Critical Thinking 

Is there no such thing as society

The Black Spy Podcast, Season 19, Episode 0010

This week's Critical Thinking Black Spy Podcast ask the question Is there such a thing as society in the West and how does that differ with other parts of the globe.

The Black Spy argues that Margaret Thatcher’s statement, “There is no such thing as society,” is one of her most controversial and often misunderstood quotes.

The statement that comes from a 1987 interview in Woman’s Own magazine, where she emphasized individual responsibility over collective dependency. The Black Spy suggests that what Thatcher meant was not that communities or social bonds don't exist, but that social issues should be addressed by individuals and families taking initiative, rather than relying solely on the state. Thatcher believed too much state intervention eroded personal responsibility and accountability. Her philosophy aligned with neoliberal values—promoting free markets, reduced government spending, and personal ownership. Critics argue this view neglects systemic issues and undermines the social safety net. That said, the Black Spy accepts that many of Thatcher's supporters saw her statement as a call for empowerment and self-reliance.

Carlton sees the quote a symbol of Thatcher’s broader political ideology that continues to spark debate over the balance between individualism and social responsibility in modern governance.

As always, please don’t be afraid to contact us and put any questions you might have to any of the Black Spy Podcast team concerning this or any other of our fascinating subjects.

And, if you want to continue learning whilst being entertained, please don’t forget to subscribe to the Black Spy Podcast for free, so you'll never miss another episode.

 To contact Firgas Esack of the DAPS Agency go to Linked In

To contact Dr. Rachel Taylor please use her Substack account.

To contact Carlton King by utilising any of the following:

To donate - Patreon.com/TheBlackSpyPodcast

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: The Black Spy Podcast

Facebook: Carlton King Author

Twitter@Carlton_King

Instagram@carltonkingauthor

To read Carlton's Autobiography:

“Black Ops – The incredible true story of a (Black) British secret agent”

https://amzn.eu/d/fmzzq9H

Boys to Men?

Are we infantilising our youth?

The Black Spy Podcast, Season 19, Episode 0009

Have you ever wondered what your children think. Have you been able to sit down and talk to them about how they see the world and their place in it?

Do they worry about their future?

Do you imagine that they think like you?

Was the last thing you wanted to be perceived as, say as a 16 year old, was to be labeled as a child?

Was this perception or wish, subject to the decade in which you were brought up in, coupled with your present age. Are youth thoughts a matter of the class in which one was born were brought up in. Or was British society in the 60’s and 70’s more conditioned to right or wrong, or did lower class citizens simply know their place and their expected limitations?

Well all these questions and many more will be addressed in this week’s Black Spy Podcast, as we delve into the minds of some of today’s 16 year old’s. Their answers might surprise you!

As always, please don’t be afraid to contact us and put any questions you might have to any of the Black Spy Podcast team concerning this or any other of our fascinating subjects.

And, if you want to continue learning whilst being entertained, please don’t forget to subscribe to the Black Spy Podcast for free, so you'll never miss another episode.

To contact Firgas Esack of the DAPS Agency go to Linked In

To contact Dr. Rachel Taylor please use her Substack account.

To contact Carlton King by utilising any of the following:

To donate - Patreon.com/TheBlackSpyPodcast

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: The Black Spy Podcast

Facebook: Carlton King Author

Twitter@Carlton_King

Instagram@carltonkingauthor

To read Carlton's Autobiography:

“Black Ops – The incredible true story of a (Black) British secret agent”

                                                Is Britain a First Rate Power? (Part 2) 

                                         The Black Spy Podcast, Season 19, Episode 0008

The United Kingdom today is often described as a first rate power, yet its evolving role on the global stage invites debate. Historically revered for its expansive empire and enduring cultural, legal, and political influence, the UK retains considerable strength. London’s financial markets, world-class educational institutions, and influential media continue to set benchmarks internationally. These factors affirm its status as a first rate power, contributing to robust economic and diplomatic engagement with global partners.

Conversely, critics argue that the UK remains haunted by the legacy of its imperial past, struggling to reconcile colonial history with contemporary values. They contend that unresolved issues from empire have left lingering societal and political challenges, influencing debates over national identity and strategic priorities. In the post-Brexit era, as Britain negotiates new trade agreements and redefines its international alliances, it faces the task of balancing tradition with innovation. Amid shifting geopolitical dynamics, the nation is actively recalibrating its ambitions, asserting its influence through soft power and strategic partnerships.

Ultimately, the UK embodies both resilience and reinvention. It draws upon historical prestige while embracing modern reforms, demonstrating that its relevance is continuously evolving to meet the complex demands of 2025 and beyond. Its future remains debated.

