Unbridled Power (saying related to the Power of the Unbridled Horse), general definition relates to the amount of Authority, Influence and Force which is , Uncontrolled, Unrestrained or normally restricted by the Rule of Law, Statute or Morality. As we will see this leads to Absolute and Dangerous Freedom to undertake Actions that lead to Chaos, Abuse of Power and Untamed Outcomes such as Wars.
Unbridled Horse and its Power
The Foundation of Unbridled Power
When we talk about Unbridled Power, look no further than the United States of America’s President Donald J Trump. He has demonstrated though his actions and words in his second term as President true Unbridled Power. In part supported by the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) in July 2024. This article is not political in nature but is to understand how unbridled power leads to extremely autocratic attitudes and actions that are dangerous for democracy as we have known it for centuries.
The Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that former presidents have absolute immunity for actions within their core constitutional powers and presumptive immunity for all official acts. The ruling, which holds that official acts cannot be used as evidence in criminal prosecutions, does not apply to private unofficial actions.
In addition to this The US Congress, Senate and House of Representatives are controlled by the Republican majority. That being the case they have shown no willingness to oppose President Trump on anything major and approved all of his selections bar one for senior cabinet positions. This resulted in ‘under qualified yes men and women’ being sworn into office.
The US Constitution and Rule of Law
In general previous Presidents have been guided by the articles of US Constitution and the Rule of Law, which takes precedence in matters of government and rights of the people of the USA. This was the ‘norm’ until President Trumps second term in particular. His interpretation of both the US Constitution and Rule of Law are to say the least suspect. Due to the ineffective Congress that is supposed to provide the so called ‘guard rails’ preventing inappropriate actions by the President, they are no longer being applied. This has enabled him to wield his unbridled power, in many ways.
The Mind Set of an Autocrat
An Autocrat needs unbridled power to achieve their objectives. They tend to be bullies demanding total loyalty and strict obedience to their demands or be punished in some way for non-compliance. This type of behaviour was very relevant during he days of the USA gang bosses (Godfathers) in the 1930’s as we have seen in the old movies. When we apply this logic to some world country leaders we call them ‘Dictators’. This is not new as Autocrats have been around for thousands of years in some form or other. However, what we have not seen is Autocrats/Dictators in the USA and other democratic world countries. However, this has changed with the second term Presidency of Donald J. Trump, who is showing signs of being a serious Autocrat which is significantly effecting the USA and the world.
From the Movie The Godfather
Elected by the People
We have to remember Donald J. Trump was elected in free and fair elections in late 2024 by the people of the USA to be their President in 2025. This also applied to the Congress members which resulted in a Republican majority. Therefore, this was not a Coup as is the case with some autocrats to take unbridled power. However, I think that the USA people were not expecting the path that President Trump has taken since being elected.
Consequences
As I said this article is not political but due to the autocratic actions in such a short time there has been some significant developments that have rocked the world and within the USA. These include: Applying initial Tariffs on most world Countries (later found to be illegal by (SCOTUS)) New Tariffs for all USA imports. The formation of ICE for the deportation of illegals but have been very unpopular and resulted in 2 USA citizens deaths. Major military build up and capture of Venezuela Leader and Wife and threats to current Venezuela Leader to allow USA oil companies rights to control. Capture of Oil Tankers. Blowing up so called Drug Boats. Going after Trumps USA internal ‘enemies’ using the Justice department. Withdrawing military and financial support for Ukraines war with Russia, whilst undertaking so called peace talks with Russia. Threatening Canada and Greenland/Denmark to take over their Countries. Derogatory remarks and plans against European Allies and Leaders as part of NATO. The fiasco of the release of the Epstein files that implicate Trump. He cut off Oil to Cuba who are suffering quite a lot as Trump said he wants regime change. Finally, the ongoing War with Iran which involves all middle eastern countries, being waged by Israel and the USA with massive force, regarding destroying Nuclear facilities and regime change. This war is also significantly effecting allied relationships by derogatory remarks from Trump and his administration. These are just some of the effects so far of Donald J. Trumps Unbridled Power and Autocratic Presidency.
God help the USA and the rest of the World in Turmoil.
After starting my own Company in 1988 I decided to buy a BMW car which I had always wanted. BMW a German made car is an executive car with different variants (series 3, 5 and 7) with right hand steering. BMW’s sales quote in the 1980’s was “The Ultimate Driving Machine” which at that time was very relevant. There is no doubt that driving a BMW was a very satisfying and exhilarating experience, which I was fortunate to have had, in the various models I owned over the years. The following is a review of my BMW cars in the ownership order, that gave me so much driving pleasure.
BMW 518i E34
After starting my Company in England on the 8th August 1988 , I purchased a brand new BMW 518i E34 having right hand steering. It was a Silver colour (as image) executive car with leather seats and typical high quality trim. It had a 1800cc 4 cylinder petrol engine with a 5 speed manual transmission and rear wheel drive. It had all round Disc Brakes. My 518i had a top speed of 123 mph and could accelerate 0-60 mph in 12.3 seconds. The fuel consumption was around 27 miles per gallon. Only days after receiving my brand new BMW 518i, I went to Sweden via North Sea Ferries on business and it was snowing and freezing in Sweden but the car performed very well.
BMW 730iL E32
As the Company was expanding I decided to trade my BMW 518i for an almost new BMW 730iL E32 which had an extended long wheel base (L) as the image. My car was coloured dark Green which was a larger executive car. The BMW 730iL had a very high quality interior with leather seats, wood trim and right hand steering. The Petrol 2986cc 6 cylinder in line engine drove the 4 speed automatic gear box and rear wheel drive. The 730i was one of the first BMW’s to have traction control to the rear wheel drive. My BMW 730iL had a top speed of 138 mph and could accelerate 0-60 mph in 9.3seconds. The fuel consumption was around 17 to 34 miles per gallon on a long journey. Without doubt the more powerful engine and smooth automatic transmission made my BMW driving experience even more exhilarating.
