Vladimir Putin – Page 6 – mackaycartoons

Saturday October 26, 2024

October 26, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday October 26, 2024

A readapted version of this cartoon was posted to Politico.

The Troubling Influence of Elon Musk in America’s Political and Geopolitical Crossroads

Plum-Pudding in Danger by James Gillray

The revelations about Elon Musk’s secret contacts with Vladimir Putin and his increasing entanglement with Donald Trump’s campaign signal an alarming convergence of private influence, political ambition, and global power struggles. The Wall Street Journal’s report suggests that Musk—now a key player in space technology, military communications, and social media—has gone far beyond his role as an entrepreneur. His willingness to engage with adversaries like Putin while becoming an essential financial backer and advisor for Trump raises serious questions about how much influence one individual should wield over U.S. national security and the outcome of the next election.

Analysis: Elon Musk’s Secret Conversations With Vladimir Putin

November 12, 2022

Musk’s access to the U.S. government’s most sensitive programs—including a security clearance and privileged contracts with the Pentagon—places him in a precarious position. His company, SpaceX, operates Starlink, the satellite internet service critical to military operations in Ukraine and beyond. Yet Musk’s private decisions have directly affected the course of conflict, such as restricting Starlink’s availability during key Ukrainian operations in Crimea, reportedly out of concern that it could provoke a nuclear response from Russia. The Journal further reveals that Musk continues to maintain regular contact with high-level Russian officials, even after the war in Ukraine escalated—a relationship that, according to sources, extends into personal, business, and geopolitical matters.

September 28, 2024

This blurring of lines between diplomacy and personal business is especially concerning given Musk’s increasingly active role in U.S. politics. After initially framing himself as politically neutral, Musk has fully aligned himself with Trump’s 2024 campaign, committing significant financial resources to ensure Trump’s return to power. The billionaire’s X platform—formerly Twitter—has become a key channel for Trump’s messaging and political maneuvering, while Musk reportedly pledged $45 million per month to support Trump’s election efforts. Trump, in turn, has promised Musk a leadership role in a future administration.

Musk’s involvement raises complex challenges for the U.S. government. The White House is faced with a troubling dilemma: Musk’s technologies are too deeply embedded in national security operations for him to be easily sidelined, yet his private dealings with hostile actors like Putin make him a potential liability. The Pentagon relies on SpaceX to launch national security satellites, and NASA depends on Musk’s rockets to ferry astronauts to and from the International Space Station. Even as officials acknowledge discomfort with Musk’s geopolitical freelancing, the government seems reluctant to challenge him directly.

June 13, 2024

The most troubling dimension of this narrative is Musk’s increasing overlap with authoritarian leaders. While he initially backed Ukraine’s resistance, his changing stance on the conflict mirrors Kremlin talking points, including proposals for Ukraine’s neutrality and territorial concessions. Reports also suggest that Russian forces have obtained Starlink terminals through intermediaries, potentially undermining Ukraine’s military advantage. Musk’s interactions with Putin raise legitimate concerns about whether his private motivations align with America’s interests—or whether they serve a broader agenda of his own making.

News: After news of DOJ warning, Elon Musk’s super PAC didn’t announce ‘daily’ lottery winner on Wednesday

November 17, 2022

As Trump reemerges as a viable candidate, Musk’s growing political influence adds yet another layer of uncertainty. His ability to sway public opinion through X and provide financial backing to Trump’s campaign makes him a powerful, if unelected, player in American politics. The alignment between Musk, Trump, and Putin—three figures with varying but overlapping ambitions—raises difficult questions about whether democratic systems can withstand the influence of billionaires who operate beyond the reach of public accountability. The lack of transparency around Musk’s dealings with Putin, combined with his access to classified government programs, underscores how precarious U.S. national security has become in the hands of private actors.

The U.S. government’s dependence on Musk’s technologies, his collaboration with authoritarian regimes, and his full-throated support for Trump’s campaign are red flags that cannot be ignored. No single individual should wield this much power—over military operations, the flow of information, and political outcomes—and the implications of his actions will reverberate far beyond the 2024 election. As democracy itself hangs in the balance, it is essential that the public and government officials recognize the danger of allowing billionaires to shape national policy in ways that serve their private interests over the common good.

