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Thomas Garrett

@tegarrett.bsky.social
45 followers 111 following 17 posts

Three decades in democracy assistance globally. Current Lund Practitioner-in-Residence and lecturer on democracy, Cornell University

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Reposted by Thomas Garrett
Nina Jankowicz @ninajankowicz.com · 22/06/2025
Since we’re just blithely blundering into another war in the Middle East, I never want to hear a single syllable from any of the people supporting this administration decrying aid to Ukraine, a country where civilians are being slaughtered every day, ever again.
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Ron Filipkowski @ronfilipkowski.bsky.social · 01/06/2025
Ukraine could’ve launched the attack on civilian population centers, like Russia does to them daily. Instead, they chose a strictly military target - the very bombers being used to kill Ukrainian civilians. A brilliant operation solely designed to defend their own people.
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Rafał Trzaskowski @rafal-trzaskowski.bsky.social · 01/06/2025
Kochani! My już zagłosowaliśmy, a Wy? 🇵🇱 Lokale wyborcze otwarte są do 21.00! 🗳️
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Social Media Lab @socialmedialab.ca · 01/06/2025
The State Dept's new Substack Manifesto on ‘Western Civilizational Heritage’ is also code for white supremacy. It's a warning showing how far-right thinking is now normalized in American politics and is now part of government policies. talkingpointsmemo.com/news/the-sta...
talkingpointsmemo.com
The State Department Published A Substack Manifesto On ‘Western Civilizational Heritage’
The case against “mass migration” and in favor of “Western heritage” sharply...
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Thomas Garrett @tegarrett.bsky.social · 01/06/2025
Principled guidance from Secretary Pompeo who warns against US recognizing Russian control over Crimea: 'Mistake of epic proportions' - The Hill
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Dave Zirin @edgeofsports.bsky.social · 30/05/2025
My high school age son has a classmate just seized by ICE and she is now in a cell in Louisiana, her phone seized. This is High School in the USA in 2025. More Au Revoir Les Enfants than Ferris Bueller. School and community response already in motion.
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Mina Kimes @minakimes.bsky.social · 30/05/2025
Musk should be asked about this in every interview he does now and forever. To ignore it is a dereliction of duty. www.nytimes.com/2025/05/30/o...
There is one place, however, where Musk, with the help of his minions, achieved his goals. He did indeed shred U.S.A.I.D. Though a rump operation is now operating inside the State Department, the administration says that it has terminated more than 80 percent of U.S.A.I.D. grants. Brooke Nichols, an associate professor of global health at Boston University, has estimated that these cuts have already resulted in about 300,000 deaths, most of them of children, and will most likely lead to significantly more by the end of the year. That is what Musk’s foray into politics accomplished.
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Ukrainska Pravda 🇺🇦 @pravda.ua · 28/05/2025
💀 Russia loses 1,050 soldiers and 18 artillery systems over past day
pravda.com.ua
Russia loses 1,050 soldiers and 18 artillery systems over past day
Russia has lost 1,050 soldiers killed and wounded, four tanks and two armoured combat vehicles over the past day.
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Steve Metz @stevemetz.bsky.social · 25/05/2025
Russia never launched a drone attack of this magnitude when Biden was president.
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MeidasTouch @meidastouch.com · 22/05/2025
BREAKING EXCLUSIVE: The Facebook account Trump shared with South Africa's president as "proof" of a genocide against white South Africans belonged to a fringe account that frequently posts racist imagery and pushes flat Earth conspiracies.
meidasplus.com
Exclusive: Trump Shared Racist, Flat-Earth Facebook Account With South African President
Trump handed President Ramaphosa a Facebook post from a fringe account that labelled his administration the “White Supremacy House"
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The Atlantic @theatlantic.com · 19/05/2025
As hurricane season looms, the effects of DOGE cuts on the U.S. alert system are a new menace, writes @juliettekayyem.bsky.social. “A nation best prepares for a crisis not by ignoring it and hoping it never happens, but by anticipating it and planning for it.”
bit.ly
This Tornado Mayhem Was a Warning
As hurricane season looms, the effects of DOGE cuts on the U.S. forecasting and alert system are a new menace.
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Frida Ghitis @fridaghitis.bsky.social · 20/05/2025
It wasn’t Qatar that initially offered the airplane. Trump’s people approached them first. It sounds very much like asking for a bribe. www.cnn.com/2025/05/19/p...
cnn.com
Trump administration first approached Qatar about acquiring jet to use as Air Force One, sources say | CNN Politics
The Trump administration first approached Qatar to inquire about acquiring a Boeing 747 that could be used as Air Force One by President Donald Trump, four sources familiar with the discussions told C...