BMW 750iL E32
After some time I was contacted by my Car Provider that a special opportunity arose as he had just taken delivery of a 2 year old low mileage BMW 750iL in excellent condition. He could give me a very good price and trade in value for my BMW 730iL if I wanted it. I had no hesitation in accepting his offer.
My BMW 750iL E32 V12 was the Flagship Luxury Sedan. The interior was luxurious with all leather seats, wood trim and many extras such as pull down tables in the rear of the front seats. The BMW 750iL power unit was a 4988cc petrol V12 cylinder engine connected to a 5 speed automatic gearbox driving the rear wheels via the traction control system producing 296 hp. My BMW 750iL had a top speed of 155 mph (250km/h) and could accelerate 0-60 mph in 7.4 seconds. The fuel consumption was around 14 to 32 miles per gallon. Although My BMW 750iL was 2 years old right hand drive it really was ‘The Ultimate Driving Machine’ that I reached 130 mph (210km/h) in, on the way to Basel in Switzerland, This was fastest I have ever driven and yet it was so smooth and quiet. However, at that speed it was very thirsty!! The image below is my actual BMW 750iL at Basal in Switzerland, (H4CTS) looking a little dirty after an11 hour journey from England. The number plate reflects “Hogg for Computerised Training Systems Ltd (CTS) my own company.
BMW 520i E34
I was now living and working in Singapore and Malaysia. This was my actual 12 year old BMW 520i E34 that I bought in Singapore which was originally dark green that I had changed to the colour you see. It had a 1991cc 6 cylinder petrol engine with 4 speed automatic gear box. It had a top speed of 134 mph (215km/h) and could accelerate 0-60 mph in 10.4 seconds. The fuel consumption was around 30 miles per gallon. Being 12 years old I did have problems with the automatic gearbox which I changed. However, the most difficult of all was that the rubber timing belt broke. This caused major damage to the engine. This resulted in a full engine overhaul due to two of the valves penetrated the pistons. For all its troubles the BMW 520i was still a comfortable and reasonably powerful car which I enjoyed driving in Singapore and Malaysia.
The Poor Mans BMW
There’s a saying in Malaysia that my present car a 2006 Honda Accord 2.4 is a ‘Poor Mans BMW’. Well as I have had several BMW’s as we have seen, I suggest that my ‘Poor mans BMW’ may in fact be better than a Series 3 or 5 BMW of the same 2006 year.
In 2006 I decided to buy a Executive Asian car in preference to a BMW or Mercedes which were better suited to the Malaysian climate. I bought the new 2006 Honda Accord 2.4 (image actual car) a high quality modern executive car with its smooth aerodynamic lines. Internally is has a beige colour trim and wood looking-veneer with leather electrically operated seats and windows. It has full Air Conditioning ideal for Asian weather. The Honda Accord 2.4 has a 2354cc iVTEC engine with a 5-speed automatic gearbox (with 2 overdrive gears) which provides extremely smooth gear changes, picking up speed is effortlessly. It has all round Disc Brakes. The road holding and ride is excellent. It has a top speed of 124 mph (200km/h) and can accelerate 0-60 mph in 7.4 seconds. The fuel consumption is around 33 miles per gallon. I have had this car from new in 2006 and 20 years later, keeping it well maintained with a complete paint respray it still looks as good as new. My “Poor Mans BMW” Honda Accord 2.4 although getting old has been the best all round car I have ever had and likely to be my last as I’m 85 but I still love having my Honda Accord 2.4 and driving it.
Conclusion
I have had many different cars in my life time as I have always loved driving ever since I passed by test in 1958 in England. All cars have a fascination for me including repairing them in the early days and maintaining them as best I could under different circumstances. I have been lucky to have been able to own and experience driving the different types of cars especially the BMW Series. However, my driving years are drawing to a close but as long as I can drive safely on the roads I will continue for as long as I can. I hope you found this article interesting.
In 1973 I was a Sergeant Technical Instructor in the Royal Air Force (RAF) at RAF Cosford in Shropshire. I used to travel each day, to and from, my RAF Home at RAF Bridgnorth in Shropshire, about 12 miles (20km) via winding country roads to RAF Cosford. In November 1973 onward the winter was very cold with Ice and Snow on most of the roads especially those from RAF Bridgnorth to RAF Cosford. In 1972 I bought a 1970 Rover P6 3500 Automatic car, which was an upmarket executive car.
Similar to my Rover 3500 with same Blue colour
Avoiding a Head On Collision
On the way home from RAF Cosford at about 5pm to RAF Bridgnorth it was dark and snowing with Ice and Snow on the roads. As I was turning one of these narrow winding corners a lorry was heading straight for me. I turned my steering wheel fully left but initially the car did not respond but only yards from the Lorry my Rover Car veered left and I ended up on the Roadside Hedgerow Embankment at angle about 60 degrees with the drivers door almost touching the road, avoiding a head on collision. As the Rover 3500 was very strong there was only a small amount of damage.
My Generated Image of the Rover 3500 position on the Road Side Hedgerow
The Rover 3500 P6 Series 1 Automatic 1970’s
My Rover 3500 was a Series 1, P6 Automatic 1970’s model coloured Blue. It was the latest design with sleek smooth lines and a high quality finish and safety standards, including all round Seat Belts, marking a real change in the 1970’s. The Rover 3500 P6 Automatic won the European Car of the Year Award in 1977 beating BMW and Mercedes.
Similar to my Rover 3500 with same Blue colour
The interior of my Rover 3500 was all Beige Colour with Leather Seats and wood surrounds. It had a Speed Tape designed Instrument System. The 3 speed Automatic Selector and Hand Brake was in the centre console. There was a Radio System and additional switches for the Heating System. The two spoke Steering Wheel was connected to the Power Assisted Steering on my car, with Stalks for Lights and Windscreen Wiper/Washers.
The same Interior and Instrumentation System as my Rover 3500
The Rover 3500 had a modified Buick 3.5 Litre V8 Cylinder Overhead Cam Aluminum Engine creating 215 hp with Twin Carburetors. Owing to the size of the Engine the Battery was housed in the boot. There was a large Radiator with an additional Air Intake Under the Front Bumper. The Engine drove a Borg-Warner 3 Speed Automatic Gearbox connected to the Rear Wheels via a Prop-shaft. It had All Wheel Disc Brakes.
