Manifest of Independence and Solidarity: A Peaceful Response to Authoritarian Nationalism

Wir wollen nicht länger reagieren, sondern agieren. Nicht kämpfen – sondern führen. Nicht zurückschlagen – sondern überholen. Friedlich, vereint, stark.

Starting Point
Donald Trump's announcement of new punitive tariffs – promoted by him as a means of "strengthening America" – is, in truth, a strategy to satisfy personal vanity. This move is no surprise; it has been long announced. And yet, the political world responds with outrage, indignation, and threats. Such a response is ineffective. It gives Trump exactly the stage he needs for his ego.
Trump always follows the same pattern: he threatens, strikes, and waits for phenomenal offers. He acts while the rest of the world reacts. There is no real concern for the well-being of his people behind his actions – only the goal of self-glorification. Stage, vanity, performance – these are his currencies. Those who understand this recognize the key to a new strategy: don't react. Don't bargain. Act calmly, collectively, and decisively.

Strategic Change of Course
Our response: No reaction to provocation – but united, strong action.
Instead of complaining or retaliating, we take a new, visionary path. An alliance of like-minded countries – democratic, open, future-oriented – unites to establish a new form of economic and political cooperation:

Proposed Measures:

1.    No counter-tariffs:

       No direct reaction to U.S. punitive measures.

2.    No whining, no press conferences, no outrage:

       Instead, silence, sovereignty, and determination.

3.    Alliance of like-minded countries:

       EU, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Japan, South Korea, India, many African states – potentially also             China, if peaceful cooperation is possible.

4.    Establishment of an independent trade structure:
       o    Import ban on U.S. products (e.g., agriculture, meat, weapons, fast fashion, tech).
       o    Gradual but consistent reduction of exports to the U.S.
       o    Promotion of regional production, sustainability, independence.
       o    Trade only among participating countries based on mutual respect.

5.    Repatriation of companies from the U.S.:
       o    Attractive conditions to bring international companies back to their home countries.
       o    This creates new jobs outside the U.S. – also for U.S. citizens.
       o    The media spectacle of this withdrawal will hit Trump hard.

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6.    Rapid shift away from globalization:
       o    Deglobalization in favor of a solidarity-based, multilateral network of equal partners.
       o    Creation of a new world order before it's imposed by authoritarian systems.

7.    Pharmaceutical sector as leverage:
       o    No more patent licenses to the U.S.
       o    Export ban on medicines – as a clear signal: cooperation only on equal footing.

8.    Rethinking arms projects:
       o    Cancel or avoid renewing contracts like those for the F-35 jet.
       o    Develop new systems jointly with allied nations.

9.    End all free trade agreements with the U.S.:
       o    No further negotiations.
       o    End existing agreements where possible.

10.  Create global task forces:
       o    Network of global experts – excluding the U.S. and Russia – to develop new strategies in business, science,           environment, and security.
       o    No delay – act now.

11.  Signal effect through cooperation with China:
       o    Even just the willingness to cooperate more closely with China will stir unrest in the U.S.

12.  Currency strategy to strengthen the alliance:
       o    Gradual de-dollarization of international trade.
       o    Creation of an independent multilateral payment system (RISE-Pay).
       o    Promotion of own reserve currencies or introduction of a multilateral trade currency.
       o    Strengthening regional central banks and solidarity funds for stability and independence.

13.  Influencing global financial markets:
       o    Public campaigns to gradually shift investments away from U.S. stocks to companies in RISE nations.
       o    Promotion of ethical funds and sustainable investments in democratically governed countries.
       o    Public education on the power of capital flows and their political impact.
       o    Creation of new stock indices reflecting the innovation and values of the RISE alliance.

14.  Invitation to a RISE Summit at Bürgenstock (Switzerland):
       o    Convening an international conference of participating nations.
       o    Goal: Develop and sign a multilateral RISE Charter.
       o    Topics: Economy, energy, security, environment, research, justice.
       o    Switzerland as neutral host – a strong, peaceful symbol.

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15.  Appeal to U.S. tech giants:
       o    Direct call to companies like Apple, Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and Tesla to take a public stance against               autocratic politics.
       o    These companies hold more economic power than many states – they should not stay silent when freedom           and international cooperation are at risk.
       o    It’s time for the business world to take a stand against political egomania.

16.  Use inevitable crises for a new beginning:
       o    Global inflation and economic instability are already underway – triggered by Trump, not us.
       o    Why not use this moment to finally become independent?
       o    The bill is coming anyway – so let’s invest it into a better future.
       o    With calm and consistency, we take the stage away from Trump. He won’t rise anymore – he’ll fall, right into           the empty prop room of his own performance.

Courage for Change: Shaping a New World Order
These measures are not an act of revenge, but a confident new beginning. They require courage, sacrifice, and clear communication. Politicians must honestly explain to their people why this path ensures prosperity, independence, and justice in the long term. People are willing to accept short-term hardship if it means shaping a fair and peaceful future.
Globalization, as practiced so far, was a mistake: dependence, exploitation, and power imbalances instead of true partnership. Now is the time to learn from that.

Economically Relevant Points to Strengthen the Alliance:
•    Promoting South-South trade: Expanding economic relations between countries of the Global South and Europe.
•    Targeted renunciation of oil imports from authoritarian states: Expansion of renewable energy, strategic                        cooperation with Norway, Iceland, Morocco, Portugal, etc.
•    Depreciating fossil resources through oversupply: Promoting technological progress (hydrogen, solar,                            geothermal) to exert pressure on oil and gas prices.

A Bitter Pill for a Better Future
Donald Trump often says that the U.S. must swallow a "bitter pill" to become strong and healthy. He uses this image to justify his authoritarian actions as necessary harshness for long-term strength.
But while Trump pushes his country into a downward spiral, we offer a different vision: not threats, tariffs, and isolation – but the courage to meet global challenges with confidence.
We, the RISE Initiative member states, do not need to force bitter pills on our people. Instead, we encourage them to take a better pill – one of freedom, progress, and independence. It may taste uncomfortable at first, but it will free us from blackmail and shortsighted politics.
These steps require courage and sacrifice, but they lead us toward a fairer, freer, and more independent world. Those who join us will not only be strengthened but empowered. It’s time to swallow the bitter pill – and turn it into a future of self-determination.
 

Historical Inspiration: Nonviolent Resistance and Transformation
•    Mikhail Gorbachow: His vision of peaceful transformation (Perestroika) was revolutionary. Sadly, undermined by          power-hungry actors like Yeltsin and western triumphalism.
•    Gandhi: Nonviolent resistance led to India's independence.
•    Martin Luther King Jr.: Change through peaceful protest, dialogue, and moral authority.
•    Václav Havel: Writer, dissident, president – his brave, peaceful commitment to freedom and democracy in                    Czechoslovakia continues to inspire.

RISE – The Movement Begins Now
We stand at the beginning of a new era – one in which we no longer allow ourselves to be manipulated by authoritarian egomaniacs, but confidently shape the future.
Those who merely react remain pawns. Those who act become pioneers.
Now is the time to signal, calmly pull out – and overtake.

Date: 10.04.2025
Author: WABKI