Category Archives: Politics

01Nov/26

The Illusion of Democracy: Constitutional Manipulation and the Modern Dictator

November 1, 2026Politics1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Alena Ledeneva, Andreas Schedler, Argentina, Ariel Ahram, Articles, Authoritarianism, Autocracy, Barbara Geddes, Beatriz Magaloni, Central African Republic, China, Clement Henry, David Beetham, Dictatorship, East Germany, ECONOMIST INTELLIGENCE UNIT, El Salvador, Ellen Lust-Okar, Equatorial Guinea, Erica Frantz, Espen Geelmuyden, Fascism, Flawed Democracies, Forms of government, Francis Fukuyama, Freedom House, Gero Erdmann, Hafiz al-Assad, Idi Amin, Illiberal democracy, Jean-Bédel Bokassa, Jennifer Gandhi, Jeroen Van den, Jiang Yang, Joseph Wright, Juan Linz, Kirill Kalinin, Larry Diamond, Libya, Lisa Wedeen, Londa Schiebinger, Mexico, Michael Betancourt, Michael Miller, Mirjam Edel, Muammar Gaddafi, Myanmar, Nigeria, Nils Weidmann, Oliver Schlumberger, Oman, Pakistan, Paul Goode, Political philosophy, Political systems, Political terminology, Politics, Robert Proctor, Robert Springborg, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Schlumberger, Soviet Union, Stockmann, Svolik, Swaziland, Syria, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, Thomas Demmelhuber, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinpingadmin

How Modern Dictators Hold Absolute Power

Sun, Nov 01 2026 /Mpelembe Media/ —A dictatorship is a system of governance where a single individual or political party wields absolute power, typically emerging during periods of severe social unrest or economic instability. Within these regimes, personal autonomy, political choice, and human rights are heavily suppressed, and democratic institutions as well as opposition parties are dismantled. Rulers maintain authority through coercion, intimidation, unlawful imprisonment, violence, and state apparatuses such as secret police or indefinite detentions. Furthermore, autocrats frequently manipulate legal frameworks to preserve control; for instance, constitutional amendments in Russia altered presidential term limits to allow Vladimir Putin to remain in power through 2036. While autocracies concentrate unchecked authority strictly within an individual—a category that historically encompassed benevolent rulers—dictatorships can disperse authority across a governing party or ruling circle and inherently feature severe abuses of power. Continue reading →

25Oct/26

Where Foreign Influence Becomes Illegal

October 25, 2026PoliticsBenjamin Netanyahu, Buckley, Computer security, Cyberwarfare, David Friedman, Donald Trump, Dutch Military Intelligence and Security Service, Espionage, Israel, Jared Kushner, Mass surveillance, Matthew Cole, Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National security, National Security Agency, Prevention, Robert Mueller, Ron Wyden, Rostov, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Security, the bank of israel, Trump family, U.S.C., United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United Statesadmin

Allegations, Cyber Surveillance, and Denials: The Conflict Over Jared Kushner’s Middle East Financial Dealings

Sat Oct. 24, 2026 /Mpelembe Media/ — An excerpt published by Vanity Fair from journalist Matthew Cole’s book Princes and Thieves alleges that former White House senior adviser Jared Kushner had access to undisclosed foreign bank accounts holding up to $2 billion supplied by Gulf leaders during Donald Trump’s first presidential administration. According to these claims, Dutch military intelligence (MIVD) intercepted Kushner’s personal smartphone activity starting in 2018 after discovering device screenshots stored on a Russian military intelligence (GRU) server in Rostov. Spies reportedly observed Kushner accessing Account Alpha at First Abu Dhabi Bank—which contained roughly $750 million under the cover of an Emirati charitable foundation with funds routed via Azerbaijani banks—as well as Account Beta, an estimated $1 billion repository at the Bank of Israel reportedly subject to transaction oversight by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Continue reading →

24Oct/26

Zambia Erases Former President Edgar Lungu

October 24, 2026PoliticsAfrica, Countries, Edgar Chagwa Lungu, Edgar Lungu, Hakainde Hichilema, Ngwira, Presidents of Zambia, Thabo Kawana, Zambiaadmin

Labour Activist Calls for Professionalism and National Unity Following Independence Day Controversy

Sat Oct. 24, 2026 /Mpelembe Media/ — Labour activist and salary wages advocate Trust Ngwira has questioned Permanent Secretary for Information Thabo Kawana and the Zambia Daily Mail regarding the omission of Zambia’s sixth President, Edgar Chagwa Lungu, from an Independence Day publication. Describing the incident as deeply unfortunate, Ngwira highlighted that Independence Day is a national occasion meant to symbolise love, peace, unity, and respect for the country’s history. He urged individuals in positions of responsibility to carefully weigh the consequences of their actions and statements to avoid creating unnecessary public controversy that could put Republican President Hakainde Hichilema in an embarrassing position. Continue reading →

