Robert Ellis
(International Advisor at the Research Institute for European and American Studies in Athens)
Copyright: @ 2026 Research Institute for European and American Studies (www.rieas.gr) Publication date: 13 January 2026
Note: The article reflects the opinion of the author and not necessarily the views of the Research Institute for European and American Studies
Karl Marx mentions Hegel’s remark that all great world-historic facts and personages appear twice. However, Marx adds, the first time as tragedy, the second time as farce. The establishment of the Coalition Provisional Authority in Iraq, which morphed into a long drawn-out struggle, is a good example. After the special operation in Venezuela, President Trump’s declaration “we are going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition” falls into the second category. ... Read more