geopolitics
Is China’s communism a new ideology or traditional philosophy rebranded?
Did traditional Chinese thought pave the way for the philosophy of Maoism?
Finland prepares world’s first “nuclear tomb”
The site will be the first working example of a geological disposal facility.
If you have a 401(k), you’re an investor. Geopolitics will affect your financial security
Geopolitics is not a magic 8-ball. But making financial decisions — such as those regarding retirement — in a multipolar world without geopolitics is akin to flying blind in a storm.
Russia’s weaponization of natural gas could backfire
Could Russia's plan actually destroy demand for natural gas?
The strange plan to fight nuclear bombs with giant rubber fortresses
Cold War meets Star Wars in this cut-away of a 1950 “rubber bubble,” the first line of defense against nuclear sneak attack.
7 reasons why Zelenskyy’s crisis leadership is so effective
Aristotle's ancient virtues play a vital role in today's war.
Hitler’s SS: How do ordinary people become sociopathic Nazis?
Were Hitler’s SS henchmen willing executioners fueled by racial propaganda or mindless servants vying for promotions?
Russia’s embassies are being relocated to “Ukraine Street”
Diplomacy is war by other means.
4 things to know about Moldova and Transnistria
Ukraine destroyed a railway to prevent passage from Transnistria into Ukraine.
Israeli and US Navy lasers successfully shoot down drones, rockets, artillery
Israel looks to deploy its “Iron Beam” air-defense system within the year.
No more Medvedev, Tchaikovsky, or Dostoevsky: the pros and cons of cancelling Russian culture
Some question the ethics of sanctions aimed at cancelling Russian art and culture and punishing ordinary citizens.
How the image of a victimized Russia got into the country’s psyche
Is there victory in defeat?
How Elon Musk’s takeover of Twitter became another partisan issue in our culture war
Elon Musk's successful bid to take over Twitter has fragmented the internet along predictably partisan lines. But only time will tell whether this is a good or bad thing.
Synthetic media: How AI-generated characters spread disinformation
AI-generated photos, also known as synthetic media, are being used to create fake experts and journalists to spread disinformation.
Why a nuclear power plant would survive a 9/11-style airplane attack
U.S. nuclear power plants are built to survive external attacks. Even missiles or a commercial aircraft strike would not cause a meltdown or radiation leak.
Why Mikhail Gorbachev let the Soviet Union dissolve quietly into history
To Vladimir Putin, a young KGB colonel at the time, the decision was a colossal mistake.
Building peace with psychedelics: Here’s what happened when Palestinians and Israelis took ayahuasca together
The results of a 2021 study suggest that the world's most powerful psychedelic may be an underutilized peace-building tool.
North Korea wanted better propaganda movies, so it abducted foreign directors
While there is more to North Korean cinema than meets the eye, the country’s film industry ultimately amounts to little more than a mouthpiece for the ruling Kim dynasty.
What classic literature knows about refugees fleeing persecution and war
“How can we live without our lives? How will we know it’s us without our past?” Steinbeck writes.
Javelin missiles: Thank DARPA for Ukraine’s success against Russian tanks
Javelin missiles have been an effective force multiplier, the latter-day equivalent of the sling that David used against Goliath.
NATO-Russia border: “No peeing towards Russia,” warns a sign in Norway
Urinating in the direction of NATO’s staunchest opponent could cost you $350 or more. For world peace, aim wisely.
How pulling out of Russia’s internet could further isolate its citizens
Russia has spent years exploring the viability of building a self-contained internet. It could soon become reality.
Elon Musk’s Starlink in Ukraine helps destroy Russian tanks
Spotty connectivity isn’t going to jeopardize Ukraine’s drone attacks.
Global living standards have soared since the 19th century. Why are some regions left behind?
Understanding the factors behind recent growth could help us better approach inequality.
Fossil fools: How Germany’s fear of nuclear power put Putin in charge of Europe
Germany finds itself once again allowing a murderous dictator to run rampant in Europe, though this time it is due to incompetence and technophobia rather than malice.
These are the most international universities in the world in 2022
The ranking is encouragingly diverse, with the top 10 featuring representation from five regions.
The Economic Weapon: How sanctions became a tool of modern war
We pretend as if economic sanctions are a peaceful way to coerce others into behaving. In reality, they are a potent tool of modern warfare.
Memes as propaganda: 22 devious techniques used to weaponize social media
Memes communicate complex ideas quickly and efficiently, but that’s precisely what makes them so dangerous.