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MerleneEmerson

@merlenee.bsky.social
149 followers 174 following 75 posts

Ex-solicitor, mediator, Director of Paddy Ashdown Forum 'think-and-action' tank, England China Business Forum Limited, World Trader....bridging East and West.

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MerleneEmerson @merlenee.bsky.social · 20/06/2026
Reading @nytimes.com article on Hegseth's secret balls, blocked promotions and war on #diversity. www.nytimes.com/2026/06/19/u...
nytimes.com
Secret Vetting and Blocked Promotions: Inside Hegseth’s War on Diversity
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The Paddy Ashdown Centre for Global Affairs @paddyforum.bsky.social · 18/05/2026
Interested in conflict resolution? Here's @merlenee.bsky.social review of “Ending Wars” A facinating insight co-edited by Lord John Alderdice and Padraig O Malley www.libdemvoice.org/review-of-en... Review first printed @libdemvoice.org #conflictresolution #endingwars #peaceonearth
libdemvoice.org
Review of “Ending Wars” co-edited by Lord John Alderdice and Padraig O Malley
Ending Wars is the bold title of a new book co-edited by Lord John Alderdice and Padraig O Malley and published earlier this year by the New England Journal of Public Policy.  Its companion publicatio...
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MerleneEmerson @merlenee.bsky.social · 18/04/2026
Corporate conscience starts here! www.nytimes.com/2026/04/17/o...
nytimes.com
Opinion | A Stunning New Verdict Rewrites the Rules of Corporate Morality
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The Paddy Ashdown Centre for Global Affairs @paddyforum.bsky.social · 03/03/2026
Missed our Global Conversation with Lord John Alderdice? The recording is now available. Watch this sensitive discussion on trade, diplomacy and peace-building in divided societies. Watch here 👇 thepaddyashdownforum.org/event/global... #GlobalTrade #PeaceBuilding #Respect
thepaddyashdownforum.org
Global Conversations with Lord John Alderdice - The Paddy Ashdown Forum
Join us for a discussion with Lord John Alderdice – psychiatrist, peace negotiator & key figure in the Northern Ireland peace process.   To watch the recording click HERE   […]
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MerleneEmerson @merlenee.bsky.social · 01/01/2026
Happy New Year!
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Ed Davey @eddavey.libdems.org.uk · 31/12/2025
That’s 2025 wrapped. Record-breaking local election wins. Leading the charge on the NHS and care, sewage and the cost of living. Taking the fight to Farage and Trump. And we’re ready for more in 2026… 🔶
youtube.com
Ed Davey's New Year Message
As Britain enters a new year of politics, the Liberal Democrats continue to make gains. From challenging Donald Trump and Nigel Farage, to standing up for Gaza, the BBC, carers and Britain’s place…
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MerleneEmerson @merlenee.bsky.social · 25/12/2025
Just learnt a new word "screenagers" www.nytimes.com/2025/12/25/b...
nytimes.com
The Class Where ‘Screenagers’ Train to Navigate Social Media and A.I.
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The Paddy Ashdown Centre for Global Affairs @paddyforum.bsky.social · 22/12/2025
Today we remember Paddy Ashdown on the anniversary of his death, a leader of rare courage, conviction and humanity. Paddy believed politics should be rooted in liberal values, internationalism & a deep sense of public service. At the Paddy Ashdown Forum we continue to honour his legacy.
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The Paddy Ashdown Centre for Global Affairs @paddyforum.bsky.social · 04/12/2025
⏳ Today is the last day to register your interest in joining our board of directors Are you ready? then please apply to: eleanor.rhodes@thepaddyashdownforum.org with your cv & covering letter highlighting why this unique opportunity feels like the right next step for you.
