Spectacles Out Loud: Recent Episodes
Spectacles Media
Join Spectacles editors Harry and Philip for Insight and Focus as they go beyond headlines to explore the news. We won't just explain a headline to you, but we'll try to help you make the connections between today's stories and what they all mean for democracy.
A monumental election may lead to paralysis as terms designed to foster peace and cooperation are wielded in power politics. -Important References- View the election results Watch Horowitz's address -Share If You Care- https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Check%20out%20this%20great%20article%20from%20%40SpectaclesMedia%20about%20the%20election%20in%20Northern%20Ireland%20and%20what%20it%20means%20for%20democratic%20health%20there.%0Ahttps%3A//www.spectacles.news/northern-ireland-weaponizing-a-peace-agreement-insight/ (Share via Twitter) https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A//www.spectacles.news/northern-ireland-weaponizing-a-peace-agreement-insight/ (Share via Facebook) https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A//www.spectacles.news/northern-ireland-weaponizing-a-peace-agreement-insight/&title=Great%20article%20on%20Northern%20Ireland%20election&summary=Spectacles%20explains%20what%20this%20election%20can%20teach%20us%20about%20power-sharing%20agreements%20and%20democratic%20functioning.%0A&source= (Share via LinkedIn) Share via Email -Usual Links- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/northern-ireland-weaponizing-a-peace-agreement-insight/ (Read or comment on this article!) https://www.spectacles.news/young-writers-initiative/ (Write with us!) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (Listen to Spectacles In Conversation!) https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow our Twitter!) // https://www.tiktok.com/@spectacles.news (Follow our TikTok!)
The social media generation’s first House member is showing how hard it will be to balance privacy with public service. -Share If You Care- https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Check%20out%20this%20great%20article%20from%20Spectacles!%0A%0Ahttps%3A//www.spectacles.news/cawthorn-in-crisis-private-vice-public-mediocrity-insight/%0A%0A (Share via Twitter) https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A//www.spectacles.news/cawthorn-in-crisis-private-vice-public-mediocrity-insight/ (Share via Facebook) https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A//www.spectacles.news/cawthorn-in-crisis-private-vice-public-mediocrity-insight/&title=Check%20out%20this%20great%20post%20from%20Spectacles!&summary=&source= (Share via LinkedIn) Share via Email -Usual Links- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/cawthorn-in-crisis-private-vice-public-mediocrity-insight/ (Read or comment on this article!) https://www.spectacles.news/young-writers-initiative/ (Write with us!) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (Listen to Spectacles In Conversation!) https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow our Twitter!) // https://www.tiktok.com/@spectacles.news (Follow our TikTok!)
It's back in the news. Whatever you think, it probably proves the court is a mess of an institution we'd do well to reform. This Focus https://www.spectacles.news/focus-the-supreme-court-political-unaccountable-and-all-too-powerful/ (originally appeared) on August 29, 2021, under the headline: "The Supreme Court: Political, Unaccountable, and All Too Powerful." Due to the https://www.nytimes.com/2022/05/03/opinion/supreme-court-roe-wade.html (recent leak) of a Supreme Court opinion portending an overturn of Roe v. Wade, we decided to re-publish it.-Important References- The Supreme Court and Constitutional Democracy, by John Agresto "https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Moyn-Testimony.pdf (Written statement of [Professor] Samuel Moyn)," to the President's Commission on the Supreme Court of the United States. "https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/23/opinion/supreme-court-commission-court-packing.html (The Supreme Court Needs to be Cut Down to Size)," by Jamelle Bouie, in The New York Times. -Share If You Care- https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=A%20relevant%20and%20interesting%20perspective%20from%20%40SpectaclesMedia%3A%0Ahttps%3A//www.spectacles.news/the-supreme-court-problem-without-partisanship/ (Share via Twitter) https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A//www.spectacles.news/the-supreme-court-problem-without-partisanship/ (Share via Facebook) https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A//www.spectacles.news/the-supreme-court-problem-without-partisanship/&title=A%20relevant%20and%20interesting%20perspective%20from%20Spectacles&summary=&source= (Share via LinkedIn) Share via Email -Usual Links- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/the-supreme-court-problem-without-partisanship/ (Read or comment on this article!) https://www.spectacles.news/young-writers-initiative/ (Write with us!) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (Listen to Spectacles In Conversation!) https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow our Twitter!) // https://www.tiktok.com/@spectacles.news (Follow our TikTok!)
