A Brave New World Will Be Born from Today’s Fertility

A recent article discussed changes in the world’s demographic structure. According to it, global population growth is becoming increasingly concentrated in Sub-Saharan Africa and parts of South Asia. For example, the fertility rates in the already highly populous countries of Pakistan, Nigeria, and Ethiopia are 3.50, 4.30, and 3.81 respectively.

Even more striking figures can be found in Chad, Somalia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In those countries, women give birth to an average of 5.94, 5.91, and 5.90 children respectively. At the opposite extreme are Macao, Hong Kong, and South Korea, with fertility rates of 0.69, 0.74, and 0.75.

In Finland, the fertility rate was 1.3 children per woman in 2025. Across the entire European Union, the average was 1.34 in 2024, and in North America last year it was 1.59.

In practice, this means that in the world of the future, people will predominantly have genetic and cultural roots in developing countries — above all African ones, but also Asian peoples belonging to the Islamic cultural sphere, as illustrated by the Wikipedia map below.

* * *

The future scenario I have outlined above actually came to mind while I was reading a column by a journalist from Finland’s largest newspaper about the civil war in Sudan. In it, Europeans were criticized for not caring about the Sudanese civil war and its victims.

According to Mykkänen, the Deputy Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP), Rania Dagash-Kamara, had spoken at an event held in the Finnish Parliament’s “Little Parliament” building about rapes committed against civilians in Sudan. These acts are carried out by armed men from the various sides in the conflict, and no one seems interested in protecting the victims from sexual violence.

After the event, Member of Parliament Eva Biaudet (Swedish People’s Party) reportedly showed a UNICEF report according to which rape has become a systematically used weapon of war. And it does not affect only women — one third of the victims are boys.

In addition, sixteen of the raped children were under the age of five. Four of them were only one year old.

I repeat: only one year old. In practice, babies! What kind of person rapes babies?

* * *

Based on all this, I was left wondering what kind of world we may have in one or two hundred years’ time — taking into account what I said at the beginning of this text about the genetic and cultural roots of future humanity.

Previous thoughts on the same topic:
Deep Roots of Violence and Disregard for Human Dignity in History
Can Peace Emerge from Horrific War Crimes?
How to Increase Fertility Rates: A Finnish Solution

UN Congratulates an Executioner – Credibility in Free Fall

As we all know, Iran’s Islamist regime brutally killed thousands of protesters at the end of last year and at the beginning of this year. In addition, it has financed and supported terrorist organizations operating in the Middle East, such as Hamas and Hezbollah, which in turn have killed civilians in Israel. Nor should the regime’s role in forcing Iranian women into compulsory veiling—and the daily suffering caused by it—be underestimated.

All of this has not prevented Iran from being a member of the United Nations. Nor did it prevent UN Secretary-General António Guterres from sending a congratulatory letter to the Iranian government yesterday, on the anniversary of the victory of the Islamic Revolution. In his letter, the Secretary-General congratulated Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian by name.

In his message, Guterres also described the day as an opportunity to reflect on the country’s path, role, and contribution to the international community, and invited Iranians to global cooperation to promote peace and security and to defend human rights—thus demonstrating a complete inability to act as the leader of the world organization.

Of course, António Guterres has previously shown himself to be unfit, but congratulating a terrorist regime that has just executed its own citizens en masse is downright disgraceful. At the same time, it strips the UN of the last remnants of its credibility as an actor in world politics.

Previous thoughts on the same topic:
Venezuela, Antonio Guterres and the Nature of Great Powers
The Cost of the East Jerusalem Attack for Palestinians — and Its Echo Worldwide
Finland Decides to Withdraw from the Ottawa Treaty — But What Business Is It of Guterres?

The original blogpost in Finnish:
YK:n pääsihteeri onnitteli Iraniin islamistihallintoa

The Taiwan Question: A Conflict That Could Turn Nuclear

At the end of the Chinese Civil War in 1949, the army of the old regime led by General Chiang Kai-shek retreated to the island of Taiwan. The communists led by the victor, Mao Zedong, did not pursue them, and thus a new poor island state came into being.

At first, Taiwan was unequivocally a developing country, into which large amounts of development aid still flowed in the 1960s. At the same time, it represented the whole of China in the United Nations — and even held a seat on the Security Council — until 1971, when the Taiwanese were expelled from the entire organization and Mao’s communist government took their place.

Over time, Taiwan transitioned to democracy and adopted a capitalist economic model. As a result, the country has become a small economic giant with a significant position in the electronics and engineering industries as well as in petrochemical products — and in semiconductor components it even holds a leading position worldwide.

* * *

At the same time, with the support of the United States, the Taiwanese have armed themselves to the teeth. The reason for this is the threat posed by China, which continues to covet the island and which appears to be a more significant issue for U.S. President Donald Trump than the war in Ukraine.

