Requiem for the Old Lizards

The post reflects on the enduring legacy of iconic rock musicians who have passed away, emphasizing their influence on our lives through music. The author recounts experiences in Manhattan, concerts attended, and the emotional impact of rock legends like David Bowie and Eddie Van Halen, while recognizing the few remaining icons still performing.

End of an Era: The Shift in Global Leadership and Influence

The juxtaposition of Pope Leo XIV’s call for peace and Russia’s military display on Victory Day symbolizes a significant global power shift. With historical parallels to John Paul II, the current Vatican leadership must navigate rising tensions and geopolitical reconfiguration. The future remains uncertain as empires face decline, raising critical questions about emerging alliances.

The AI Revolution Is Underhyped: Google Former CEO and Chairman Eric Schmidt at TED 2025.

Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt emphasizes the significance of non-human intelligence in an interview, asserting that AI is underappreciated despite its rapid advancements. He discusses the enormous potential, serious challenges, and necessary engagement with AI for relevance in an evolving landscape.

DEA National Threat Assessment 2025.

The DEA released the 2025 National Drug Threat Assessment, highlighting ongoing challenges with synthetic drugs, particularly fentanyl, despite a 20% decrease in overdose deaths in 2024. The report also notes the emergence of dangerous drug mixtures and the role of transnational criminal organizations in marijuana production, emphasizing the urgent need for collaborative law enforcement efforts.

Timothy Snyder On Freedom

Timothy Snyder explores the true essence of freedom as a commitment essential for flourishing democracies. He critiques the notion of freedom as mere absence from state control, advocating instead for a proactive approach where individuals collaboratively strive for prosperous futures. This historical perspective highlights evolving concepts of freedom and governance.

Germany, The Fascist Temptation.

Friedrich Merz assumes the German chancellorship with weak support, highlighting a fractured political landscape. His government faces challenges from the rising Alternative für Germany (AfD), a party labeled as right-wing extremist. Merz’s fragile coalition may struggle to implement necessary reforms, risking further economic stagnation and emboldening anti-democratic sentiments.

Is Trump’s Protectionism Reshaping America or Merely Revisiting Ideas?

The post discusses the implications of Trump’s administration on American nativism and exceptionalism, emphasizing his exclusionary approach towards immigration and economic protectionism. It argues that Trump’s era represents a superficial change rather than a true revolutionary shift, highlighting the diminishing global influence of the United States under his leadership.

Two Videos Worth Watching.

This content features a speech analyzing the U.S.-China trade war, addressing its economic effects on American households, China’s role, and global trade implications. Additionally, political scientist Ian Bremmer discusses the first 100 days of the second Trump administration, exploring tariffs, foreign policy shifts, U.S.-China relations, and other critical global issues.

Europe, What’s That?

Europe is not a monolithic entity, consisting of 44 distinct countries with varied languages, cultures, and historical conflicts. As the U.S. reassesses its security guarantees for Europe, this complexity raises vital questions about Europe’s identity and coherence in the face of ongoing geopolitical challenges.

関税が米国グローバルリーダーシップに与える真のコスト。

トランプの関税政策は米国及び世界経済に甚大な影響を及ぼし、スタグフレーションを引き起こす可能性があります。長期的に見て、関税は特定の国に利益をもたらしつつ他国に悪影響を及ぼす結果となり、国際貿易の不安定さを増大させるでしょう。