Cold War II: China Tech vs. US Tech

Written in 1920-21, 'We' by Yevgeny Zamyatin is a seminal work of dystopian fiction. The novel is set in the twenty-sixth century in a society known as OneState, where citizens are reduced to mere numbers and live in a glass-walled city under the control of the 'Benefactor'. The story follows D-503, a mathematician and spacecraft engineer, whose life is devoid of passion and creativity until he begins to realize his individuality. The novel explores themes of individuality versus collective identity, the impact of technology on society, and the struggle for freedom in a highly controlled environment.

In this book, Niall Ferguson argues that the British Empire played a crucial role in shaping the modern world. He details how the empire's expansion from the seventeenth to the mid-twentieth century led to the global spread of capitalism, telecommunications, the English language, and institutions of representative government. Ferguson also examines the complexities and controversies of the empire, including its ruthless defense and the imposition of Western norms on other cultures. The book is praised for its engaging narrative and rigorous historical analysis, offering a balanced view of the empire's achievements and pitfalls.

In 'Hillbilly Elegy,' J.D. Vance recounts his life growing up in a dysfunctional family in Middletown, Ohio, with roots in Kentucky's Appalachia. The book details his experiences with poverty, addiction, and family violence, as well as his journey to joining the marines and eventually graduating from Yale Law School. Vance provides a personal and insightful look into the decline of the white working class in America, exploring themes of family, culture, and the loss of the American dream. The memoir also touches on the political swing of the region, particularly in relation to the 2016 presidential election and the appeal of Donald Trump to this demographic.

In 'The Ascent of Money', Niall Ferguson explores the human story behind the evolution of finance, from the origins of money in ancient Mesopotamia to the latest financial upheavals. Ferguson argues that finance is the foundation of human progress and reveals financial history as the essential backstory behind all history. The book covers key financial institutions and concepts, such as the invention of banking, the development of bonds and stock markets, and the role of insurance and real estate. It also delves into the impact of financial systems on historical events and the recurring theme that every financial bubble eventually bursts.

Published in 1776, 'The Wealth of Nations' is Adam Smith's magnum opus that laid the groundwork for modern economics. The book critiques mercantilist economic theories and introduces the concept of the 'invisible hand,' which describes how individual self-interest leads to societal benefit. It emphasizes the division of labor, the accumulation of capital, and the importance of free markets. Smith argues that a nation's wealth is not measured by its gold and silver reserves but by the stream of goods and services it produces. The book also outlines the core functions of government, such as maintaining defense, enforcing civil law, and promoting education, while advocating for limited government intervention in market activities.

In this book, Paul Kennedy examines the historical patterns of the rise and fall of great powers, including Greece, Rome, Spain, France, Germany, and England. He argues that the strength of a great power is relative to other powers and correlates strongly with available resources and economic durability. Kennedy introduces the concept of 'imperial overstretch,' where military commitments become unsustainable once a power loses its economic competitive edge. The book also predicts the decline of the United States and the Soviet Union and the rise of Japan and China, based on their economic and military strategies.

In this book, Niall Ferguson argues that networks have always been a crucial part of human society, from ancient cults to modern social media platforms like Facebook. He uses social network analysis to demonstrate how these networks often hold more real power than the hierarchical institutions they challenge. The book explores historical examples, including the Reformation and the rise of revolutionary ideas, to illustrate the ongoing struggle between 'the Square' (networks) and 'the Tower' (hierarchies). Ferguson also applies network theory concepts to understand both the past and the present, offering insights into how networks can transform our understanding of history and current affairs.

The Last Days of Mankind is a monumental satirical play by Karl Kraus that critiques the First World War and the societal responses to it. The play is a collage of real and imagined conversations, news articles, and government reports, blending satire with apocalyptic poetry. It explores themes of war, nationalism, and the dehumanizing effects of modern warfare.