gold you're transporting. This will protect you against potential loss, theft, or damage during your journey.

### Glossary of Terms

- *Customs Declaration*: A document that lists and gives details of goods that are being imported or exported.

- *VAT (Value Added Tax)*: A tax on the amount by which the value of an article has been increased at each stage of its production or distribution.

- *Money Laundering*: The process of concealing the origins of money obtained illegally by passing it through a complex sequence of banking transfers or commercial transactions.

CLARIFICATION

"You must declare any goods that you bring into the UK from outside the EU if their total value exceeds £390. For gold, this rule applies regardless of its form"

But also:

"there's no limit to the amount of gold you can bring into the UK for personal use".

Let's clarify these points:

### 1. **Declaration Threshold**

When entering the UK, you are required to declare any goods you bring from outside the EU if their total value exceeds £390. This threshold applies to the combined value of all goods you're bringing in, not just gold.

### 2. **Unlimited Quantities of Gold**

The statement that there's no limit to the amount of gold you can bring into the UK for personal use means there are no quantitative restrictions on gold specifically. You can bring in as much gold as you want, but it's subject to declaration and potentially taxes if the value exceeds the £390 threshold.

In essence, while you can technically carry unlimited quantities of gold, the value of the gold dictates the need for declaration and the potential financial implications (like paying VAT). Always declare and follow the guidelines to avoid legal issues.

Read More

CYPRUS - ONE STATE, A FEDERATION, OR TWO STATES

4 April 2024

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2024/04/04/turkey-cyprus-ersin-tatar-trnc-gaza-war/

SUMMARY

Summary of "One tiny mistake could turn Cyprus into a new Gaza"

**1. Warning from Turkish-Cypriot Leader**: Ersin Tatar, leader of Northern Cyprus, warns that any minor incident, like the shooting of a Turkish soldier, could escalate into a major conflict. He draws parallels with Gaza, Ukraine, and Bosnia, highlighting the fragility of peace on the divided island.

**2. UN Meeting Anticipation**: Ahead of a meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Tatar emphasizes that Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots reject a one-state solution, advocating instead for a two-state solution to ensure peace and stability.

**3. Greek-Cypriot Position**: The internationally recognized government of Cyprus, led by Nikos Christodoulides, seeks reunification under the Republic of Cyprus, demanding the withdrawal of Turkish troops from the north. This stance is supported by Britain, the UN, the US, and the EU.

**4. Two-State Solution Advocacy**: Tatar, dismissing efforts for reunification as a "waste of time," argues for the recognition of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) as an independent state. He hints at potential recognition from countries like Azerbaijan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.

**5. Security Concerns and Military Presence**: The article mentions recent incidents of violence and tensions, emphasizing the strategic importance of Cyprus, including British military bases and the broader geopolitical implications involving NATO members Greece and Turkey.

**6. Economic and Diplomatic Stalemate**: Both sides face challenges related to the division, including economic impacts on tourism and international relations, as well as issues like the development of the abandoned resort of Varosha and offshore resources.

**7. Expert and Expat Views**: While experts like James Ker-Lindsay see a federal solution as the only viable path, some British expats in Northern Cyprus believe that a two-state solution might be the only way forward, citing long-standing issues and failed reunification efforts.

This summary encapsulates the complexity and sensitivity of the Cyprus issue, highlighting the divergent views on the path to peace and the potential for conflict escalation over minor incidents.

ARTICLE

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2024/04/04/turkey-cyprus-ersin-tatar-trnc-gaza-war/

One tiny mistake could turn Cyprus into a new Gaza

CONCEPTS

A Federal Arrangement

**1. Introduction**

The term *federal arrangement* in the context of Cyprus refers to a proposed solution to the island's long-standing division between the Greek Cypriot south and the Turkish Cypriot north. This proposal seeks to unify the island under a federal system, essentially creating a single state composed of two or more regional governments.

**2. The Historical Context**

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when a coup d'état by Greek Cypriots aiming for union with Greece prompted Turkey to invade the northern part of the island. This led to the establishment of the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, recognized only by Turkey. Numerous attempts at reunification have been made, with a federal arrangement often proposed as a compromise solution.

**3. The Federal Arrangement Explained**

A *federal arrangement* would mean that Cyprus would be a federation of two constituent states – one Greek Cypriot and the other Turkish Cypriot. Each state would have its own government with considerable autonomy, while a federal government would handle national matters such as foreign policy, defense, and possibly economy. The exact powers and functions of the federal and state governments would need to be defined through negotiations.

**4. Benefits and Challenges**

The proposed federal solution aims to respect the identities and rights of both communities, ensuring that neither can dominate the other. It also seeks to bring stability, security, and prosperity to the island, opening up new opportunities for development and cooperation.

However, the arrangement faces significant challenges, including disagreements over territory, security guarantees, property rights, and the presence of Turkish troops on the island. Achieving a consensus on these issues remains a key obstacle.

**5. Conclusion**

The federal arrangement for Cyprus represents a hopeful yet complex path toward reconciling differences and healing a decades-long division. While it offers a framework for coexistence and shared governance, its success depends on the willingness of both communities to compromise and work together towards a common future.

**Glossary of Terms**

- *Federal Arrangement*: A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units.

- *Constituent States*: The individual political units that make up a federation, each with its own government and certain powers.

- *Autonomy*: The right or condition of self-government, especially in a particular sphere.

Devolution and Federation

**1. Introduction**

Understanding the concepts of *devolution* and *federation* is crucial in the realm of political science, particularly when discussing the distribution of powers within states. Both concepts relate to how authority is delegated from central governments to regional or local entities, yet they are fundamentally different in structure, operation, and impact.

**2. Definition of Key Terms**

- *Devolution*: The transfer or delegation of power to a lower level, especially by central government to local or regional administration, without relinquishing sovereignty.

- *Federation*: A political entity characterized by a union of partially self-governing states or regions under a central (federal) government.

