Ashley Gate

American Businesses Still Face International Human Rights Obligations, Even as Oversight Diminishes at Home Even amid domestic retrenchment of business regulation, corporations must adhere to internationally recognized human rights responsibilities.

With recent regulatory changes, U.S. businesses may be tempted to advance their interests at the expense of the public and the planet, writes Nicole Vander Meulen – but they still must meet international standards:

www.justsecurity.org/113820/us-co...

Our latest for TomDispatch on the United States history with human rights, the need for them to be revived and reinstated, and how the administration’s values free foreign policy poses a threat to our national security. If you care about USAID and the State Department, give it a read.

The End of Human Rights? The Trump administration seems intent on undermining America’s ability to make human rights a significant element of its foreign policy. As evidence of that, consider its plan to dramatically reduce p...

If America is to be more than a garrison state that bullies other countries and takes a what’s-in-it-for-me approach to international relations, the concept of human rights will have to be preserved and revived in the wake of Donald Trump’s presidency. tomdispatch.com/the-end-of-h...

this morning, I was greeted by a stately hedgehog cactus in full bloom! #cactus

Trump’s Rush to Arm Foreign Clients Undermines US Security The US already dominates the global arms market.

William Hartung @quincyinst.bsky.social explains
"The main thrust of the new order is to press for a reduction in the 'rules and regulations involved in the development, execution, and monitoring of foreign defense sales' and weapons transfers." inkstickmedia.com/trumps-rush-...

My article “Trump Team Opts To Keep US Shell Companies In The Shadows” has been featured in the Forum’s “The Week in Arms Trade Publications.”
Want to learn more about arms smuggling and DoD defrauding? Give it a read!

Trump team opts to keep US shell companies in the shadows Administration 'unleashes' ability for these entities to do their dirty work in illicit arms transfers and fraudulent military contracts

Ashley Gate @quincyinst.bsky.social reminds that arms traffickers are one of the many malicious actors who have used U.S.-based shell companies to their benefit, and flags concerns about Trump's policy changes (including Viktor Bout). See responsiblestatecraft.org/arms-trade-2...

Spring to soothe the soul #flowers #April

Marvel’s Military Industrial Complex How Superheroes Have Been Subverted to Sell War.

The seemingly fantastical connection between hawkish foreign policy and the blockbuster Marvel Cinematic Universe is not make-believe. Pop culture has been militarized.

By: @ashleygate.bsky.social

“Pop culture has been militarized. Americans are often inundated with cultural projects such as movies, games, and TV shows that promote militarism, leading America’s cultural identity to become intertwined with the nation’s military interests.”

“Superheroes are intrinsically linked to our perception of reality and often directly influence our security state.”

Marvel’s Military Industrial Complex How Superheroes Have Been Subverted to Sell War.

My latest for @inkstickmedia.com on how our superheroes have been subverted to sell war. inkstickmedia.com/marvels-mili...

Read the commentaries - Assessing Trump at 50 Days

Fifteen experts authored a dozen commentaries, writing from the United States as well as Colombia, the Netherlands, Sweden, Thailand, and the United Kingdom.

www.forumarmstrade.org/trump50days....

Sigh when I said I wanted my tax money to fund arts and culture this is not what I meant

And the Oscar goes to ... the Pentagon! Can you feel it? An estimated one-third of blockbuster films have been produced with US military support.

The Pentagon has assisted in the making of more than 2,500 war-themed movies and television series and continues to contribute to an average of seven feature film projects and over 90 smaller film and TV projects every year. And here’s why.

responsiblestatecraft.org/oscars-milit...

It’s open season for foreign bribery. Read my first piece for Responsible Statecraft.

responsiblestatecraft.org/foreign-corr...

A lusciously regal bush of common jasmine that is anything but common! #flowers #jasmine

Orchid splendor in the evening #gardening #orchid

Pink Camellia tree in full bloom for the bees to enjoy. #gardening