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The Paddy Ashdown Centre for Global Affairs @paddyforum.bsky.social · 29/11/2025
Today as we remember one of our co-founders, Robert Woodthorpe-Browne, we focus on his values which are essential for todays world: cooperation across borders, democratic engagement, & constructive dialogue in the service of the common good. We will keep building on what he helped to begin. #peace
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Movement for the Abolition of War (MAW) @abolishwaruk.bsky.social · 09/11/2025
Lord John Alderdice delivered a Remembrance Lecture today full of the wisdom that comes from experience. “There is no formula for ending wars ” he said, drawing parallels with modern scientific systems theory and complexity thinking. New thinking is needed, and the ‘peace ecosystem’ must adapt.
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Best for Britain @bestforbritain.org · 10/11/2025
🎯 Davey is spot on. "We can have criticism of the BBC, but within that, we need to recognise how valuable an institution it is [and how] precious to our country. And that's one of the reasons why people like President Trump and Nigel Farage, want to undermine the BBC." 👏🏽~AA
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MerleneEmerson @merlenee.bsky.social · 10/11/2025
What is happening in the US atm is unprecedended and unbelievable. www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
nytimes.com
See Where Flights Have Been Canceled Across the U.S.
Hundreds of flights were cut at airports across the United States have been canceled, with deeper cuts looming in the coming days.
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MerleneEmerson @merlenee.bsky.social · 07/11/2025
My book review of "Ending Wars" co-edited by Lord John Alderdice and Padraig O Malley on @libdemvoice www.libdemvoice.org/review-of-en...
libdemvoice.org
Review of “Ending Wars” co-edited by Lord John Alderdice and Padraig O Malley
Ending Wars is the bold title of a new book co-edited by Lord John Alderdice and Padraig O Malley and published earlier this year by the New England Journal of Public Policy.  Its companion publicatio...
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Best for Britain @bestforbritain.org · 05/11/2025
If you're just waking, it's been a good night for Democrats across the US, with voters rejecting Trump nationwide. 🎉 Mamdani's comfortable win in New York, on the highest turnout since 1969, provides further proof that you don't have to pander to the right to win. news.sky.com/story/zohran...
news.sky.com
Zohran Mamdani: 'Trump's worst nightmare' celebrates New York election result - as US president responds
The Democrat candidate ran on a significantly left-wing platform which included promising city-owned grocery shops and eliminating bus fares. Donald Trump is no fan and warned he could withhold federa...
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The Paddy Ashdown Centre for Global Affairs @paddyforum.bsky.social · 01/11/2025
A huge thank you to Stuart BroadleyHon FEI, CEO of Energy Industries Council, for sharing his expertise and insights at our event, Fuelling the Future. A vital conversation on energy. ⚡️ If you missed the live event, don’t worry! 🎥 You can watch the full recording here: youtu.be/4dLJLn-yCSM
youtu.be
Fuelling the Future 2025
YouTube video by The Paddy Ashdown Forum
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The Paddy Ashdown Centre for Global Affairs @paddyforum.bsky.social · 01/11/2025
🌟We’re growing — come join us! The Paddy Ashdown Forum is looking for a Director to join the board. Work with passionate people, tackle exciting challenges, and make an impact. 📍 Flexible ⏰ Approx. 5–8 hrs a month 🗓️ Deadline: 5/12/2025 Sound like you? 🔗https://thepaddyashdownforum.org/fundamentals/
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The Associated Press @apnews.com · 26/10/2025
East Timor has been admitted into the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in the group's first expansion since the 1990s.
bit.ly
East Timor formally admitted to ASEAN in the group’s first expansion since the 1990s
East Timor has been formally admitted into the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in the group’s first expansion since the 1990s.
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MerleneEmerson @merlenee.bsky.social · 22/10/2025
Please read the article by @nhannahjones.bsky.social in @nytimes.com . The conflation of civil rights and DEI under Trump2.0 is both sinister and dangerous.