Hungary’s rocky relationship with the EU is about to get rockier. Could current tensions initiate an exit? -Important References- https://www.spectacles.news/popularity-democracy-insight (Our previous coverage of Hungary's recent election) -Share If You Care- https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Check%20out%20this%20great%20article%20from%20Spectacles%3A%0A%0Ahttps%3A//www.spectacles.news/can-the-eu-put-hungary-in-line-insight/%0A (Share via Twitter) https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=www.spectacles.news/can-the-eu-put-hungary-in-line-insight/ (Share via Facebook) https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A//www.spectacles.news/can-the-eu-put-hungary-in-line-insight/&title=Check%20out%20this%20great%20post!&summary=&source= (Share via LinkedIn) Share via Email -Usual Links- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/can-the-eu-put-hungary-in-line-insight/ (Read or comment on this article!) https://www.spectacles.news/young-writers-initiative/ (Write with us!) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (Listen to Spectacles In Conversation!) https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow our Twitter!) // https://www.tiktok.com/@spectacles.news (Follow our TikTok!)
Whether Communist, monarchist, or Nazi, any opponents of German democracy in the ‘20s could find a friend in the Soviet Union. -Share If You Care- https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Check%20out%20this%20great%20article%20from%20Spectacles%3A%0A%0Ahttps%3Awww.spectacles.news/unusual-comrades-stalin-and-the-nazis-focus/%0A (Share via Twitter) https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A//www.spectacles.news/unusual-comrades-stalin-and-the-nazis-focus/ (Share via Facebook) https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A//www.spectacles.news/unusual-comrades-stalin-and-the-nazis-focus/&title=Check%20out%20this%20great%20Post!&summary=&source= (Share via LinkedIn) Share via Email -Usual Links- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/unusual-comrades-stalin-and-the-nazis-focus/ (Read or comment on this article!) https://www.spectacles.news/young-writers-initiative/ (Write with us!) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (Listen to Spectacles In Conversation!) https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow our Twitter!) // https://www.tiktok.com/@spectacles.news (Follow our TikTok!)
New York Dems have been denied their gerrymander. They’ll need to find more productive ways to push the boundaries. -Usual Links- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/coloring-inside-the-lines-insight/ (Read or comment on this article!) https://www.spectacles.news/young-writers-initiative/ (Write with us!) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (Listen to Spectacles In Conversation!) https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow our Twitter!) // https://www.tiktok.com/@spectacles.news (Follow our TikTok!) -Share if you care- https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Really%20enjoyed%20this%20piece%20from%20%40SpectaclesMedia.%20Worth%20the%20read.%0Ahttps%3A//www.spectacles.news/coloring-inside-the-lines-insight/ (Share via Twitter) https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A//www.spectacles.news/coloring-inside-the-lines-insight/ (Share via Facebook) https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A//www.spectacles.news/coloring-inside-the-lines-insight/&title=Coloring%20Inside%20the%20Lines&summary=Check%20out%20this%20post%20from%20Spectacles%20Media!&source= (Share via LinkedIn) Share via Email
The Senate is making it harder to fill key posts in the government. The ready fix may not be a fix at all. https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/interim-interruptions-insight/ (Read or comment on this article!) https://www.spectacles.news/young-writers-initiative/ (Write with us!) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (Listen to Spectacles In Conversation!) https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow our Twitter!) // https://www.tiktok.com/@spectacles.news (Follow our TikTok!)
Conservatives are using the power of the state to curtail freedom of speech. Will progressives step up to defend it? -Usual Links- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/a-gloomy-future-for-free-speech-focus/ (Read or comment on this article!) https://www.spectacles.news/young-writers-initiative/ (Write with us!) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (Listen to Spectacles In Conversation!) https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow our Twitter!) // https://www.tiktok.com/@spectacles.news (Follow our TikTok!)
The invasion of Ukraine has driven the West together and heightened militarization. It’s not perfectly clear that’s a good thing. -Usual Links- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/putin-may-yet-be-a-master-strategist-insight/ (Read or comment on this article!) https://www.spectacles.news/young-writers-initiative/ (Write with us!) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (Listen to Spectacles In Conversation!) https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow our Twitter!) // https://www.tiktok.com/@spectacles.news (Follow our TikTok!)