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The Washington Post @washingtonpost.com · 19/05/2025
Breaking news: A federal judge ruled the Trump administration exceeded its authority when it dismantled the U.S. Institute of Peace, an independent nonprofit created by Congress.
wapo.st
Judge says Trump lacked authority to dismantle U.S. Institute of Peace
U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell said President Donald Trump lacked the power to terminate without cause the board of the independent U.S. Institute of Peace.
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Kyle Cheney @kyledcheney.bsky.social · 19/05/2025
JUST IN: Judge Howell rules that the Trump/DOGE takeover of the U.S. Institute of Peace was illegal and should be treated as null and void. ecf.dcd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/show...
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Aaron Reichlin-Melnick @reichlinmelnick.bsky.social · 17/05/2025
Wow. Bukele’s approval rating has dropped to 55%, with people specifically citing the CECOT deal with the United States as a reason for disapproval. This is why I’ve said that Bukele is playing with fire with this. It’s hurting him internationally and now domestically as well.
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The New York Times @nytimes.com · 14/05/2025
President Trump’s announcement in a speech in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday that he would lift U.S. sanctions on Syria unleashed hope across the country that life would improve after more than a decade of war and deprivation.
nytimes.com
Syrians Are Elated and Optimistic as Trump Vows to Lift Sanctions
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Judd Legum @juddlegum.bsky.social · 14/05/2025
"Mexico’s security chief confirmed Tuesday that 17 family members of cartel leaders crossed into the U.S. last week as part of a deal between a son of the former head of the Sinaloa Cartel and the Trump administration."
apnews.com
Mexican security chief confirms cartel family members entered US in a deal with Trump administration
Mexico’s government has confirmed reports that 17 family members of the son of a former cartel leader crossed into the United States.
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Molly Jong-Fast @mollyjongfast.bsky.social · 11/05/2025
Stop taking this administration at its word
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Marietje Schaake @marietjeschaake.bsky.social · 08/05/2025
Joe Nye was a formidable person, a thinker with moral clarity and enormous drive, continuing to publish until the end. In one of our recent conversations he emphasized how his marriage and family were the accomplishment he cherished most. My thoughts are with his loved ones ↘️ on.ft.com/42PDAbq
on.ft.com
Joseph Nye, who coined the term ‘soft power’, dies aged 88
Former dean of Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government served in two US presidential administrations
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Alex Hall Hall @alexhh.bsky.social · 06/05/2025
🚨 No president should use the White House for revenge. Join over 200 bipartisan leaders standing with whistleblowers like Miles Taylor. Support the legal defense fund at 👉 ENDPRESIDENTIALREVENGE.org #EndPresidentialRevenge #Whistleblower #MilesTaylor
endpresidentialrevenge.org
End Presidential Revenge: Support Miles Taylor's Legal Defense
Join over 200 bipartisan leaders in defending democracy. Support the legal fund opposing presidential retaliation against whistleblowers like Miles Taylor. Stand up for constitutional rights today.
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Alex Hall Hall @alexhh.bsky.social · 06/05/2025
Throughout my life, I’ve advocated for human rights defenders overseas. Now, the abuse is happening here, in America. If Miles is convicted, we’re ALL vulnerable. Democracy is on the line. PLEASE help.
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Politico @politico.com · 06/05/2025
GOP Sen. Thom Tillis said he won't back Ed Martin, Trump's pick for top D.C. prosecutor, because of his work defending Jan. 6 rioters. “I have no tolerance for anybody that entered the building on Jan. 6," Tillis said. ow.ly/z4kN50VNXzZ
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Institute for Strategic Dialogue @isdglobal.bsky.social · 06/05/2025
A video claiming USAID paid celebrities to visit Ukraine went viral earlier this year, reaching over 4.2M+ view. It was fake. It was just one piece of content from a sample of content attributed to Russia-aligned influence campaign Operation Overload. Here’s what we found ⬇️
isdglobal.org
Stolen voices: Russia-aligned operation manipulates audio and images to impersonate experts
This ISD Dispatch examines Operation Overload’s latest tactics, narratives and targets during the first quarter of 2025, as the Russian-aligned campaign evolves.
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Judge Luttig @judgeluttig.bsky.social · 05/05/2025
This is a shockingly mistaken understanding of due process by Stephen Miller. It is likely this misunderstanding that is informing the President’s misunderstanding.
