Progressive activists are continuing to exert pressure for significant changes within the American political and judicial systems, with some pushing for the expansion of the U.S. Supreme Court and others advocating for the dismantling of the criminal justice system.
Court-Packing Concerns
Despite persistent pressure from progressive groups, President Joe Biden has consistently resisted calls to expand the Supreme Court by adding liberal justices, a move often referred to as "court packing." This stance aligns with concerns previously voiced by liberal justices like Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Stephen Breyer, who believed such an expansion could undermine the court's credibility. As Democrats potentially regain control of Congress and the White House, the possibility of "court packing 2.0" remains a subject of discussion, fueled by a growing distrust in the Supreme Court among some on the left.
Critiques of the Justice System
Simultaneously, critics like criminologist Barry Latzer argue that some factions within the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) aim to dismantle the American criminal-justice system, viewing it as an instrument of "class warfare" with a racial or ethnic dimension. Latzer contends that these perspectives overlook the socioeconomic factors of crime victims, noting the disproportionate percentage of Black and Latino individuals affected. He also suggests that while "restorative justice" approaches might be suitable for minor offenses or as a supplement to incarceration, they are insufficient for serious crimes. Furthermore, opposition to measures like ankle monitoring, without clear justification, is seen by some as evidence that the ultimate goal is systemic destruction rather than reform.
Geopolitical Security and Infrastructure
Beyond domestic policy, emerging security concerns highlight the vulnerability of global data infrastructure. Undersea fiber-optic cables, which carry approximately 95% of the world's data, are increasingly targeted. Reports indicate that China has damaged cables connecting Taiwan to the mainland, a tactic described as "gray-zone warfare" aimed at undermining Taiwanese sovereignty. Russia has also been accused of similar actions in the Baltic Sea. Experts urge the U.S. to pass legislation like the Strategic Subsea Cables Act to penalize such actions and to collaborate with allies in hardening this critical infrastructure and expediting repair efforts. The urgency is underscored by the fact that attacks on these cables are seen as inevitable, raising the question of whether the U.S. will hold perpetrators accountable.
Rising Antisemitism Abroad
Internationally, concerns are mounting over rising antisemitism, particularly in France. Reports describe instances where Jewish individuals have faced abuse and hostility. A French Jewish artist reportedly abandoned a performance after pro-Palestine activists hurled abuse, allegedly in response to her signing a statement addressing the increase in antisemitism. Polls suggest a significant portion of French Jews believe a particular political party has contributed to this rise. U.S. officials have also voiced concerns, accusing French leadership of overlooking the pervasive antisemitism, with incidents of assaults on Jewish people occurring frequently.