The conversation dives into the Trump-Zelensky mineral deal and its geopolitical implications. It questions U.S. security commitments to Ukraine, highlighting the complexities of the Budapest Memorandum. The discussion also reveals the evolving landscape of Christianity among American youth, countering assumptions of decline. German election results take center stage, examining coalition dynamics and their impact on U.S.-Russia relations. Lastly, the podcast touches on East Asian literature, focusing on Yukio Mishima's significant contributions.
36:58
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
menu_book Books
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
question_answer ANECDOTE
Ukraine Deal
Ahead of Zelensky's Washington trip, Kiev agreed to a minerals deal with the US.
The deal supposedly improves relations and paves the way for a security commitment, but details are vague.
insights INSIGHT
Security Commitments
"Security commitment" is a vague term, varying from memoranda to actual troop deployments.
Walter Russell Mead emphasizes the need for clarity in defining such commitments, citing Article 5 of NATO as an example.
insights INSIGHT
Christianity in the US
The narrative of Christianity's decline might be changing, with a recent Pew survey indicating a leveling-off.
Walter Russell Mead suggests cyclical patterns in American religious expression, influenced by generational rebellion and delayed adulthood.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Written in the 11th century, 'The Tale of Genji' is a comprehensive narrative that explores the life of Prince Genji, the 'Shining Prince', against the backdrop of Japan's Heian period. The novel delves into Genji's numerous romantic entanglements, personal struggles, and the societal expectations he faces. It is a rich tapestry of themes including love, fleeting beauty, and the complexities of relationships defined by honor, desire, and tragedy. The story also provides a detailed insight into the culture of the aristocracy in early Heian Japan, including its forms of entertainment, daily life, and moral code. The novel is known for its poetic and aesthetic elements, incorporating over 800 waka poems, and its exploration of human emotions and the transience of life[1][3][5].
The Story of the Stone
Also known as The Dream of the Red Chamber
Cao Xueqin
The Story of the Stone, also known as The Dream of the Red Chamber, is a seminal work of Chinese literature that follows the fortunes of the Jia family, mirroring the author's own experiences. It explores themes of love, fate, and social hierarchy, offering a detailed portrayal of life in High Qing China. The novel is renowned for its complex characters, particularly the young women, and its blend of realism and mythic elements.
This week, Walter and Jeremy discuss the Trump-Zelensky mineral deal, the rise of Christian faith among American youth, Germany's election results, and why Trump's Russia policy is also Obama, Merkel, and Biden's, only with greater chance of success.
Each week on What Really Matters, Walter Russell Mead and Jeremy Stern help you understand the news, decide what matters and what doesn’t, and enjoy following the story of America and the world more than you do now. For more, check out tabletmag.com/what-really-matters. You can read Walter Russell Mead’s Tablet column here, and check out more from Tablet here.