Posted to my all New experimental SUBSTACK page… it’s at an experimental stage (at the time of it’s posting,) and presented in the form of notes as I figure out how to integrate it into my routine. Find out what’s swirling in my head as I come up with my ideas. It’s free and will continue to be… until the traditional structure that has sustained me a livelihood collapses on top of me as it has for so many of my peers. Please take a look, and if you what to continue following/subscribe to my work, please subscribe, and thank you!

I’ve always admired the great tradition of editorial cartoonists and illustrators who have parodied James Gillray’s 1805 masterpiece, “The Plumb-pudding in Danger”. Over the years, countless artists have drawn from that iconic image of two powerful leaders carving up the world to comment on the greed, ambition, and geopolitics of their times. It’s fascinating to see how history keeps giving us new contexts that fit so perfectly with Gillray’s original satire—and now, I’ve finally added my own version to that long list.

This is the first time I’ve drawn a parody of Plumb-pudding in Danger, and honestly, I’m glad I waited this long. The global stakes have never felt more immediate or alarming. Elon Musk, Donald Trump, and Vladimir Putin sitting around a table, carving up the globe while Musk grins in his lair—it’s not just satire, it’s a warning. The unsettling truth is that this parody aligns a little too well with our reality. The world is teetering on the edge, and with only days left before the U.S. election, it seems increasingly—and bewilderingly—likely that American voters may actually re-elect Trump.

There is an existential threat that comes with this possibility—one where authoritarianism, greed, and unchecked power collide on a global scale. I can’t think of a more fitting time to use Gillray’s imagery, and I hope this piece resonates with readers. The clock is ticking, and the world really does feel like it’s in the hands of villains playing out their own power games. Let’s hope sanity prevails before it’s too late.

Are you starting to bite your nails as we get closer to November 5th? I am!

Saturday September 28, 2024

September 28, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday September 28, 2024

Ukraine’s Fate Should Be Decided by Ukrainians, Not Trump’s Self-Serving Schemes

January 4, 2023

Donald Trump’s recent statements about Ukraine, including his repeated pledge to end the war “on day one” if elected, paint a dangerously simplistic picture of an incredibly complex and devastating conflict. His rhetoric is filled with vague promises like “I’ll work for a deal that’s good for both sides” and the notion that “Ukraine is gone”, suggesting that he already views the war-torn nation as a lost cause. But in reality, what Trump offers is not a path to peace but a deal on a silver platter for Vladimir Putin, all while ignoring the will and determination of the Ukrainian people. Ukraine’s future should not be decided by Trump or anyone else with a self-serving agenda. It should be determined by the Ukrainians themselves, who continue to fight for their sovereignty, independence, and freedom.

News: Harris decries Trump’s ‘proposals of surrender’ as Zelenskyy visits White House

February 13, 2024

Trump has repeatedly suggested that Ukraine should give up some of its land to Russia as part of a peace settlement. This is an outrageous proposition. It’s a move that would embolden not just Russia but any country with territorial ambitions, sending a message that military aggression pays off in the long run. Trump’s cavalier attitude toward Ukraine’s territorial integrity, which he frames as merely a bargaining chip, mirrors his broader “America First” ethos — one that sacrifices international norms and human dignity for expediency and personal gain.

Should Trump’s vision come to pass, the consequences would reverberate far beyond Ukraine. A brokered deal that allows Russia to carve up Ukraine could serve as a green light for other aggressive regimes to pursue territorial ambitions. China’s saber-rattling against Taiwan is an obvious concern. If Russia successfully annexes Ukrainian territory through force, what’s to stop China from making a similar attempt in Taiwan? And what about other former Soviet states like the Baltic countries? Once Putin succeeds in Ukraine, what’s to stop him from casting his gaze toward Estonia, Latvia, or Lithuania, former Soviet territories now firmly within the NATO umbrella?

December 13, 2023

Trump’s laissez-faire approach to autocrats is not just morally bankrupt; it’s a strategic catastrophe in the making. It weakens the global norm against the forceful seizure of territory and undermines the international order that has helped prevent major conflicts since World War II.

