Ken MacLeod's 'The Star Fraction' presents a near-future UK fragmented into various political subcultures engaged in constant conflict. The novel explores the evolution of ideologies, depicting communists and socialists with nuanced perspectives on markets and governance. Politics is portrayed as multi-layered, with factions within factions, highlighting the complexity of individual beliefs and motivations. The story incorporates advanced technology like smart guns and AI, set against the backdrop of distinctive cultural elements. MacLeod challenges simplistic binary views of political battles, offering a thought-provoking exploration of individual agency and societal structures.
Guards! Guards!, the fifth book in Terry Pratchett's Discworld series, introduces the Ankh-Morpork City Watch, a ragtag group of policemen led by Captain Samuel Vimes. The story follows their efforts to solve a series of mysterious events involving dragons and other fantastical creatures. Pratchett's signature wit and satire are on full display, poking fun at societal norms and the nature of law enforcement. The novel blends humor, fantasy, and social commentary, establishing the foundation for the beloved Discworld series. The book's success launched Pratchett's career and cemented his place as a master of comedic fantasy.
The series is told from the perspective of Murderbot, a 'SecUnit' owned by a futuristic megacorporation. It explores themes of autonomy, identity, and human relationships as Murderbot navigates various challenges and encounters. The series includes novellas such as 'All Systems Red', 'Artificial Condition', 'Rogue Protocol', and 'Exit Strategy', as well as the full novel 'Network Effect' and subsequent works like 'Fugitive Telemetry' and 'System Collapse'. The series is praised for its witty dialogue, complex characters, and insightful commentary on human society.
This week, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, and Nick Gillespie are joined by Reason reporter Eric Boehm to discuss the political fallout from President Donald Trump's immigration raids and deployment of the National Guard to riots in Los Angeles. They also cover last week's feud between Trump and Elon Musk over the GOP's mega spending bill. Finally, they examine the evolving role of drone warfare, particularly in Ukraine, while expressing concerns about technological militarization.
0:00—Protests over illegal immigration in L.A.
6:08—Trump and California Gov. Gavin Newsom are "too happy" about the protests in L.A.
9:03—U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is rounding up immigrants who are working in jobs and contributing to society.
11:04—The importance of "rule of law"
18:24—Is it OK to call in the National Guard to handle protests in L.A.?
21:12—The big, beautiful breakup between Musk and Trump
27:00—An important moment for debts and deficits
34:19—Markets for the win
38:07—Listener question: Should we sunset older laws to stop lawmakers from using obscure laws today?
44:18—Drone strikes increase in the war between Russia and Ukraine
55:08—Weekly cultural recommendations
Mentioned in this podcast:
"Americans' Views of Deportations," by Luis Noe-Bustamante and Jens Manuel Krogstad
"Migrant Arrests at US-Mexico Border Near Record Low in February," by Ted Hesson and Kristina Cooke
"Full List of Republicans Who Voted Against Trump's 'Big, Beautiful Bill'," by Sonam Sheth
"Full List of Senate Republicans Who Might Vote Against Trump's Tax Bill," by James Bickerton
"Ukraine Changes the Face of War Forever," by Nick Gillespie and Regan Taylor
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