What Really Matters with Walter Russell Mead The Role of Public Intellectuals
18 snips
Jul 25, 2025 Dive into the urgency of the new AI action plan from the White House, grappling with innovation and safety concerns. Unpack the protests in Ukraine, revealing governance struggles during crises. Explore the escalating conflict between Thailand and Cambodia and its historical backdrop. Reflect on the pivotal role of public intellectuals through history, emphasizing their impact on democracy and honest dialogue. Lastly, engage with the literary analysis of a fantasy novel, connecting its themes to contemporary societal challenges.
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AI as a National Security Priority
- AI technology is crucial to national security, military strength, and economic productivity.
- The U.S. must build power sources and supportive regulation to compete with China effectively.
Corruption in War is Inevitable
- Corruption rises naturally in wartime due to urgent needs and chaotic conditions.
- Expecting perfect governance during Ukraine's war against Russia is unrealistic but must be fought where possible.
Authoritarianism in War Needed
- Centralized control and some authoritarianism become necessary in a prolonged existential war.
- Ukraine’s need for strong leadership is far less severe than the authoritarianism seen in Russia.