As South Africa reels from devastating floods, a lack of trust between officials and citizens could make recovery difficult. -Important References- https://www.spectacles.news/author-daniel-aldrich-focus-interviews/ (Listen to our interview with Professor Aldrich) -Usual Links- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/mudslides-and-mistrust-insight/ (Read or comment on this article!) https://www.spectacles.news/young-writers-initiative/ (Write with us!) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (Listen to Spectacles In Conversation!) https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow our Twitter!) // https://www.tiktok.com/@spectacles.news (Follow our TikTok!)
EU leadership is making Ukraine seem like a shoe-in. That dodges some hard—but vital—questions. -Important References- https://www.spectacles.news/explainer-is-ukraine-a-democracy-insight/ (Is Ukraine a democracy?) -Usual Links- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/does-europe-include-ukraine-insight/ (Read or comment on this article!) https://www.spectacles.news/young-writers-initiative/ (Write with us!) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (Listen to Spectacles In Conversation!) https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow our Twitter!) // https://www.tiktok.com/@spectacles.news (Follow our TikTok!)
In France, politics is about personality, not party, and that could spell real trouble for any democracy. -Important References- Note: Between recording and publishing, election results shifted slightly. https://www.google.com/search?q=french+election+results&oq=french+election+results (Find the most up to date numbers here.) https://www.economist.com/europe/2019/11/07/emmanuel-macron-in-his-own-words-english (See Macron's famous interview with The Economist) -Usual Links- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/why-the-french-election-matters-insight/ (Read or comment on this article!) https://www.spectacles.news/young-writers-initiative/ (Write with us!) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (Listen to Spectacles In Conversation!) https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow our Twitter!) // https://www.tiktok.com/@spectacles.news (Follow our TikTok!)
The EU is beginning to face the realities of its energy future, but Germany and France aren’t on the same page. Ania Wellere is an undergraduate student at Denison University, currently completing her Bachelor of Arts in Global Health. She hopes to have a career in health equity and policy. -Important References- https://www.spectacles.news/young-writers-initiative/ (Write with us!) -Usual Links- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/n-eu-clear-failure-guest-insight/ (Read or comment on this article!) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (Listen to Spectacles In Conversation!) https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow our Twitter!) // https://www.tiktok.com/@spectacles.news (Follow our TikTok!)
How much damage will Biden’s slip of the tongue do? -Usual Links- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/words-and-wars-insight/ (Read or comment on this article!) https://www.spectacles.news/young-writers-initiative/ (Write with us!) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (Listen to Spectacles In Conversation!) https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow our Twitter!) // https://www.tiktok.com/@spectacles.news (Follow our TikTok!)
Or, how the very features which led the West to self-doubt and awe of autocracy will ensure democracy’s triumph. -Important References- https://twitter.com/kamilkazani/status/1501360272442896388?s=20&t=F5F8FsWvPFU_CneQGkGhZQ (Article about Russia's incompetent economic management) -Usual Links- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/why-the-west-will-win-focus/ (Read or comment on this article!) https://www.spectacles.news/young-writers-initiative/ (Write with us!) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (Listen to Spectacles In Conversation!) https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow our Twitter!) // https://www.tiktok.com/@spectacles.news (Follow our TikTok!)
Ketanji Brown Jackson’s Supreme Court confirmation hearings featured the usual political absurdities. Would cutting the cameras fix it? -Important References- https://www.spectacles.news/not-tired-of-losing-yet-insight (Explaining "mediatization") -Usual Links- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/shout-youre-on-camera-insight/ (Read or comment on this article!) https://www.spectacles.news/young-writers-initiative/ (Write with us!) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (Listen to Spectacles In Conversation!) https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow our Twitter!) // https://www.tiktok.com/@spectacles.news (Follow our TikTok!)
A new magazine seeks to build a coalition between left- and right-wing critics of liberalism. What explains their alliance? -Important References- https://www.spectacles.news/the-post-liberal-roller-coaster-insight ( Harry's primer on the post-liberal right) -Usual Links- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/spectacles-but-for-bad-guys-insight/ (Read )https://www.spectacles.news/spectacles-but-for-bad-guys-insight/ (or comment on this article!) https://www.spectacles.news/young-writers-initiative/ (Write with us!) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (Listen to Spectacles In Conversation!) https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow our Twitter!) // https://www.tiktok.com/@spectacles.news (Follow our TikTok!)