The Rover 3.5 Litre V8 Overhead Cam Aluminum Engine with Twin Carburetors
The Rover 3500 performance was very good for that period and size and weight of the car, with a top speed of 117mph (188km/h) and a 0-60mph (97km/h) in 9.5 seconds. I still remember that the acceleration of the V8 was exceptional, however the Fuel consumption was reasonably high at about 22 miles per gallon.
Conclusion
The Rover 3500 P6 was one of the best cars I have owned and still have a strong affection for. I still believe that my Rover 3500 saved me from a Head On collision which would have been fatal. I also note there are still quite a number of Rover 3500 P6 cars still being used after almost 60 years.
Rover 3500 P6 1970 ( 45,000 miles) for sale in the UK today (56 years old)
What was the Trojan Horse; In Greek mythology The Trojan Horse was a large wooden Horse a supposedly Gift to The Turkish City of Troy. However it was filled with Greek Soldiers. Once the Horse was inside the City they attacked the City. Today’s meaning is classified as: A Person or Thing that Joins and Deceives a Group, Organisation or Country in order to Attack it from the inside.
USA desire for Greenland Ownership
In recent weeks and months we have seen that the USA President Donald J Trump has repeatedly said he wants the USA to own Greenland part of the The Kingdom of Denmark. He also stated he would use force against a NATO Ally to achieve it. However, the European NATO Nations stated that they would oppose any such move supporting Denmark and Greenland’s Sovereignty. This caused Trump to back off the use of Force but he is still having negotiations with Denmark and Greenland to achieve ownership. European NATO Nations are increasing their Military Presence in the Arctic Region for Security purposes. It should be noted that Greenland has the same Free State Run Medical / Hospital System as Denmark which adequately serves the 60,000 Greenland population. However due to the vast expanse visiting Hospitals is by Air Ambulance and Search and Rescue (SAR) Helicopters and Light and Business Type Aircraft which Greenland and Denmark have sufficient Air Support for this purpose.
Air Greenland Ambulance and Search and Rescue Helicopter
The USA Trumps Trojan Horse
Yesterday the devious Donald Trump said that he is sending a USA Military Hospital Ship to Greenland to take care of the many people in Greenland who are not being cared for there, by Greenland or Denmark. The USNS Mercy and the USNS Comfort are primarily for use to support Combat Situations and associated injured USA Troops. This is the USA’s TROJAN HORSE allowing the USA to use this as an excuse to get within Greenland and its population and say its important for the USA to own Greenland as they are desperate for USA’s help.
USNS Comfort Hospital Ship – The Trojan Horse
The Greenland Saga Is Not Yet Over
Denmark’s Status as a Sovereign State, the Denmark’s Prime Minister stressed repeatedly, Greenland was not up for negotiation and “it cannot be discussed, it cannot be changed”. After discussions between the USA President and the NATO General Secretary, it was said that a framework for a later discussion between the USA, Denmark and Greenland had been agreed. However, there were no details of this agreement. That is why there is still mistrust between the USA and Denmark that persists. It has always been the case that NATO Countries including the USA which already has a military base at Pituffik on the west coast of Greenland, can have access to Greenland for Collective Arctic Security but not for Greenland Ownership. This Saga is not yet over, which could split NATO wide open. That is why Greenland and Denmark and European NATO Nations should beware of the TROJAN HORSE especially in the Chinese Year of the HORSE.
To make it clear I am not in favour of Communism in any shape or form but I have to recognise that China has achieved a great deal especially in Technical terms, Financially and Commercially over the past 10 years. As a military engineer I am am in aw of some of the achievements and futuristic advances in Technology that they are experiencing at the moment. These advances in Technical and Commercial achievements together with their rapid expansion of the military capability guided by Xi Jinping there leader, has raised China to become a Stable Superpower. However, I must stress that there are still major differences in some areas between the Western Countries and China.
Stable China v Unstable USA
In my previous article it is clear that due to the current USA President Trump the USA is extremely unstable and is declining, both internationally and internally. It’s allies Great Britain , European Union, Canada and others have been severely effected recently by the USA in terms of the military alliance, NATO and commercially especially in the case of Tariffs. The allies therefore have recognised that the USA can no longer be trusted in terms of NATO and commercially, especially regarding trade and investment.
Today the Great Britain Prime Minister is meeting with Xi Jinping in an attempt to work closer with a Stable China culturally and commercially to benefit both countries. This visit follows more recent visits by leaders of France and Canada who have also had meetings with Xi Jinping and the Germany leader meeting with Xi Jinping in the coming weeks. These meetings are in part due to the actions of an increasingly unstable USA and its President Donald Trump and his administration. Just recently the USA are proposing Tariffs of 100% on all goods coming from Canada because they have created trading condition for Electrical Vehicle from China and Canola Oil from Canada to China. In a very recent action Trump has said that the USA will de-certify all Canadian built Aircraft in the USA, which will ground the Aircraft.
China Technologies
Is China a Technology Superpower? On the face of it China is way ahead of the rest of the world in the latest Technologies, however let us consider these Technologies in more depth to establish the Technology facts.
High Speed Rail
China has embraced High Speed Rail (HSR) using the Chinese Railway Hi-Speed (CRH) state company, as a main form of transport with over 50,000 km of Rail Tracks and associated signalling systems. They have also adopted in many cases to Elevate their Rail Tracks on specially constructed structures similar to bridges which are not affected by normal life below them. They have adopted a new form of Rail Track based on a Concrete Slab Sleepers rather than using Stone Ballast between the Sleepers. However, these were imported from Germany using German Technology who manufacture them. Based upon the German Technology, China is now developing and manufacturing Concrete Slab Sleepers for different Train loads. This is known as’ Technology Transfer’ which is part of the trading practices in Asia which my own company experienced in the 1990’s.
