The Intelligence: Gaza sparks a global culture war
Nov 1, 2023
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Andrew Miller, a special correspondent for The Economist, offers keen insights on the cultural impact of the Israeli-Hamas conflict. He discusses how online reactions are reshaping Western attitudes, influenced by technology, demography, and ideology. The conversation touches on the generational shift in perspectives, especially among younger Americans, and how this polarization is affecting political responses. Additionally, Miller examines King Charles's diplomatic efforts in Kenya, navigating historical tensions, all while a global bedbug epidemic adds an unexpected twist to contemporary issues.
The recent conflict between Israel and Hamas is sparking a cultural war in the West, polarizing social media platforms and widening the divide in public opinion.
King Charles' visit to Kenya as monarch presents a delicate task of navigating historical wounds related to colonialism.
Deep dives
The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict and the Culture War
The recent Israeli strike on a refugee camp in Gaza has reignited the age-old conflict between Israel and Hamas. This time, however, the conflict is becoming entangled with a broader cultural war in the West. The issue is polarizing social media platforms and eliciting passionate protests and heated rhetoric on both sides. The conflict is further exacerbated by mis and disinformation, as well as the gamification of news. The divide in public opinion, particularly in the younger generation, is widening, with some left-leaning activists sympathizing with Hamas and describing their actions as resistance or decolonization. This cultural war has the potential to impact Western public opinion towards Israel and the broader geopolitics of the conflict.
King Charles' Visit to Kenya: Navigating Kenya's Historical Wounds and British Relevance
King Charles' first official trip to Kenya as monarch comes at a time when the British monarchy faces challenges in Africa. The visit has elicited a mixed response from Kenyans, with pageantry and warm welcomes contrasting with small protests highlighting issues related to colonialism and the presence of the British army. The King's agenda includes visits to organic farms, meetings with young entrepreneurs, and a focus on technology. The trip aims to maintain British relevance on the continent and test the waters for potential future Commonwealth visits. However, navigating the historical wounds related to Kenya's colonial struggle presents a delicate task for the royal family.
The Bedbug Outbreak: Hysteria and Challenges in Eradication
A bedbug outbreak in France and its subsequent spread to other cities, including Paris and London, has sparked widespread hysteria. While bedbugs themselves do not pose a significant health risk, their prevalence and resistance to traditional insecticides make them difficult to eradicate. The increase in international travel and warmer temperatures due to climate change have contributed to the rise in bedbug numbers. Heating treatments have become the most effective solution, but alternative methods such as sprays are being explored. The market incentive for developing new insecticides is currently low, but continued public concern and willingness to invest in solutions may drive change.
Online and on-screen reactions to the conflict reflect a subtle but important shift in Western attitudes, driven by three related forces: technology, demography and ideology. Britain’s King Charles is visiting Kenya—and will have a harder time navigating historical tensions than his mother ever did (09:56). And sleeping less tight: Paris is not the only place bedbugs are on the rise (18:24).
