Produce Less – Exploring Degrowth

Ashish Kothari examines how economic globalization has intensified inequality, ecological breakdown, and geopolitical conflict, leaving societies deeply vulnerable to external shocks. He argues that these crises are not accidental but rooted in dominant models of growth, state power, and corporate control. Drawing on examples of community resilience, the article explores “radical localization” as a pathway toward self-reliance, ecological balance, and democratic decision-making. It also considers forms of alternative globalization based on solidarity and mutual aid. Part of Countercurrents’ Counter solution series, this essay outlines grounded, systemic alternatives in a time of deepening global instability.

A recent review published in The Millbank QuarterlyTrusted Source suggested that ultraprocessed foods may be as addictive as tobacco products. Research from 2023Trusted Source estimates that over 73% of the foods in the United States are ultraprocessed. “Cigarettes and UPFs [ultraprocessed foods] are not simply natural products but highly engineered delivery systems designed specifically to maximize biological and psychological reinforcement and habitual overuse.”

The article examines warnings by Colombian President Gustavo Petro that Latin America could face widespread unrest if the United States continues policies rooted in the Monroe Doctrine. Drawing on recent interviews, Petro describes sanctions, political pressure, and interventions as forms of coercion that risk provoking resistance across the region. The piece situates his remarks alongside statements from regional leaders, highlighting a broader shift toward asserting sovereignty and resisting external influence. It argues that changing political conditions, mass mobilization, and regional cooperation are reshaping Latin America’s response, raising the possibility of significant geopolitical consequences if current approaches persist over time ahead.

Industrial agriculture’s dependence on fossil fuels has created a fragile global food system vulnerable to geopolitical disruptions. The closure of key energy chokepoints exposes how fertilizers, pesticides, plastics, and supply chains are tightly linked to oil and gas flows, placing food security at risk. Rising input costs and monocropping practices further deepen instability. The article argues that this model is unsustainable and highlights agroecology as a viable alternative. By reducing chemical inputs, decentralizing production, and prioritizing food sovereignty, agroecological systems can build resilience, address climate impacts, and create more equitable and sustainable ways to feed the world.

As governments panic over declining birthrates, Nandita Bajaj challenges the alarmism driving coercive pronatalist policies. From financial incentives to nationalist agendas, such efforts not only fail to raise fertility but also undermine reproductive freedom and deepen inequality. Drawing on global evidence, the article argues that falling birthrates are a result of increased agency among women—not a crisis. Instead of forcing population growth, Bajaj calls for embracing demographic shifts, prioritizing wellbeing, ecological sustainability, and gender justice. The real task is not producing more people for the economy, but transforming economies to serve people and the planet.

Joe Kent’s resignation from Trump’s national security apparatus signals more than a personal break—it exposes deep fractures within the war consensus itself. A loyal insider, not an outsider critic, Kent denounces the Iran war as built on deception, alleging manufactured threats and external pressure. His blunt language and timing suggest that dissent is surfacing unusually early, even within core security institutions. As protests grow and unease spreads, this moment points to a weakening political foundation beneath the war. Kent’s exit raises a stark question: how long can a war narrative survive once those inside it begin to openly call it a lie?

A new generation of Cuban-Americans is challenging the narrative long dominated by hardline politicians like Marco Rubio. In this personal and political reflection, Justine Medina highlights the diversity of opinions within Cuban-American families and the growing movement demanding an end to the U.S. embargo and hostile policies toward Cuba. Through the newly launched Cuban Americans for Cuba initiative and solidarity efforts like the Nuestra América convoy, activists are calling for engagement, humanitarian cooperation, and respect for Cuba’s sovereignty. Their message is clear: U.S. politicians do not speak for all Cuban-Americans—many want dialogue, dignity, and peace instead ofescalation.

A brief note as the war winds down/intensifies/God knows

Billionaire investors are intent on selling Artificial Intelligence into public schools. This is a bad idea that will add to the environmental degradation associated with water and energy hogging data centers.