German Concrete Rail Track Sleepers Image : Gisling
Once again using Technology Transfer from other countries such as Canada, Germany, Sweden and Japan, China is now designing and manufacturing some of its own Trains. The CRH 1 to CRH 5 series trains are mainly designed and developed from imported Train Technology. The latest CRH 380 series still uses a significant amount of imported Technology, Train and Traction Equipment. The CRH380D Train which is manufactured by the Canadian Bombardier Transportation using the Technology Transfer system. The CRH 380-B(L) reached a speed of 487.3 km/h (303.8mph) in January 2011. So it can be seen that whilst The Chinese Railway Network and Infrastructure is impressive, the HSR Train Technology still being imported from other Countries is significant.
CRH-2A (Left) and E2-1000 (right)CRH-380B(L) Train
The latest Technology know as Electromagnetic Levitation (MAGLEV) was imported from Germany in 2002 for the world’s first commercial MAGLEV line, capable of speeds up to 430 km/h, linking Longyang Road station with Shanghai Pudong International Airport in Shanghai on October 19, 2010. Since then China has being developing the MAGLEV Train which has no wheels and Levitates (hovers) above a specially designed Track that allows Electromagnetic forces to drive the train forward at speeds up to 600km/h. It is expected that China will adopt this Technology for commercial rail travel within the next 5 to 10 years.
The MAGLEV train leaving Longyang Road station Shanghai China
Electric Vehicles
Electric Vehicles (EV’s) have been around since the 1850’s mainly Subways like the London Underground, Trams, Trolley Buses run by external electrical supplies. The EV’s of today tend to relate to Electric Cars, Buses and Lorries which use Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Batteries. The commercialised Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery by Sony Japan, was the catalyst for today’s modern EV Cars which have evolved very quickly since the early 2000’s, originally developed by the USA, Japan and Europe. However, it has been the rapid expansion of the Design and Development of EV’s in China that has revolutionised the Car Industry moving away from Carbon Fueled Internal Combustion Engines. The China’s BYD company is now the leading seller of EV’s of all types surpassing the USA’s Tesla and all other brands. The ‘Blade’ Battery is a revolutionary Lithium-Iron (Ferrous) Phosphate (LFP) Battery designed by BYD, that is superseding the Lithium-Ion Battery, as it has an increased capacity, is extending the Range Distance and it Charges faster. One of the latest BYD models is the Sea Lion 7 which has a range of 500 km and can fully charge in 30 mins.
Rare Earth Elements Production
The Basic Rare Earth is not ‘Rare’ at all and is available all over the World. Almost everything thing on Earth is catergorised as an Element which are recorded in a ‘Table Of Elements’. Basic Rare Earth contains 17 Elements which are essential for today’s Electronic World. What makes them RARE is the complex and dirty process of extracting the 17 Elements from the basic Rare Earth. China produces 75% of the Extracted 17 Elements for the rest of the world to use. These 17 elements are essential for the creation of Permanent Magnets, Electronic Components, Production and Processes, Satellites and for Military Equipment and Armaments, in fact almost everything in today’s modern world. The advancement of EV’s and Wind Turbines in particular depends more and more on four major Rare Earth elements for their Motors and Generators Magnets. Therefore, China has a major advantage in the Control of the Supply of these 17 Elements to the Worlds various Technologies including to other Military Powers such as the USA. Of course the supply of the 17 Elements creates a great deal of wealth for China.
Military Technology
Over the last decade China has been modernising and expanding its Military using new Technologies. China’s Navy capability has now exceeded the USA’s Navy except for the number and state of the art Aircraft Carriers. The General China Fleet is more modern as China’s ship building has expanded. China’s latest Aircraft Carrier the Fuijan Type 003 shown below, uses new Technologies, Electromagnetic Catapults (EMALS), similar to the Gerald Ford USA Aircraft Carrier, for launching Aircraft. However, experts say that a major problem of the Fuijan, is that, due to its design it cannot have Aircraft Taking Off and Landing at the same time, like the USA large Aircraft Carriers. There has been a major Technology shift in China’s Air Force with the introduction of the J-20 Stealth Fighter Aircraft shown below and many other new Aircraft of all types. There has been a massive increase in High Technology Tanks, Missile Launchers and other Military Equipment, which is supported by a Manpower increase far exceeding any other Military Force in the world.
Humanoid Robots
Both the USA and China are creating Humanoid Robots for Social and Manufacturing tasks. The marked difference between the USA and China is that the USA are concentrating on Bespoke Humanoid Robots with complex movements and Artificial Intelligence at a small Scale, whereas China is concentrating on Specific Task Industrial Humanoid Robots on a large Scale. An example In Shenzhen China, UBTech company created the Walker S2 Industrial Humanoid Robot and after trials has moved to mass production completing and shipping hundreds already and aiming to produce thousands in the coming two years.
Full Size Industrial Humanoid Robots (walker S2) Image: UBTech China
Another Chinese company Xpeng have created a realistic Humanoid Robot that can move similar to humans, incorporating Artificial Intelligence (AI) allowing it to interface with a human and respond accordingly. Again the company is planning to mass produce this AI Humanoid Robot for different applications in the near future. For a further insight to Humanoids you can refer to my article : Humans V Humanoids 6th January 2025 at astra283.com
Wind Turbines
China has the largest Wind Power Generation in the world converting Kinetic Energy into Electrical Energy which in 2024 was 885 Giga Watts. On Shore Wind Farms are numerous and large in China such as the one in Xinjiang Province shown below. The major manufacturer of Wind Turbines in China, Goldwind, is also based in Xinjiang Province. The Wind Turbines of today are huge constructions. The image below of the transit of a Single Wind Turbine Blade and The Generator Housing through a UK village gives you an idea of the scale.
However, Chinese Off Shore Wind Farms are actually manufactured by Siemens in Germany due to their more complex design. Through the Technology Transfer route, China is now manufacturing Off Shore Turbines and Wind Farms such as the Donghai Bridge Off Shore Wind Farm shown below. A Chinese company, Power China, has designed and is developing a Floating Wind Farm near Hainan. It is worth noting that the current USA Trump Administration is withdrawing funding for Wind Farms in the USA as the USA President Trump does not like them.