**3. Structure and Sovereignty**

- *Devolution*: Involves a central government granting powers to regional governments, which can be unilaterally altered or revoked by the central authority. The central government retains sovereignty, and the power of regional governments is derived from and limited by the central government.

  

- *Federation*: Constitutes a constitutional arrangement that divides sovereignty between the federal government and the constituent states. Both levels of government act directly upon the citizens through their own sets of laws, and neither can unilaterally alter the fundamental agreements of the federation.

**4. Flexibility and Autonomy**

- *Devolution*: Offers flexibility as the central government can adjust the devolved powers in response to political, social, or economic needs. However, this flexibility means that the autonomy of the devolved administrations can be relatively unstable or inconsistent over time.

- *Federation*: Provides a stable structure of autonomy where constituent states have constitutionally guaranteed powers. This stability fosters a sense of autonomy and self-determination within the states, but it can also lead to rigidity and difficulties in adapting to change.

**5. Examples**

- *Devolution*: The United Kingdom is a prime example, where Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have their own devolved parliaments or assemblies with varying degrees of legislative power.

  

- *Federation*: The United States and Australia are examples of federations, where the states have their own government and legislature, with certain powers reserved to the federal government.

**6. Conclusion**

While both *devolution* and *federation* aim to bring governance closer to the people by decentralizing powers, they differ significantly in their approach to sovereignty, autonomy, and structural stability. Devolution implies a more centralized form of governance with conditional autonomy, whereas federation emphasizes a balanced distribution of power and sovereignty between the central and regional governments.

**Glossary of Terms**

- *Sovereignty*: Supreme power or authority.

- *Constituent States*: States that are part of a federal union, having their own local governments but united under a central federal government.

- *Legislature*: A deliberative assembly with the authority to make laws for a political entity such as a country or city.

ARTICLE

Ersin Tatar, the Turkish-Cypriot leader, says the island lives in fear of a ‘little flare-up’ and a two-state solution is the only answer

Nick Squires

 IN NICOSIA

4 April 2024 • 10:29am

Destroyed and deserted hotels line the shore in the abandoned Turkish-occupied city of Varosha in Cyprus

Turkey will not accept a one-state solution for Cyprus and a “little flare-up” on the divided island could spark a conflict similar to those in Gaza and Ukraine, the leader of the breakaway north has warned ahead of a meeting with the head of the UN.

A mistake or misunderstanding such as the shooting of a Turkish soldier on the Green Line that divides the two sides would provoke “a bomb” between the two populations, who have been at loggerheads for decades, said Ersin Tatar.

“If you shoot one Turkish soldier you will have 10,000 soldiers on the ground,” Ersin Tatar, the Cambridge-educated president of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), told The Telegraph in an interview at his colonial-era mansion in the divided capital of Nicosia.

“Everybody should be calm and reasonable. Turkish Cypriots are not alone – we have got 85 million Turks behind us and they are just 40 miles away.

“A little flare-up, that is what people are fearing. Look at what happened in Gaza. And before that, Ukraine. Before that, Bosnia.”

Mr Tatar’s warning comes ahead of his meeting with Antonio Guterres, the UN Secretary General, in New York on Friday, amid renewed efforts to solve the frozen conflict 50 years after it first erupted.

They are expected to discuss the work so far of Maria Angela Holguin Cuellar, a Colombian diplomat and Mr Guterres’ personal envoy, who has been sent to Cyprus to try to kickstart talks after years of stalemate.

Ersin Tatar (pictured), the president of the TRNC, will meet with Antonio Guterres to solve the frozen Turkey-Cyprus conflict

Ersin Tatar (pictured), the president of the TRNC, will meet with Antonio Guterres to solve the frozen Turkey-Cyprus conflict CREDIT: Sam Tarling

Greek Cypriots want to see the island united under the flag of the Republic of Cyprus. That would involve Turkey giving back the northern territory it seized during what Turkish Cypriots call “the intervention” in response to a Greek military coup and attempted union with Greece in 1974.

The Greek Cypriots regard the TRNC as a rogue state and say the tens of thousands of Turkish troops who are stationed there must leave the island. The breakaway Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is not recognised by any country other than Turkey.

“I will spare no effort to realise the common dream of reunification,” Nikos Christodoulides, the president of the internationally recognised Republic of Cyprus, said recently.

That plan is backed by Britain, the former colonial power, as well as the UN, the United States and the EU, all of whom have spent decades trying to bring the two sides together for negotiations.

But Mr Tatar, who was elected in 2020, dismissed such efforts as a “waste of time”.

“That’s all past. All those opportunities have been exhausted,” he said.

“How can you unite an island like this after so many years? You cannot possibly unite Cyprus. You have to face the facts and accept reality.”

Two-state solution

The only option now is a two-state solution in which TRNC is accepted as an independent state, said Mr Tatar, a hardline nationalist who is close to Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the authoritarian leader of Turkey.

“Since 1974 we have had two states, two regions, two sovereign powers in Cyprus living side by side, coexisting. The only way forward is a two-state solution,” he said.

“Recognition might take time but as time goes by, we consolidate more.”

He suggested that Azerbaijan, Pakistan and Bangladesh may soon recognise the TRNC as an independent country.

At stake is peace on the island of 1.2 million people, where the British army has two key military bases under UK sovereign control, RAF Akrotiri and Dhekelia.

The bases provide the UK with a permanent presence in the Eastern Mediterranean and offer a staging post for military and humanitarian operations.

Greece and Turkey are also both members of Nato.

Recent clashes

Although the island is considered safe to travel around, there have been incidents of violence recently.

In February, a group of eight Turkish Cypriot students were allegedly attacked with sticks and stones by Greek Cypriots during a trip to the Troodos Mountains in the south.

Last August, several UN peacekeepers, including British soldiers, were injured in a clash with Turkish Cypriots who were trying to build a new road to a village in the buffer zone that divides the island.

“We don’t want a clash and they [Greek Cypriots] shouldn’t want a clash,” said Mr Tatar.

“They have five million tourists visiting them each year, especially from the UK. If there is a bomb going off – pop! – not one tourist will come. They will go bankrupt.”