Some people think punishing the president for high gas prices is nonsensical. In fact, it’s a profoundly honest expression of what democracy promises. -Important References- https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/2053168020972811 (That research about voting behavior) -Usual Links- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/vote-with-your-ballot-insight/ (Read or comment on this article!) https://www.spectacles.news/young-writers-initiative/ (Write with us!) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (Listen to Spectacles In Conversation!) https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow our Twitter!) // https://www.tiktok.com/@spectacles.news (Follow our TikTok!)
Development assistance is one way the United States can help other countries democratize. But it could use a rethink. -Usual Links- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/how-not-to-build-democracy-focus/ (Read or comment on this article!) https://www.spectacles.news/young-writers-initiative/ (Write with us!) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (Listen to Spectacles In Conversation!) https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow our Twitter!) // https://www.tiktok.com/@spectacles.news (Follow our TikTok!)
Florida’s new parental rights bill prohibits discussion of LGBT issues in the classroom. It’s going to cause chaos for the state’s school system. -Important References- https://www.spectacles.news/are-we-a-republic-focus (Harry's piece on "republic" vs. "democracy") -Usual Links- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/madison-v-desantis-insight/ (Read or comment on this article!) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (Listen to Spectacles In Conversation!) https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow our Twitter!) // https://www.tiktok.com/@spectacles.news (Follow our TikTok!)
China is starting to lock down again, because their vaccines don’t work. Why don’t they just buy better ones? The short answer: authoritarianism. -Important References- https://noahpinion.substack.com/p/china-russia-and-the-inflation-situation?token=eyJ1c2VyX2lkIjo1NjcyMzA1NywicG9zdF9pZCI6NTAyODE5NzEsIl8iOiIrVmIrTyIsImlhdCI6MTY0NzM4MzEzMSwiZXhwIjoxNjQ3Mzg2NzMxLCJpc3MiOiJwdWItMzUzNDUiLCJzdWIiOiJwb3N0LXJlYWN0aW9uIn0.be8HAz07nnexE1s999Ixrw4bcJmd6k-GCGELDPO2krk&s=r (Noah Smith's post) -Usual Links- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/good-medicine-political-position-insight/ (Read or comment on this article!) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (Listen to Spectacles In Conversation!) https://www.spectacles.news/young-writers-initiative/ (Young thinker? Write with us!) https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow our Twitter!) // https://www.tiktok.com/@spectacles.news (Follow our TikTok!)
Breaking down the theory of “mediatization” helps explain why Kristi Noem keeps fighting her own party and losing. -Usual Links- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/not-tired-of-losing-yet-insight/ (Read or comment on this article!) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (Listen to Spectacles In Conversation!) https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow our Twitter!) // https://www.tiktok.com/@spectacles.news (Follow our TikTok!)
The tragic forty-year history of Taiwan’s Fourth Nuclear Plant yields key lessons on energy policy, democracy, security, and more. -Important References- https://taipology.substack.com/ (Angelica's blog, Taipology) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (Our conversation with Angelica) -Usual Links- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/taiwans-nuclear-memories-guest-focus/ (Read or comment on this article!) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (Listen to Spectacles In Conversation!) https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow our Twitter!) // https://www.tiktok.com/@spectacles.news (Follow our TikTok!)
Congress is reviving pork barrel politics. By allowing legislators to bring home big projects, it could rejuvenate Congress—or corruption. -Important References- https://www.spectacles.news/focus-why-does-american-politics-feel-like-theater (Harry's piece on American political theater) -Usual Links- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/the-pork-is-back-in-town-insight/ (Read or comment on this article!) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (Listen to Spectacles In Conversation!) https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow our Twitter!) // https://www.tiktok.com/@spectacles.news (Follow our TikTok!)
The FDA’s blood donation rules stigmatize sexual minorities for no good reason—and it may cost a million lives each year. Benjamin Gossart is an undergraduate student at Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts. He is a candidate for a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Political Science with a concentration in identity, culture, and politics. -Important References- https://www.spectacles.news/young-writers-initiative/ (Write with us like Ben!) -Usual Links- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/how-to-solve-the-blood-shortage-insight/ (Read or comment on this article!) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (Listen to Spectacles In Conversation!) https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow our Twitter!) // https://www.tiktok.com/@spectacles.news (Follow our TikTok!)