Solar Panels
China dominates the design and development of Solar Panels which converts Sunlight into Electrical Direct Current (DC) Energy that is converted into Alternating Current (AC) Energy for use by the consumers. China manufactures almost 80% of the worlds Solar Panels and Components. It has huge Land Based Solar Farms covering many square miles the largest being 162 Square miles. China is also building Floating Solar Farms.
Conclusion
China without any doubt has embraced Technology as we have seen in many different Sectors and Applications as part of there Clean Renewable Energy and Transportation Sectors. Not only that, China, has and is, increasingly doing so at a huge Scale. The question was ‘Is China and Technology Superpower’? In 1988 my company CTS Ltd created in England the worlds first Technical Training Multimedia Systems and Software using Commodore Amiga Computers, combined with Audio/Video and Animation which was my Intellectual Property Rights (IPR). Within 1 year IBM upgraded their PC 286 Computers and Software to PC 486 allowing other Companies to learn and Emulate my Unique Multimedia Systems IPR to Compete with me. From my research and article above China has learnt through the Technology Transfer System from other Countries to Emulate others IPR on a much larger Scale especially the High Speed Train systems. The China policy of moving to a Clean Energy Environment plays an important driver for new Technologies. All Humans learn from each others Technologies, and Emulate and Improve on the original Concepts, However, China’s ability to Apply the Technology in such a Huge Scale in such a short Time, has made ‘China a Technology Superpower’.
For some time now there has been a growing divide between Democrats (Blue) and Republicans (Red) all over the USA. This divide has increased under the new Trump Administration, who unlike previous Administrations, are mainly ‘yes’ men and women with limited or no experience in government management selected by Trump. This divide widened in the last election (2024) where Trump won all the ‘purple’ swing States providing him with what he called a massive mandate for his policies. However, the difference in the popular vote was very small but Trump won that as well. In addition to this situation, the USA Supreme Court gave Trump almost total immunity for official actions by a President. This further enhanced Trumps position.
Congress Capitulation
Beside Trump winning the Presidential Election, the Senate flipped to Republican Majority and the House of Representatives had a small but important Republican Majority. Given this fact it is almost impossible for the Democrats to affect any meaningful opposition. In addition to the House and Senate being Republican, the Republicans gave Trump ‘Carte Blanche’ no opposition to actions he wanted to take. By doing this the normal ‘Guard Rails’ that Congress would provide for Presidential Actions vanished. Due to this Trump decided to by pass Congress and rule by ‘Executive Orders’ of which there have been a significant number.
Trumps Cabinet and Weaponised Departments
It is very difficult to find the words, for a bunch of soulless people, who have little or no experience of running government departments and are determined to follow Trumps every word and command, even if it is against the USA Constitution or the Rule of Law that has existed for hundreds of years. They have decimated some of these departments and have removed high ranking personnel with years of experience, if they dared to oppose Trumps wishes. These are extremely important departments like the Department of Defence, FBI, CIA, Department of Homeland Security and the Attorney General and Subordinates Offices. Only two reasonably experienced people are the Secretary of State and the Treasury Secretary.
Tariff Wars and Affordability
To the astonishment of the World Trump unilaterally placed Tariffs on most of the worlds Countries including European and World Allies. Trumps message to the USA people was “these countries will pay the Tariffs to the USA which will make a lot of money”. Totally false! its the USA people who will pay the Tariffs due to increased prices as its the USA Importers that have to pay the Tariffs then pass the cost onto the USA consumers. This in addition to inflation that is increasing prices known as affordability, when the USA people were promised by Trump before the election he “would bring prices crashing down from day one”.
Immigration Disaster
Whilst Trump has stopped immigration from the Southern Border his policy of routing Violent and Criminal Immigrants and deporting them has turned out to be a nightmare. Trump created Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) now refereed to as the Gestapo due to their lawless and horrific behaviour, including shooting to death USA citizens is a complete disaster and unbecoming of the USA.
Ukraine Support
Trumps statement that he would end Ukraine Russia war in his first day in office has turned out to be a great deal more difficult. Whilst he has a team, who now have to confer with the Ukraine and Europe trying to get a Peace agreement, he has stopped providing Support to Ukraine who now rely upon the Europeans. However, it has been noticeable that he favours Russian President to the Ukraine President including initially the Peace Plan. The War especially aerial attacks on Ukraine are intensifying.
Greenland and Destroying European Allies Trust
The latest debacle was caused by the insistence by Trump that the USA would take over Greenland by Force if necessary and he would put additional Tariffs on Countries that oppose him. However, most of the NATO and European Countries rejected his threats of Force and Tariffs. These threats have been withdrawn and some sort of agreement has been reached, but no body knows what it is. It appears to go back to the 1951 agreement with Denmark, regarding military bases. However more importantly this has severely fractured the USA relationship between NATO Countries in particular the major European Countries, UK and Canada. In addition, Trump made statements that “these NATO countries military did not fight on the front lines in Afghanistan”. This remark was countered by significant anger and disdain by the major NATO members and by some USA law makers. All of these actions by trump have greatly reduced Trust in the USA as and Ally.
Mid Term Election Fears
The normal Mid Term Congressional Election is Due in November 2026. As Trump is concerned that the Republicans will loose its majority to the Democrats in the House of Representatives and possibly the Senate, he and his Republican followers are trying to avoid this by gerrymandering moves in States and other means which are threatening a Fair and Free Election. Trump even floating the idea that he would call the election off for several reasons, although this is not likely. If the Democrats seize control of the House of Representatives, this will no doubt curtail Trumps activities, which he recognises.
A Year of Turmoil for the USA People and Country
The worlds view, Friends and Foes of the USA has changed significantly over the past year. The Friends or Allies have experienced verbal attacks by Trump and his Administration trying to degrade their importance on the world stage. The USA Foes are delighted that the USA is breaking apart the coalition that has kept the world safe for the past 80 years. They also see opportunities to exploit these divisions caused by the Trumps ‘America First’ and the ‘Western Hemisphere Domination’ policy. The USA people are experiencing conditions that are far from normal and appear to becoming more Dictatorial ignoring the Rule of Law and lack of Congressional Control. The confrontational attitude towards the USA Allies is effecting the USA status as the ‘Leader of the Free World’ and the ‘Defender of Democracy’ which has been its strength over the years. What the future holds for the USA and the World in the coming months and Years is far from certain due to Trump and his Crony Administration. God help the USA and the World.