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The Paddy Ashdown Centre for Global Affairs @paddyforum.bsky.social · 10/10/2025
Quick, get your tickets for "Fuelling the Future" our next Global Conversations & gain new insights from this power filled discussion! 📅 21st Oct 2025 🕑 13:00-14:00 📌 ONLINE 🔗 Tickets Free but Limited. BOOK NOW! www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/fuelling-t... #EnergyEfficiency #energymarkets #NetZero #power
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Ed Davey @eddavey.libdems.org.uk · 26/09/2025
Ming Campbell was a dedicated public servant and a true Liberal giant. His principled leadership opposing the Iraq War was a mark of his morality, courage and wisdom. But more than that, he was an incredibly warm and caring friend and colleague. We will miss him terribly.
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MerleneEmerson @merlenee.bsky.social · 15/09/2025
Attending #worldoceansummit in #Cascais. Read my blog www.linkedin.com/posts/merlen...
linkedin.com
The Five Decade Journey of EU-ASEAN Relations - Which Path For The Decades To Come? - The Paddy Ashdown Forum | Merlene SC Toh
Pleased to report that I had attended the World Ocean Summit Europe last week in Cascais (pronounced kash·kise) in Portugal.  Around 300 policymakers, scientists, investors, NGOs, and community leader...
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libdemvoice.org @libdemvoice.org · 15/09/2025
How do we fight the far right’s malevolent influence on our country? @robblackie.bsky.social has some ideas… www.libdemvoice.org/how-to-fight...
libdemvoice.org
How to fight the far right
The last few weeks have been a worrying time. Friends of mine have told me that, because they aren’t white, they are worried about visiting parts of our country. Robert Jenrick and other politicians h...
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MerleneEmerson @merlenee.bsky.social · 14/09/2025
Road trip to Somerset @paddyforum.bsky.social www.linkedin.com/posts/merlen...
linkedin.com
Paddy Ashdown’s work and the Future of Kosovo: Lessons in Leadership, Justice, and what next for Kosovan Aspirations - The Paddy Ashdown Forum | Merlene SC Toh
Last weekend, on a sunny morning, Lesley Batchelor CBE and I drove to visit Lady Jane Ashdown at her home in Somerset. We wanted to pass to her the medal and certificates that had been posthumously gi...
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MerleneEmerson @merlenee.bsky.social · 03/09/2025
Brilliant book launch by #NickClegg at Union Chapel last night in the style of fireside chat with @kamalahmednews.bsky.social. Nick's time at Facebook/Meta now chronicled for posterity as he advocates against a fractured internet. #ai #geopolitics #liberalism
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MerleneEmerson @merlenee.bsky.social · 09/08/2025
Delighted to celebrate 58th #ASEAN Day with colleagues from ASEAN UK Business Forum, VictoriaCollins MP and Chair @paddyforum.bsky.social on 8.8.25 at the #Malaysian High Commission in London
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MerleneEmerson @merlenee.bsky.social · 19/07/2025
Guess what -- I made it to the summit of Mt Fuji! It was a wet and misty start and I was really worried that the climb would be cancelled. But thankfully day 2 was dry and sunny. Thanks for putting your faith in me to deliver on this expedition in aid of @paddyforum.bsky.social gofund.me/bed0bd8e
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MerleneEmerson @merlenee.bsky.social · 15/07/2025
Checked into Toyoko Inn favoured by Mt Fuji climbers. But weather forecast has not been great.
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The Paddy Ashdown Centre for Global Affairs @paddyforum.bsky.social · 14/07/2025
@merlenee.bsky.social our Merlene the day before her journey begins, carbo-loading at Tsukiji Fishmarket. A food paradise for food professionals & mountain climbers! Please donate to this wonderful cause gofund.me/d80fde95 #Fundraiser #MountFuji #EveryStepCounts #FoodParadise
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MerleneEmerson @merlenee.bsky.social · 14/07/2025
Landed in Tokyo....in readiness for my epic #MtFuji climb in aid of @paddyforum.bsky.social gofund.me/bed0bd8e
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MerleneEmerson @merlenee.bsky.social · 28/06/2025
I have started a @gofundme.com page to support @paddyforum.bsky.social . Please follow and support my climb of #MtFuji ! Why This Climb? Because climbing a mountain is nothing compared to bridging global divides. www.gofundme.com/f/bridging-e...