Russian oligarchs and American billionaires: some say there’s hardly any difference. Harry explains, “What’s in a name?” -Important References- https://www.spectacles.news/black-gold-dark-money-insight (On Joe Manchin and American corruption) -Usual Links- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/why-are-they-called-oligarchs-insight/ (Read or comment on this article!) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (Listen to Spectacles In Conversation!) https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow our Twitter!) // https://www.tiktok.com/@spectacles.news (Follow our TikTok!)
Joe Biden sees the Russian invasion as another development in the conflict between freedom and tyranny, but is Ukraine all that democratic? Does it matter? -Important References- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-pandora-papers-expose-democracys-broken-promises/ (International corruption: the Pandora Papers, explained) https://www.spectacles.news/insight-pandora-papers-expose-democracys-broken-promises/ (Why geopolitics isn't democracy v autocracy) -Usual Links- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/explainer-is-ukraine-a-democracy-insight/ (Read or comment on this article!) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (Listen to Spectacles In Conversation!) https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow our Twitter!) // https://www.tiktok.com/@spectacles.news (Follow our TikTok!)
There’s a wealth of useful information out there on the events unfolding in Ukraine, which we’ve compiled here for readers. -Important References- https://twitter.com/RALee85?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1496752076335947778%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spectacles.news%2Fp%2Ff80aec8c-e759-4be8-a3f4-ae977e3750ae%2F (Rob Lee) https://twitter.com/maxseddon?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1496751685338906629%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spectacles.news%2Fp%2Ff80aec8c-e759-4be8-a3f4-ae977e3750ae%2F (Max Seddon) https://twitter.com/KofmanMichael?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1496876298051989504%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spectacles.news%2Fp%2Ff80aec8c-e759-4be8-a3f4-ae977e3750ae%2F (Michael Kofman) https://adamtooze.substack.com/p/chartbook-68-putins-challenge-to?utm_source=url (Chartbook #68 by Adam Tooze) https://www.spectacles.news/the-power-of-the-dollar-guest-insight/ (The Power of The Dollar by Bryce Johnston) https://kyivindependent.com/ (Kyiv Independent) https://www.ft.com/content/77ab8dcf-cb02-4e57-aff0-85c8a84f5a1f (Financial Times) https://www.congress.gov/members/find-your-member (Who's your member of Congress?) -Usual Links- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/whats-there-to-say-insight/ (Read or comment on this article!) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (Listen to Spectacles In Conversation!) https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow our Twitter!) // https://www.tiktok.com/@spectacles.news (Follow our TikTok!)
As the global reserve currency, the US Dollar is a cornerstone of American influence in the world. But its strength may be waning. -Important References- https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (Our special discussion with Bryce) https://www.spectacles.news/big-brothers-bank-account/ (Bryce's last piece for Spectacles, about CBDCs) -Usual Links- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/the-power-of-the-dollar-insight/ (Read or comment on this article!) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (Listen to Spectacles In Conversation!) https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow our Twitter!) // https://www.tiktok.com/@spectacles.news (Follow our TikTok!)
The concept of republicanism, flattened by rhetoric and partisanship, deserves a revival. -Usual Links- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/are-we-a-republic-focus/ (Read or comment on this article!) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (Listen to Spectacles In Conversation!) https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow our Twitter!) // https://www.tiktok.com/@spectacles.news (Follow our TikTok!)
America doesn’t have enough doctors, but it doesn’t do us any good to point and stare without getting to the root of the problem. -Important References- https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2022/02/why-does-the-us-make-it-so-hard-to-be-a-doctor/622065/ (Derek Thompson's Atlantic Article) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (Listen to our discussion of this piece!) -Usual Links- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/the-disease-of-medical-lobbying-insight/ (Read or comment on this article!) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (Listen to Spectacles In Conversation!) https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow our Twitter!) // https://www.tiktok.com/@spectacles.news (Follow our TikTok!)
The president of Tunisia is cementing his hold on authoritarian power. It’s worth considering what happens when the response to anti-democratic action is sluggish. -Important References- Our previous coverage of Tunisia: https://www.spectacles.news/insight-tunisian-democracy-deaths-door/ (July 26, 2021 - The first signs of collapse) https://www.spectacles.news/insight-democracy-crossing-deaths-threshold-in-tunisia/ (August 30, 2021 - Considering our options) https://www.spectacles.news/insight-tunisian-democracy-sheds-the-burden-of-reciprocity/ (October 1, 2021 - Asking how this happened) -Usual Links- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/curtains-for-tunisian-democracy-insight/ (Read or comment on this article!) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (Listen to Spectacles In Conversation!) https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow our Twitter!) // https://www.tiktok.com/@spectacles.news (Follow our TikTok!)