Recently there has been a great deal of articles, videos and recent government recognition that Unidentified Flying Objects (UFO’s) are increasingly being reported and digitally captured as images and video, by all different people from all varying walks of life. I have seen many TV programs that show these images and videos supported in some cases by those that witnessed these UFO’s. Media, TV and Internet, have others who try to explain away these sightings and make comments such as “the UFOs move so rapidly that the ‘G’ forces would be far to great for humans, therefore they may have ‘Aliens’ on board”. Or they maybe like the 1977 film ‘Close Encounters of the Third Kind’ and communicate through musical notes.
Ancient and Modern Aliens
Having watched many TV programs called ‘Ancient Aliens’, you have to wonder how many hundreds of the Ancient structures were supposedly designed and built by humans that did not have the skills of tools to construct such structures; some of which had stones that weighed over 50 tons that were transported from different locations and then raised to significant heights. There are many carved rock images that have the physical features but different looks to normal humans. I believe that’s why today we have Modern Aliens depicted as beings having a skinny bodily structure as humans but having big heads and eyes. A representation in the old ‘Eagle Comic’, Alien ‘Mekon’ as part of Dan Dare’s adventures, that I used to read as a boy.
Carvings on Remote Pacific Island Nuku Hiva
Lets Assume that UFO’s Exist
UFO’s that have been reported appear to be ‘Saucer’ shaped structures or are purely ‘Lights’ in the sky both of which travel at lightning speed in all different directions. As an Aircraft Engineer, these ‘vehicles’ bare no relationship to our current knowledge of Flight, ‘G’ Forces or Propulsion. Even the latest space vehicles or missiles that we consider to be fast (8000 miles per hour, in air) , we have nothing that would compare to these UFO’s, that may travel at the Speed of Light of 186,000 miles per second. Therefore it is difficult for us to accept that the UFO’s are real vehicles from other parts of the ‘Universe’ that have technology in excess of our current mathematical and engineering fundamental’s. However, there have been so many sightings of this nature that we may have to think ‘Outside the Box’.
Outside the Box – Speed Of Light and Light Years
Let us think ‘Outside the Box’ and state that UFO’s are real. If so where do there come from? If we consider the distance from our Sun, to our nearest neighbour the Alpha Centauri Solar System is 4.3 to 4.4 Light Years away from our Sun. ‘One Light Year is equivalent to 5.88 Trillion Miles’. Therefore, given that these UFO’s came from our nearest Solar System neighbour they would have to travel almost 26 Trillion Miles. It would take around 4.4 of Earths Years to travel to the Earth, going at the Speed of Light (186,000 miles per second). If we consider this as Conventional Travel I don’t think this is remotely possible even thinking ‘Outside the Box’.
Lets Assume Aliens Exist
Given that we have discussed the UFO’s that may exist, what about the occupants, the Aliens, if there are any. As we have recently seen, the increase in Humanoids and the expansion of Artificial Intelligence is rapidly increasing. It is quite conceivable that Aliens are in fact very advance Robots that have developed their own intelligence and communication systems, which is not like the humans communication systems. However, they may well be like an Advanced Network System where all communication is digital or a more advanced transfer system. Aliens may look like modified Humans with skinny Bodies and big Heads like the Mekon. They may well be designed as a machine to undertake tasks within the UFO. As I have already said that they may not be any Aliens on board the UFO, which itself is the collector of data from our Planet Earth.
My Own Personal View
It is very hard to dispute what people have witnessed seeing Saucer Shapes and Lights in the sky that move rapidly in various directions or hover at times. In some cases there is no logical explanation for these phenomenon and it is hard to dispute what was experienced. If these were Extraterrestrial Craft where did they come from. We have seen that the closest Planetary system is almost 26 Trillion Miles away. There is no evidence that they came from our own Planetary System, therefore, with an open mind, it is unlikely that these sightings are Extraterrestrial Craft. I do not believe UFO Craft or Aliens exist, but we still have to wonder why and how our ancestors had the knowledge and ability to create such significant precise structures many thousands of years ago such as the Gobekli Tepe (9600 BC) and the Sphinx and Pyramids (2500 BC).
I have just seen and article that says “NATO faces a major crisis over Greenland and Europe seems powerless to stop it“. Now the USA President is saying that “the USA will OWN Greenland the Easy Way or the Hard Way”. He is also saying if the USA don’t have Greenland then Russia or China will take it. What utter nonsense! Greenland is part of NATO.
Lets consider an option if the USA President is determined to use Force. What would happen if Germany, France, Great Britain and Canada had the courage to put a Defence Force into Greenland together with the Denmark Force as a a sign of solidarity and a deterrent?
Would the USA Congress act to prevent USA President from using Force against these Major Allies and would USA President himself have second thoughts about Attacking Greenland and the defending Major Allies.
Its Time for Europe to Stand Up and be Counted
Unless the Forces just mentioned stand up to the USA President and he calculates that no one will defend Greenland against the USA we can say goodbye to NATO which includes the USA. Then the USA itself then becomes an adversary. That being the case Europe must then “Stand Up and Be Counted” demanding that all USA Forces and Bases be withdrawn and closed with immediate effect. That means Europe has got to defend itself so be it, we are not military weaklings.
The USA is running Roughshod over Everybody
The USA as I have said previously has changed beyond all recognition in just over One Year. The USA is using ‘Bully Tactics’ against everyone internally and externally including so called Allies. From Europe’s point of view this cannot continue otherwise our European Countries will become Vassal States of the USA. As an Englishman and European we must honour our fallen military of the last two world wars and not let this happen.
