Mark Neumann’s Post

Australia's Department of Home Affairs is combatting terrorism and foreign interference by cultivating a #cultureofconnection and community. #HumanConnection makes people smarter, happier, more productive and more resilient to cope with stress. #ConnectionCulture provides a competitive advantage that will help protect democracies from the rising tide of dictatorships and authoritarianism that threaten our freedom and #humanrights. https://lnkd.in/evntZHHf

The question often arises that much of the population in the U.S. is functionally illiterate on the subject of our social contract. For example, in decades of my public speeches about the military and war, almost no one knows about — let alone the language — the oath our service members recite. Therefore, should the U.S. mandate passing a citizenship test for high school ? For voting? Who writes and grades the test ? Here’s the current test.

Interesting article

Happy July 4th to all!! What is the Fourth of July? The Fourth of July celebrates the passage of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. The Declaration announced the political separation of the 13 North American colonies from Great Britain. Fourth of July celebrates the passage of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. The Declaration announced the political separation of the 13 North American colonies from Great Britain. #july4th, #Independence

I was very pleased to have been invited to do a very insightful presentation for Georgetown University Wargaming Group about 'The Political Struggle in Europe during the Thirty Years' War (1618-1648)', using wargames as a learning and teaching tool to better understand the conflict roots throughout the whole conflict. I discussed about the religious and political struggle within Europe in the 1600s, including the challenges faced for the politics, military and diplomacy. https://lnkd.in/d6_3hazv

Today I’m at Yale University to deliver a public lecture on “How to Make Europe a People’s Project”. Can’t think of a better way to celebrate Europe’s Day than by striving to fix the original sin of European integration. At a time in which the power wielded by the EU institutions in Brussels continues to grow - with limited democratic control -, we must let the people having a say on the power structure that most affect their life chances and opportunities. This applies to citizens, residents of both member states’ countries and those living in candidate countries. #europeday #may9 #powersharing

#Colombia | "Stories from the Colombian Armed Conflict: My Mother's Story Working in a Medical Brigade during the Conflict" Latina Republic's Immigration Correspondent, Natalie Angel, creates this documentary on her mother’s journey working in a medical brigade at the height of the Colombian armed conflict in the 1990s. This story delves into the challenges faced by medical professionals in conflict regions, the impact of their work on communities, and the unwavering hope for peace and reconciliation in Colombia. https://lnkd.in/gUA383tx

It's time for France to consider leaving its overseas territories. Allowing New Caledonia to pursue independence might be the best course of action. However, independence could lead to the territory becoming a backwater. Unrest in New Caledonia: A Critical Perspective. Riots erupted in New Caledonia following French lawmakers' approval of voting rights reforms for non-indigenous residents. The unrest stems from concerns that the reforms will diminish the political influence of indigenous groups. Fatalities, injuries, and arrests have occurred. Efforts to restore order include roadblocks and deploying France's extra police and military personnel. The airport remains closed pending security reassessment. Perhaps it's time for France to consider leaving its overseas territories and abandon imperial ambitions. Allowing New Caledonia to pursue independence might be the best course of action. However, independence could lead to the territory becoming a backwater. In a few years, the people might realize the value of their connection to France and seek to return. Separatist movements often stem from inflated egos, causing suffering for ordinary people who desire peaceful lives and economic development. * It's important to note that this perspective is the author's own and may not align with the views of the CDFR. #CaledoniaCrisis #UnityOverUnrest #PacificPeace #IndigenousRights #FrenchPresence #GlobalSolidarity #RestoreOrder #EvolvingDemocracy #ResilientCommunities #HarmonyInDiversity #CDFR

How US Embassies are treated in foreign lands is directly indicative of how friendly and agreeable those countries are to the current administration and the USA in general. That this administration has evacuated, to protect US lives, so many US embassies around the globe also indicates just how far US foreign relations has fallen in just the past 3 years. For those that aren’t aware, US Marines working with Dept State provide for the physical security of the US ambassador and staff at every US embassay around the world. That’s a lot. They, as currently serving Marines, can’t speak freely about being understaffed or under funded. The Corps is ALWAYS under staffed and under funded. US Marines will always stand their ground and defend US lives and interests… in every clime and place. However… Poor national executive leadership is making it harder and harder for them to protect Embassy staff, and that weakness is on full international front page news display when any US embassy is evacuated… let alone, ELEVEN? Our adversaries ARE watching. Elections are coming. Be sure to vote. Appropriately.

#Colombia | "Stories from the Colombian Armed Conflict: My Mother's Story Working in a Medical Brigade during the Conflict" Latina Republic's Immigration Correspondent, Natalie Angel, creates this documentary on her mother’s journey working in a medical brigade at the height of the Colombian armed conflict in the 1990s. This story delves into the challenges faced by medical professionals in conflict regions, the impact of their work on communities, and the unwavering hope for peace and reconciliation in Colombia. https://lnkd.in/ghzPySgt