Cloud-on-prem vs Big Tech

An uncomfortable truth: Every byte uploaded to AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud isn’t just data, it’s cloud capital. Coined by economist Yanis Varoufakis, the term captures how tech giants transform digital activity into privatised infrastructure. It’s not merely about hosting files; it’s about hoarding power. And right now…

November 4, 2025 · 6 min

The myth of too many elites

In certain corners of politics and punditry, a curious thesis has been gaining ground: that our societies are teetering on the brink because of an “oversupply of elite.” Too many graduates, too many experts, too many laptop-class professionals sipping ethically sourced coffee while redesigning the world from their glas…

July 2, 2025 · 7 min

The delusion of a peaceful modern europe

The received wisdom, trotted out at Davos panels, EU Commission summits, and in the more sentimental columns of the Financial Times, is that Europe, having learned its lessons from two world wars, has spent the past eight decades basking in a glow of enlightened tranquillity. No more trenches, no more blitzes. Just a p…

May 27, 2025 · 6 min

Europe Inc. I. How neoliberal policies deepened economic inequality in Europe

Neoliberalism crept into Europe wearing a sharp suit and talking about efficiency. It promised a leaner, meaner state, less red tape, more growth, and a brighter future. What it delivered was stagnant wages, crumbling services, and Jeff Bezos in a rocket. For Europe, the cost has been clear: growing inequality, weakene…

May 13, 2025 · 5 min
The game is rigged

Europe Inc. II. Corporate hijacking of democracy and policy

European democracy, once sold to us as government for the people, increasingly resembles government for the shareholders. The slogans haven’t changed, “freedom”, “fairness”, “choice”, but behind the scenes, the boardroom has quietly replaced the ballot box as the place where real decisions are made. It’s not that polit…

May 12, 2025 · 6 min

Europe Inc. III. The real motives behind Europe’s war economy push

When European leaders speak of “security”, it’s worth asking: security for whom, exactly? Not for the millions navigating crumbling health systems or housing crises. Not for those struggling to afford heating or fresh food. No, the current drive to rearm Europe has little to do with public safety and far more to do wit…

May 11, 2025 · 5 min

Europe Inc. IV. Resistance and alternatives: reclaiming democracy

For decades, European politics has resembled a Punch and Judy show, only with fewer laughs and more austerity. On one side, the market-worshipping neoliberals clutching their spreadsheets and “fiscal responsibility.” On the other, vaguely embarrassed centrists who occasionally tut at inequality but still vote for trade…

May 10, 2025 · 5 min