Geopolitics 🌍
Unveiling History's Hidden Threads
Beyond dates and battles, history whispers secrets. Unraveling these narratives reveals profound insights into human nature and societal evolution.
Towards a New Humanism: Frantz Fanon's Vision for a Decolonized World
Frantz Fanon, a philosopher and revolutionary, had a radical idea - that our world could be decolonized, not just politically, but in our minds too. Let's unpack why this still resonates today...
How did Spain assert its claim to Texas in 1519?
In 1519, Spanish exploration led by Alonso Alvarez de Pineda mapped the Gulf Coast, likely the first European contact with Texas. This mapping expedition laid the groundwork for Spain's territorial claim.
Why World War Can Easily Happen Again
Early 1914: Europe has not seen a major conflict in 140 years. The world economy is never more integrated. Then WW1, with 16 million dead. A British intellectual's theory on "prosperity = peace" lies in tatters.
Article: "The Weakness of Xi Jinping: How Hubris and Paranoia Threaten China’s Future"
Found this fascinating article in Foreign Affairs by a former professor at the prestigious school that educates top leaders in the Chinese Communist Party. Looks at Xi's power in the leadup to the National Congress this October:
A Twitter thread by Winston Smith 🇸🇾
Ok here we go. "Real economy" time. The Russia Ukraine war and the resulting sanctions has illuminated something very important about the "global economy" The "on paper" stats showing economic size and prowess are bunk. 1/20 https://t.co/Kukzghxti1
A Twitter thread by Winston Smith 🇸🇾
Ok here we go. "Real economy" time. The Russia Ukraine war and the resulting sanctions has illuminated something very important about the "global economy" The "on paper" stats showing economic size and prowess are bunk. 1/20 https://t.co/Kukzghxti1
Why Clausewitz is never more relevant
Carl von Clausewitz's On War (1832) covers all the traditional ground of war logistics and strategy, but it stood out due to its insights into the psychology of war and its political dimension.
The pandemic hasn't changed history, it’s accelerated it
Richard Haass’ article in Foreign Affairs, “The Pandemic Will Accelerate History Rather Than Reshape It” drew inspiration from his 2017 book “A World in Disarray.” Haass argued that pre-COVID trends were not being overturned by the pandemic; rather, they were being accelerated.
How the Truman Doctrine and the Marshall Plan Changed History (Summary)
The Truman Doctrine and the Marshall Plan: twin pillars that held up the Western world during the Cold War, shaping modern geopolitics more than any superhero could.
The Revolutionary Ideas of Simon Bolivar: Architect of South American Independence
Imagine a world where the very fabric of society is woven with threads of diverse races and ethnicities, unified under a single banner of freedom. This was the vision of Simón Bolívar, the architect of South American independence.
The Monroe Doctrine & its significance explained in 1 minute
The Monroe Doctrine, declared by President James Monroe in 1823, aimed to prevent European colonization in the Americas.
"Revenge of the Colonized" - a new world order in the making
In a popular 2020 Memo, I wrote about Kiril Sokoloff, “the greatest investor you’ve never heard of”.
A Twitter thread by Nancy Pelosi
Our delegation’s visit to Taiwan honors America’s unwavering commitment to supporting Taiwan’s vibrant Democracy. Our discussions with Taiwan leadership reaffirm our support for our partner & promote our shared interests, including advancing a free & open Indo-Pacific region.
A Twitter thread by Winston Smith 🇸🇾
Ok here we go. "Real economy" time. The Russia Ukraine war and the resulting sanctions has illuminated something very important about the "global economy" The "on paper" stats showing economic size and prowess are bunk. 1/20 https://t.co/Kukzghxti1
A Twitter thread by Winston Smith 🇸🇾
Ok here we go. "Real economy" time. The Russia Ukraine war and the resulting sanctions has illuminated something very important about the "global economy" The "on paper" stats showing economic size and prowess are bunk. 1/20 https://t.co/Kukzghxti1
Why the West must lower its expectations
Introduction. Samuel Huntington wrote The Clash Of Civilizations in 1996 and it continues to throw light on important geopolitical puzzles of the day. The book's top insights on why the West must lower its expectations and how to understand the world with a civilizational lens👇
Orwell's Elephant: A Searing Indictment of Imperialism's Brutal Hypocrisy
In his iconic essay "Shooting an Elephant" (1936), George Orwell vividly captures the paradox at the heart of British imperialism through an unforgettable encounter with an enraged elephant...
The Zapatista Movement: A Modern Day Rebellion Against Globalization
1. The Zapatista Movement isn't just a rebellion; it's a profound statement against globalization, emerging from the heart of Chiapas, Mexico, on Jan 1, 1994, the same day NAFTA took effect.
A Global Power Shift: Why the Suez Crisis was so important
The Suez Crisis of 1956 was a pivotal moment in history, highlighting the power struggles of the Cold War era and the complexities of international relations.
Article: “America’s Education Crisis Is a National Security Threat”
Is there a connection between the level of education in a country, and its national security? Writing in Foreign Affairs, Nicholas Eberstadt and Evan Abramsky think so.
India's Youngest President: Droupadi Murmu
On July 25, 2022 India elected Droupadi Murmu - their youngest president ever, at age 64. She is the second woman ever to hold the position, after Pratibha Patil (2007-2012). She is also the first President of India from the indigenous scheduled tribe, Santal.
A Twitter thread by Winston Smith 🇸🇾
Ok here we go. "Real economy" time. The Russia Ukraine war and the resulting sanctions has illuminated something very important about the "global economy" The "on paper" stats showing economic size and prowess are bunk. 1/20 https://t.co/Kukzghxti1
A Twitter thread by Winston Smith 🇸🇾
Ok here we go. "Real economy" time. The Russia Ukraine war and the resulting sanctions has illuminated something very important about the "global economy" The "on paper" stats showing economic size and prowess are bunk. 1/20 https://t.co/Kukzghxti1
The most important Chinese document of the century?
Introduction. The Chinese Communist Party(CCP) met for its sixth plenary session, and released a revealing statement. Officially titled the 6th plenum communique, this statement shows how CCP understands itself, China's future, and much more. Top takeaways👇