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Elon Musk, Trump, Harari, is AI reshaping democracy?

April 3, 2025February 26, 2025 by Antonius Bakker

Are Musk and AI reshaping democracy? Surveillance, privacy, and productivity challenges loom as technology changes how we live, work, and govern ourselves.

This afternoon, I sat in my chair again to admire the beautiful surrounding nature. It seems as if spring is making its appearance in the Netherlands earlier this year. I find it very admirable how nature follows its course every year. Spring, summer, and winter come every year, yet this time there is something that prevents me from fully enjoying this process. My mind distracts me from these beautiful seasonal changes.

While watching a Danish police series on television, a whole new world is opening up to me. I had noticed many things individually before, but suddenly I began to see the bigger picture. It may sound strange to say, but the election of Donald Trump in America and his appointment of Tesla boss Elon Musk as one of his advisors, in particular, opened the "door" for me. The way Musk is now trying to restructure the U.S. government through various technical AI tricks, which I consider almost scandalous, caught my attention.

Do we still live in a democracy?

Picture: CNN & The Guardian (Elon Musk, Donald trump & Yuval Noah Harari

You probably know from the news how Musk is doing. According to him, the world must and can be much more productive. After that, I don’t completely blame Musk, because that wouldn’t be fair. Of course, in almost every country in the world, there are industries and people who lag behind in productivity. Many areas could be done much better in a "Tesla" way, but will there still be enough work in the world for all the billions of people, or are we heading toward "new" poverty? Where will people without work and income go in this world? But, okay, many people in Africa also "survive" in poverty without food and drink, right?

The developments in America also made me think about what’s happening in my own country, and perhaps in all of Europe. Before I continue, I want to tell you that even my mother, who passed away far too early, used to tell me as a young boy that “there is usually a ‘good’ side to every bad decision.” So, I try to keep thinking optimistically, but that is not always easy, I can tell you. As I looked out my window at the beautiful nature, I had to reflect on how we, as humans, are being managed by a few “figures” who act "for our good."

Are we going back to a situation like before the Second World War?

Many people may have fortunately forgotten the situation in Europe before the Second World War, but in my view, it consisted of pure poverty and an almost inhuman life. People worked as slaves for a pittance, and when there was no more work? If I am to believe Yuval Noah Harari in his latest book, Nexus, the system was entwined by government spies, especially in the former "Eastern Bloc." People constantly checked on each other on behalf of their governments. There were spies at every "meeting," and you couldn’t trust anyone. You could only work hard until the job was done and keep your mouth shut.

What were the things that made me think? At that moment, I thought as I looked out the window into the garden: "Can we, as humans, still do things in freedom?" Sure, some form of data and privacy protection has been established, but what is the government quietly doing to control the so-called small group of criminals? Smartphones can now be traced everywhere. Any home camera that might not be pointed at the neighbor’s garden can be monitored by the police, and the recorded images must always be available to them. Every new car is (supposedly) equipped with a tracking system that can also be accessed by the police at any time.

There are fewer and fewer officers on the streets in the Netherlands. I’ve written about this before—police are increasingly being replaced by so-called BOAs (special enforcement officers) and computers. There are cameras on the highways that can pinpoint our exact location based on our license plates. Companies can remotely track how many keystrokes per minute their employees make on word processors, and the cameras in laptops can be accessed by companies at "desired" times. Don’t you think this is a threat to your privacy? What good is so-called privacy protection as a stopgap measure? Yes, criminals should be punished, but what about the rest of the population and their privacy? People can only perceive what they see, but where is the development of our world heading, and who is pulling the strings without our influence?

Putin, Trump, NATO: A Crisis Demanding Political Change in Europe?

February 23, 2025 by Antonius Bakker

The world’s political system is increasingly unstable. Rising tensions, from Putin’s territorial ambitions to Trump’s NATO stance, highlight weaknesses in the EEC and NATO. In the Netherlands, the fragmented government system leads to ineffective long-term policies. With short election cycles and slow decision-making, should politics adopt modern management methods like Agile, Lean, and Six Sigma to tackle global challenges, or remain unprepared for threats like Russia and China?