Cyprus has become one of the world’s most intractable diplomatic problems, with each side blaming the other for the failure to find a settlement.

Amid decades of animosity, the two sides argue over how they will share the huge reserves of offshore oil and gas in Cypriot waters as well as the future of Varosha, the once glamorous beach resort that was abandoned by Greek Cypriots and occupied by the Turks during the war in 1974.

Varosha

Varosha has been left abandoned for 50 years

For 50 years it has been a ghost town, its perimeter guarded by barbed wire and Turkish troops while the once glitzy hotels and restaurants that line a long sweep of golden beach slowly decay.

In 2020, the Turkish Cypriots unilaterally opened up part of the ghost town, to the fury of the Greek Cypriots, who owned most of the property in the area.

The Turkish Cypriots want to develop the abandoned resort, despite a UN resolution condemning any attempt to resettle it by anyone other than the Greek Cypriots who were forced out half a century ago.

Turkish Cypriots complain bitterly that they are subject to trade embargos and travel restrictions – it is only possible to fly to Northern Cyprus via Istanbul, for instance, a hassle which deters many potential tourists.

That will not change until there is a solution to the conflict, however.

Four Seasons resort in North Cyprus

Turkish Cypriots complain that they are subject to travel restrictions, deterring tourists 

James Ker-Lindsay, a British expert on Cyprus from the London School of Economics, said a federal, unified state remains the only viable solution for Cyprus and that the chances of the TRNC being recognised as an independent country by the rest of the world are zero.

“It’s not going to happen. In the context of everything we are seeing in Ukraine, the EU and US will not want to be seen to legitimise territorial changes that took place as a result of military action.”

But it is not just politicians from the north who feel that the push for a unified island is now a hopeless cause.

Some of the 15,000 British expats living in the TRNC also sympathise with the Turkish Cypriots.

Many of them live in the mountains overlooking the ancient harbour town of Kyrenia, where they look after the old British Cemetery and a memorial to the 371 British servicemen who lost their lives in the late 1950s during clashes with EOKA, the Greek Cypriot nationalist guerilla organisation that fought against British rule.

“The Turkish Cypriots have tried, they really have. I think the two-state solution is now the only way,” said Peter Wilkins, a former police officer from London who moved to the island eight years ago.

Mike Diplock, a retired policeman and a member of the British Residents Society who has lived in Northern Cyprus since 2007, said: “After such a long time, the federal arrangement is just not going to work. You can’t keep flogging a dead horse.”

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ANARCHY OR RULES-BASED ORDER, NEITHER SEEM TO WORK

4 April 2024

             "Nature red in tooth and claw".

During "the unipolar moment" (1991 - 2017) was the world a more peaceful place? Unchallenged, was the States the world's policeman? Was it successful (there was yugoslavia, iraq and 9/11)?

Anyway, my point is, there is a choice between "the call of the wild" or a police world. In the wild, it is about brutal and perpetual war for territory, food, mates, for dominance, it is about power.

Alternatively, we have rules, that everyone signs up to and agrees to abide by....but not if they can help it, and not if they feel their existence or their positionis threathened.

We have anarchy or one of two rules-based Orders - UN or American.

What can be done? Security Agreements backed by Balance-of-Power?

The call of the wild.

The first five or ten minutes are enough to understand what's underneath the laquer of civilisation.

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THE CHANGING OF THE GUARD (WHAT'S AHEAD FOR THE WESTERN ELITE)

2 April 2024

https://www.youtube.com/live/w4ivpdK49a8?si=oPaZyJcuGRUGNEeQ

OMG strong stuff from Alistair Crook. His voice is even more hesitant and measured and trembling than usual, as he recoils in shock and awe from Russia's flattening of Ukraine and butchery of its army. The points he makes:

The Crocus City Hall massacre is terrorism not asymmetric warfare.

"How do we sear the consciousness of the Palestinians by having a defeat that makes them docile and ready to submit" 

How can the West square its Enlightenment values with what its proxy Ukraine does to civilians in Russia?

The West - no strategy, no understanding of the other side, of what this war is about, of why it's being fought.

Colonial aims, beliefs about the other side, colonial  dogmas, methods and remedies, Dresden all over again, Hiroshima II.

This is organised by the CIA, the Deep State...

"You can no longer be a Liberal and a Zionist" ie on the one hand the values and the Western comm.  v. on the other the real-world goals and actions of Western govts (undoubtably coordinated by the CIA and deep state ... this not conspiracy-theory, this is fact).

We knew all this stuff about the reality of CIA operations long long time ago, from the Dulles Bros onwards, from the beginning with the American civil war itself or before that the Settler genocidal actions to clear occupied space of native populations, European colonialisations of Africa and Asia; 

but what will happen when the West loses, history is re-written and Western populations are converted to the cynical realism of the Neocons and their predecessors? ... what are the alternative models to the "democracy" we must suffer today? How to get out from under the CIA? How to make peace with Russia? Create a New Order that recognises the security concerns of all? Can the world transition together to a multipolar world and at the same time keep an American global umbrella under which all can seek shelter? 

This is what we ask. How can it be done?

Further reading

https://youtu.be/abVOmEt0_bY?si=DNQj1jfq-dgMssVr

https://youtu.be/yDF6qORwjOs?si=xiFiKGM-KSXfN8_G

https://youtu.be/OsohByB0o6k?si=JBzqR_gbstL5gz20

https://youtu.be/u_XqQAOG76w?si=THTERfu6tnUM-xrn

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WHY DID MACRON VISIT LULA IN BRAZIL

30 March 2024

https://foreignpolicy.com/2024/03/29/brazil-france-lula-macron-amazon-global-south/

FRAMEWORK ANSWER

Consider an answer in the light of the contributions of France's philosophers on liberty, equality and fraternity to forms of government and Constitutions across the world. This would be the pomp and ceremony and ego-puffing setting. Then consider the reality of France's contributions, in terms of its policies towards the third world in pursuit of its own interests. This would be the controversial reality of its activities in N abd W Africa, Indochina and elsewhere. And thirdly, that is the philo and historic legacy background to Macron's attempting to strengthen France's (and his) place in the world today, so let's look at what this visit achieved for Franco-Brazilian fraternity and trade and world survival through these mad times.