News: U.S. House Speaker Demands That Ukraine Fire Ambassador

At the heart of this conflict is Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who has become the symbol of his country’s resistance. He understands better than anyone the resolve of his people to defend their homeland. His non-stop crusade for military aid is not about prolonging suffering but about ensuring that Ukraine can survive as a free and independent nation. Zelenskyy’s tireless efforts to garner international support underscore the determination of Ukrainians to fight for their freedom. If they are willing to endure, to fight, and to sacrifice, why should anyone else, especially Donald Trump, decide that their fight is no longer worth continuing?

June 6, 2023

The fact that Trump believes he can bypass the will of the Ukrainian people by imposing a top-down peace agreement — one that likely involves Ukraine ceding its own territory — is a stark reminder of how out of touch he is with the reality on the ground. Zelenskyy, more than anyone, represents the people of Ukraine and is in the best position to gauge the country’s desire to keep fighting or negotiate. This is a war for self-determination — something Trump, in his own twisted sense of victimhood, has co-opted for his personal benefit in the U.S. while offering none of the same respect for the Ukrainians defending their homeland.

Trump’s rally cry of “Fight! Fight! Fight!” is about one thing: Donald Trump. Whether he’s invoking the term at political rallies, as in his dramatic “messianic” display in Milwaukee, or during his second impeachment trial after the Capitol insurrection, his use of “fight” is always about his own survival, his own ego, and his desire to galvanize his base. He has perfected the art of turning grievances and victimhood into political currency, using the idea of “fighting” to frame every setback as a personal attack on him.

November 11, 2022

The fact that Trump is even in a position to propose such a plan underscores the surreal political reality we are living in. How can someone who has been criminally indicted, impeached, and accused of undermining American democracy be trusted to decide the fate of another nation? It’s a deeply unsettling thought — one that speaks to the broader crisis of leadership in the U.S. and the erosion of political norms that have allowed Trump to remain a force in American politics despite his repeated failures and transgressions.

The fate of Ukraine should be decided by Ukrainians, not by Trump or any other outside power with a vested interest. Zelenskyy, through his relentless advocacy and leadership, embodies the spirit of the Ukrainian people’s fight for freedom. Trump’s harebrained ideas of handing land over to Russia in exchange for a false peace are not just morally repugnant but strategically disastrous. Ukrainians deserve the right to determine their own future, without interference from a man who has shown time and again that his only real cause is himself.

Tuesday September 10, 2024

September 10, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday September 10, 2024

An animated version of this cartoon…here…

Canada’s Far-Right Propaganda Problem—A New Form of Homegrown Terrorism?

November 7, 2023

By now, the recent revelations about Canadian far-right influencers embedded in an alleged Russian propaganda scheme should be a wake-up call to anyone who values Canadian democracy. The U.S. Department of Justice’s indictment against two Russian nationals, accusing them of covertly funding Tenet Media—a media outlet tied to Canadian influencers Lauren Chen and Lauren Southern—has brought an insidious problem to light. Yet this scandal may be only the tip of the iceberg, highlighting a growing threat to our country: foreign-funded disinformation campaigns aimed at radicalizing Canadians, creating chaos, and undermining Western institutions.

News: With charges and sanctions, US takes aim at Russian disinformation ahead of November election

January 25, 2022

We often think of foreign interference in abstract terms, assuming it’s something that happens “elsewhere”—in the U.S. or Europe. But this activity is unfolding in our own backyard. Canadian far-right influencers have become willing collaborators in these schemes, taking advantage of our digital platforms to broadcast propaganda, peddle disinformation, and inflame societal tensions. What’s more, this foreign-backed radicalization effort mirrors the traits of homegrown terrorism, aiming to weaken the state from within by fostering hate, fear, and division.

Take Lauren Chen and Lauren Southern, two figures central to Tenet Media’s pro-Russian propaganda efforts. These influencers have become part of a dangerous transnational network that seeks to destabilize not only the U.S., but also Canada. Southern, a vocal supporter of the “Great Replacement” conspiracy theory, has collaborated with figures like Aleksandr Dugin, a known ally of Vladimir Putin. Chen, meanwhile, built a following with her anti-immigration, anti-LGBTQ views, creating content that mirrored the Kremlin’s talking points. Both individuals are deeply intertwined in the international far-right media ecosystem, and both contributed content designed to stoke outrage over issues like immigration and cultural identity.