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Amie J. Woeber @amiejwoeber.bsky.social · 28/04/2025
Lots going on with the Solomon Islands government this week... "Parliament adjourned this morning due to a lack of a quorum after only sixteen out of 49 MPs attended. "A source within government says several cabinet ministers have deserted the Prime Minister and are in talks with the Opposition."
rnz.co.nz
Motion of no confidence filed against Solomon Islands PM Jeremiah Manele
A motion of no confidence in Solomon Islands prime minister Jeremiah Manele has been submitted to parliament.
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Phillips OBrien @phillipspobrien.bsky.social · 28/04/2025
No matter who he sits with, whose back he pats, even what tweets he sends out…the basic support of Putin endures. The reaction to the St Peter’s picture was foolish.
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Phillips OBrien @phillipspobrien.bsky.social · 28/04/2025
We really need to move beyond focussing on optics in understanding Trump’s positions on the war. That sit down with Zelensky in St Peter’s was almost certainly meaningless. Trump has been ruthlessly consistent in one thing—pushing Russia’s interests.
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Max Boot @maxboot.bsky.social · 24/04/2025
Steve Witkoff has crafted a peace plan after traveling to Moscow for three lengthy meetings with Putin—but never once going to Kyiv to meet with Zelensky. The one-sided plan, which rewards Russian aggression, is now being presented to the Ukrainians on a “take it or leave it” basis. bit.ly/3YhkKqZ
bit.ly
Opinion | Trump’s peace plan for Ukraine rewards Russian aggression
Accepting Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea would upend a core tenet of U.S. foreign policy.
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Joshua J. Friedman @joshuajfriedman.com · 03/04/2025
NEW: Tufts files a declaration in support of Rümeysa Öztürk: "The University has no information to support the allegations that she was engaged in activities at Tufts that warrant her arrest and detention." www.tufts.edu/president/sp...
4. With her consent, the University can confirm that Ms. Oztürk is a third-year doctoral student in good academic and administrative standing. Her research focuses on how young adults can use social media in positive, prosocial ways and she is described by her faculty as a hard-working student dedicated to her studies and the Tufts community. The University has no information to support the allegations that she was engaged in activities at Tufts that warrant her arrest and detention. The University has seen an outpouring of support for Ms. Öztürk over the last week from Tufts students, faculty and staff. These individuals have described Ms. Öztürk as a valued member of the community, dedicated to her academic pursuits and committed to her colleagues.
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Alexander Clarkson @aphclarkson.bsky.social · 20/04/2025
In terms of decline as a global power the United States have not yet passed a point of return. The strategic vandalism inflicted by Trump's delusional fanatics and grasping kleptocrats can still be fixed. But if this goes on for another 6-8 months then America is heading for a lasting fall.
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Dare Obasanjo @carnage4life.bsky.social · 20/04/2025
Joe Rogan explains to his audience why due process is important and quotes Ben Franklin — "it is better 100 guilty persons should escape than that one innocent person should suffer.” He argues against shipping people to a prison in El Salvador without trial because we think they’re gang members.
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The New York Times @nytimes.com · 20/04/2025
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth shared detailed information about strikes in Yemen to a second unclassified Signal group chat that included his wife and brother, people familiar with the matter said. nyti.ms/4jBQ1wV
Pete Hegseth is pictured wearing a blue suit, looking to his left. A headline reads: "Pete Hegseth Said to Have Shared Sensitive Attack Details in Second Signal Chat." Photo by Eric Lee/The New York Times
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Anne Applebaum @anneapplebaum.wsocial.eu · 20/04/2025
Signalgate 2.0 www.nytimes.com/2025/04/20/u...
nytimes.com
Hegseth Said to Have Shared Attack Details in Second Signal Chat
The defense secretary sent sensitive information about strikes in Yemen to an encrypted group chat that included his wife and brother, people familiar with the matter said.
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The Tennessee Holler @thetnholler.bsky.social · 19/04/2025
WATCH — @carolecadwalla.bsky.social : “The Russian and American presidents are now speaking the same words. Telling the same lies. We are watching the collapse of the international world order in real time… it is already later than we think.”
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Hunter Walker @hunterw.bsky.social · 19/04/2025
Anyone debating or analyzing Kilmar Abrego Garcia's life or record is doing a grave disservice. He could be El Chapo. He could be Charles Manson. He could be the Dalai Lama. It doesn't matter. What has happened to him and others is clearly a violation of America's core laws and principles.