Boris Johnson remains in a state of perma-crisis, but it could cost his party dearly to turn on him now. -Important References- https://www.spectacles.news/boris-johnsons-no-good-very-bad-week-insight (Philip's last check-in on Boris) -Usual Links- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/the-boris-bet-insight/ (Read or comment on this article!) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (Listen to Spectacles In Conversation!) https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow our Twitter!) // https://www.tiktok.com/@spectacles.news (Follow our TikTok!)
Last year, we thought California had killed single-family zoning. But this Bay Area enclave would rather have mountain lions than new homes. https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (Don't miss the extra discussion of this topic and the legal claims here, from Spectacles In Conversation!) Correction: Woodside has dropped this claim to a wildlife habitat to prevent SB9, though I would still predict other communities making other legal attempts to exempt themselves, and legal battles will probably follow. -Important References- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-housing-crises-and-interest-group-deception/ (Harry's previous Insight on SB9 and 10) -Usual Links- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/cougars-or-duplexes-which-are-scarier-insight/ (Read or comment on this article!) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (Listen to Spectacles In Conversation!) https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow our Twitter!) // https://www.tiktok.com/@spectacles.news (Follow our TikTok!)
As congressional staffers vent about poor wages and working conditions, it’s worth considering what happens when public servants are poorly compensated. -Usual Links- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/capital-on-the-hill-insight/ (Read or comment on this article!) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (Listen to Spectacles In Conversation!) https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow our Twitter!) // https://www.tiktok.com/@spectacles.news (Follow our TikTok!)
HBO’s Rome offers a peek into BC-era political dilemmas not unlike our own. The lesson, it seems, is not to do as the Romans did. -Important References- If you're curious to learn more about this period of Roman history and what we might be able to learn from it and apply to our challenges today, Plutarch's biographies are a great insight into the lives of important Romans at any time. https://wwnorton.com/books/9780393355529 (This collection) is a good one for the period in question. From a more modern voice, Mike Duncan is an excellent and accessible presenter of Roman history, both through his https://thehistoryofrome.typepad.com/ (podcast), and his https://www.publicaffairsbooks.com/titles/mike-duncan/the-storm-before-the-storm/9781610397216/ (book) on this period. -Usual Links- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/when-in-rome-focus/ (Read or comment on this article!) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (Listen to Spectacles In Conversation!) https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow our Twitter!) // https://www.tiktok.com/@spectacles.news (Follow our TikTok!)
A lot of people want to increase industry at home to prevent future shortages. It sounds nice, but it doesn’t work like that. -Important References- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-as-shortages-abound-what-can-we-do (Philip explains the supply chain crunch and what to do) https://www.spectacles.news/insight-are-we-getting-inflation-all-wrong (Harry points to how actions usually thought to increase inflation could reduce it) https://www.spectacles.news/a-different-perspective-on-inflation-insight (Harry discusses how inflation has been unequally distributed) -Usual Links- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/its-global-trade-stupid-insight/ (Read or comment on this article!) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (Listen to Spectacles In Conversation!) https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow our Twitter!) // https://www.tiktok.com/@spectacles.news (Follow our TikTok!)
Today, guest writer Christopher Healey - How much does Ukraine's location on a map reveal about its present crisis? The answer shows just how complicated democratization can be. Christopher Healey holds a BS in Political Science from Kenyon College, where he also studied Religion and French. He works on the communications team of a foreign policy think tank in Washington, D.C., though the views in this article are his own, and he is writing in an entirely independent capacity. -Usual Links- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/ukraine-and-the-tragedy-of-geopolitics-guest-insight/ (Read or comment on this article!) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (Listen to Spectacles In Conversation!) https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow our Twitter!) // https://www.tiktok.com/@spectacles.news (Follow our TikTok!)
The January 6th convictions aren’t quite on target yet. But by going for symbols of the insurrection, they’re on the right track. -Important References- https://youtu.be/Xwdkng6ZGp8?t=276 (Jacob Chansley interview) -Usual Links- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/the-rules-of-law-insight/ (Read or comment on this article!) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (Listen to Spectacles In Conversation!) https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow our Twitter!) // https://www.tiktok.com/@spectacles.news (Follow our TikTok!)