As always, please don’t be afraid to contact us and put any questions you might have to any of the Black Spy Podcast team concerning this or any other of our fascinating subjects.

And, if you want to continue learning whilst being entertained, please don’t forget to subscribe to the Black Spy Podcast for free, so you'll never miss another episode.

To contact Firgas Esack of the DAPS Agency go to Linked In

To contact Dr. Rachel Taylor please use her Substack account.

To contact Carlton King by utilising any of the following:

To donate - Patreon.com/TheBlackSpyPodcast

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: The Black Spy Podcast

Facebook: Carlton King Author

Twitter@Carlton_King

Instagram@carltonkingauthor

To read Carlton's Autobiography:

“Black Ops – The incredible true story of a (Black) British secret agent”

                                      Is Britain a First Rate Power? (Part 1) 

                                The Black Spy Podcast, Season 19, Episode 0007

The United Kingdom today is often described as a first rate power, yet its evolving role on the global stage invites debate. Historically revered for its expansive empire and enduring cultural, legal, and political influence, the UK retains considerable strength. London’s financial markets, world-class educational institutions, and influential media continue to set benchmarks internationally. These factors affirm its status as a first rate power, contributing to robust economic and diplomatic engagement with global partners.

Conversely, critics argue that the UK remains haunted by the legacy of its imperial past, struggling to reconcile colonial history with contemporary values. They contend that unresolved issues from empire have left lingering societal and political challenges, influencing debates over national identity and strategic priorities. In the post-Brexit era, as Britain negotiates new trade agreements and redefines its international alliances, it faces the task of balancing tradition with innovation. Amid shifting geopolitical dynamics, the nation is actively recalibrating its ambitions, asserting its influence through soft power and strategic partnerships.

Ultimately, the UK embodies both resilience and reinvention. It draws upon historical prestige while embracing modern reforms, demonstrating that its relevance is continuously evolving to meet the complex demands of 2025 and beyond. Its future remains debated.

As always, please don’t be afraid to contact us and put any questions you might have to any of the Black Spy Podcast team concerning this or any other of our fascinating subjects.

And, if you want to continue learning whilst being entertained, please don’t forget to subscribe to the Black Spy Podcast for free, so you'll never miss another episode.

To contact Firgas Esack of the DAPS Agency go to Linked In

To contact Dr. Rachel Taylor please use her Substack account.

To contact Carlton King by utilising any of the following:

To donate - Patreon.com/TheBlackSpyPodcast

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: The Black Spy Podcast

Facebook: Carlton King Author

Twitter@Carlton_King

Instagram@carltonkingauthor

To read Carlton's Autobiography:

“Black Ops – The incredible true story of a (Black) British secret agent”

                                             Is Feminism Divisive? (Part 2)

                                  The Black Spy Podcast, Season 19, Episode 0006

The question of whether Feminism is divisive depends on how it is understood and framed in society. One could argue that at its core Feminism advocates for gender equality seeking to dismantle systemic inequalities that disadvantage most women and other marginalized groups.

However, because it challenges long-standing social norms and power structures, it can be divisive, particularly by those who follow more assertive strands of the concept. Of course as with all such issues, those accustomed to the benefits of the status quo, will often find any change negative.

One reason Feminism is seen as divisive is the presence of different feminist ideologies. While mainstream Feminism promotes equality, more radical radical strands critique not just patriarchy but also but also capitalism and other structural forces, sometimes alienating those who do not share these views. Additionally , opponents of Feminism sometimes misrepresent its mainstream goals, framing it as a movement that seeks female superiority as opposed to equality.

Moreover, media portrayal and political rhetoric have contributed to feminism’s divisive image . Sensationalized debates and extreme viewpoints tend to dominate discussions, overshadowing the movement’s broader goals. The podcast also considers the unequal roots 0f feminism, from the suffragettes to their modern day equivalents its white middle class orientation in the West did much for people of a mirror image , but little for their working class or none white sisters. Ultimately, while Feminism can create tension, Feminism’s stated purpose has latterly sought to foster inclusivity, not division, by often advocating for equal rights and opportunities.

As always, please don’t be afraid to contact us and put any questions you might have to any of the Black Spy Podcast team concerning this or any other of our fascinating subjects.

And, if you want to continue learning whilst being entertained, please don’t forget to subscribe to the Black Spy Podcast for free, so you'll never miss another episode.

To contact Firgas Esack of the DAPS Agency go to Linked In

To contact Dr. Rachel Taylor please use her Substack account.