For this reason, it was noteworthy that Member of the European Parliament and general Pekka Toveri predicted on social media that China would attack the island state in the near future. As a sign of this, he points to extensive purges carried out within China’s military leadership.

If Toveri is right, we will witness a clash between the two greatest military and economic powers of our time, in which the United States will side with Taiwan in a fight against Xi’s army. One can of course hope that this will not happen.

If it does, however, it is to be hoped that the confrontation would avoid the use of nuclear weapons and be limited to conventional warfare. This would certainly be the case at first — but would both sides refrain from nuclear weapons even if one of them were facing defeat?

For this reason, the Taiwan question is extremely important. So far, nuclear weapons have been used against people only at the end of the Second World War, but we do not know whether either Xi Jinping or Donald Trump would be willing to resort to them — if defeat were looming — in order to avoid losing face.

Previous thoughts on the same topic:
Former President Donald Trump is Also the Upcoming President – But What Does It Mean?
Military confrontation between China and USA highly probable in near future
Once upon a time in China and Taiwan

The original blogpost in Finnish:
Taiwanin kysymys uuteen vaiheeseen?

The Cost of the East Jerusalem Attack for Palestinians — and Its Echo Worldwide

Two Palestinian militants apparently thought that the Palestinians’ position in the Holy Land would improve if they started shooting on a road heavily used by Jews. So they put their plan into action, managing to kill at least six people and wound several others. And of course, they themselves supposedly got to enjoy the company of 72 virgins—assuming, that is, that there’s any truth to their beliefs.

Next, we are left to see what follows from this attack. Will the everyday life of ordinary Palestinians in the West Bank improve, or perhaps turn quite the opposite way?

Even more interesting, however, will be to observe how European media report on the future living conditions of the people in the West Bank—conditions that Israel’s army will undoubtedly alter in one way or another. And more interesting still will be to see how UN Secretary-General António Guterres comments on what has happened now, and again later when we can see the consequences.

Previous thoughts on the same topic:
Abu Obaida’s Death Brings Palestine One Step Closer to Peace
Will Gaza Get a Ceasefire, or Will Hamas Hold On to Its Terrorist Capabilities?
United Nations, corruption and terrorism

A Wake-Up Call from Trump to UNESCO

The United States has once again withdrawn from the UN’s cultural organization UNESCO. The reason cited was the organization’s focus on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, as well as its promotion of socially and culturally divisive issues — and continued focus on them.

According to a spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State, such a globalist and ideological international development agenda is in conflict with the America First foreign policy pursued by the Trump administration.

According to UNESCO’s own statement, it operates as a global laboratory of ideas in the fields of education, science, culture, and communication, and as a catalyst for international cooperation. It declares its values as follows: "Our #SharingHumanity campaign reminds us of our global values, culture, and knowledge. By strengthening these ties, we build the foundations of peace between people and nations."

It remains to be seen what impact the U.S. withdrawal — similar to what happened during Trump’s first term — will have on the organization’s operations. Most likely, the impact will not be overwhelming, since only about 8 percent of UNESCO’s budget comes from the United States — less than what most UN agencies receive from the U.S.

Nevertheless, it would be beneficial if UNESCO — and its supporters — would also openly examine whether the Trump administration’s claims have any basis in reality. And if such a basis is found, that the organization take steps to address the issue, in order to better and more cost-effectively fulfill its missions in the future than it does at present.

Previous thoughts on the same topic: 
Finland Decides to Withdraw from the Ottawa Treaty — But What Business Is It of Guterres? 
António Guterres, You Won’t Stop Russia – But Mines Might
Iran Rejects Direct Nuclear Talks with U.S., Calls Them Pointless

Finland Decides to Withdraw from the Ottawa Treaty — But What Business Is It of Guterres?

Parliament decided today by a clear majority that Finland will withdraw from the Ottawa Treaty, allowing its Defence Forces to once again utilize anti-personnel mines in their operations. The vote result was 157 in favor and 18 against.

Thus ended the risky decision taken in 2011 by Finland’s Social Democratic President Tarja Halonen and the National Coalition Party’s Prime Minister Jyrki Katainen. At that time, the only parties voting against the treaty in Parliament were the Finns Party and a small number of Centre Party representatives.

Today, those who voted against the withdrawal agreement — effectively voting in favor of Putin — included ten members of the Left Alliance parliamentary group (1), seven members of the Greens (2), and one representative of the Swedish People's Party (3). These individuals are widely regarded in Finland as errand boys and girls for Putin.