March 26, 2024

This goes beyond mere opinion-shaping. When foreign actors like Russia fund and direct the narrative of far-right media outlets, the consequences are dire. They manipulate real grievances—about housing affordability, inflation, and the erosion of trust in government institutions—to serve their strategic interests. The allegations against Tenet Media and its Canadian founders demonstrate how vulnerable we are to outside influence when our own influencers are willing to sell out our democracy.

Russia’s goal, as former CSIS director Richard Fadden warns, is not just to influence the U.S. presidential election but to erode trust in institutions across the West, including Canada. This is not just about disinformation; it’s about creating a psychological state of disillusionment and division. It’s about weakening the social fabric by promoting cultural warfare, distrust, and polarization. The strategy is simple but effective: amplify fringe voices, divide communities, and let chaos unfold from within.

This tactic should be considered akin to a new form of homegrown terrorism. While it may not involve guns or bombs, it involves something far more dangerous: the poisoning of minds. When we see online comment sections flooded with pro-Russian talking points or blatant Kremlin propaganda, it’s not hard to recognize the pattern. Influencers like Lauren Southern and Lauren Chen may not have planted physical explosives, but they have helped detonate ideological bombs that fragment our society.

Analysis: Meet the right-wing Canadian influencers accused of collaborating with an alleged Russian propaganda scheme

December 22, 2022

The recent revelation that $10 million in Russian money was funnelled to Tenet Media and its Canadian collaborators underlines the scale of this disinformation campaign. Far from being passive bystanders, these individuals were active participants in shaping narratives that played directly into Russian hands.

What’s more concerning is that Tenet Media and its Canadian influencers are just one piece of a much larger puzzle. Many far-right media personalities, both in Canada and the U.S., have been parroting Kremlin talking points for years. These talking points, whether about Ukraine, immigration, or Western values, have seeped into the broader conservative ecosystem, influencing not just media but politics. Prominent figures, such as Tucker Carlson in the U.S., have shown remarkable alignment with Russian narratives on issues like Ukraine, further complicating the fight against disinformation.

As one concerned reader commented, “The calls are coming from inside the house.” And they’re right. The influence of foreign disinformation campaigns is not just an external threat; it’s been internalized by many of our own citizens who now openly question the legitimacy of our institutions and media.

Opinion: I cover the far right for a living. This is why I wasn’t surprised to find Canadians embedded in an alleged Russian propaganda scheme

March 8, 2024

How did we become so polarized in such a short time? It’s no coincidence that nations like Russia, China, and Iran are using sophisticated disinformation tactics to turn citizens against one another. Russia, in particular, excels at exploiting societal fault lines to sow discord. Whether it’s inflaming outrage over gender issues or immigration, or pushing narratives that undermine public trust in health measures, the goal is always the same: division. And the Ottawa occupation and Coutts blockade are prime examples of how these foreign-backed movements have amplified domestic unrest.

The protests and occupations we’ve seen in recent years are more reactions to propaganda than to any genuine grassroots discontent. They’re reactions stoked by agitators who profit from division, just as Russia profits from a weakened and polarized Canada.

So, what can we do? As another reader insightfully pointed out, “The best offence is one where the enemy doesn’t even realize they’re being attacked.” This is exactly what’s happening in Canada today. The Russian state and its allies have perfected the art of ideological subversion, making it hard to even recognize that we’re under attack.

We need to call this out for what it is: a coordinated attack on our democracy. Canada cannot afford to become a safe haven for far-right influencers acting as foreign agents. It is crucial that policymakers take stronger steps to regulate social media platforms and introduce foreign agent registries. We must also foster public awareness about how disinformation works and how to identify it.

Finally, as individuals, we need to talk to our friends, family, and colleagues. Explain what’s happening. Expose the insidious nature of these disinformation campaigns, and make sure we are getting our news from credible, trusted sources. By doing so, we can help stop this growing form of ideological terrorism from further taking root in Canada.

Our democracy depends on it. (AI)

Tuesday August 13, 2024

August 13, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday August 13, 2024

An animated version of this cartoon may be viewed here.

