Victor Shammas
@victorshammas.com
Oslo, Norway-based Associate Professor of Sociology with a global perspective. Research: victorshammas.com. Newsletter on politics, culture, and social theory: theorybrief.com.
“I would counsel [readers] to find strength with one another, to resist the heroism and depression of individualism, and to build collectives locally, to savor intellectual life, the world of the arts, and multilingualism. Imagine together…and develop collective courage as a way of life.”
[Interview] Judith Butler: Repressive acts by anti-democratic regimes are ‘confessions’ of fear
To mark the publication of the Korean translation of their book “Who’s Afraid of Gender?” the philosopher granted the Hankyoreh an exclusive written interview, which touched on anti-gender movements, ...
english.hani.co.kr
January 14, 2026 at 6:33 PM
“I would counsel [readers] to find strength with one another, to resist the heroism and depression of individualism, and to build collectives locally, to savor intellectual life, the world of the arts, and multilingualism. Imagine together…and develop collective courage as a way of life.”
Reposted by Victor Shammas
“If you want to understand what’s happening in US right now, & what is likely to happen next..pay close attention to..Stephen Miller..who has said that “America is for Americans & Americans only” & who is on a mission to “save the west” is the driving force”
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Stephen Miller wants us to fear him | Arwa Mahdawi
Some of Trump’s aides refer to his deputy chief of staff as ‘the prime minister’, with many of the most shocking policies leading back to him. Worrying about his actions isn’t enough, writes Arwa Mahd...
www.theguardian.com
January 13, 2026 at 10:41 PM
“If you want to understand what’s happening in US right now, & what is likely to happen next..pay close attention to..Stephen Miller..who has said that “America is for Americans & Americans only” & who is on a mission to “save the west” is the driving force”
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by Victor Shammas
Scoop: Over 50 House Dems sign onto Kristi Noem impeachment articles
Scoop: Over 50 House Democrats sign onto Kristi Noem articles of impeachment
The list of cosponsors includes several Democrats in swing districts.
trib.al
January 13, 2026 at 8:43 PM
Scoop: Over 50 House Dems sign onto Kristi Noem impeachment articles
'The Minnesota case, filed by the state and the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, said that “thousands of armed and masked D.H.S. agents have stormed the Twin Cities to conduct militarized raids and carry out dangerous, illegal and unconstitutional stops and arrests.”'
Minnesota and Illinois Sue Trump Administration Over ICE Deployments
www.nytimes.com
January 13, 2026 at 12:34 PM
'The Minnesota case, filed by the state and the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, said that “thousands of armed and masked D.H.S. agents have stormed the Twin Cities to conduct militarized raids and carry out dangerous, illegal and unconstitutional stops and arrests.”'
Reposted by Victor Shammas
A Minnesota state representative said two Richfield Target employees detained by U.S. Border Patrol on Jan. 8 were U.S. citizens and were both injured in the incident.
Target employees detained by federal officers were U.S. citizens, legislator says
Minnesota Rep. Michael Howard, who represents Richfield, said the employees also were injured in the incident.
bit.ly
January 13, 2026 at 12:47 AM
A Minnesota state representative said two Richfield Target employees detained by U.S. Border Patrol on Jan. 8 were U.S. citizens and were both injured in the incident.
DHS’s Kristi Noem behind the slogan: “ONE OF OURS, ALL OF YOURS.” This extreme, us-vs.-them phrase sets the stage for state violence and collective punishment (but for what crime?) and is terrifying when wielded by an official representative of a government entity with a $100 billion budget.
January 13, 2026 at 9:44 AM
DHS’s Kristi Noem behind the slogan: “ONE OF OURS, ALL OF YOURS.” This extreme, us-vs.-them phrase sets the stage for state violence and collective punishment (but for what crime?) and is terrifying when wielded by an official representative of a government entity with a $100 billion budget.
Trump admin “facing renewed questions over its recent pardon of former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez…convicted of conspiring with drug traffickers and using his government position to help hundreds of tons of cocaine enter the United States. He was sentenced to 45 years in prison.”
Trump admin pressed on pardon for ex-Honduras president after Venezuela’s Maduro snatched
The U.S. captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Saturday and charged him with drug-related crimes.
www.cnbc.com
January 12, 2026 at 9:09 PM
Trump admin “facing renewed questions over its recent pardon of former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez…convicted of conspiring with drug traffickers and using his government position to help hundreds of tons of cocaine enter the United States. He was sentenced to 45 years in prison.”
Kristi Noem’s reflection on shooting her dog and goat in No Going Back is awful—and a reminder that animal rights and human rights are inseparable.
January 12, 2026 at 7:53 PM
Kristi Noem’s reflection on shooting her dog and goat in No Going Back is awful—and a reminder that animal rights and human rights are inseparable.
Reposted by Victor Shammas
BREAKING: Democratic Senator Mark Kelly is suing the Pentagon, saying it tried to punish him for warning troops about illegal orders.