23Oct/26

Why Modern Election Polls Fail

October 23, 2026PoliticsAlfred Landon, Andrew Gelman, Articles, Charles Franklin, Donald Trump, Empirical, Error, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Gallup, George, John Curiel, Margin of error, Nigel Marriott, Opinion poll, Participation bias, Political science, Psychometrics, Public opinion, Research methods, Sampling, Shirani-Mehr, Survey methodology, Total survey error, United Kingdom, United States, US Dollaradmin

The Mirage of Precision: How Partisan Nonresponse and Evolving Electorates Reshaped Election Polling

Fri Oct. 23, 2026 /Mpelembe Media/ — Modern pre-election polling has encountered severe structural challenges over recent presidential election cycles, primarily driven by partisan nonresponse bias rather than declining response rates alone. Across three consecutive presidential contests in 2016, 2020, and 2024, public polls systematically underestimated Republican vote shares relative to Democrats, producing signed errors that overstated Democratic margins by 3.1, 4.6, and 2.7 percentage points, respectively. While response rates dropped below five to ten percent across the industry, lower participation only generates systemic error when nonresponse correlates with political behavior. Voter cohorts exhibiting lower levels of institutional and social trust—disproportionately conservative, working-class, and rural populations—have increasingly opted out of survey research, creating persistent coverage gaps in raw polling samples. Continue reading →

22Oct/26

Why Machiavelli Believed Rulers Need Dirty Hands

October 22, 2026PoliticsAcademic disciplines, Articles, Berlin, Cesare Borgia, Ch, Discourses on Livy, Florence Geis, France, Germany, Isaiah Berlin, Italian writers, Italy, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Livy, Machiavelli, Machiavellianism, Niccolò Machiavelli, Political philosophy, Realism, Republic, Richard Christie, Rome, The Prince, Virtù, William Shakespeareadmin

Power, Virtù, and Human Nature: A Multidisciplinary Synthesis of Machiavellian Pragmatism

Thu Oct. 22, 2026 /Mpelembe Media/ — Niccolò Machiavelli’s foundational political thought, articulated in The Prince (1513) and the Discourses on Livy (1517), marks a radical shift from classical teleological ethics and medieval Christian scholasticism toward empirical political realism. Rejecting idealized imaginary republics, Machiavelli sought the “effectual truth” of human behavior, asserting that effective governance must be guided by strategic necessity (necessità) and the preservation of state stability (ragione di stato) rather than abstract moral pieties. He redefined virtù not as moral goodness, but as the dynamic capability, drive, and tactical agility—symbolized by combining the courage of the lion with the cunning of the fox—required to master unpredictable circumstances (fortuna). Although critics historically viewed The Prince as an autocratic handbook and the Discourses as a defence of republican liberty, scholars emphasize that these works are complementary: princely authority is often necessary to establish order in a corrupted state, whereas a mixed republican constitution preserves long-term security, popular freedom, and civic vitality. Continue reading →

18Oct/26

How Zambian Music Became the New Parliament

October 18, 2026PoliticsAfrica, Alec Mugala, amnesty international, Angola, Callen, Choklet Roy Kazembe, Countries, Danny Kaya, Daputsa Nkhata, Dawson Lupunga, Edgar Lungu, Frank Talk, Frederick Chiluba, FreePalestine, Fumba Chama, In the Ghetto, Levy Mwanawasa, Lungu Anabwela, Lusaka, Mad President, Maiko Zulu, Michael Somanje Zulu, Monk Square Revolution, Mozambique, Mulenga Kapwepwe, Mutinta Mwanza, Mwanajiti, Mwiza Zulu, Nashil Pitchen Kazembe, PilAto, Presidents of Zambia, Pressure, Roy Clarke, South Africa, the southern african development community, TheRevolutionWontBeTelevised, Thomas Muchimba, Thomas Muchimba Buttenschøn, Tyler Q. Rosen, Uganda, Wezi Mhone, Zambia, Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation, Zuluadmin

Sun Oct. 18, 2026 /Mpelembe Media/ — Maiko Zulu has used conscious reggae music, public demonstrations, institutional leadership, and independent political campaigns to challenge political authority and demand structural justice in Zambia. Continue reading →

17Oct/26

Lily Mutamz Takes On the Zambian Government

October 17, 2026PoliticsActivism, Advocacy, Articles, Birmingham, Brian Mundubile, Brian Mundubile SC, Diaspora, Disintermediation, Gilbert Phiri, Homelessness, Humans, Lillian Mutambo, Lily Mutamz, Limitless Health Care Services, Lusaka, Makebi Zulu, Munali Secondary School, Nigeria, Stockton, United Kingdom, United Party for National Development, Zambiaadmin

