Journalism's future is a concern due to the present mixed circumstances, as stated by Pierre Haski, the President of Reporters Without Borders.
Every morn for the past seven years, Pierre Haski has been chronicle the globe's evolution in his daily column "Geopolitics," a staple of France Inter's morning show. A skilled journalist who's worked for Agence France-Presse, Libération and was a correspondent in Beijing, Jerusalem, and Johannesburg, Haski is also a columnist for Le Nouvel Obs. On July 11, 12, and 13, Haski will participate in the ninth edition of the International Journalism Festival in Couthures-sur-Garonne (Lot-et-Garonne).
As the President of Reporters Without Borders since 2017 and the author of several books and documentaries, Haski will delve into two themes at the festival: the consequences of Donald Trump's return to the White House – "The World Order Upended by the Trump Storm" and "Donald Trump's Crusade Against Press Freedom."
Haski's Musings on Trump's Second Term
Concerning media, Haski highlighted the occupation of territory. Trump's former advisor Steve Bannon had anticipated this by stating that inundating media with sound bites was necessary since journalists couldn't manage numerous subjects at once. During these first months, Trump's administration bombarded the public with declarations and presidential decrees, creating a Trumpist wave engulfing the media sphere, political world, and public opinion.
In terms of geopolitics, Trump presented a much more radical vision than anticipated. Haski encapsulated the essence of Trump's philosophy with a quote from Marco Rubio, U.S. Secretary of State, said in the Senate in mid-January: "The international order of 1945 is not only obsolete, but it has become a weapon against us."
Trump's Transformation: From Defender to Destroyer
The international order was already under fire from countries in the global south, more recently China and Russia. Yet, it was still defended by Europe and the United States, who deemed it based on international law, alliances, and multilateralism. But Donald Trump switched sides, joining those intent on overturning the table. America now desires a U.S. hegemony predicated solely on U.S. strength.
Trump's Implementation Strategy: A Marvel from the 19th Century
Trump tried to achieve a hegemony based on the balance of power, initially striking hard, then negotiating. He employs a collection of historic references dating back to the 19th century, with former President William McKinley centrally involved in his vision. When Trump announces he wishes Canada to become the 51st state of the United States, one wonders what has triggered him. However, in 1815, the United States was already launching attacks on Britain to control what is now Canada. Trump is not inventing anything revolutionary; he's venturing two hundred years back to reach an unrealized objective.
The U.S.'s Political Checks and Balances: Seem to Wobble
While the judiciary system holds strong, other political checks and balances wobble. The legislative branch has faded, and Congress isn't playing its role. Trump governs through executive orders. Another check, the press, has suffered significant damage, signified by the stifling of The Washington Post's opinion pages and the exodus of its best journalists.
Additional Reading:
- The Washington Post in the Eye of the Trump Presidency
- Trump's Attacks on Journalists Intensify
- The Legal Battle Intensifies Against the Dismantling of Public Broadcasting in the United States
A Waning Press freedom Worldwide
A decline in the space for free expression and press freedom worldwide is unsalvageably evident. This is due to economic pressure on news organizations, the confusion created by artificial intelligence, information wars led by certain countries, increasing mistrust in journalists, and a reluctance from owners to confront political power. However, there still persists quality journalism, such as France's public broadcasting. Although France does not face a dramatic press collapse, fragmentation is growing, with the Bolloré group bridging the gap.
The Intimacy of the International Journalism Festival in Couthures
The festival unfolds in the privacy and seclusion of a village where residents actively contribute, fostering interactions without barriers between attendees, speakers, and locals. The intensity of discussions creates fertile ground for a world akin to the ideal one we should live in.
The Future: Another Year on France Inter's Morning Show
Yes, the quest to contribute to understanding the world's chaos stimulates Haski. Despite not having all the solutions or divine wisdom, fifty years of experience enables Haski to provide perspective to listeners disoriented by current events.
Haski will discuss the impact of Donald Trump's second term on politics and general-news at the International Journalism Festival, touching upon themes like "The World Order Upended by the Trump Storm" and "Donald Trump's Crusade Against Press Freedom."
In his musings on Trump's second term, Haski scrutinizes the media strategy of the Trump administration, stating that their approach of bombarding the public with declarations and presidential decrees created a Trumpist wave that engulfed the media sphere, political world, and public opinion.