gofundme.com
Donate to Bridging East and West to Build a Better World, organized by Merlene Emerson
Hi I am Merlene. In late July, I’ll be taking on the incredible challen… Merlene Emerson needs your support for Bridging East and West to Build a Better World
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MerleneEmerson @merlenee.bsky.social · 19/06/2025
On now!
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Best for Britain @bestforbritain.org · 19/06/2025
🇪🇺 56% of Brits think the decision to leave the EU was the wrong one. 2️⃣ ✖️ Almost double the number of those who believe it was the right choice.
buff.ly
Nine years after the EU referendum, where does public opinion stand on Brexit? | YouGov
Most Britons see Brexit as having been more of a failure than a success, but they tend not to see trying to return as a priority
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Resolution Foundation @resolutionfoundation.org · 11/06/2025
The Chancellor has delivered her Spending Review. Any questions? Join us tomorrow morning to learn whether it's delivered for middle Britain ⤵️ buff.ly/CqKcssE 🗣️ Andy King, ‪@drhannahwhite.bsky.social‬‬, @rachelsylvester.bsky.social‬, @jamessmithrf.bsky.social‬ and @ruthcurtice.bsky.social‬.
Event graphic for Third time lucky
Has the Spending review delivered for middle Britain?

Thursday 12 June 9.00am
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MerleneEmerson @merlenee.bsky.social · 11/06/2025
Well that's worrying.... #Ai #Aihype #LLM www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
theguardian.com
When billion-dollar AIs break down over puzzles a child can do, it's time to rethink the hype | Gary Marcus
The tech world is reeling from a paper that shows the powers of a new generation of AI have been wildly oversold, says cognitive scientist Gary Marcus
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MerleneEmerson @merlenee.bsky.social · 10/06/2025
My recent blog covering, amongst other things, a Round Table discussion on the #Indo-Pacific region and Singapore's #Shangri-la Dialogues via @paddyforum thepaddyashdownforum.org/blog/2025/06...
thepaddyashdownforum.org
Wherefore the Indo Pacific?  - The Paddy Ashdown Forum
Discover the evolving significance of the Indo-Pacific region in global geopolitics. Explore discussions on UK and EU strategies, ASEAN's middle path, and the US-China rivalry shaping defence and trad...
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libdemvoice.org @libdemvoice.org · 09/06/2025
We’re honoured to have Vince Cable offer his thoughts on the forthcoming Spending Review, and he is, perhaps, somewhat generous towards Rachel Reeves and her strategy… www.libdemvoice.org/what-rachel-...
libdemvoice.org
What Rachel is Doing Right
This coming week will see the Public Spending Review: probably the most difficult test of this Labour government since it was elected a year ago. The Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, will be attacked from...
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MerleneEmerson @merlenee.bsky.social · 08/06/2025
My blog on the #IndoPacific www.libdemvoice.org/where-for-th...
libdemvoice.org
Wherefore the Indo Pacific?  A brief thought piece
The past week has been an eventful one vis a vis discourses relating to the Indo Pacific.  It started for me at a round table held at RUSI’s HQ in Whitehall on Thursday 29th June on the topic of “UK &...
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Beyond the Horizon @behorizon.org · 26/05/2025
🌏 Big moves at the 46th ASEAN Summit. PM Anwar unveils the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on ASEAN 2045—focused on sustainability, digital innovation & multipolar partnerships. 📍 ASEAN–China–GCC Summit | Geo-economics Task Force | Myanmar talks #ASEAN #KualaLumpurDeclaration #ASEAN2045
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Liberal Democrats @libdems.org.uk · 01/05/2025
There's still time to cast your vote before 10pm. 🔶🗳 Vote Liberal Democrat to elect a councillor who will listen to your concerns, champion your community and fight for a Fair Deal for you and your family.