Political Change in Europe

Every day when I get out of bed in the morning, I am amazed at the way our world is currently being ruled. When I look at the bureaucracy that runs the current political systems and legislation, I often scratch my head. Every evening you see and hear on television, sounds about how tensions in the world are rising again. Think of the Gaza Strip and our "friend" Putin, who still wants to become the Tsar of Russia by further expanding his territory but would also like to add Western Europe to his territory.

The threat from the east is increasing, and we can read everywhere we want that Western Europe is not yet prepared for a possible war with Russia. Every day you also hear that US President Donald Trump no longer feels called upon to fulfill his role in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, NATO. He thinks that the United States of America must contribute far too much and does much more than the rest of the members of NATO.

We now know that President Trump, the forty-seventh president of the USA, immediately issued twenty-six decrees when he took office this year (2025). With these decrees, he changed various laws in his country within twenty-four hours. America the country that consists of fifty states< and only started its status in 1776, the "country" that thinks more and more like a country, and comes out. Every law enacted in the Washington district applies to all three hundred and thirty-two million inhabitants. And these residents are proud to be American.

Picture: RNZ

I said before, I look at the development of Russia with suspicion and with a kind of admiration in America. I wouldn't feel very comfortable under a "sufferer" like Trump, but do you feel safe under the current way the European Economic Union is run? I certainly don't now. Many people have long forgotten that the EEC is a trade agreement, a way of promoting trade between the various European countries. This has nothing to do with promoting unity or protecting each other when Putin visits. And the N.A.V.O., the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, is stuck together like loose sand in several places. How strong is the N.A.V.O. in relation to Russia or China if all hell really breaks loose?

I could take any European country as an example for the disgrace that in my view is currently taking place within the N.A.V.O. and the E.E.C., but for the moment I will limit myself to the Netherlands, my own home country. It starts with the way of governing, in my opinion there is a far too extensive party system in our country that leads to far too much fragmentation between the voters. A new government is elected once every four years. The then elected government parties always take plenty of time to form a coalition. Then opinions must be aligned, and ministers must be elected, and a Prime Minister must be elected. After that, there are often only three or two and a half years left to govern before the next elections come around.

These ministers determine the long-term policy of our country, but can this be done in a period of up to three years? As a minister, can you read up on and empathize with such a relatively short time? And to some extent, this also applies to the rest of the world. Are the current terms of office, elections, terms of government and the way of deciding still of this time, can we in Europe keep up with Putin and Trump?

Former project managers in the business world still remember the older project management tools. A plan was made at the start of a project, and it was only when that project was completed that it became clear whether it had been successful. Everyone knows by now that this often went terribly wrong. The outcome of the project no longer fitted in with the environment that had developed in the meantime, the money had been thrown away, and the problem had not been solved, strategic problems were maintained.

Does the "project" Politics also need to be overhauled?

The "old" project management developed, and new tools were developed again and again, such as Prince 1 and 11. To waterfall, Scrum, and Agile. Think of the way companies are now working successfully with Lean and Six Sigma. Think of the implementation of strategic, tactical and operational management. Isn't it time that this way of thinking is also adopted by politicians, Or are we all waiting for Putin, or Trump with their armies to cross our borders? Perhaps our politicians will then realize that the system is indeed in need of change?

Can Trump End the Ukraine War? Risks to Europe & NATO?

November 20, 2024 by Antonius Bakker

As the 2024 U.S. election approaches, many are turning to Donald Trump as a solution to their frustrations. Trump claims he could end the war in Ukraine within days, but how realistic is this? This article explores whether Trump’s "America First" approach could make him a hero to Ukraine or jeopardize Europe’s future security and NATO’s strength.

Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign promises to end the war in Ukraine quickly, but his approach raises questions about Europe’s future security. With Trump’s “America First” stance, Europe may face a weakened U.S. commitment to NATO. This article explores Trump’s foreign policy, the risks to European defense, and whether Russia could expand its influence in Europe.

Will Donald Trump Become the Hero of the Ukrainian People?

As the 2024 U.S. election approaches, many are turning to Donald Trump as a solution to their frustrations. Trump claims he could end the war in Ukraine within days, but how realistic is this? This article explores whether Trump’s "America First" approach could make him a hero to Ukraine or jeopardize Europe’s future security and NATO’s strength.

Trump’s Unfulfilled Promises and the War in Ukraine

One of the most striking claims made by Donald Trump during his 2024 campaign is that he could bring an end to the war between Russia and Ukraine “in a matter of days.” While this bold statement might appeal to voters seeking a quick resolution, Trump has provided little detail on how he intends to achieve such a feat. His prior presidency was marked by a more isolationist foreign policy, raising questions about whether his promises to resolve the conflict are more about political rhetoric than feasible action.During his first term, Trump voiced criticism of U.S. involvement in foreign conflicts, particularly in Europe. He often expressed skepticism about NATO and suggested that European countries should take more responsibility for their own security. Trump’s "America First" stance, focusing on reducing American military commitments abroad, has led some to believe that his approach to the Ukraine war would be similarly hands-off.

Can Trump Keep His Promises? Will He End the War?

For those who have placed their hope in Trump, the promise to end the war in Ukraine represents the desire for a swift resolution. However, the war is complex, rooted in deep historical, political, and territorial issues that cannot be solved with a simple agreement. Ukraine’s fight is fundamentally about sovereignty and territorial integrity, which makes any negotiated peace far more difficult than Trump's bold rhetoric suggests.

Trump’s claim that he could quickly resolve the war in Ukraine may, unfortunately, be wishful thinking. A real solution would require intricate diplomacy, military strategy, and international pressure, none of which can be delivered with a simple negotiation. Furthermore, Trump’s past isolationist policies—particularly his doubts about NATO—could alienate European allies who view the United States as a critical partner in countering Russian aggression.

Europe’s Security: Has the U.S. Become a Weakened Ally?

For much of the 20th and 21st centuries, the United States has been a cornerstone of European security. After World War II, the U.S. played a central role in rebuilding Europe through initiatives like the Marshall Plan, and NATO became the bedrock of the continent’s defense. However, Trump’s rhetoric during his presidency and his current stance suggest that the U.S. may no longer be as committed to European security as it once was.If Trump were to return to power and implement policies that reduce U.S. involvement in international conflicts, particularly in Europe, Europe could find itself in a precarious situation. Without the full backing of the U.S., European nations might need to reassess their own defense capabilities. This could lead to a shift in the continent’s security strategy, including higher defense spending and perhaps even a greater degree of military independence. However, this would also expose Europe to significant vulnerabilities, especially if the U.S. were to reduce its support for NATO.

Will the "Cold War" Resurface?

Trump’s "America First" foreign policy, combined with Vladimir Putin’s aggressive actions, could lead to a renewed geopolitical divide. While we are not yet in a "new Cold War," the tensions that defined the first Cold War—great power rivalry, proxy conflicts, and nuclear deterrence—are re-emerging in different forms. A U.S. withdrawal from Europe, or a weakening of NATO, could reignite these tensions, particularly with Russia.The geopolitical environment has shifted in recent years, with China’s growing influence and Russia’s military actions. If Trump were to step back from European security, Russia could become more emboldened, potentially leading to a new arms race and escalating military tensions. For Europe, this would be a troubling prospect, especially considering the continent’s historical experience with conflict and instability.

Has Putin Misled the World?

