Best of the Spectator

The Edition: new world disorder, cholesterol pseudoscience vs scepticism & the magic of Dickens

Feb 20, 2025
Michael Gove, the Editor of The Spectator, advocates for a realist reset in European politics, influenced by Trump's presidency. Geopolitical theorist Robert Kaplan adds depth, discussing how democracy can morph into tyranny. Journalist Paul Wood and cardiologist Christopher Labos debate the fine line between healthy skepticism and pseudoscience in the cholesterol conversation, highlighting misinformation surrounding heart health. Lastly, Peter Conrad illuminates the magical elements in Dickens' writing, exploring how these themes enchant and engage readers.
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INSIGHT

A New World Disorder

  • Trump's presidency signals a shift away from a rules-based international order to great power contention.
  • The ideal of a rules-based international order, which diplomats and allies strongly believed in, is now challenged by Trump's perspective.
INSIGHT

Global Cataclysm

  • Technology shrinks geography, creating a more anxious and interconnected world.
  • Crises in one area can quickly affect others, highlighting global interdependence.
INSIGHT

Weakening of Great Powers

  • Robert Kaplan suggests the decline of great powers like the US, China, and Russia may lead to disorder.
  • The weakening of these powers doesn't necessarily benefit others like the BRICS nations.
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