1. Enlightenment values. Firstly, note that France sees itself as having, unique among European countries, a special relationship with the Global South, in particular its former colonies in Africa, Asia and S. America.

The best perspective on this "beacon of hope" role is from its Enlightenment philosophers and the policies of its post WW2 presidents.

2. Foreign Policies. Then, if this is the ideas and idealism background, what about the realities, ie pragmatically, how did France deal with its colonies (we have talked in yesterday's blog post about Assimilation and how it isn't Multiculturism), later with decolonisation,  during the Cold War, in the context of Globalisation (updating colonisation), the unipolar moment with America, and now with its position in a multipolar world of BRICS countries, with regional leaderships emerging from Brazil, Russia and China. The issues at the present would incl Geopolitics and alliances, Trade and economic union, Global Responses to war and climate change.

3. This visit - new relationship, trade deals, theme is Save The Planet. And finally to the bundles of Agreements that are always signed in the course of visits by Heads of State. What important CEOs did Macron take with him to sign deals in sectors where France leads -  Luxury Goods and Fashion, Aerospace and Defense incl submarines, Nuclear Energy, Wine and Spirits, Tourism, Cosmetics and Beauty, even Finance (standard breakdown by Industry and Sector of France's more successful commercial interests in resources, outsourcing and customer markets).

SUMMARY OF THE ARTICLE

 1. Introduction to a Historic Visit

French President Emmanuel Macron's recent visit to Brazil, marked by a highly publicised trip through the Amazon alongside Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, signifies a robust effort to strengthen ties between France and Brazil. This encounter, characterised by shared ambitions for environmental conservation and sustainable development, underscores a mutual recognition of the challenges and opportunities that lie in the relationship between the developed and developing ("The Global South") worlds.

 2. A Symbolic Gesture of Unity

The imagery of Macron and Lula, navigating the Amazon and traversing the rainforest together, has been a powerful symbol of their commitment to environmental stewardship and bi-lateral cooperation. This visit not only highlights a personal rapport between the two leaders, but also serves as a testament to their countries' aligned interests, especially in terms of environmental protection and sustainable development in the Amazon region.

 3. Strategic Investments in the Amazon

Central to Macron's visit was the announcement of a bilateral investment plan, committing $1.1 billion over four years to conservation and sustainable agriculture initiatives in the Amazon. This investment, involving both Brazil and French Guiana, a French overseas territory, represents a significant effort to address environmental concerns while fostering economic cooperation outside the traditional framework of the troubled Mercosur-European Union trade agreement.

 4. Broader Implications for Global South Relations

The France-Brazil partnership extends beyond environmental initiatives, touching on broader geopolitical and economic issues that resonate with the Global South. France's support for reforms in the international climate finance system and a global minimum tax on billionaires reflects a sensitivity to the priorities of developing countries. This stance, as highlighted by Macron's visit, suggests a strategic alignment with Brazil and other nations of the Global South, potentially reshaping international economic and environmental policies.

 5. Addressing Global Challenges

The visit also touched upon critical global issues, including the war in Ukraine and the political crisis in Venezuela, showcasing the broader diplomatic dialogue between France and Brazil. Macron's efforts to position France as a leader in a turbulent global landscape are complemented by Brazil's role as a pivotal player in the Global South, making their cooperation particularly significant in the face of uncertainties such as the potential return of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency.

 6. Conclusion: A Partnership of Mutual Interest

The deepening relationship between France and Brazil, exemplified by Macron's visit and the subsequent agreements, illustrates a shared commitment to addressing global challenges. This partnership, balancing environmental sustainability with economic and geopolitical considerations, represents a hopeful vision for co-operation between developed and developing nations.

 Links Section

- think tank websites like Plataforma CIPÓ.

COMMENTRY

1. Philosophical Foundations

The philosophical underpinnings of France's relationship with the Global Majority can be traced back to the Enlightenment era, with its ideals of "liberty, equality, fraternity" (with the latter sadly missing today, but this visit could be seen as promoting fraternity).

Philosophers like Montesquieu, Rousseau, and Voltaire, despite their complex and sometimes contradictory views on colonisation and "the other," laid the groundwork for modern human rights and the concept of universalism. This intellectual heritage has influenced France's self-perception as a bearer of universal values, shaping its diplomatic and cultural policies.

Montesquieu's critique of despotism and advocacy for the separation of powers have been instrumental in shaping political governance models promoted by France in its foreign relations. 

Rousseau's ideas on the social contract and general will can be seen in France's emphasis on democratic principles and human rights in its international engagements. 

Voltaire's defense of religious tolerance and freedom of expression also resonates with France's advocacy for these values globally. 

However, the application of these principles has often been marred by accusations of cultural imperialism and economic exploitation, reflecting the tension between idealism and communication (what is said) as opposed to pragmatism and action (what is done) in France's global interactions.

2. Post-WWII Presidential Policies

Post-WWII presidents of France have each made their contributions to shaping the country's relationship with the Global Majority, navigating the decolonisation process, Cold War politics, globalization and now a multipolar world.

- Charles de Gaulle (1959-1969): De Gaulle's presidency was marked by the process of decolonization, most notably in Algeria. His acceptance of Algerian independence in 1962 was a pragmatic move that reflected the changing global attitudes towards colonialism. De Gaulle's vision of "France's grandeur" was not limited to Europe but extended globally, seeking to position France as a leader in the Global Majority through the establishment of the Francophonie, thus promoting French language and culture worldwide.

- François Mitterrand (1981-1995): Mitterrand's tenure saw a significant focus on the Global South, particularly Africa, where he sought to maintain France's influence through a policy known as Françafrique. This policy often involved direct French intervention in African politics, under the guise of supporting stability and French interests. While Mitterrand advocated for human rights, his administration faced criticism for supporting authoritarian regimes in Africa.