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Reuters @reuters.com · 01/05/2025
Japan, China, South Korea, ASEAN to expand currency swap programme, Nikkei says reut.rs/3YWXZZD
reut.rs
Japan, China, South Korea, ASEAN to expand currency swap programme, Nikkei says
Japan, China, South Korea and ASEAN countries are expected to expand their emergency currency swap programme as early as this month to include infectious disease outbreaks and natural disasters, Nikkei Asia reported on Thursday.
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The Paddy Ashdown Centre for Global Affairs @paddyforum.bsky.social · 15/04/2025
Steel, an environmental issue? Listen to Lesley Batchelor CBE discuss why steel is such an important part of our infrastructure on BBC Scotlands Breakfast Show. Recorded 12/04/2025 #BritishSteel #seekingsolutions
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The Paddy Ashdown Centre for Global Affairs @paddyforum.bsky.social · 15/04/2025
Lesley Batchelor CBE explains how successful international trade needs diverse skills and respect for cultural differences during the current escalating trade war. Recording from BBC Scotland Breakfast #USChinaRelations #CrossCulturalSkills #EconomicImpact www.linkedin.com/feed/update/...
linkedin.com
#uschinarelations #crossculturalskills #economicimpact | Paddy Ashdown Forum
How might the escalating trade war between the US and China impact the global community? Join Lesley Batchelor CBE as she explains the potential ramifications and discusses how successful internationa...
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MerleneEmerson @merlenee.bsky.social · 17/04/2025
China knows how to "eat bitterness". Not US. www.nytimes.com/2025/04/17/o...
nytimes.com
Opinion | Trump Has Already Lost His Tariff War With China
Trump thinks he holds all the cards in this high-stakes game, but he’s wrong.
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MerleneEmerson @merlenee.bsky.social · 14/04/2025
Reading www.ft.com/content/ebe9...
ft.com
Untangling the spaghetti bowl of tariffs
Public disagreement within the Trump administration has grown in the past two weeks
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CNA - Channel News Asia (Unofficial) @cna-poster.bsky.social · 13/04/2025
China's Xi courts Southeast Asia as Trump tariffs bite - www.channelnewsasia.com/east-asia/c…
channelnewsasia.com
China's Xi courts Southeast Asia as Trump tariffs bite
BEIJING: Chinese President Xi Jinping will kick off a five-day, three-nation Southeast Asia tour on Monday (Apr 14) as Beijing seeks to tighten regional trade ties and offset the impact of huge tariffs unleashed by his US counterpart Donald Trump. Xi will
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MerleneEmerson @merlenee.bsky.social · 13/04/2025
How much are tariffs on Chinese goods? www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
nytimes.com
How Much Are Tariffs on Chinese Goods? It’s Trickier Than You Think.
The tariff rate on Chinese imports can be as high as 245% or zero, depending on the type of product that is being imported.
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johayes.bsky.social @johayes.bsky.social · 25/03/2025
I’m honoured to have bn elected by voters of Castle Baynard ward to the Common Council of the City of London with my 7 Iceni Tribe colleagues. Here we are outside polling station as polls closed on 20 March.👇 I warmly thank all who voted for or helped us. Special thanks to Alderwoman Martha Grekos.
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MerleneEmerson @merlenee.bsky.social · 25/03/2025
@johayes.bsky.social Congrats!
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British Irish Chamber of Commerce @brirechamber.bsky.social · 03/03/2025
The British Irish Chamber of Commerce Financial and Professional Services Committee, in collaboration with the City of London Corporation, will be hosting the ‘Growth Unleashed’ - Realising the Potential of the UK - Ireland Relationship seminar on April 14th. www.eventbrite.com/e/1244787275...
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