All other members present supported the reintroduction of anti-personnel mines as a means of defense, to ensure that Russia remains on the eastern side of the approximately 1,300-kilometer border between the two countries. Many recognized the urgency of this need already in 2014, when Putin’s "little green men" occupied Crimea and parts of Eastern Ukraine. For those slower to grasp the situation, the reality became clear in 2022, when the Russian army invaded Ukraine.

* * *

In this context, I cannot help but express my astonishment at UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who took it upon himself to interfere in Finnish decision-making by strongly advocating for Finland to remain in the treaty. The reasons for this are anyone’s guess, as it would seem quite strange if the head of the United Nations were somehow under the influence of the Russian dictator.

Of course, it’s also possible that Guterres was simply unaware of how Finland uses anti-personnel mines and feared they would pose a danger to civilians. However, this fear is unfounded, because — unlike in developing countries — Finnish mines are not scattered randomly in the terrain.

Instead, the Finnish army lays minefields only when there is a clearly identified threat, and even then, their locations are recorded both on paper and in electronic systems. This ensures that minefields can be dismantled immediately when no longer needed — and therefore do not pose a threat to civilian lives or health.

1. Timo Furuholm, Veronika Honkasalo. Mai Kivelä, Anna Kontula, Minja Koskela, Pia Lohikoski, Laura Meriluoto, Aino-Kaisa Pekonen, Hanna Sarkkinen and Johannes Yrttiaho)
2. Fatim Diarra, Tiina Elo, Bella Forsgrén, Inka Hopsu, Saara Hyrkkö, Jenni Pitko and Oras Tynkkynen
   
3. Eva Biaudét

Previous thoughts on the same topic:
António Guterres, You Won’t Stop Russia – But Mines Might
Putin's Threat Bolsters European Border States' Defense Against Russia
Will Finland Withdraw from the Ottawa Treaty?

António Guterres, You Won’t Stop Russia – But Mines Might

UN Secretary-General António Guterres made an appeal to countries planning to withdraw from the Ottawa Treaty and reintroduce anti-personnel landmines. Among these countries, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Finland are neighbors of Russia.

Their departure from the treaty is justified precisely by this geographical fact — and by the fact that Russia is an aggressive and imperialist great power that has invaded the territory of several of its neighbors. There is no doubt that its current regime might also decide to test the security guarantees NATO has given to these countries — once it is done with Ukraine.

That is why it is fair to ask Mr. Guterres how he intends to prevent Russia’s intentions, should it decide to attack, for example, my own homeland. And whether, in such a situation, he would take responsibility for the Finnish lives that would have been saved by effective mining.

I do not expect an answer from the UN Secretary-General, but I remind him that Finland once sought help — in vain — from the UN’s predecessor, the League of Nations, before the Winter War that began in 1939. No help came then, and I do not believe Guterres would be able to provide any in the 2020s either, should Russia’s Putin choose to repeat Stalin’s move and order his army to seize Helsinki and strip Finland of its independence.

For this reason, I believe the UN Secretary-General would do well to keep quiet about the affairs of Eastern Europe, and instead focus on achieving a just peace in Ukraine, resolving the conflict between Jews and Arabs in Palestine, and ensuring that Iran does not continue its nuclear weapons program after its war with Israel comes to an end.

Previous thoughts on the same topic:
Putin's Threat Bolsters European Border States' Defense Against Russia
Highlights of the BRICS Meeting in Kazan, Russia
United Nations, corruption and terrorism

Iran Rejects Direct Nuclear Talks with U.S., Calls Them Pointless

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called direct nuclear negotiations with the U.S. "pointless" as Iran refused to engage in such talks with the United States.

This was a response to U.S. President Donald Trump, who had said on Thursday that he wanted to negotiate directly with Iran. According to Trump, the parties would understand each other better without intermediaries, allowing negotiations to progress more quickly.

According to Araghchi, it is futile to negotiate directly with a party that threatens violent actions and violates the UN Charter. The minister also said that U.S. officials present differing positions among themselves.

In addition, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that Iran could only negotiate with the United States "on an equal footing." Iran has also denied accusations from the United States and Western countries regarding the development of nuclear weapons, insisting that its nuclear program is intended solely for civilian purposes.

It thus remains to be seen whether President Trump will succeed in enticing the Iranians to the negotiating table. However, it is already clear that if Israel has even the slightest suspicion that Iran is on the verge of acquiring a nuclear weapon, it would not hesitate to strike the mullah-led state with extreme force.

Previous thoughts on the same topic:
Israel’s Strike on Iran: Ripple Effects for the Middle East, Russia, and Global Stability
Iranian Missile Attack was Followed by Humorous Flowers
Mentally Elementary-School-Aged Were Attacked, But Will Iran Come to Their Aid?