- Jacques Chirac (1995-2007): Chirac was known for his outspoken opposition to the Iraq War, reflecting a broader Gaullien policy of independence from American geopolitical strategies. He emphasised multilateralism and sought to strengthen France's ties with the Global Majority through cultural exchange and development aid, promoting a multipolar world where France could act as a mediator and leader among nations.

- Nicolas Sarkozy (2007-2012) and François Hollande (2012-2017): Both leaders continued France's engagement with the Global Majority but faced new challenges such as the Arab Spring (2011), the rise of China, and global terrorism. Their policies reflected a balance between economic interests, such as securing resources, supply chains and markets, and promoting democratic values and human rights.

3. Conclusion: A Legacy of Engagement and Controversy

France's philosophical legacy and the policies of its post-WWII presidents towards the Global Majority are characterised by a complex mix of idealism, pragmatism, and sometimes controversy. The Enlightenment ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity have provided a philosophical framework for France's global engagement, even as the country has navigated the practical realities of decolonisation, global geopolitics, economic interests and climate change. France's unique historical, cultural, and intellectual connections with the Global Majority continue to shape its foreign policy, reflecting both its aspirations and the challenges of living up to its universalist ideals.

ARTICLE - HERE IS THE ARTICLE ITSELF FROM FOREIGNPOLICY.COM

Macron and Lula Deepen Ties With Trip to Amazon

On a whirlwind tour through Brazil, the French president showed that he seeks fraternité with the global south.

‘A Franco-Brazilian Moment’

It was the head-of-state photo session seen round the internet. On Tuesday, the official social media accounts for Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and French President Emmanuel Macron shared images of the two leaders together on a trip through the Amazon. In one photo, Lula and Macron grasped hands, smiling and peering out over the bow of a ship; in another, they bounded through the sun-dappled rainforest.

The subtext was clear: The trade agreement between South American customs union Mercosur and the European Union may be on life support, but Brazil and France are still doing big things together. That day, the two leaders announced a bilateral plan to invest $1.1 billion over four years in conservation and sustainable agriculture in the Amazon rainforest in Brazil and French Guiana, the latter a French overseas territory.

Macron’s visit to Brazil lasted until Thursday, when the French leader and Lula held an official meeting at Brazil’s presidential palace and signed a series of cooperation agreements.

“We are living in a Franco-Brazilian moment,” Macron’s office said. His delegation included officials from some of France’s biggest companies, including Carrefour and Airbus. Their meetings in Brazil intended to back up Macron’s assertion that the two countries can still grow their bilateral business in the absence of a new trade deal.

Whether they will be successful remains to be seen. Regardless, business is not the only reason Macron and Lula have sought closer ties. “Today, France is one of the developed countries that is most open and sensitive to certain demands of the global south,” said Maiara Folly, the executive director of Plataforma CIPÓ, a Brazilian think tank.

France has supported proposals from countries such as Barbados to reform the international climate finance system, as well as suggestions from countries such as Brazil to seek a global minimum tax on billionaires. These topics are among Brazil’s priorities for its G-20 presidency this year.

It was noteworthy that the $1.1 billion announced for the Amazon is due to be financed partially by the French and Brazilian governments, Folly told Foreign Policy. Wealthy countries often favor climate finance schemes that assume significant contributions from the private sector, but “developing countries generally worry that this emphasis on the private sector is a way to downplay the rich countries’ responsibility,” she said.

The France-Brazil Amazon investment initiative appeared to respond to those concerns. The plan includes a pledge to carry out technology transfers. On Wednesday, Lula and Macron unveiled a submarine that was built by an existing bilateral technology transfer program. France is renowned for its submarine production capabilities, which were the basis for a joint initiative with Australia that was canceled in 2021.

The possibility of a second Trump presidency in the United States looms large in Europe, and the continent is on the hunt for other dependable allies. Macron has tried to assert himself as a global leader in this unstable environment. The French president acknowledged that he and Lula had discussed Russia’s war in Ukraine and Venezuela’s political crisis.

In Brazil, Macron gains a key interlocutor in the global south. A friendly Brazil could help bring other developing countries into France’s fold. “Among traditional powers, none is closer to Brazil than France,” Lula said at his press conference with Macron on Thursday.

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HUXLEY, ORWELL, GOLDING ON HUMAN NATURE AND SOCIETY

30 March 2024

Huxley, Orwell & Golding delivering keynote speeches at an LSE Conference on Climate Change, 19 August 2023

Brave New World, Nineteen-Eighty-Four, Lord of the Flies, Animal Farm

1.   Summary of Huxley's Brave New World

"Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley is a dystopian novel set in a future world state where society is meticulously engineered by the government to ensure universal happiness and social stability. The story unfolds in London, in the year A.F. 632 (After Ford), where advancements in reproductive technology, sleep-learning, psychological manipulation, and a caste system centred on intelligence and labour define human existence.

The plot centres around Bernard Marx, an Alpha caste member who feels outcast due to his physical stature, and Lenina Crowne, a woman who, despite following societal norms, is intrigued by Bernard's uniqueness. 

They visit a Savage Reservation, where they meet John, the "Savage," who was born outside of the World State's control and represents the connection to a bygone way of life that valued individuality, family, and uncontrolled emotions.

John's introduction to the World State society brings him into conflict with its values, particularly the concepts of free love and the absence of personal connections. His struggle to find a place in this new world, coupled with his attraction to Lenina and his disillusionment with the superficial happiness of society, drives him to a tragic end.

The novel explores themes of technology's role in society, the loss of individuality, the commodification of human beings, and the use of drugs ("soma") to maintain and control, social order and personal contentment. 

Huxley's vision is a cautionary tale about the dangers of losing human connection and freedom in the pursuit of technological progress and manufactured happiness.