The True Provocateur Behind the Bloodshed – Vladimir Putin’s Unlawful Conquests

As the conflict between Russia and Ukraine intensifies, the recent Ukrainian incursion into Russia’s Kursk region has garnered significant attention. This bold move by Ukrainian forces, pushing deep into Russian territory, has been labeled a “terrorist attack” and a “provocation” by Russian President Vladimir Putin. But such claims, coming from the architect of this brutal conflict, are not only disingenuous but deeply offensive.

February 24, 2023

Let us be clear: the root cause of this war and the needless deaths on both sides can be traced back to one person—Vladimir Putin. It is his unlawful territorial ambitions and flagrant disregard for international law that have plunged both Russia and Ukraine into this bloody conflict. The Ukrainian raid into Kursk, far from being an unprovoked act of aggression, is a natural and inevitable response to months of defending their homeland against an invader who seeks to erase their sovereignty.

The war in Ukraine, now stretching into its third year, was never a defensive operation for Russia. It was conceived in the Kremlin as a quick and decisive campaign to subjugate Ukraine and expand Russian influence. In February 2022, Russian forces crossed into Ukrainian territory in what Putin cynically dubbed a “special military operation.” The expectation was clear: Ukraine would fall swiftly, and Russia would cement its control over its neighbour.

News:Ukraine’s foray into Russia’s border region embarrasses Putin. How will it affect the course of war?

December 13, 2023

But Putin underestimated the resolve of the Ukrainian people and their determination to defend their country. Instead of a swift victory, Russia found itself bogged down in a protracted and bloody conflict. The Kremlin’s initial plans have unraveled, leading to heavy Russian casualties, economic sanctions, and growing international isolation. Yet, despite these setbacks, Putin has continued to pursue his expansionist goals, with devastating consequences.

When Putin accuses Ukraine of provocation, it is crucial to remember who the real provocateur is. The invasion of Ukraine was an unprovoked act of aggression—a clear violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and a breach of international law. The relentless bombing of Ukrainian cities, the targeting of civilian infrastructure, and the displacement of millions of Ukrainians are all on Putin’s hands. This war has not only devastated Ukraine but has also led to the deaths of thousands of Russian soldiers, many of whom were conscripts sent to fight in a conflict they likely did not understand or support.

Ukraine’s recent incursion into Russian territory is not a provocation; it is a defensive measure taken by a nation fighting for its survival. After enduring relentless attacks on its own soil, Ukraine has shown that it can and will strike back. This raid is a message to Russia that Ukraine will not be cowed or conquered. It is a demonstration of resilience and a declaration that Ukraine will not surrender its sovereignty.

February 13, 2024

As the war drags on, there is a growing weariness in the West about the ongoing support for Ukraine. Voices like Senator J.D. Vance and former President Donald Trump have suggested cutting military aid to Ukraine and seeking a “peaceful solution” that would hand over significant portions of Ukrainian territory to Russia. This approach is not only shortsighted but dangerously naive.

Such a “solution” would not bring lasting peace; it would embolden Putin to push his expansionist agenda even further. History has shown that appeasement only invites further aggression. If Putin is allowed to carve up Ukraine, there is little doubt that his ambitions will extend beyond Ukraine’s borders, potentially threatening the stability of Eastern Europe and the broader region.

Those in the West who advocate for scaling back support for Ukraine must understand that this war is not just about Ukraine; it is about defending the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity. If Putin is allowed to succeed in Ukraine, it will set a dangerous precedent that could have far-reaching consequences for global security.

Opinion: Ukraine’s incursion shows Russia’s war is not going to plan

November 11, 2022

The hypocrisy in Putin’s rhetoric is staggering. For years, he has been the one provoking Ukraine, destabilizing the region, and disregarding the lives of both Ukrainians and Russians alike. Yet, when Ukraine responds, he cries foul, attempting to cast Russia as the victim. This narrative is not only false but also insulting to those who have suffered and died because of his ambitions.

The truth is that every death in this conflict—whether Ukrainian or Russian—is the result of Putin’s choices. His unlawful invasion has led to a catastrophic loss of life and has plunged Europe into its most severe conflict since World War II. The suffering on both sides is a direct consequence of his imperial dreams, and no amount of propaganda can obscure that fact.