I Never Imagined a USA as an Enemy
As an ex Serviceman I never imagined in my lifetime that the USA would become an Enemy of Europe and its Countries after fighting together against Enemies in two World Wars. I’m sure that overall the USA people do not want this either but they voted for the USA President, however they did not expect the chaos that is unfolding in the USA itself and what is unfolding with European Countries, not forgetting Ukraine.
If the USA takes Greenland By Force
If the USA takes Greenland By Force with or without a Defence Force, we can say goodbye to the World Order and International Law, which is already being disintegrated by the USA, and any meaningful relations between Europe and Great Britain and the USA. This is not what the people of Europe and Great Britain and the USA want but this is what the Hubris USA President is Dictating. God help us.
‘Hubris Syndrome’ refers to “Power going to someone’s Head”. AI Quote: It is a behavioral change where Gaining Authority or Status causes an Individual to become Arrogant, Narcissistic, Impulsive, or Inconsiderate of others. The phenomenon ‘Hubris Syndrome’ can lead to Unethical Decision-making and a Diminished Capacity for Empathy, as the Brain shifts to prioritize Self-Interest over Social Connection.
USA Supreme Court Ruling
On July 1, 2024, the USA Supreme Court ruled “that USA Presidents have absolute immunity for acts committed as President within their core constitutional purview, at least presumptive immunity for official acts within the outer perimeter of their official responsibility, and no immunity for unofficial acts”. This gave Donald J Trump, President of the USA almost ‘Unlimited Power’, from that day on.
Hubris Syndrome Sets In
From the July 1, 2024, there has been a marked change in President Trump and his hand picked Administration, that has changed the USA and the World Order and Rule of Law significantly. The first and very striking; is the total weakness of the the Congress (USA House of Representatives and Senate), where Republicans have almost become a ‘rubber stamp’ for whatever the President wants and does, to a point where they ‘Glorify’ whatever action he takes. Many of them are so frightened of loosing their seat in the next election that they don’t want to follow their oath of office to act as a check and balance, to avoid President Trumps wrath if they oppose anything, which privately they know is not in accordance with the USA Constitution.
Global Financial Effects
One of the first actions of this new Unlimited Power ‘Hubris Syndrome’ Trump (HST), was the introduction of World Wide Reciprocal Tariffs which completely changed the free market financial system that had been in place for many years. This was introduced by the HST again without any consultation with Congress. This affected all of the world including the USA Allies, which brings in the question, what is an Ally of the USA? HST informed the USA people that the ‘Tariff’ would be paid for by each World Country which is a complete falsehood. It is the USA Importers who have to pay the ‘Tariff’ which is a ‘Tax’, that in most cases will be passed on to the USA people making their goods more expensive.
Western Hemisphere Turmoil – Europe and Canada
The HST has initiated a far more Serious Situation declaring that the the ‘USA Owns the Western Hemisphere’. Although Europe is not classed as the Western Hemisphere by some, he started this months ago in 2025 with an administrative assault on the European Allies using the USA National Security Strategy (NSS) document severely criticising the European Union and the United Kingdom indication they would not be reliable Allies in the future due to immigration policies etc. HST also stated that ‘Canada’ should become the 51st State of the USA. In addition, he stated that ‘Greenland’ part of the ‘Denmark Kingdom’ in Europe, will become part of the USA even using Military Force if necessary. If that were the case what happens to Europe’s Collective Response and NATO, which is another huge problem. To this day the HST is still doubling down on these future actions.
Western Hemisphere Turmoil – South America
It is quite evident that the HST has amassed a huge military force in the Caribbean Sea for possible action. This action occurred a few days ago when the USA military bombed Venezuela and abducted the Venezuela President and his wife. In addition, the HST says he is now ‘Running’ Venezuela. HST is looking at other South American countries, Columbia, Mexico and Cuba amongst others to bring under the USA Influence. This action is based upon the Monroe Doctrine of 1823 which was to stop colonisation of Americas by Europeans. This Doctrine is now being used to prevent adversary countries such as China and Russia being embedded in the South American Countries by USA military force if necessary. However, there is also another driver for this action which in the case of Venezuela, that is the massive Oil Reserves that the USA wants access to and control of.
Can this World Order Disintegration be Stopped?
It appears at present that the HST and his Administration, World Order and International Law Disintegration cannot be Stopped. Even the very recent condemnation of the United Nations will have no effect on HST. The only way to stop this Madness and Destruction of the World Order is for the USA Congress, Republicans and Democrats to create Bi-Partisan Legislation to limit the Power of the Administration and Financial Authorization for this World Order and International Law Destruction. However, that is very unlikely and it would need Presidential approval unless there is a mechanism that does not require such approval.
Most Dictators have Hubris Syndrome
Remember, ‘Hubris Syndrome’ refers to “Power going to someone’s Head”. It is well known that most Dictators in this world suffer from ‘Hubris Syndrome’ which no one in their country can control them. It was thought that the USA was different in that Congress the voice of the People would not allow this to happen as it is not allowed in the USA Constitution which the Congress is there to enforce. However, the Supreme Court having a Republican majority and three members nominated by the President gave him the unlimited Executive Power that the founding fathers did not want when creating the Constitution. Therefore, the USA is governed by Presidential Executive Orders not Congressional Authourisation after debating matters. This may change at the end of the year if Democrats win the House of Representatives but it may be to late as the Damage to the World Order and Rule of Law will have been done.
Conclusion
Throughout history the world has been shaped by Individuals who in most cases have caused havoc in the world for their own personal ideology and personal fame. Without doubt even those war lords from many years ago all had a measure of ‘Hubris Syndrome’. More recently those who started and participated in the two world wars resulting in millions of deaths and injuries and destruction of countries suffered from ‘Hubris Syndrome’. It was for that reason that a new World Order and Rule of Law was adopted by most countries after the WWII especially the USA. Sadly today in my own opinion we have other individual country leaders who have ‘Hubris Syndrome’ causing havoc in the world and destroying the World Order and Rule of Law. We can only hope that this does not result in WWIII which will illuminate the human race.