To contact Carlton King by utilising any of the following:

To donate - Patreon.com/TheBlackSpyPodcast

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: The Black Spy Podcast

Facebook: Carlton King Author

Twitter@Carlton_King

Instagram@carltonkingauthor

To read Carlton's Autobiography:

“Black Ops – The incredible true story of a (Black) British secret agent”

                                                           Is Feminism Divisive? (Part 1)

                                           The Black Spy Podcast, Season 19, Episode 0005

The question of whether feminism is divisive depends on how it is understood and framed in society. One could argue that at its core, feminism advocates for gender equality, seeking to dismantle systemic inequalities that disadvantage most women and other marginalized groups. However, because it challenges long-standing social norms and power structures, it can be divisive, particularly by those who follow more assertive strands of the concept. Of course as with all such issues, those accustomed to the benefits of the status quo, will often find any change negative.  

One reason feminism is seen as divisive is the presence of different feminist ideologies. While mainstream feminism promotes equality, more radical strands critique not just patriarchy but also capitalism and other structural forces, sometimes alienating those who do not share these views. Additionally, opponents of feminism sometimes misrepresent its mainstream goals, framing it as a movement that seeks female superiority as opposed to equality.   

Moreover, media portrayal and political rhetoric have contributed to feminism’s divisive image. Sensationalized debates and extreme viewpoints tend to dominate discussions, overshadowing the movement’s broader goals. The podcast considers the unequal roots of feminism, from suffragettes to their moden day equivalents its white middle class orientation in the West did much for people of a mirror image, but little for their working class or none white sisters. Ultimately, while feminism can create tension, feminism’s stated purpose has latterly sought to foster inclusivity, not division, by often advocating for equal rights and opportunities.

As always, please don’t be afraid to contact us and put any questions you might have to any of the Black Spy Podcast team concerning this or any other of our fascinating subjects.

And, if you want to continue learning whilst being entertained, please don’t forget to subscribe to the Black Spy Podcast for free, so you'll never miss another episode.

To contact Firgas Esack of the DAPS Agency go to Linked In

To contact Dr. Rachel Taylor please use her Substack account - @Dr.RachelTaylor

To contact Carlton King by utilising any of the following:

To donate - Patreon.com/TheBlackSpyPodcast

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: The Black Spy Podcast

Facebook: Carlton King Author

Twitter@Carlton_King

Instagram@carltonkingauthor

To read Carlton's Autobiography:

“Black Ops – The incredible true story of a (Black) British secret agent”

                                     REVOLUTION!

                          Phase One - Trump/Zelensky

               The Black Spy Podcast, Season 19, Episode 0004

The Trump/Zelensky debacle in the Oval Office, showed as clearly, as did the Vietnam or Afghanistan end of US engagement optics did, that the United states has ended its adventure in the Ukraine. However, in addition to just this sign that an incoming President wanted to divest himself of a losing, frankly unwinnable war, President Trump is showing a true revolutionary zeal to change the whole US military, industrial and congressional complex. Now transactional business and not secret intelligence driven covert and overt warfare is no longer the preferred model to retain US world-wide hegemony. At least not with a military pier equivalent nation.

Russia's "Special Military Operation" in Ukraine, initiated in February 2022, has been framed by the Kremlin as a response to various historical and geopolitical factors. One narrative emphasizes the presence of far-right elements in Ukraine, drawing connections to nationalist groups active during World War II. However, although most western experts reject the portrayal of Ukraine as a neo-Nazi state, noting that while far-right groups exist, they do not hold significant influence in the government or military, they nevertheless have little to say about such far right units killing 14,000 Russian heritaged Ukrainian civilian citizens since 2016.

In the early stages of the Cold War, Western intelligence agencies, including the CIA and MI6, reportedly collaborated with former Ukrainian nationalist fighters to undermine Soviet authority. These covert operations aimed to exploit anti-Soviet sentiments. This lasted 10 years and saw the reported death of up to a 100,000 Soviet Citizens. In the end though, it has been stated by the west, that this had limited long-term impact.

The 2014 Maidan uprising, which led to the ousting of Ukraine's pro-Russian president, is viewed by Russia as a Western-backed coup that shifted Ukraine towards Euro-Atlantic integration. This assertion is backed up by Sigint in which, Victoria Nuland, the officer in charge of Eastern Europe in the US State Department discussing which Ukrainian’s leaders should or shouldn’t rule the country with the American Ambassador to the Ukraine The recording ends with Nuland saying she’ll have president Biden slap the person they chose to lead Ukraine on the back when they take power!

NATO's eastward expansion since 1991 has been perceived by Russia as a direct threat to its security interests. Despite assurances in the 1990s about limiting NATO's growth, to not one inch outside of the then East Germany, the alliance has incorporated several Eastern European countries, heightening tensions, as it attempted to incorporate the Ukraine.

