Sublime
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As the example of the late Soviet Union illustrated so well, until a few years ago it was possible for states to exercise great power in the world even while wasting resources on a massive scale. When returns to violence are high and rising, magnitude means more than efficiency. Larger entities tend to prevail over smaller ones. Those governments t
... See moreJames Dale Davidson, Lord William Rees-Mogg • The Sovereign Individual: Mastering the Transition to the Information Age
Slouching Towards Utopia: An Economic History of the Twentieth Century
Benjamin Life • Tweet
However, since the global financial crisis of 2008 people all over the world have become increasingly disillusioned with the liberal story. Walls and firewalls are back in vogue. Resistance to immigration and to trade agreements is mounting. Ostensibly democratic governments undermine the independence of the judiciary system, restrict the freedom o
... See moreYuval Noah Harari • 21 Lessons for the 21st Century
“The wise man doesn’t give the right answers, he poses the right questions.” —Claude Lévi-Strauss
Gillian Tett • Anthro-Vision
On Europe’s Inner Asian frontier, demographic expansion long seemed as hobbled as it was in mainland North America until the 1750s.
John Darwin • After Tamerlane: The Rise and Fall of Global Empires, 1400-2000
Kyle Chayka • The Terrible Twenties? The Assholocene? What to Call Our Chaotic Era
“in the 21st century, power is easier to get, harder to use, and easier to lose.”