Vladimir Putin’s military aggressions, particularly his invasion of Ukraine, have sparked fears of a resurgent Russia. But how powerful is Russia really? While Putin frequently boasts about his military’s capabilities, the ongoing war has exposed several weaknesses in Russia’s conventional forces. Despite having a formidable nuclear arsenal, Russia has struggled in Ukraine, facing logistical challenges, resistance from Ukrainian forces, and international sanctions.However, the fear of a stronger Russia is not entirely unfounded. NATO remains a powerful counterbalance, but if the U.S. were to reduce its commitment to European security, Russia might become more aggressive in pursuing its territorial ambitions. Europe, particularly countries in Eastern Europe, is already feeling the pressure and increasing defense spending in response to the perceived threat.

Will Russia Conquer Europe?

While it is unlikely that Russia will conquer all of Europe, the growing fear of Russian territorial expansion is palpable, especially in countries like Poland, the Baltic states, and Ukraine. These nations are especially vulnerable to Russian influence and military incursions. If the U.S. pulls back from Europe, Europe could find itself in a weaker position to resist Russian aggression.The question remains: can Europe defend itself without U.S. support? The EU has often struggled with military integration, and without NATO's collective defense framework, Europe would face a significant challenge in uniting its forces against a powerful adversary. The possibility of Russian expansion into Eastern Europe remains a legitimate concern, and without the backing of NATO, Europe could be left exposed.

Could Europeans Become Refugees in Their Own Land?

The ongoing war in Ukraine has already led to millions of refugees fleeing to Europe, but if Russia’s territorial ambitions extend beyond Ukraine, Europe could find itself in the midst of a much larger refugee crisis. If conflict spreads across the continent, it could lead to the displacement of millions of Europeans, reversing the flow of refugees Europe has seen in recent years.Additionally, the threat of nuclear conflict, while unlikely, cannot be ignored. Russia’s nuclear capabilities are well-documented, and while a full-scale nuclear war seems improbable, the risk of escalation—whether through conventional warfare or limited nuclear strikes—remains high. If conflict spreads to Europe, the consequences could be catastrophic.Is Trump’s Promise to End the War in Days a Reality?In conclusion, Donald Trump’s promise to end the war between Russia and Ukraine in just a few days seems highly unrealistic.

The war is far more complex than a quick resolution allows for, and any real peace would require careful diplomacy, military strategy, and international cooperation. While Trump’s “America First” policies may appeal to some, they could also undermine Europe’s security and destabilize the international order.Europe faces a critical decision: should it continue to rely on U.S. support for its defense, or should it take on more responsibility for its own security? If the U.S. reduces its role, Europe could face greater risks, especially with an increasingly aggressive Russia. Trump’s presidency could be a turning point for both Europe and the world, but whether he can deliver on his promises remains to be seen

Mandela, Gandhi, and Obama showed true leadership beyond wealth.

September 21, 2024 by Antonius Bakker

Many aspire to managerial roles for power and salary, but true leadership, exemplified by figures like Nelson Mandela, Gandhi, and Obama, goes beyond wealth. Leadership is about character, vision, and the ability to inspire others. Financial independence can help but isn't necessary. Effective leaders delegate, develop others, and focus on the greater good, not just personal gain. True leadership qualities are rare and often innate, as seen in leaders like Steve Jobs and Margaret Thatcher, who left lasting legacies by empowering those around them and leading with conviction.! Here's a version of the text that includes references to more famous leaders:

The Allure of Managerial Positions

The desire to attain a managerial position is a common aspiration among many professionals. The allure of such roles often stems from the perceived benefits associated with the title: higher salaries, increased influence, and the power to make decisions that shape the direction of a team or organization. Many believe that achieving a managerial position is synonymous with success, viewing it as a way to increase their personal and professional influence. However, the true essence of leadership, as demonstrated by figures like Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi, and Winston Churchill, is not solely tied to wealth, power, or title. Leadership is far more complex, requiring qualities that extend beyond financial independence or managerial authority.

