Purported Western Leaders Condemned for Wanton Brutality

Columnist Patrick Lawrence reflects on the state of democracy and the troubling actions of current political figures in the West

Jan. 31, 2026 at 8:31pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In a year-end reflection, columnist Patrick Lawrence examines the state of Western leadership, describing the current crop of political figures as a "motley (very) crew" of "self-interested second-raters" who have "condemned us, while acting in our names, to regimes of wanton brutality." Lawrence argues that the systems and processes that have empowered these leaders must be "dismantled or otherwise radically reformed" before there is a chance of restoring a just, humane order. He cites examples of principled leaders like Ireland's President Catherine Connolly and Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez as rare exceptions providing "slim rays of light" in an otherwise bleak landscape.

Why it matters

Lawrence's analysis highlights the growing disconnect between Western citizens and their purported leaders, who he says have become entirely comfortable in their "sequestration from their citizens" and are free to act solely in their own interests rather than serving the public good. This raises profound questions about the future of democracy in the West and the responsibilities citizens must now shoulder to dismantle dysfunctional political systems and processes.

The details

Lawrence spends the Christmas holiday in the Pacific Northwest, where he reflects on the state of Western leadership from afar. He singles out several figures for particular criticism, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whom he describes as a "psychotic" with a "tenuous relationship with reality" who wields outsized influence in Washington and European capitals. Lawrence also takes aim at the "triumvirate" of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, whom he characterizes as "oafish and loutish" Russophobes who have "burdening their populations with generations' worth of debt to keep the criminal regime in Kiev going." In contrast, Lawrence celebrates the principled positions taken by leaders like Ireland's President Catherine Connolly and Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who have taken bold stands against Israeli aggression and the arms trade with Israel.

  • In late 2025, Lawrence spent the Christmas holidays in the Pacific Northwest.
  • In the autumn of 2025, commentator Chas Freeman stated that the U.S. has entered a "pre-revolutionary period" in its history.

The players

Benjamin Netanyahu

The 76-year-old Prime Minister of Israel, whom Lawrence describes as a "psychotic" with a "tenuous relationship with reality" who wields outsized influence in Washington and European capitals.

Keir Starmer

The British Prime Minister, whom Lawrence characterizes as part of a "triumvirate" with Macron and Merz that "more or less dictates Europe's collective direction." He is described as a "Russophobe" who has effectively criminalized support for the Palestinian people.

Emmanuel Macron

The French President, whom Lawrence describes as part of the "triumvirate" with Starmer and Merz that is shaping European policy.

Friedrich Merz

The German Chancellor, whom Lawrence calls the "worst" of the "Russophobe" leaders in the "triumvirate" with Starmer and Macron.

Catherine Connolly

The recently elected President of Ireland, whom Lawrence celebrates for her "principled politics" and Ireland's plan to turn the former Israeli Embassy into a museum dedicated to Palestinian art and artifacts.

Pedro Sánchez

The Socialist Prime Minister of Spain, who has taken a strong stand against Israel's "genocide" and imposed a comprehensive arms embargo on the country.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“They've stopped making up pretend nonsense about nuclear weapons, and now they're just going, 'We need to attack Iran because Iran is rebuilding its ability to stop us from attacking it.'”

— Caitlin Johnstone

“Those responsible for this genocide will be held accountable. We do not do business with a genocidal state, we do not.”

— Pedro Sánchez, Prime Minister of Spain

What’s next

The judge in Netanyahu's corruption trial is expected to make a decision on Tuesday regarding whether to allow him to remain out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing disconnect between Western citizens and their purported leaders, who have become increasingly sequestered from the public and are operating in their own self-interest rather than serving the common good. Restoring a just, humane order will require citizens to take on the responsibility of dismantling or radically reforming the dysfunctional political systems and processes that have empowered this "motley crew" of leaders.