Polish Minister for Foreign Affairs reminded Russians about their nightmare

Radosław Sikorski, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Poland, gave an excellent speech at the UN Security Council. In his speech, he pointed out that Ukraine is fighting to be independent of anybody – not only Russia – and has a democratically elected government, including a Jewish president and a Muslim defense minister, and no political prisoners.

He also reminded us that Russia tried to exterminate Ukraine in the 19th century, again under the Bolsheviks, and during the last ten years. He explained that people in Western countries are being threatened almost every day by Putin's propagandists with nuclear annihilation, and therefore causes Russophobia in western countries.

Then he said that we are not denying Russia's security interests, but we only started rearming ourselves when Russia started to invade her neighbors. He reminded us that the Soviet Union attacked Poland together with Nazi Germany and even held a joint Victory Parade in September 1939.

Then he advised Putin's regime to withdraw his troops from Ukraine to the international border and reminded us that there was no coup in Ukraine in 2014. Instead, the former president, Yanukovych, was removed from office by a democratically elected Ukrainian Parliament, including his own party.

He also pointed out that Russia didn't win the Crimean War, the Russo-Japanese War, World War I, the Battle of Warsaw, in Afghanistan, or the Cold War. Fortunately, however, there were reforms in Russia after each failure.

Mr. Sikorski's view is historically correct and should be carefully dispersed, taught and learned in Russia. If that happened, it might finally encourage Russians – with the greatest natural resources in the world as well as relatively well educated and talented people – to change their political attitude now directed towards the rest of the world and become a superpower with economic, spiritual, and civilized culture instead of the nightmare they have lived for at least half a millennium since the Tsardom of Moscow was established.

Previous thoughts on the same topic: Desperate cry of Russians Victims of Russian leaders Should Putin´s regime be overthrown by supporting Russian opposition?

Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto aligned Indonesia on the wrong side of world history

Indonesian Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto has put forth a substantive proposition for a ceasefire at the current positions. He emphasized the importance of reaching a decision regarding the establishment of a demilitarized zone in the areas affected by the ongoing armed conflict. Additionally, Subianto proposed the deployment of United Nations peacekeepers in these regions.

The proposal practically means supporting Putin's Russia, which attacked Ukraine. This indicates that Indonesian leaders fail to grasp the fact that they are aligning themselves on the wrong side of world history. Supporting an aggressive aggressor essentially undermines the foundation of a world where international agreements hold value and those who violate them are held accountable for their actions.

In doing so, Indonesia also marginalizes itself from the intellectual and economic progress of the world, which results in a lower quality of life for its citizens than what would otherwise be possible. However, it is true that the choice is ultimately for the Indonesian people to make, and external parties who adhere to international rules cannot interfere with it. But they also do not have to favor the disruptor.

Therefore, it is important that as many countries as possible express their clear opposition to Subianto's proposal, highlighting that it does not generate sympathy among their own populations towards Indonesia.

The timing of the proposal is likely not a coincidence. It was presented at a time when Putin's army has weakened and is destined to lose the war. The timing may also have been influenced by President Zelensky's statement that Ukraine is ready for a counterattack, which could be launched at any moment.

In this situation, it is desirable that the offensive is launched successfully, causing panic among the Russian occupiers. If that happens, the liberation of the country may not come at an exorbitant cost to the Ukrainians, even though they are prepared to pay any price for it.

Previous thoughts on the same topic:
Does the attack by Russian rebels pose a problem for Ukraine?
Will China ally with Russia against Ukraine?
Incapable of learning but capable of genocide

Most useless organisations of our time

Amnesty International has claimed that Ukrainian fighting tactics endanger civilians by setting up military bases set up in residential areas including schools and hospitals and launching attacks from populated civilian areas. That strongly supports Russian aggression against its neighbor.

The Amnesty´s claim is intellectually dishonest and shows how loosely the organisation is connected to the real world. That was also noticed by its Ukrainian sub-organisation, which decided to resign from the report. After all, Ukrainians are using empty buildings - that hardly endangers anybody´s safety.  

The United Nations has not been able to stop the Russian attack. Instead, the veto-right of Russia has halted all decision making in the organisation. Therefore it is clear, that solution to the crisis can only be based on other solutions. That is, military force.

After all this, the ultimate destiny of the UN may be similar to the League of Nations, which was replaced by the UN after not being able to prevent the second world war. The main problem with UN was that great powers - like Soviet Union in 1940´s - always refuse to make agreements that may turn against them, and therefore included the veto-right to the greatest powers of the time. 

Taken together, right now it looks like Amnesty International and United Nations would be two of the most useless organisations of our time.

Previous thoughts on the same topic:
Pacifism - a respectable tool to support inhumane dictators and warlords
How can Vladimir Putin survive from his propaganda after the Russian loss in Ukraine?
Is Gerhard Schoeder of Germany ignorant, troll or stupid?