1.1.                   Chapter by chapter summary

"Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley unfolds over 18 chapters, detailing a society where human beings are mass-produced and pre-destined for roles in a caste system. Here’s a concise chapter-by-chapter summary:

1. Introduction to the World State: The novel opens in the Central London Hatchery and Conditioning Centre, where humans are artificially produced and conditioned for their place in society.
2. The Conditioning Process: It explains the process of conditioning children to fit into their societal roles, highlighting the use of sleep-teaching, or hypnopaedia.
3. A Tour of the Hatchery: The Director of Hatchery continues the tour, introducing the concept of Bokanovsky's Process and conditioning, with Lenina Crowne and Bernard Marx introduced among the characters.
4. Introduction to Bernard Marx: Bernard shows signs of discontent with society. He and Lenina plan a visit to a Savage Reservation, highlighting Bernard's alienation.
5. Bernard's Uniqueness: Bernard is revealed to be unique in his feelings and doubts about society's values, contrasting with Lenina's contentment.
6. Visit to the Reservation: Bernard learns that he must report to the Director upon his return, hinting at his impending exile. He and Lenina visit the Savage Reservation.
7. The Savage Reservation: Lenina and Bernard meet Linda, a woman from the World State who lives on the Reservation, and her son John (the Savage).
8. John’s Background: John tells Bernard and Lenina about his life on the Reservation, his mother Linda's past, and his desire to see the "Other Place" – the World State.
9. Bernard's Plan: Bernard decides to bring John and Linda back to London as a way to undermine the Director, who had threatened him with exile.
10. John's Arrival in London: John and Linda are brought to London, causing a sensation; the Director's hypocrisy is exposed, and he resigns in shame.
11. John’s Disillusionment: John becomes a media sensation but is increasingly disillusioned with the superficiality and moral emptiness of World State society.
12. John's Refusal to Attend a Party: John refuses to attend a party, causing embarrassment for Bernard, who begins to lose his newfound status.
13. Helmholtz Watson: The friendship between Bernard, Helmholtz Watson (a discontented Alpha), and John deepens, with discussions about freedom and literature.
14. John’s Rebellion: John reacts violently to the distribution of soma to Delta workers, leading to his arrest along with Bernard and Helmholtz.
15. Before Mustapha Mond: Bernard, Helmholtz, and John are brought before Mustapha Mond, the World Controller, who debates them on the virtues of the World State.
16. Mustapha Mond’s Explanations: Mustapha Mond explains the foundations of World State society and why certain things like literature and religion are banned.
17. The Isolation of the Rebels: Bernard is exiled to an island; Helmholtz chooses to go to the Falkland Islands; John is allowed to live alone outside London.
18. The Tragedy of John the Savage: John tries to live in isolation but is hounded by the media and tourists. Unable to reconcile his beliefs with the world around him, John takes his own life.

Each chapter of "Brave New World" builds upon Huxley’s vision of a dystopian future where human freedom is sacrificed for societal stability and happiness, exploring the consequences of such a world on the individual spirit.

2.   Summary of Orwell's 1984

"1984" by George Orwell is a dystopian novel set in Airstrip One (formerly known as Great Britain), a province of the superstate Oceania in a world of perpetual war, omnipresent government surveillance, and public manipulation. The story is centered around Winston Smith, a low-ranking member of the ruling Party in London, who works at the Ministry of Truth, where he alters historical records to fit the Party's propaganda.

The Party, led by Big Brother, employs the Thought Police to persecute individualism and independent thinking, known as "thoughtcrimes." The Party's three slogans are: "War is Peace," "Freedom is Slavery," and "Ignorance is Strength." Society is organised into three classes: the Inner Party (the elite ruling minority), the Outer Party (Winston's class), and the Proles (the vast majority of the population).

Winston feels frustrated by the oppressive control of the Party and begins to secretly rebel against Big Brother, expressing his dissent through a diary. He also enters into a forbidden romantic relationship with Julia, a fellow Party member who shares his disdain for the Party's rigid controls.

Their rebellion leads them to O'Brien, a member of the Inner Party, whom they believe is secretly opposing the Party. However, O'Brien turns out to be a loyal servant of Big Brother and betrays them. Winston and Julia are captured by the Thought Police and taken to the Ministry of Love, where prisoners are tortured and brainwashed.

Winston is subjected to intense interrogation and torture by O'Brien, aimed at reforming him and eradicating his rebellious thoughts. The climax of Winston's torture occurs in Room 101, where he is confronted with his worst fear, leading him to betray Julia by begging for her to suffer in his place.

Ultimately, Winston is broken and reforms. He is released back into society after he genuinely professes his love for Big Brother, having lost all critical thought and individuality. The novel ends with Winston sitting alone in a café, tears streaming down his face, overwhelmed with love for Big Brother, as he awaits a reported victory in the ongoing war.

"1984" explores themes of totalitarianism, surveillance, censorship, and individualism, warning against the dangers of oppressive government control and the erasure of personal freedoms. It remains a powerful commentary on the potential for tyranny that can arise from the pursuit of absolute power and the subjugation of individual will.

LN

2.1.                   Chapter by chapter 1984

"1984" by George Orwell is divided into three parts, with a detailed and intense exploration of themes such as surveillance, truth manipulation, and the psychology of totalitarianism. Here's a brief chapter-by-chapter summary:

Part One: Introduction to Winston’s World

1. Introduction to Winston Smith: Winston returns to his dilapidated apartment building, Victory Mansions, and begins to write a diary, an act of rebellion against the Party.
2. The Two Minutes Hate: Winston participates in the daily Two Minutes Hate, expressing the Party's directed fury towards enemies. He notices O'Brien, a Party elite, and feels a strange connection.
3. Winston’s Job at the Ministry of Truth: Describes Winston's job at the Ministry of Truth, where he falsifies historical records to match the Party's changing narratives.
4. Winston Remembers His Family: Winston recalls his family and the disappearance of his parents during the purges of the 1950s.
5. The Party’s Control Over Reality: Further exploration of the Party’s control, including the concept of "doublethink" and the erasure of individuals from history.
6. Winston’s Discontent Grows: Winston reflects on his rebellion and writes "DOWN WITH BIG BROTHER" in his diary.
7. An Encounter with the Dark-Haired Girl: Winston has a brief encounter with Julia, a co-worker, causing him to suspect her of being a spy and to fantasise about killing her.
8. The Proles: Winston wanders into a prole district, hoping to find some connection to the past before the Party's dominance.

