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The Trump swerve

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The emergence of Trumpism with Donald Trump's candidacy led to a significant shift in political discourse and international relations. Trump's jingoism and attack on established norms have widened the scope of political possibilities, making the world a more fragile place. The Trump swerve has potential global and national consequences, challenging existing systems and institutions, and setting a precedent that could be followed by future leaders, ultimately impacting the stability of the political landscape.

What is virtue?

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The message delves into the concept of virtue, tracing its origins from Confucian teachings to its presence in philosophical works by Plato, Aristotle, and stoicism. The text emphasizes that virtue is not a clearly defined concept but rather a practice that emerges through experience, defying straightforward definition. An example of an 800-year-old bonsai tree is used to illustrate the intricacies of virtue, highlighting the importance of harmony, respect for uniqueness, and the complex, multi-layered process that leads to a unique outcome. The writer advocates for embracing the complexities of individual judgment rather than rigid categorical or universal principles in understanding virtue.

Of nudges, path-dependent outcomes, and niche construction

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The text discusses the use of nudges, path-dependent outcomes, and niche construction. Nudges are favored for their soft approach in influencing behavior, particularly in scenarios where predictability is key. In contrast, incentives trigger niche construction, leading to unpredictable outcomes as individuals seek optimization. The text emphasizes that agents don't always respond as intended to incentives. An example is proposed where the state could become the default legatee in estate planning. The author questions the ethical implications of such a measure and highlights the deliberate nature of estate planning, which involves niche construction rather than nudges.

Piercing the fog of ambiguities

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The text delves into the complexities of disambiguation in anthropology and the evolution of morals, cautioning against projecting present understanding onto the past. It warns that disambiguation may not lead to truth but rather to contingent outcomes based on accepted opinions. The process is described as a continual challenge to common sense and can lead to a deeper but more complex understanding, rather than an absolute truth. The author also critiques the practice of searching for predetermined answers in historical texts, emphasizing the ambiguity of the past over its authenticity.

Is “proportionality in war” OK?

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A landmark document called the Tallinn Manual on Cyber Warfare sets rules for international cyberwarfare based on existing laws of conventional war. It emphasizes the importance of proportionality to avoid unnecessary loss of life, drawing parallels with economic concepts like efficiency. The focus on proportionality has become prominent in modern warfare discussions, shifting from seeking peace to prioritizing proportional actions. There is a concern that concentrating on proportionality as "second best" may not be ideal, and war has become commodified, lacking historical and contextual depth. The message advocates for addressing each war uniquely to find a way forward towards peace.

Trent: the first multilateral negotiation

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The Council of Trent (1545-1563) was likely the first multilateral negotiation, involving the Pope, Bishops, and representatives of major rulers to address Catholic doctrine and reform. Despite debates and disagreements, the Council established unifying canons but failed to reconcile with the Reformation fully. The assembly created procedural structures familiar in modern multilateral relations. While earlier councils condemned heretics, Trent used indirect approaches, akin to modern conflict resolution strategies. The Council's outcomes were notable for what was left undecided. The post-Council period saw varied reactions to its mandates, with ongoing efforts towards Church reform.

The soft underbelly of “soft” power – I

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The message critiques the concept of "soft power" as vague and lacking in substance. It contrasts "hard power" as external influence with "soft power" based on shared values, illustrating the difficulty of transitioning between the two. A storytelling example and a case study demonstrate the challenges of combining external inducements with internal conviction. The critique suggests that "soft" power cannot be monetized, only shared like in a family, and questions its effectiveness in shaping global politics.

Is “Asia” in the making?

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The text discusses perceptions of "Asia" in Europe, emphasizing the concept as a floating signifier without a clear definition. It questions if Asia is emerging as a factual entity like Europe, hinting at potential differences in paths to political integration. The text also touches on the impact of Western powers in Asia, the complexity of Europe-Asia relations, and the challenges of adjusting policies to Asian dynamics. The message suggests that Asian countries may bypass institutional structures and highlights the need for Western states to engage with Asian regional cooperation effectively.

Witter – twitter

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Grooming in monkeys is compared to human gossip, suggesting language evolved to control free-riders. Twitter mirrors gossip's role in social control. While gossip lacks the calming effects of grooming, smiling and laughter stimulate endogenous opiates promoting happiness. Twitter's bonding occurs through the sharing and retransmitting of content, not the content itself. It may expose misbehavior effectively but lacks positive bonding. The message encourages laughter, highlighting the evolutionary ties between human behavior and the virtual world.

Borders II: Diplomats without borders wanted!

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The text discusses the evolution of borders, diplomacy, and state autonomy, emphasizing the outdated concept of viewing others as "foes" and the need for diplomats without borders to foster cooperation and pragmatic policies. It highlights the shift towards integration and cooperation exemplified by the European Union. Additionally, it calls for a paradigm shift from tribalism and nationalism towards inclusive policies focused on community strength. Diplomats are encouraged to abandon the notion of borders as absolute and divisive, promoting coalitions and mutual benefit across borders.