Sen. Kelly sues the Pentagon over attempts to punish him for his warnings about illegal orders
Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly has sued the Pentagon over attempts to punish him for his warnings about illegal orders.
bit.ly
January 12, 2026 at 7:20 PM
BREAKING: Democratic Senator Mark Kelly is suing the Pentagon, saying it tried to punish him for warning troops about illegal orders.
Reposted by Victor Shammas
Breaking news: More than a dozen House Republicans joined every Democrat to pass a bill extending enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies for three years — the sharpest GOP break with party leadership yet.
House passes bill extending health care subsidies, bucking GOP leaders
Prospects for passage in the Senate are unclear. The enhanced subsidies expired at the end of 2025, driving costs up for millions.
wapo.st
January 8, 2026 at 10:31 PM
Breaking news: More than a dozen House Republicans joined every Democrat to pass a bill extending enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies for three years — the sharpest GOP break with party leadership yet.
Reposted by Victor Shammas
The Senate dealt a rare rebuke to President Donald Trump in a Thursday vote to advance legislation opposing further military action in Venezuela, demonstrating formidable political opposition to the foreign intervention
Senate Rebukes Trump, Seeks End to Venezuela Military Action
The Senate dealt a rare rebuke to President Donald Trump in a Thursday vote to advance legislation opposing further military action in Venezuela, demonstrating formidable political opposition to the foreign intervention and mounting concerns among Republicans about a US long-term commitment abroad.
bloom.bg
January 8, 2026 at 10:30 PM
The Senate dealt a rare rebuke to President Donald Trump in a Thursday vote to advance legislation opposing further military action in Venezuela, demonstrating formidable political opposition to the foreign intervention
Reposted by Victor Shammas
America’s raid on Caracas, and subsequent talk of acquiring Greenland, if necessary by force, means military action is no longer unthinkable between two countries that have been peaceful since 1812, before Canadian independence
Canada’s armed forces are planning for threats from America
They started rebuilding in 2025, before Donald Trump’s most recent bid for hemispheric dominance
econ.st
January 8, 2026 at 7:40 AM
America’s raid on Caracas, and subsequent talk of acquiring Greenland, if necessary by force, means military action is no longer unthinkable between two countries that have been peaceful since 1812, before Canadian independence
AI and anti-DEI converge to reinforce hierarchies: “AI-generated résumés have made many applications appear identical, causing some recruiters to fall back on university prestige to distinguish candidates. And for many companies, DEI is no longer a priority.”
'Employers are increasingly turning to degree and GPA' in hiring: Recruiters retreat from ‘talent is everywhere,’ double down on top colleges | Fortune
Hiring skills over people is no longer en vogue as firms deprioritize DEI and cut down on recruiting costs.
fortune.com
January 8, 2026 at 6:05 AM
AI and anti-DEI converge to reinforce hierarchies: “AI-generated résumés have made many applications appear identical, causing some recruiters to fall back on university prestige to distinguish candidates. And for many companies, DEI is no longer a priority.”
Reposted by Victor Shammas
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey had a strongly worded message for federal immigration officials after an ICE officer shot and killed a 37-year-old woman on Wednesday: "Get the f*** out of Minneapolis."
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey rips ICE after officer shot and killed woman: "Get the f*** out"
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey disputed DHS Secretary Kristi Noem's attempt to frame the shooting that killed a 37-year-old woman as an act of self defense by ICE.
cbsn.ws
January 7, 2026 at 9:47 PM
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey had a strongly worded message for federal immigration officials after an ICE officer shot and killed a 37-year-old woman on Wednesday: "Get the f*** out of Minneapolis."
“An Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer fatally shot a 37-year-old woman in Minneapolis on Wednesday, according to federal and local authorities. The shooting occurred less than 24 hours after the Trump administration announced a large-scale immigration crackdown was underway in Minnesota.”
ICE agent fatally shoots woman in Minneapolis amid immigration crackdown
The Department of Homeland Security accused the victim of being a "rioter" and that the ICE officer who pulled the trigger was "fearing for his life." Mayor Jacob Frey rejected claims of self-defense.
www.npr.org
January 7, 2026 at 9:49 PM
“An Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer fatally shot a 37-year-old woman in Minneapolis on Wednesday, according to federal and local authorities. The shooting occurred less than 24 hours after the Trump administration announced a large-scale immigration crackdown was underway in Minnesota.”
"At least 11 people were wounded after Israeli troops opened fire on students at Birzeit University in the occupied West Bank on Tuesday morning. ... Israeli forces…stormed the campus, firing live ammunition, tear gas and stun grenades and triggering panic among students and staff."
Israeli forces wound 11 after opening fire at Birzeit University
Israeli forces mounted an unprecedented assault on Birzeit University on Tuesday in response to a student event expressing solidarity with Palestinian detainees
www.newarab.com
January 7, 2026 at 4:51 PM
"At least 11 people were wounded after Israeli troops opened fire on students at Birzeit University in the occupied West Bank on Tuesday morning. ... Israeli forces…stormed the campus, firing live ammunition, tear gas and stun grenades and triggering panic among students and staff."