Part Two: Winston and Julia’s Rebellion

1. Secret Messages: Julia secretly passes Winston a note saying she loves him, leading to their covert relationship.
2. Their Secret Relationship: Winston and Julia begin their affair in a rented room above Mr. Charrington’s shop, which appears safe from surveillance.
3. O'Brien Makes Contact: Winston and Julia are contacted by O'Brien, who suggests he is part of the rebellion.
4. The Book: O'Brien provides Winston with a book by Goldstein, the supposed leader of the resistance, which explains the structure of society and the nature of war.
5. Caught: Winston and Julia are caught by the Thought Police in their rented room, which had hidden telescreens. Mr. Charrington is revealed to be a member of the Thought Police.

Part Three: Winston’s Imprisonment and Re-education

1. In the Ministry of Love: Winston is detained in the Ministry of Love, where he encounters other prisoners and realises the extent of the Party’s control over reality.
2. Torture by O'Brien: O'Brien tortures Winston, forcing him to accept the Party’s version of reality and to betray his innermost beliefs.
3. Room 101: Winston faces his worst fear in Room 101 - rats. Faced with this terror, he betrays Julia by begging for her to be tortured instead.
4. Release: Re-educated, Winston is released. He meets Julia one last time; both admit to betraying the other and feel nothing.
5. Acceptance: Winston accepts the Party completely, loving Big Brother as he hears of a victory in war.

"1984" serves as a grim warning of the dangers of totalitarianism, exploring the profound impact of oppression on the human spirit and the extremes to which a government might go to maintain control and power.

3.   Summary of Golding's Lord of the Flies

"Lord of the Flies" by William Golding is a novel that explores the dark aspects of human nature through the experiences of a group of British boys stranded on an uninhabited island. The book begins with the boys' plane crashing on a remote island during a wartime evacuation. With no adults surviving, the boys are left to govern themselves.

Ralph, one of the older boys, is initially elected as the leader, and he emphasises the need for order, rules, and the maintenance of a signal fire to attract rescuers. He is assisted by Piggy, an intelligent but socially awkward boy who wears glasses, which become crucial for starting fires.

Jack, another boy, becomes the leader of the hunters and gradually represents the appeal of savagery and the power of fear over civil and moral order. As the novel progresses, the struggle for power between Ralph and Jack becomes more intense and violent.

The boys develop a belief in a mythical beast that stalks the island, which serves as a symbol of the fear and savagery that increasingly dominate their existence. Simon, a sensitive boy, discovers that the "beast" is actually a dead pilot with a parachute, but he is killed by the other boys in a frenzied ritual before he can communicate this to them.

Jack's hunters eventually become completely savage, adorning themselves with war paint and engaging in rituals. They break away from Ralph's authority and form their own tribe, which is dedicated to hunting and hedonistic indulgence.

The conflict escalates to the point where Piggy is killed during a confrontation for his glasses, and Ralph is hunted like an animal by Jack's tribe. The novel culminates in Ralph's desperate flight from the hunters, leading him to the beach where he collapses in front of a naval officer, who has arrived to rescue the boys after spotting the island's smoke.

The presence of the officer suddenly brings the boys back to reality, and they are confronted with the realisation of their own savagery. The novel ends with the boys weeping for the loss of their innocence and the darkness they've discovered within themselves and humanity as a whole.

"Lord of the Flies" is a profound, allegorical novel that uses the microcosm of the stranded boys to explore themes of civilization vs. savagery, the loss of innocence, and the inherent evil within mankind.

3.1.                   Chapter by chapter Lord of the Flies

"Lord of the Flies" by William Golding is structured around the descent into savagery of a group of boys stranded on an uninhabited island. Here's a brief chapter-by-chapter overview:

Chapter 1: The Sound of the Shell

• The boys, Ralph and Piggy, meet and find a conch shell, which they use to summon the other survivors. Ralph is elected leader.

Chapter 2: Fire on the Mountain

• Ralph proposes making a signal fire to attract rescue. The boys' first attempt at making a fire is chaotic and the fire spreads uncontrollably.

Chapter 3: Huts on the Beach

• Tensions arise between Jack, who becomes obsessed with hunting, and Ralph, who prioritises shelter and rescue signals.

Chapter 4: Painted Faces and Long Hair

• Jack's hunting group paints their faces for camouflage. They kill a pig, but in their delirious obsession, they let the signal fire go out, missing a rescue opportunity.

Chapter 5: Beast from Water

• During a meeting to discuss order, the boys express their fears of a beast. Ralph struggles to maintain authority, and the idea of the beast becomes more real to them.

Chapter 6: Beast from Air

• A dead parachutist lands on the island, and the boys believe it to be the beast. Jack and Ralph lead an expedition to hunt it.

Chapter 7: Shadows and Tall Trees

• The boys' expedition to find the beast heightens their fear. Ralph experiences a crisis of leadership and identity.

Chapter 8: Gift for the Darkness

• After a confrontation with Ralph, Jack leaves to form his own tribe, focused on hunting and savagery. Simon encounters the Lord of the Flies.

Chapter 9: A View to a Death

• Simon discovers the "beast" is actually a dead parachutist. He tries to tell the others but is killed by them in a frenzied dance, mistaken for the beast.

Chapter 10: The Shell and the Glasses

• Jack's tribe steals Piggy's glasses to make fire. Ralph's dwindling group is powerless to act.

Chapter 11: Castle Rock

• Ralph and Piggy confront Jack's tribe to get the glasses back. Piggy is killed, and the conch is destroyed in the confrontation.

