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John Quiggin runs a Substack blog offering commentary from a socialist and democratic viewpoint; subscribe to support and suggest future topics.

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The post critiques contemporary utilitarianism, tracing its philosophical errors back to Henry Sidgwick's misinterpretations of early utilitarian principles regarding population and happiness.
A comprehensive policy reform is proposed to address inefficiencies in the National Electricity Market, emphasizing the need for clearer accountability and a structured approach to energy management.
Keynes' vision of a post-scarcity society is examined against today's economic challenges, advocating for a return to social democratic principles to achieve a more equitable future.
The US has become dispensable in global affairs, particularly in Europe, as it loses influence and military relevance while Europe gains independence and capability.
The post critiques Trump's military strategy towards Iran, emphasizing the vulnerabilities of the US Navy and the need for allies to reconsider their reliance on US power.
Australia's defence policy is criticized for its incoherence, particularly regarding the AUKUS deal, advocating for a more rational approach to ensure national security and self-reliance.
The post explores how the Australian Labor Party has shifted from representing the working class to a more self-referential identity, reflecting changes in voter demographics and political dynamics.
The Nine Papers' prediction of a looming war with China has failed, as relations have improved and Taiwan's defenses have strengthened against potential invasion.
The post argues that Australia must adapt its foreign policy to move beyond U.S.-China rivalry and embrace cooperation with smaller nations in a changing global landscape.
Fifteen years post-Fukushima, nuclear power remains stagnant and economically unviable, with the future of clean energy relying on renewables and efficiency rather than outdated nuclear technology.
The conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran is driven by the rulers' motivations rather than popular support, revealing the complexities of international relations today.
The breakup of the Liberal-National coalition signals a potential decline in center-right politics in Australia, with polling showing the Liberals struggling to maintain support.
PM Albanese must take decisive action on gun control in light of recent violence, as current laws allow excessive firearm ownership and pose a public safety risk.
Australia's entry into the war against Iran marks a troubling alignment with Trumpism, prompting a call for a radical shift in political strategy from the Greens.
The author explores the transformative impact of AI tools like Claude Code and OpenAI's Deep Research on coding and writing, highlighting their potential to enhance productivity and creativity.
Coles' 'Down Down' promotions are criticized for masking price increases, raising questions about consumer trust and corporate honesty in advertising.
Despite the grim outlook on Trump's authoritarianism, recent resistance and international developments offer a hopeful perspective for the future of U.S. democracy.
Australia Day is overshadowed by political failures and the rise of racism, highlighting the need for genuine leadership and reconciliation with First Nations people.
The post assesses the precarious state of US democracy under Trump, estimating a 30% chance of survival due to institutional collaboration and potential voter suppression tactics.
The post argues that while historical forecasts on solar energy have been overly pessimistic, future innovations in technology, especially storage, will drive continued growth in the sector.
Labor's first term has seen limited legislative achievements, with significant issues like climate policy and First Nations reconciliation largely ignored.
Unwanted children face significant hardships, and efforts to boost birth rates should focus on supporting those who wish to have more children rather than pressuring unwanted births.
The Australian social media ban for under-16s has largely failed, with minimal impact and ongoing conflicts between parents and teens over screen time.
A call for a curfew on Brisbane flights highlights the severe health impacts of night-time noise, largely ignored by politicians.