From Munali to the UK Diaspora: The Evolution of Lillian Mutambo’s Transnational Advocacy

Sat Oct. 16, 2026 /Mpelembe Media/ — Lillian Mutambo’s political career began with direct community-level organizing in Zambia ahead of the 2021 General Election. After returning from the UK, she sought the UPND nomination for the Munali Constituency under the campaign slogan “Shape You Munali,” engaging in local economic empowerment initiatives such as distributing eggs to help youth and women start small businesses. Following intra-party selection disputes and friction within the UPND, Mutambo broke away to contest the seat as an Independent candidate in 2021, marking her formal entry into parliamentary politics. Continue reading →

27Sep/26

Can Hichilema Run Zambia Like a Startup

September 27, 2026PoliticsAfrica, Chiyeso Katete, Countries, Edgar Lungu, Esther Lungu, Faith Musonda, Hakainde Hichilema, John Musantu, Konkola Copper Mines, Kuso Kamwambi, Livingstone, Lusaka, Milingo Lungu, Muchende, Ndola, O'Brien Kaaba, Thom Shamakamba, Zambiaadmin

Decoding the 10-10-5-3-3-1-1-1 Formula: Zambia’s Quantifiable Economic Transformation

Sun 27 Sept 2026 /Mpelembe Media/ — The GROW ZAMBIA Agenda represents President Hakainde Hichilema’s strategic economic framework designed to transition the country from post-debt-restructuring macroeconomic stabilization toward rapid, production-led growth. Designed to translate national fiscal gains into visible, household-level economic improvements, the strategy sets out to double national GDP and triple the overall size of the Zambian economy over his second term. This shift moves public sector operations away from routine administration toward an output-oriented delivery model anchored in wealth creation, expanded formal employment, and export expansion across SADC, COMESA, and continental markets. Continue reading →

13Sep/26

The Struggle is One Zambia, One Nation: Kenneth Kaunda

September 13, 2026PoliticsAfrica, Botswana, Countries, Egypt, Frederick Chiluba, Kenneth Kaunda, Masisi, Moses, Mozambique, Namibia, Portugal, South Africa, The Industrial Development Corporation, Zambia, Zimbabweadmin

The Political and Economic Legacy of Kenneth Kaunda: A Comprehensive Analysis

1. Introduction: The Architect of Modern Zambia

In October 1964, Kenneth Kaunda ascended to the presidency of the newly independent Republic of Zambia, executing a transition of immense strategic complexity. Navigating the metamorphosis of the former British protectorate of Northern Rhodesia into a sovereign Republic required not merely administrative acumen, but the navigation of a post-colonial state inheriting a dualistic economy characterized by enclave mineral extraction and structural dependency. Kaunda emerged as a primary architect of the region’s decolonial architecture, a role that earned him the reverential titles of “Pan-Africanist” and the “Baobab of African politics”—symbolizing a towering, resilient figure whose influence provided the essential canopy for regional liberation. His core mission, as distilled from the regional collective memory, was the reclamation of an African destiny where the continent’s inhabitants could chart their own socio-economic trajectory, finally ending the era where natural resources were plundered while the populace remained in structural poverty. This mission was predicated on a governance model that sought to harmonize indigenous values with the requirements of a modern state. Continue reading →

10Sep/26

Trump Midterm Dividend Promise or Federal Bribe

September 10, 2026PoliticsAlexander Sittenfeld, Brown, Businesspeople, Dallas, Donald Trump, Economic policy of Donald Trump, Economy of the United States, Fiscal policy, Government debt, Hartlage, Heidi Heitkamp, Iran, J.D. Vance, Joe Gruters, John Fetterman, SNAP, U.S.C., United Statesadmin

Populist Promise vs. Fiscal Deficit: Unpacking the 2026 Midterm Cash Transfer Strategy

Thu Sep 10 2026 /Mpelembe Media/ — Amidst rising domestic energy inflation, record-setting August fuel prices, and mounting geopolitical tensions surrounding the military conflict in Iran, President Donald Trump unveiled an extraordinary campaign proposal known as the “Trump Dividend”. Delivered during a primary address at the Republican midterm convention in Dallas—informally dubbed “Trumpapalooza”—the policy promises a $5,000 direct cash payout to every adult American citizen on the strict condition that the Republican Party retains or secures control of both chambers of Congress in the 2026 midterm elections. Designed to counter historic electoral trends in which the sitting president’s party traditionally suffers congressional losses, the proposal seeks to directly incentivize voters amidst declining presidential approval ratings and widespread economic anxiety. Continue reading →