For more than 80 years the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) has been the linchpin of security in Europe against aggregation from Russia and its Allies (red). The United States of America (USA) has been the leader and major contributor, with Troops and Air Force stationed in Europe. It has also provided the USA with bases from which they can operate outside the NATO structure for other operations in the world. NATO has expanded throughout the time from 1949 to 2024. Many countries were originally part of the Warsaw Pact (USSR Eastern Block). They are considered to be European who are also members of the European Union (EU). It is noticeable that Turkey (Turkiye) is not part of the EU so far. Therefore ‘Europe’ including the United Kingdom (UK) and Iceland is a complex group of Nations with there own autonomy. Another important part of NATO is the Article 5 which states that ‘An Attack on one is an Attack on all’.
NATO Membership DatesEuropean Union
Recent Negative USA Policy against Europe
It would appear that in the new USA National Security Strategy (NSS) and very recent derogatory remarks about Europe and its Leaders, by the USA Administration, that Europe and the NATO current structure are no longer a priority for the USA. Also the USA appears not to fully support Article 5 of the NATO treaty. This may lead to the USA leaving NATO and withdrawing its militarily from Europe and its Nuclear Umbrella. This would then become ‘Europe’s NATO’ (blue) (Canada not shown). On the first reflection everyone would consider that catastrophic and very worrying. This article seeks to consider that it may not be so catastrophic as you may think and it would be disadvantageous to the USA.
Europe NATO (blue) as at 2025
European NATO – Membership
It should be clearly understood that some European Countries joined NATO because of the USA’s participation and Nuclear Umbrella. Therefore the first criteria when we consider a European NATO, is the extent that the present NATO Countries would want to continue in a European NATO without the USA but still retaining the Article 5, ‘An Attack on one is an Attack on all’. If we assume that they will then the Military Power is estimated to be still significant. The United Kingdom and France still have Nuclear Weapons but in smaller numbers providing a reduced Nuclear Umbrella. However, the second biggest Military after the USA in NATO is Turkey (Turkiye) who is not part of the EU. If for any reason Turkey decided not to participate in a ‘European NATO’ this would create significant problems in terms of Manpower and Military Resources, Land, Air and Sea. Additionally, Turkey can if required control the exit and entry of Black Sea shipping into the Mediterranean Sea. It is also strategically important when considering the Russia and Ukraine conflict and other surrounding NATO countries such as Greece, Bulgaria and Romania.
Why is Ukraine Important to Russia and NATO
Below is the Map showing the NATO border with Russia and Ukraine which is under Attack From Russia (red). If Ukraine were to fall to Russia this would bring the Russian and Belarus Forces in direct contact with Poland and Romania borders. The Russian and Belarus Forces could combine to attack the Balkan Countries between Finland and Poland a really vulnerable NATO border Area. Therefore it is extremely important that Ukraine is not taken over by Russia as it will endanger NATO even more than at present. Another NATO border Area is Finland which has a very long , 1500 km border with Russia.
European NATO – Manpower
Considering active manpower levels for a European NATO, this equates to over 2.07 Million. The chart shows NATO countries above 30,000 and 240,000 for those other NATO countries below 30,000. These are the latest estimates in 2025 shown in 1000’s (K). However, these estimates do not include Reservists or Additional Manpower if required if war was imminent. It should be noted that if Turkey decided not to participate that would reduce significantly the total numbers of Manpower available. It should be noted that Poland has been expanding their military significantly recently. These numbers do not include any other world country such as Australia and New Zealand who may wish to participate in case of War.
European NATO – Land Resources
This element is difficult to estimate the numbers of Battle Tanks, Howitzers etc as production is always ongoing. In addition. the evolution of Drone Warfare is significant as we have seen in the Ukraine Russian war. However, at present the numbers of Battle Tanks, Howitzers etc far exceed the numbers that Russia has at present, due to the war in Ukraine. However, as the WWII has shown us, Russia can increase these quite quickly.
European NATO – Air Resources
This element is also difficult to estimate the numbers and types of Aircraft which includes large and small Drones that are playing a significant role in Arial warfare as we have seen in Ukraine. However NATO has almost double the number of Fighter Aircraft than Russia. However, as the WWII has shown us, Russia can increase these quite quickly.
European NATO – Naval Resources
This element is not so difficult to estimate but the numbers and types of Naval craft that the European NATO possess far outweighs the Russian Naval Power at present. However, both Naval Powers have Nuclear Submarines Powered and Missile Launchers. Europe NATO has three Aircraft Carriers and the Russians one that is out of commission at present.
European NATO – Defence Forces Deployment
From a Military point of View Europe NATO has two disadvantages, First the distance of the NATO border with Russia and Belarus and secondly is the North Sea, Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea all of which could see Attacks in the Rear of NATO from the Russian Navy. Also these waters are a Barrier of Retreating NATO Forces. Given that an Attack from Russia came from the Eastern Front of NATO, some Military Forces from UK, France Germany, Italy, Spain and others, would need to be deployed to the Eastern Front. This is happening today in smaller proportions as a precautionary defencive action.
Conclusion
Most importantly NO ONE WANTS WAR, that is why Countries and Organisations like NATO have Defence Military’s to deter War with others. The trouble is that we cannot prevent Countries such as Russia starting a War against another sovereign Country like Ukraine. However, Ukraine surprised and drove back Russia due to there well trained committed Armed Forces and the weapons from NATO countries and others. It is hard to think that Russia and its Allies would start a War with NATO even without USA, ie Europe’s NATO. I also believe if Russia did start a War with Europe’s NATO and the War was moving in the Russians direction that the USA would not allow that to happen not just for Europe but for the USA itself. My concern is that Russia keeps threatening Nuclear strikes, which would of course mean, the end of the world as we know it. I do think that Europe as a whole must prioritise more investment in their Defence budgets to increase the deterrent of another European War or WW III.
<a href="https://astra283.wordpress.com/wp-admin/site-editor.php?calypsoify=1&block-editor=1&frame-nonce=af705db4bc&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fwordpress.com&environment-id=production&support_user&_support_token&postType=wp_template&postId=pub%2Flivro%2F%2Fhome#site-title-pseudo-link">Training designer</a> - avionic & Aircraft Engineer -- BRYAN HOGGb.e.m 