As the war continues, it is vital to hold Vladimir Putin accountable for the devastation he has wrought. The international community must recognize that the provocation, the bloodshed, and the suffering all stem from one man’s unlawful pursuit of territorial conquest. Putin’s actions have not only threatened Ukraine’s existence but have also endangered global peace and security.

For those in the West who are growing weary of supporting Ukraine, let this be a reminder: the cost of abandoning Ukraine is far greater than the price of standing with them. A “peaceful solution” that rewards Putin’s aggression would not end the conflict—it would simply pave the way for more bloodshed. The world must stand with Ukraine, not only in its fight for sovereignty but in its fight for justice. For it is only by confronting and condemning the true provocateur—Vladimir Putin—that we can hope to bring an end to this senseless war. (AI)

Tuesday June 18, 2024

June 19, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday June 18, 2024

*Watch the animated version here!

Russia’s Desperate Arms Deal with North Korea: A Sign of Decline

September 14, 2023

Once a proud exporter of advanced weaponry, Russia now finds itself in the humiliating position of importing lower-quality arms from North Korea. This drastic shift underscores the deteriorating state of Russia’s military-industrial complex and the broader implications for its global standing.

In a strikingly ironic twist, the nation that once supplied cutting-edge technology to the world now seeks sustenance from a pariah state infamous for its substandard military equipment. North Korea’s support, including ballistic missiles and munitions, is crucial for Russia as it struggles to maintain its war efforts in Ukraine. The image of a former superpower relying on North Korean arms tells a bleak story about the current state of Russian research and development. It is a clear indicator that Russia is far from the industrial powerhouse that its cheerleaders in the Kremlin claim it to be.

News: Putin Arrives in North Korea as Ukraine War Redefines Ties With Kim

September 22, 2022

This unholy alliance between Russia and North Korea also highlights a disturbing new reality: North Korea has emerged as a significant beneficiary of the Ukraine conflict. Pyongyang’s economy, previously crippled by sanctions and isolation, has found new life through its arms trade with Russia. This partnership has elevated North Korea’s international status, making it no longer the sole pariah state. The shift in power dynamics is stark and troubling.

The desperation behind Putin’s move is palpable. This is the first time in 25 years that a Russian president has visited North Korea, and it is clear that Putin is not doing so out of choice but out of necessity. Russia’s reliance on a nation with an outdated military force and equipment reveals the dire state of its own military capabilities. The fact that Putin must beg for weapons from North Korea suggests that the Russian army is in a desperate situation, willing to take anything it can get.

June 25, 2019

The broader geopolitical implications of this alliance are equally concerning. The axis of Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran is a mashup of nefarious actors with no common cause other than the need to feed off each other. Unlike the more ideologically aligned Western Europe and the US, this grouping is a coalition of convenience rather than principle. Even within this alliance, Russia’s position is precarious. China and India, while maintaining diplomatic relations with Russia, view it as a distraction from their economic ambitions. Putin’s overtures to North Korea can be seen as a last resort after likely rejections from more powerful nations like China and India.

Reflecting on the past, it is evident how far Russia has fallen. Once a major player in the G8, now it is reduced to seeking partnerships with third-world dictatorships. The contrast is stark and disheartening. The likes of North Korea, Russia, and China represent some of the most oppressive police states in the world, making a mockery of any notions of freedom and democracy. If there ever was an open-air prison, these nations fit the bill perfectly.

Hews: Putin arrives in North Korea ahead of talks with Kim Jong-un

May 1, 2018

Putin’s visit to North Korea, hat in hand, begging for arms that his own industry cannot provide, is a clear sign of his desperation. It exposes the toothless tiger that Russia has become under his rule. The international community must recognize this vulnerability and seize the moment to hold Putin accountable. It is time to finish the job and bring Putin to justice at the International Criminal Court.

In summary, Putin’s North Korea visit and the resultant arms deal reflect not just a tactical move but a strategic capitulation. It signals a significant decline in Russia’s global standing and military capability. The world must take note of this desperation and act decisively to prevent further destabilization by this crumbling alliance of authoritarian regimes. (AI)