The Minsk agreements, brokered by Germany and France, aimed to cease hostilities in Eastern Ukraine. Critics argue that, rather than fostering peace, these accords allowed Ukraine to strengthen its military capabilities, which was confirmed by both the German Chancellor Merkel and French President Holland after they left office. This act intensifying conflicts in regions with significant Russian-speaking populations, such as Donbas and Crimea.

In summary, President Trump appeared to validate everything that Russia has hitherto stated is its reason for military actions in Ukraine. The Oval Office statements of President Trump and administration seemed to agree with the justification previously articulated by the Kremlin through a complex interplay of historical grievances, security concerns over NATO's expansion, and perceptions of Western interference in Ukraine's political trajectory meaning their is now little dispute between the US’ causes for war and Russia’s. As Trump continually states, there would have been no war if he were president!

As always, please don’t be afraid to contact us and put any questions you might have to any of the Black Spy Podcast team concerning this or any other of our fascinating subjects.

And, if you want to continue learning whilst being entertained, please don’t forget to subscribe to the Black Spy Podcast for free, so you'll never miss another episode.

To contact Firgas Esack of the DAPS Agency go to Linked In

To contact Dr. Rachel Taylor please use her Substack account.

To contact Carlton King by utilising any of the following:

To donate - Patreon.com/TheBlackSpyPodcast

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: The Black Spy Podcast

Facebook: Carlton King Author

Twitter@Carlton_King

Instagram@carltonkingauthor

To read Carlton's Autobiography:

“Black Ops – The incredible true story of a (Black) British secret agent”

he incredible true story of a (Black) British secret agent”

The road to the TRUMPIAN revolution (Part 2)

The Black Spy Podcast, Season 19, Episode 0003

Russia's "Special Military Operation" in Ukraine, initiated in February 2022, has been framed by the Kremlin as a response to various historical and geopolitical factors. One narrative emphasizes the presence of far-right elements in Ukraine, drawing connections to nationalist groups active during World War II. However, although most western experts reject the portrayal of Ukraine as a neo-Nazi state, noting that while far-right groups exist, they do not hold significant influence in the government or military, they nevertheless have little to say about such far right units killing 14,000 Russian heritaged Ukrainian civilian citizens since 2016.

In the early stages of the Cold War, Western intelligence agencies, including the CIA and MI6, reportedly collaborated with former Ukrainian nationalist fighters to undermine Soviet authority. These covert operations aimed to exploit anti-Soviet sentiments. This lasted 10 years and saw the reported death of up to a 100,000 Soviet Citizens. In the end though, it has been stated by the west, that this had limited long-term impact.

The 2014 Maidan uprising, which led to the ousting of Ukraine's pro-Russian president, is viewed by Russia as a Western-backed coup that shifted Ukraine towards Euro-Atlantic integration. This assertion is backed up by Sigint in which, Victoria Nuland, the officer in charge of Eastern Europe in the US State Department discussing which Ukrainian’s leaders should or shouldn’t rule the country with the American Ambassador to the Ukraine The recording ends with Nuland saying she’ll have president Biden slap the person they chose to lead Ukraine on the back when they take power!

NATO's eastward expansion since 1991 has been perceived by Russia as a direct threat to its security interests. Despite assurances in the 1990s about limiting NATO's growth, to not one inch outside of the then East Germany, the alliance has incorporated several Eastern European countries, heightening tensions, as it attempted to incorporate the Ukraine.

The Minsk agreements, brokered by Germany and France, aimed to cease hostilities in Eastern Ukraine. Critics argue that, rather than fostering peace, these accords allowed Ukraine to strengthen its military capabilities, which was confirmed by both the German Chancellor Merkel and French President Holland after they left office. This act intensifying conflicts in regions with significant Russian-speaking populations, such as Donbas and Crimea.

In summary, Russia's military actions in Ukraine are justified by the Kremlin through a complex interplay of historical grievances, security concerns over NATO's expansion, and perceptions of Western interference in Ukraine's political trajectory. However, many of these justifications have been contested by Western leaders, officials and the western mainstream mass media albeit now, President Trump is accepting that all of Russia’s grievances are indeed TRUE!

As always, please don’t be afraid to contact us and put any questions you might have to any of the Black Spy Podcast team concerning this or any other of our fascinating subjects.

And, if you want to continue learning whilst being entertained, please don’t forget to subscribe to the Black Spy Podcast for free, so you'll never miss another episode.

To contact Firgas Esack of the DAPS Agency go to Linked In

To contact Dr. Rachel Taylor please use her Substack account.