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Max Boot @maxboot.bsky.social · 18/04/2025
“What strikes me is the utter contempt, the gratuitous contempt, they have shown for the rule of law,” said Ed Whelan, a conservative legal scholar. “Once you make the concession that he was deported in error, you can’t just say, ‘Oh, well, it doesn’t matter.’” www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
washingtonpost.com
Trump’s deportation of Maryland man divides conservatives
The White House argues that Kilmar Abrego García is a bad man. Some conservatives say that should not matter.
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Social Media Lab @socialmedialab.ca · 18/04/2025
"User with Russian IP address tried to log into NLRB systems following DOGE access, whistleblower says" www.nextgov.com/cybersecurit...
nextgov.com
User with Russian IP address tried to log into NLRB systems following DOGE access, whistleblower says
The blocked login attempts, detailed in an extensive whistleblower complaint filed to the Senate Intelligence Committee and others, may indicate foreign adversaries have begun leveraging DOGE inroads ...
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Phillips OBrien @phillipspobrien.bsky.social · 18/04/2025
Just sent out this free piece. The announcement by Secretary of State Rubio that Trump might be "done" with the negotiations could usher in the great crisis that has been approaching. The US under Trump would not be neutral, it get back to business with Putin. open.substack.com/pub/phillips...
open.substack.com
We Are Getting Closer To The Great Crisis
Trump's "Being Done" With The Negotiations Has Enormous Implications For Europe and Ukraine
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Daniel Drezner @dandrezner.bsky.social · 16/04/2025
Yeah, what kind of democracy would it be if someone living in another country posted something online about any politics and all of a sudden they’re, like,facing ramifications over what they’ve written.
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Kevin Elliott @kjephd.bsky.social · 16/04/2025
America:
Greek style stone relief of a bearded man representing Oedipus stabbing his eyes out with a knife
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Max Boot @maxboot.bsky.social · 13/04/2025
The exemptions come days after U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer told senators that “the president has been clear with me and with others that he does not intend to have exclusions and exemptions.” www.washingtonpost.com/business/202...
washingtonpost.com
Phones, other electronics exempt from new tariffs, Trump administration says
The exemptions come days after the U.S. trade representative said “the president has been clear” that he does not intend to give exemptions to the tariffs.
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Asha Rangappa @asharangappa.bsky.social · 11/04/2025
Not for nothing, but how, exactly, is it legal to send people for *punishment* in a foreign prison (esp with no due process)? Were the funds being used for it appropriated for this purpose? I feel this has just become a thing no one questions
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Katie Phang @katiephang.bsky.social · 07/04/2025
No criminal record for 75% of the Venezuelans deported to CECOT, the El Salvadoran maximum security mega-prison known as a “black hole of human rights.”
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Tom Nichols @radiofreetom.bsky.social · 07/04/2025
Dear God
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Max Boot @maxboot.bsky.social · 07/04/2025
Nobody would ever accuse Trump of being a coherent or consistent thinker. But a recognizable Trump Doctrine is emerging in foreign policy. It can be summed up with these famous words of Thucydides: “The strong do what they can and the weak suffer what they must.” wapo.st/3R3LsPZ
wapo.st
Opinion | Trump’s emerging foreign policy is a disturbing 19th-century throwback
Nations pursuing “spheres of influence” set the stage for World War I.
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Ron Filipkowski @ronfilipkowski.bsky.social · 07/04/2025
They never dare blame Trump. It’s always an advisor’s fault.
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Nicholas Grossman @nicholasgrossman.bsky.social · 07/04/2025
Bill Ackman didn’t vote for tariffs. He voted for using lies about antisemitism to take away free speech rights on campus and crack down on universities, get a tax cut for himself, try to help Russia win in Ukraine, and empower Elon Musk, while willfully ignoring all the tariff talk. Get it right.
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Nicholas Grossman @nicholasgrossman.bsky.social · 07/04/2025
To Bill Ackman, Jamie Dimon, and the other rich bankers and execs who definitely voted for an anti-democracy felon with a long record of fraud who talked about tariffs a lot and did some in his first term, while telling themselves they're smarter than everyone else so they "know" Trump won't do it.
arcdigital.media
Tariffs Expose Wall Street's Misplaced Faith in Trump
Bankers and business leaders imagine a more reliable, less protectionist version of the president than the one that actually exists. Now they're finding out the hard way.
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Brendan Nyhan @brendannyhan.bsky.social · 07/04/2025
Not deported. Sent without due process to be imprisoned without recourse in a foreign gulag in a third country.
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