Become a Patron! The Internet of Things and National Security The internet of things just seems silly to me. It across to me as another intrusion into our lives, but without the benefits of products like a smart phone. Over time I have come to appreciate the ability to access so much information at my finger... Continue Reading →
Become a Patron! Sharp Power vs Soft Power For decades American culture was omnipresent around the globe. Americans exported their values and ideas through music, movies, and other forms of popular culture. Joseph Nye described this phenomenon as soft power. He believed the appeal of American ideas translated through its culture gave the United States... Continue Reading →
Become a Patron! The Globalization of Surveillance Capitalism When Shoshana Zuboff wrote the acclaimed book The Age of Surveillance Capitalism, she described the internet in dystopian terms. Tech corporations had gained immense powers over their users through almost limitless sums of data gathered from them. In many ways, Zuboff flipped the traditional dystopian themes of totalitarian... Continue Reading →
Aynne Kokas is an associate professor of media studies and the C.K. Yen Chair at the University of Virginia’s Miller Center. Her most recent book is Trafficking Data: How China Is Winning the Battle for Digital Sovereignty. Her article "How Beijing Runs the Show in Hollywood" was published in this April's issue of Journal of Democracy.... Continue Reading →
Become a Patron! Transnational Repression Freedom House recently published a report on transnational repression called Defending Democracy in Exile. It's recommended reading for anyone concerned about democracy and human rights. Transnational repression occurs at the intersection between immigration, foreign policy, and authoritarian despots. People who live in free countries naively believe authoritarian governance is contained within... Continue Reading →
Become a Patron! Hot Peace Perhaps the book Michael McFaul is most recognized for is From Cold War to Hot Peace. It's his personal memoir from his time as the American ambassador to Russia. But like I said on the podcast it also provides a chronicle of US-Russo relations during a time of transition. McFaul begins... Continue Reading →
Become a Patron! Defending Democracy This past week the European Commission began asking its countries to begin reducing its use of natural gas by 15% until next spring. Europeans face many challenges in their energy supply as they continue to support Ukraine against Russian aggression. Already consumers and companies face rising prices for energy, however... Continue Reading →
Become a Patron! Power and Purpose In the recent interview with Michael McFaul and Robert Person, we mention two different books written by Michael McFaul. It's likely you have read his most recent book From Cold War to Hot Peace. But we also mention an older book called Power and Purpose. McFaul coauthored this book with James... Continue Reading →
Michael McFaul, former U.S. ambassador to Russia, is professor of political science at Stanford University, director of the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies, and Peter and Helen Bing Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution. His most recent book is From Cold War to Hot Peace: An American Ambassador in Putin’s Russia (2018). Robert Person is... Continue Reading →
Become a Patron! The Cycles of Russian Expansion In March of 1918 Russia accepted humiliating terms to withdraw from World War I. It ceded any claims over Finland, the Baltic States, and most of Ukraine and Belarus. It lost additional territory in the Caucasus. All told Russia lost one third of its population. In this... Continue Reading →
