Dominic Cummings - COVID, Brexit, & Fixing Western Governance

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Nov 15, 2023

In this engaging discussion, Dominic Cummings, the former Chief Advisor to Boris Johnson, dives into the breakdown of Western governance. He critiques outdated bureaucracies and highlights missed opportunities for reform during COVID. Cummings warns of systemic dysfunctions amid modern threats like biosecurity and AI. He reflects on the importance of historical lessons, contrasting effective leaders with today's challenges, and advocates for innovative talent recruitment in civil service to better address geopolitical tensions and foster effective governance.

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ANECDOTE

A Day in the Life at Number 10

One day in Downing Street involved discussions about lockdowns, the PM's girlfriend's media concerns, and Trump's desire to bomb Iraq.
This chaotic environment highlights the constant barrage of issues facing those in government.

ANECDOTE

No File Sharing in Number 10

Number 10 lacked a file-sharing system in 2019, leading to wrangling over Google Docs versus Teams due to security concerns.
Four years later, the issue remains unresolved, highlighting bureaucratic dysfunction.

INSIGHT

The Prime Minister's Time

Prioritization and the prime minister's time are crucial assets, constantly pulled by various crises and media demands.
A key structural issue is the tendency of politicians to prioritize media appearances over substantial work.

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The Kill Chain

Defending America in the Future of High-Tech Warfare

Christian Brose

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Quark and the Jaguar D

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Rudyard Kipling

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Thucydides

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