To contact Carlton King by utilising any of the following:

To donate - Patreon.com/TheBlackSpyPodcast

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: The Black Spy Podcast

Facebook: Carlton King Author

Twitter@Carlton_King

Instagram@carltonkingauthor

To read Carlton's Autobiography:

“Black Ops – The incredible true story of a (Black) British secret agent”

The road to the TRUMPIAN revolution (Part 1)

The Black Spy Podcast, Season 19, Episode 0002

Russia's "Special Military Operation" in Ukraine, initiated in February 2022, has been framed by the Kremlin as a response to various historical and geopolitical factors. One narrative emphasizes the presence of far-right elements in Ukraine, drawing connections to nationalist groups active during World War II. However, although most western experts reject the portrayal of Ukraine as a neo-Nazi state, noting that while far-right groups exist, they do not hold significant influence in the government or military, they nevertheless have little to say about such far right units killing 14,000 Russian heritaged Ukrainian civilian citizens since 2016.

In the early stages of the Cold War, Western intelligence agencies, including the CIA and MI6, reportedly collaborated with former Ukrainian nationalist fighters to undermine Soviet authority. These covert operations aimed to exploit anti-Soviet sentiments. This lasted 10 years and saw the reported death of up to a 100,000 Soviet Citizens. In the end though, it has been stated by the west, that this had limited long-term impact.

The 2014 Maidan uprising, which led to the ousting of Ukraine's pro-Russian president, is viewed by Russia as a Western-backed coup that shifted Ukraine towards Euro-Atlantic integration. This assertion is backed up by Sigint in which, Victoria Nuland, the officer in charge of Eastern Europe in the US State Department discussing which Ukrainian’s leaders should or shouldn’t rule the country with the American Ambassador to the Ukraine The recording ends with Nuland saying she’ll have president Biden slap the person they chose to lead Ukraine on the back when they take power!

NATO's eastward expansion since 1991 has been perceived by Russia as a direct threat to its security interests. Despite assurances in the 1990s about limiting NATO's growth, to not one inch outside of the then East Germany, the alliance has incorporated several Eastern European countries, heightening tensions, as it attempted to incorporate the Ukraine.

The Minsk agreements, brokered by Germany and France, aimed to cease hostilities in Eastern Ukraine. Critics argue that, rather than fostering peace, these accords allowed Ukraine to strengthen its military capabilities, which was confirmed by both the German Chancellor Merkel and French President Holland after they left office. This act intensifying conflicts in regions with significant Russian-speaking populations, such as Donbas and Crimea.

In summary, Russia's military actions in Ukraine are justified by the Kremlin through a complex interplay of historical grievances, security concerns over NATO's expansion, and perceptions of Western interference in Ukraine's political trajectory. However, many of these justifications have been contested by Western leaders, officials and the western mainstream mass media albeit now, President Trump is accepting that all of Russia’s grievances are indeed TRUE!

As always, please don’t be afraid to contact us and put any questions you might have to any of the Black Spy Podcast team concerning this or any other of our fascinating subjects.

And, if you want to continue learning whilst being entertained, please don’t forget to subscribe to the Black Spy Podcast for free, so you'll never miss another episode.

To contact Firgas Esack of the DAPS Agency go to Linked In

To contact Dr. Rachel Taylor please use her Substack account.

To contact Carlton King by utilising any of the following:

To donate - Patreon.com/TheBlackSpyPodcast

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: The Black Spy Podcast

Facebook: Carlton King Author

Twitter@Carlton_King

Instagram@carltonkingauthor

To read Carlton's Autobiography:

“Black Ops – The incredible true story of a (Black) British secret agent”

End of Season 18 - Throuple Review

The Black Spy Podcast, Season 19, Episode 0001

This week, the Black Spy podcast throuple overview this season’s, and indeed the Black Spy Podcast’s, whole raison d’etre.

So, buckle up and enjoy this great episode.

Moreover, don’t forget to subscribe to The Black Spy Podcast to never miss an episode.

 To contact Firgas via her Linkedin at Firgas Esack Daps

 To contract Dr. Rachel Taylor please go to her substack account

  To contact Carlton - Black Spy, or donate to The Black Spy Podcast utilise the following:

 To donate - Patreon.com/TheBlackSpyPodcast

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: The Black Spy Podcast

Facebook: Carlton King Author

Twitter@Carlton_King

Instagram@carltonkingautho

To read Carlton's Autobiography:

“Black Ops – The incredible true story of a British secret agent”

Click the link below:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/BO1MTV2GDF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_WNZ5MT89T9C14CB53651

Carlton Dr. Rachel and Firgas are available for speaking events. For this purpose use the contact details above