Politics & Current Affairs — October 2, 2009

The Irish Eye on American Politics

A weekly newsletter featuring the biggest ideas from the smartest people

European Ambassador to the US and former Irish Prime Minister John Bruton stopped by today for an engaging chat on climate change, the EU, the world economy, and his relative outsider’s perspective on American politics. The end of his term as ambassador is approaching, and Bruton told us he was very much looking forward to returning to his hometown near Dublin—but isn’t savoring being out of the job. Given his insight into world politics, we don’t doubt Bruton will find an employer in short order.

A weekly newsletter featuring the biggest ideas from the smartest people

The letters "AI" appear with a glitch effect in multicolored pixels against a black background.

The Present

AI skeptic Gary Marcus on AI’s moral and technical shortcomings

The cognitive scientist argues the current AI environment is failing us as consumers and a society. But it’s not too late to change course.

Film strip collage of abstract images—including faces with X marks, colorful patterns, and nature elements—evokes the vibrant allure of "Crazy Rich Asians.

High Culture

“Crazy Rich Asians” director Jon Chu on the American Dream and silencing your inner critic

“No matter how long you’ve been doing a job or how good people say you are, you need to care as if you’ve never done it before.”

Person holding an open, empty brown wallet with both hands, outdoors.

The Past

The deep and enduring history of universal basic income

While the concept stretches back centuries, it has garnered significant attention in recent decades.

Two men from different political parties in suits stand at podiums under studio lights, participating in a televised debate.

The Present

Should we cancel political parties?

Throughout the world, traditional political organizations are increasingly seen as dysfunctional. But can democracies live without them?

An office chair, symbolizing leadership through volatility, placed on a textured blue background.

Business

Normal has left the building: 5 ways leaders can handle volatility

The old certainties of “business as usual” have been crushed by disruption — here’s a strategy for resilience.

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