The philosophy of geopolitics SPECIAL | Donald Trump, Homer's Odyssey, and Korean Web Novels

6 snips

Mar 28, 2025

Dive into the intriguing intersection of philosophy and geopolitics! Explore Nietzsche's insights on Russia's potential to reshape Europe and the critique of grand narratives surrounding conflict. Unravel the rise of Korean web novels amidst political disengagement, and consider how ancient Greek tragedies illuminate modern issues. Discover the timeless art of storytelling as a lens for understanding human experiences and historical connections in our complex world.

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INSIGHT

Nietzsche's View of Russia

Nietzsche saw Russia as a powerful antithesis to decaying Europe.
He believed Russia's strength lay in its collective will and patience.

INSIGHT

Grand Narratives of War

Grand narratives of war, while fashionable, offer few profound insights.
They resemble children's stories, providing comfort through repetition and variation.

INSIGHT

South Korea: End of History

South Korea embodies the end of history, not as peace, but as a self-destructive tension.
Its younger generation enjoys free choice but is depoliticized.

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1984

None

George Orwell

Published in 1949, '1984' is a cautionary tale by George Orwell that explores the dangers of totalitarianism. The novel is set in a dystopian future where the world is divided into three super-states, with the protagonist Winston Smith living in Oceania, ruled by the mysterious and omnipotent leader Big Brother. Winston works at the Ministry of Truth, where he rewrites historical records to conform to the Party's ever-changing narrative. He begins an illicit love affair with Julia and starts to rebel against the Party, but they are eventually caught and subjected to brutal torture and indoctrination. The novel highlights themes of government surveillance, manipulation of language and history, and the suppression of individual freedom and independent thought.

The antichrist

Friedrich Nietzsche

Friedrich Nietzsche's "The Antichrist" is a highly critical assessment of Christianity and its influence on Western culture. Nietzsche attacks Christian morality and its values, arguing that they are life-denying and have stifled human potential. He advocates for a revaluation of all values and a rejection of traditional religious beliefs. The book is known for its provocative and often inflammatory language. It's a significant work in understanding Nietzsche's critique of religion and his vision for a new morality. It remains a controversial but influential text.

Beyond Good and Evil

Prelude to a Philosophy of the Future

Friedrich Nietzsche

In 'Beyond Good and Evil', Nietzsche challenges the traditional morality and philosophical thought of his time. He argues that the Christian world is steeped in a 'slave morality' that demonizes strength and domination, and instead proposes a philosophy that celebrates the present and the individual's 'will to power'. The book is known for its aphoristic style and its critique of past philosophers for their dogmatic premises. Nietzsche advocates for a new kind of philosopher who values imagination, self-assertion, and the creation of values, and he introduces the concept of 'perspective of life' which denies a universal morality for all human beings.

The new Leviathans

Thoughts After Liberalism

John Gray

Conflict

The Evolution of Warfare from 1945 to Ukraine

General David H. Petraeus

Andrew Roberts

This book, co-authored by General David Petraeus and historian Andrew Roberts, provides a comprehensive examination of modern warfare from 1945 to the present. It covers significant conflicts, including the Korean War, the Gulf War, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. The authors draw lessons from these conflicts to offer insights into the future of warfare, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in military strategy. The book also delves into the impact of technological advancements and the changing nature of warfare in the modern era.