elmundo.es
US Border Policies Chill Academic Exchange, Exposing 'Cloud Fascism'
A visiting professor's planned trip to the US was canceled due to fears of arbitrary detention under new border policies targeting academics; this incident reveals the creeping normalization of authoritarian actions and highlights the need for global resistance based on human dignity.
- How does the normalization of arbitrary detentions and restrictions contribute to the rise of contemporary fascism?
- The normalization of unacceptable practices, such as arbitrary detentions and border restrictions targeting specific groups, is a key feature of contemporary fascism. This creeping normalization is evident in the EU's response, distributing pre-paid phones to travelers to the US and advising LGBTQ citizens against travel, mirroring the author's experience.
- What are the immediate consequences of the increasingly restrictive US border policies for academic and intellectual exchange?
- The author, a visiting professor, faced potential detention in the US due to increased border restrictions targeting academics and intellectuals. This led to the cancellation of her in-person appearance and a shift to an online format. The incident highlights the arbitrary nature of these restrictions and their chilling effect on academic exchange.
- Can a globally coordinated resistance movement based on human dignity effectively counter the diffuse and unpredictable nature of 'cloud fascism'?
- The 'cloud fascism' analogy aptly describes the diffuse, unpredictable, and globally dispersed nature of these actions. This decentralized system, similar to cloud-based capitalism, enables arbitrary power, making resistance challenging. However, the author suggests that a similarly diffuse, global resistance based on human dignity could counter this.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The narrative is framed around the author's personal experiences and observations, lending a subjective and anecdotal tone. While personal accounts are valuable, the reliance on them without rigorous supporting evidence from multiple sources might create a biased perception of the described phenomenon. The use of evocative language, like "rain of acid," and the comparison to medieval feudal systems strongly influence the emotional response of the reader, potentially overshadowing a balanced assessment.
Language Bias
The language used is highly emotive and charged. Terms like "cloud fascism," "acid rain," and "digital feudalism" are metaphorical and loaded, shaping the reader's interpretation towards a negative and alarmist view. While these terms create a strong emotional impact, they lack the neutrality expected in objective analysis. More neutral alternatives could include 'authoritarian trends,' 'state-sponsored repression,' and 'digital exploitation,' respectively.
Bias by Omission
The author focuses heavily on the impacts of a nebulous 'cloud fascism' but provides limited concrete examples of specific instances beyond anecdotal experiences. While the overall concept is discussed, there's a lack of detailed analysis of specific policies, events, or legal cases illustrating the different manifestations of this fascism across various countries. This omission prevents a full understanding of the scope and depth of the described phenomenon and weakens the argument's overall persuasiveness.
False Dichotomy
The text presents a somewhat simplistic dichotomy between those who passively accept the 'cloud fascism' and those who actively resist. It doesn't explore the nuances of varied responses or the complexities of individual situations where complete resistance may not be feasible or advisable. This oversimplification could lead to a polarized understanding of the issue, overlooking the wide spectrum of societal reactions.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article describes a rise in arbitrary detentions, denial of entry, and surveillance of academics and intellectuals, eroding fundamental rights and justice. The normalization of these actions weakens institutions and undermines the rule of law, directly impacting SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).