Topics discussed include Chinese spy balloons, Silicon Valley bank failures, Russia's coup manqué, and the dominance of American popular culture. Other topics cover climate change initiatives, GLP1 drugs, Twitter's angry environment, and bird watching in Argentina and Brazil.
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Quick takeaways
The tracking of Chinese spy balloons over the Americas in February 3rd raised concerns about China's spying activities, bringing the China question into the consciousness of the average American.
The European Parliament's approval of a ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles in the European Union starting in 2035 indicated the fading support for expensive green initiatives despite initial enthusiasm.
Deep dives
Chinese spy balloons over the Americas
In February 3rd, the US announces tracking Chinese spy balloons over the Americas, creating a big debate and raising concerns about China's spying activities. The event brought the China question into the consciousness of the average American.
Ban on petrol and diesel vehicles in the EU
On February 14th, the European Parliament approves a ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles in the European Union starting in 2035. However, there were second thoughts and modifications made, indicating that support for expensive green initiatives is fading away.
Resumption of diplomatic relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia
On March 10th, Iran and Saudi Arabia agree to resume diplomatic relations, which were severed in 2016. However, this agreement was perceived as more of a PR event rather than a significant breakthrough, with tensions between the two countries still high.
In the final episode of 2023, Walter and Jeremy take a look back at Chinese spy balloons, Silicon Valley bank failures, Russia's coup manqué, and the dominance of American popular culture.
Each week on What Really Matters, Walter Russell Mead and Jeremy Stern help you understand the news, decide what matters and what doesn’t, and enjoy following the story of America and the world more than you do now. For more, check out tabletmag.com/what-really-matters. You can read Walter Russell Mead’s Tablet column here, and check out more from Tablet here.