Hi, Zivah. It is definitely worrying. The normalisation of extremist positions now threatens the entire status quo of post-War and post-Cold War civilisation. The fault for which ultimately lies with major corporations in general undermining the security of workers to create the breeding conditions for a system of government aligned with their wishes. And more specifically major media corporations. I'm not sure there's an answer to that given the gullibility of the majority, and the ease with which propaganda can be siphoned unfiltered into what passes for their brains.

With France, I'm more concerned about the next presidential election, which I think will be won by the far right. The democratic and pro-European cordon sanitaire which prevented this in the past has been eroded too far. A far right plurality in parliament is one thing - a president dictating foreign and European policy is another.

I think we also have to brace ourselves for Trump II, just as the EU is undermined by the far right as well.

I am now more worried than before, since seeing certain reactions to recent more political posts of mine from several white, middle-aged Americans who seem to be of the opinion that 'no, the Republicans are still a mainstream party, Trump is no problem, there are bad apples on both sides'. These are people who otherwise seem moderately reasonable and informed. I might not agree with them on many points of politics, but would expect them - even if lifelong Republican voters - to be in the 'Biden this time - our democracy and civil liberties are on the line here'. I no longer believe that is the case. The Overton window has shifted too far, driven by (understandable) paranoia. A rational UK government will help a little on the international stage. But Britain is a very weak and timid voice now. If France and the USA fall - which I believe they will - 4/5 of the UN Security Council are in the hands of anti-democratic extremists. And it could so easily be a full house. Thought I don't see the Farage insurgency breaking through the barrier of the UK electoral system. Bye-bye PR, though - too risky now.