Anne Rowe, The Economist's obituaries editor, shares insights on the evolution of the U.S. Army's strategy as it shifts from counterinsurgency to preparing for state-on-state conflicts. She discusses the challenges of adopting innovation and advanced technologies in military operations. Additionally, the conversation touches on the surging trend of private tutoring in Asia, highlighting issues in public education and the pressure it puts on families. Rowe also celebrates the influential Lebanese novelist Elias Khoury, shining light on his literary contributions.
The U.S. Army is evolving its strategy to prioritize high-intensity conflict readiness and streamline resources for a more agile military approach.
Private tutoring in South and Southeast Asia has surged due to educational inadequacies, leading to serious mental health concerns among students.
Deep dives
Reinventing Military Force for Modern Challenges
The U.S. Army is undergoing a transformation to adapt its strategy and capabilities for high-intensity conflicts, particularly concerning potential threats from nations like Russia and China. General Randy George emphasizes a focus on forming 'lethal and cohesive teams,' streamlining resources by shedding excess military equipment gathered during the counterinsurgency era. Significant increases in ammunition production, including a substantial rise in artillery rounds, reflect this pivot towards readiness for conventional warfare. Additionally, recent improvements in recruitment demonstrate a renewed effort in bolstering manpower to meet these strategic goals.
Adapting Technology in Warfare
The evolving battlefield necessitates a shift in how the Army integrates technology into its operations, especially with lessons drawn from the conflict in Ukraine. Challenges such as enemy adaptation to U.S. weapons systems highlight the need for continuous updates and modifications in military technology. General George's initiative, labeled 'transforming in contact,' allows select brigades to test the latest equipment in real-world conditions, enabling quicker procurement and adaptation of military resources. This experimental approach contrasts with past practices where lengthy requirements stifled speed, promoting a more agile and responsive military framework.
The Rise of Anxiety-Induced Private Tutoring
Private tutoring has surged in South and Southeast Asia, largely driven by inadequacies in formal education and heightened competitive pressures on students. With approximately 258 million children taking tutoring, India stands as the largest market, where nearly half of school children rely on such support to excel academically. This trend is further fueled by socio-economic factors, creating a feedback loop where the expectations set by peers compel parents to invest in tutoring for their children. However, the mental health implications are grave, with increasing stress levels among students leading to detrimental consequences, including a rise in student suicides and overall poorer well-being.
Twenty years ago America was fighting insurgents in Afghanistan and Iran. As state-on-state clashes become more likely, Randy George is the person in charge of preparing US forces for a new age (9:45). Private tutoring has long been common in East Asia, now it is spreading throughout the continent. And celebrating Lebanese novelist Elias Khoury (17:12).