Chapter 12: Cry of the Hunters

• Ralph is hunted by Jack's tribe. He stumbles onto a naval officer who has come to rescue them after seeing the island's fire. The boys are suddenly faced with the reality of their actions and break down in tears.

Throughout "Lord of the Flies," Golding explores themes of civilization versus savagery, the loss of innocence, and the inherent evil of mankind, with the island serving as a microcosm for broader human society.

4.   Compare and contrast the themes in these three books

The novels "Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley, "1984" by George Orwell, and "Lord of the Flies" by William Golding, while distinct in setting and plot, explore overlapping themes related to control, the nature of society, and the human condition. Here’s a comparison and contrast of the themes in these three books:

Control and Authority

• Brave New World depicts control through pleasure and conditioning, presenting a society where people are genetically engineered and indoctrinated to be content with their predetermined roles. The authority is maintained not by surveillance and fear but through the manipulation of culture, history, science, and happiness.
• 1984, in contrast, represents control through surveillance, fear, and the suppression of free thought. Authority is maintained by constant observation, the threat of violence, and the manipulation of truth, creating a state of perpetual anxiety and conformity.
• Lord of the Flies explores control in the microcosm of a group of boys stranded on an island. Initially, attempts at democratic leadership and order are made, but the situation quickly devolves into a struggle for power, marked by fear and savagery.

Human Nature and Society

• Brave New World suggests that human nature can be completely moulded by society to fit into a peaceful but superficially happy world devoid of deep emotions, meaningful relationships, or personal freedom.
• 1984 offers a grim view of human nature under totalitarian rule, where trust and love are eroded by the omnipresent fear of betrayal and punishment, showing how oppressive regimes can crush the human spirit.
• Lord of the Flies presents a more primal take on human nature, suggesting that societal norms are thin veneers that can easily be stripped away to reveal underlying savagery and the instinct for power and dominance.

Individuality vs. Society

• Brave New World portrays individuality as nearly non-existent, sacrificed for the sake of societal stability and happiness. Personal identity is submerged in the collective good and individual desires are seen as threats to societal harmony.
• 1984 dramatically highlights the conflict between individuality and authoritarian control, showing a society where personal freedom and truth are subjugated to the whims of the ruling Party. The protagonist’s struggle for individual thought and love is brutally crushed.
• Lord of the Flies examines how societal structures influence individual behavior and how quickly individuals can revert to savagery when those structures collapse. The boys' descent into violence and chaos reflects the fragility of civilised behaviour in the absence of societal norms.

4.1.                   Conclusion

While "Brave New World" explores the consequences of a society that controls through pleasure and the illusion of happiness, "1984" portrays a world where control is maintained through fear and suppression. "Lord of the Flies" strips away the layers of civilisation to examine the inherent savagery within humans when societal structures disappear. 

Each novel, in its way, grapples with the tension between the individual and society, offering insights into the potential paths humanity could take under different forms of governance and in different states of nature.

5.                   Summary of Animal Farm by George Orwell

5.1. Overview

- Animal Farm is a novella by George Orwell, first published in 1945. It is a political allegory that satirizes the Russian Revolution of 1917 and the subsequent rise of the Soviet Union under Stalin. The story uses farm animals to represent the key figures and events of this period.

5.2. Plot Summary

- The Rebellion: The story begins on Manor Farm, where the animals are mistreated by their human owner, Mr. Jones. Inspired by Old Major, an elderly pig who envisions a farm free from human oppression, the animals stage a rebellion, overthrow Mr. Jones, and take over the farm. They rename it "Animal Farm" and establish their own rules under the leadership of the pigs.

- The Rise of the Pigs: Initially, the farm operates on the principle that "All animals are equal." The pigs, particularly Napoleon and Snowball, assume leadership roles due to their intelligence. Snowball is an idealist who wants to spread the revolution, while Napoleon is more power-hungry.

- Power Struggles: A power struggle ensues between Napoleon and Snowball, culminating in Napoleon using his trained dogs to chase Snowball off the farm. Napoleon takes control, gradually altering the farm's original principles to consolidate his power.

- Corruption and Betrayal: As Napoleon’s power grows, the pigs start to resemble the human oppressors they overthrew. They live in luxury, manipulate the other animals, and engage in trade with humans. The original commandments are gradually altered to justify the pigs’ actions, eventually leaving only one: "All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others."

- The Collapse: The farm becomes indistinguishable from the human-run farms. The pigs become indistinguishable from humans, and the other animals realize they have been betrayed. The story ends with the animals peering through a window, unable to tell the difference between the pigs and the humans.

5.3. Themes

- Power and Corruption: The novella explores how those in power can become corrupt, betraying the ideals they once stood for.

  

- Class Struggle: Orwell highlights the exploitation of the working class (represented by the animals) by those in power (the pigs).

- The Betrayal of Ideals: Animal Farm shows how revolutionary ideals can be distorted and betrayed by those who seek power for themselves.

- Propaganda and Control: The story illustrates how propaganda (through the pig Squealer) and fear are used to control and manipulate the population.

5.4. Allegorical Representation

- Old Major: Represents Karl Marx or Vladimir Lenin, whose ideas inspire the revolution.

- Napoleon: Represents Joseph Stalin, who consolidates power and becomes a tyrant.

- Snowball: Represents Leon Trotsky, who is exiled by Stalin.

- Squealer: Represents the Soviet propaganda machine.

- The Pigs: Represent the broader Soviet leadership and bureaucrats who supported Stalin and benefited from the system while the common animals (the working class) continued to suffer. They start out as "comrades" but gradually become indistinguishable from the oppressive humans they replaced.The pigs, as a group, symbolize how revolutionary leaders can become as corrupt and tyrannical as the rulers they overthrew, betraying the ideals of the revolution in the process.

- The Other Animals: Represent the exploited working class.

5.5. Conclusion

- Animal Farm is a powerful critique of totalitarianism, illustrating how power can corrupt and how ideals can be twisted to serve the interests of a few. Orwell’s novella remains a relevant and cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked authority and the importance of vigilance in protecting democratic principles.

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