"An institution that purports to be a university has told a philosophy professor he is forbidden from teaching Plato." dailynous.com/2026/01/06/t...
Texas A&M Bans Plato - Daily Nous
Drop the race and gender material from your course and the Plato readings, or teach a different course. You have a day to decide. That's a paraphrase of what Martin Peterson, professor of philosophy a...
dailynous.com
January 7, 2026 at 4:25 PM
"An institution that purports to be a university has told a philosophy professor he is forbidden from teaching Plato." dailynous.com/2026/01/06/t...
“Trump’s declaration that he would control up to 50mn barrels of Venezuelan oil…will intensify criticism that his administration is bullying the country to extract oil concessions.”
Donald Trump says US to take sanctioned Venezuelan oil to American ports
President says he will control money earned from sale of up to 50mn barrels of crude
giftarticle.ft.com
January 7, 2026 at 5:15 AM
“Trump’s declaration that he would control up to 50mn barrels of Venezuelan oil…will intensify criticism that his administration is bullying the country to extract oil concessions.”
Reposted by Victor Shammas
Hannity: Did you at any point offered to give him the Nobel peace prize?
Machado: It hasn’t happened yet. We want to give it to him. Share it with him.
Machado: It hasn’t happened yet. We want to give it to him. Share it with him.
January 6, 2026 at 2:43 AM
Hannity: Did you at any point offered to give him the Nobel peace prize?
Machado: It hasn’t happened yet. We want to give it to him. Share it with him.
Machado: It hasn’t happened yet. We want to give it to him. Share it with him.
Reposted by Victor Shammas
Mexico's president slams Trump's attack on Venezuela, says it destabilizes the hemisphere
Mexico's president slams Trump's attack on Venezuela, says it destabilizes the hemisphere
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum condemned the U.S. abduction of Nicolás Maduro and criticized President Trump's aggressive foreign policy in Latin America as threatening the stability of the hemisphere.
www.latimes.com
January 5, 2026 at 7:47 PM
Mexico's president slams Trump's attack on Venezuela, says it destabilizes the hemisphere
More Americans polled by the Washington Post disapprove than approve of Trump’s Venezuela operation.
January 5, 2026 at 8:16 PM
More Americans polled by the Washington Post disapprove than approve of Trump’s Venezuela operation.
AI’s invisibilized human labor and the manual annotations needed to make AI work: “My short film…“Their Eyes,” spotlights the invisible, human work behind A.I. In it I explore the daily lives of workers from Venezuela, Kenya and the Philippines who annotate images for self-driving cars.”
Opinion | Self-Driving Cars Can’t See Without Their Eyes
www.nytimes.com
January 2, 2026 at 10:28 AM
AI’s invisibilized human labor and the manual annotations needed to make AI work: “My short film…“Their Eyes,” spotlights the invisible, human work behind A.I. In it I explore the daily lives of workers from Venezuela, Kenya and the Philippines who annotate images for self-driving cars.”
”The deals represent a reduction in total U.S. health spending for each country, the center said, with annual U.S. financial support down 49% compared with 2024.”
US signs new health deals with 9 African countries that mirror Trump's priorities
The U.S. government has signed health deals with at least nine African countries. These new deals reflect the Trump administration's priorities and its focus on mutual benefits.
apnews.com
January 1, 2026 at 1:30 PM
”The deals represent a reduction in total U.S. health spending for each country, the center said, with annual U.S. financial support down 49% compared with 2024.”
“Boebert is claiming that…Trump killed a massive clean water project in her district as punishment for her voting to release the Epstein files … ‘Nothing says ‘America First’ like denying clean drinking water to 50,000 people in Southeast Colorado, many of whom enthusiastically voted for him.’”
Lauren Boebert Suggests Trump Vetoed Water Project for Stunning Reason
Donald Trump had tried to pressure Boebert out of voting to release the Epstein files.
newrepublic.com
January 1, 2026 at 1:27 PM
“Boebert is claiming that…Trump killed a massive clean water project in her district as punishment for her voting to release the Epstein files … ‘Nothing says ‘America First’ like denying clean drinking water to 50,000 people in Southeast Colorado, many of whom enthusiastically voted for him.’”
"Reckless intent means, in essence, that the perpetrator is indifferent to a crime that will likely occur. The case the Swedish prosecutors are making is that the information was there...but executives contracted with the Sudanese government anyway, and this constitutes complicity in a war crime."
Opinion | The Oil Company Drilled. The Government Slaughtered. Who Is Guilty?
www.nytimes.com
December 30, 2025 at 10:45 PM
"Reckless intent means, in essence, that the perpetrator is indifferent to a crime that will likely occur. The case the Swedish prosecutors are making is that the information was there...but executives contracted with the Sudanese government anyway, and this constitutes complicity in a war crime."