Nelson Mandela: Leadership Beyond Wealth

Nelson Mandela, one of the most revered leaders in modern history, was not a man of great wealth. His influence and leadership did not stem from financial independence but from his unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and the well-being of his people. Mandela's leadership was characterized by his ability to inspire and unite others, even in the face of extreme adversity. He did not rely on money or power to lead; instead, he leveraged his moral authority and his ability to connect with people on a deep, emotional level. This example demonstrates that being rich is not a prerequisite for effective leadership. True leadership is about character, vision, and the ability to inspire others to work towards a common goal.

Gandhi and Churchill: Leading Through Conviction

Mahatma Gandhi and Winston Churchill, two iconic leaders of the 20th century, also exemplify leadership that transcends financial considerations. Gandhi, like Mandela, was not wealthy, yet he led India to independence through nonviolent resistance, driven by his deep moral convictions. Churchill, on the other hand, came from a more privileged background, but his leadership during World War II was marked by resilience and the ability to rally a nation under dire circumstances. Both leaders demonstrated that leadership is about more than just financial stability; it is about having the courage to stand by one’s principles and inspire others to do the same.

Does Financial Independence Enhance Leadership?

Financial independence can certainly provide a leader with more freedom to take risks and make bold decisions without the fear of immediate financial repercussions. A leader who does not have to worry about losing their job might feel more empowered to pursue innovative ideas or challenge the status quo. However, this does not mean that financial independence is a necessity for leadership. Many great leaders, like Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and Mother Teresa, led transformative movements without the cushion of financial security. Their leadership was rooted in their convictions and their ability to mobilize others, not in their personal wealth.

The True Role of a Manager

The role of a manager, therefore, should not be viewed merely as a stepping stone to personal gain or increased power. Management is about enabling others to perform at their best, facilitating teamwork, and ensuring that organizational goals are met. A manager's primary responsibility is to support their team, provide guidance, and create an environment where everyone can succeed. This often involves delegating tasks, empowering team members, and trusting them to take ownership of their work. Effective delegation is a critical skill for any leader, as it not only helps distribute the workload but also develops the skills of others and prepares them for future leadership roles.

Obama’s Approach to Delegation

Barack Obama, during his presidency, was known for his ability to delegate effectively. He surrounded himself with a team of skilled advisors and trusted them to handle various aspects of governance. This approach allowed him to focus on the broader strategic vision for the country while ensuring that day-to-day operations were managed by capable individuals. Obama's willingness to delegate demonstrated his confidence in his team's abilities and his understanding that leadership is not about micromanaging but about empowering others to contribute their expertise.

The Risks of Centralized Control

In contrast, some leaders, like Donald Trump, have been criticized for a more autocratic style, where delegation is less common, and control is centralized. This approach can create an environment where subordinates are hesitant to take initiative or make decisions independently, fearing repercussions. While this style might work in certain contexts, it often stifles creativity and innovation, as team members may feel that their contributions are undervalued or that they are merely executing orders rather than collaborating on solutions.

The Importance of Developing Others

The fear of being overtaken or overshadowed by others is a common concern among managers. However, truly effective leaders recognize that their success is tied to the success of their team. By helping others grow and develop, a leader not only enhances the overall performance of the organization but also ensures a pipeline of future leaders who can continue to drive the organization forward. Leaders who are insecure about their position and try to hinder others' progress ultimately harm the organization by creating a toxic environment.

True Leadership Qualities Are Rare

Figures like Steve Jobs, Margaret Thatcher, and Nelson Mandela illustrate that true leadership qualities are indeed rare and often not learned from textbooks. These individuals possessed an innate ability to lead, inspire, and influence others in profound ways. Their leadership was not about maintaining their position but about making a lasting impact on their organizations, nations, or the world. True leaders understand that their role is to serve others, facilitate growth, and pave the way for future leaders. They recognize that leadership is not about self-preservation but about leaving a legacy that benefits others long after they are gone.

This revised version includes more examples of famous leaders to illustrate different aspects of leadership.