It’s taken for granted that meritocracy makes sense. But could it actually damage democracy in the long term? -Further Reading- The Tyranny of Merit, by Michael Sandel. Democracy in America, by Alexis de Tocqueville The Red and the Black, by Stendhal
-Usual Links- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/a-democracy-of-the-deserving-focus/ (Read or comment on this article!) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (Listen to Spectacles In Conversation!) https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow our Twitter!) // https://www.tiktok.com/@spectacles.news (Follow our TikTok!)
Stephen Breyer is retiring from the Supreme Court. For Democrats, it’s a win. For democracy, it’s harder to say. -Usual Links- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/80-year-old-man-quits-job-insight/ (Read or comment on this article!) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (Listen to Spectacles In Conversation!) https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow our Twitter!) // https://www.tiktok.com/@spectacles.news (Follow our TikTok!)
Africa’s Sahel region witnesses its fifth coup in the past year. This one is the first to really imperil a democracy. -Important References- https://www.spectacles.news/deja-coup-insight/ (Philp's Insight on the coup in Sudan) -Usual Links- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/explaining-the-coup-in-burkina-faso-insight/ (Read or comment on this article!) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (Listen to Spectacles In Conversation!) https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow our Twitter!) // https://www.tiktok.com/@spectacles.news (Follow our TikTok!)
As the situation on the Ukrainian border grows more tense, the United States finds itself in a hole of its own digging. -Important References- https://www.spectacles.news/putins-power-politics-insight (On Germany and Nord Stream 2) https://www.spectacles.news/why-autocracy-persists-focus/ (On China's beating the house) -Usual Links- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/putins-power-politics-pay-off-insight/ (Read or comment on this article!) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (Listen to Spectacles In Conversation!) https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow our Twitter!) // https://www.tiktok.com/@spectacles.news (Follow our TikTok!)
The European Parliament wants to regulate the tech industry. There are problems, especially regarding freedom of expression. -Important References- https://www.spectacles.news/21-07-09-biden-competition/ (Another Insight on the meaning of "free market") -Usual Links- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/europes-check-on-big-tech-insight/ (Read or comment on this article!) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (Listen to Spectacles In Conversation!) https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow our Twitter!) // https://www.tiktok.com/@spectacles.news (Follow our TikTok!)
Digital currencies hold great promise, but democracies need to be careful. Both within and without, authoritarians could reap all the benefits. -Important References- https://twitter.com/am_bryce (Bryce's Twitter) https://www.spectacles.news/focus-what-i-learned-in-becoming-an-e-resident-of-estonia (Philip's Focus on Estonian digital citizenship) -Usual Links- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/big-brothers-bank-account/ (Read or comment on this article!) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (Listen to Spectacles In Conversation!) https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow our Twitter!) // https://www.tiktok.com/@spectacles.news (Follow our TikTok!)
The global vaccination campaign is still behind schedule. Failing to bring it up to speed would be both a serious moral failing and a missed opportunity. -Important References- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-as-shortages-abound-what-can-we-do (Philip's Insight on vaccination and the supply chain) -Usual Links- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/inoculating-the-liberal-international-order-insight/ (Read or comment on this article!) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (Listen to Spectacles In Conversation!) https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow our Twitter!) // https://www.tiktok.com/@spectacles.news (Follow our TikTok!)
The current fight over voting rights was bound to lose at the national level. Focusing on DC distracts from the real opportunities. -Important References- https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/redistricting-maps/ (That tool from 538) https://www.spectacles.news/birds-eye-making-american-elections-healthier (Our interview with Benjamin Singer) https://www.spectacles.news/beyond-gerrymandering-insight/ (Harry's old Insight about gerrymandering) https://www.spectacles.news/birds-eye-the-basics-of-party-systems (Our explainer of proportional representation) -Usual Links- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/eye-on-the-ball-focus/ (Read or comment on this article!) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (Listen to Spectacles In Conversation!) https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow our Twitter!) // https://www.tiktok.com/@spectacles.news (Follow our TikTok!)
Both parties have been hypocritical about the filibuster. It’s pretty easy to explain why. -Usual Links- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/why-the-filibuster-insight/ (Read or comment on this article!) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (Listen to Spectacles In Conversation!) https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow our Twitter!) // https://www.tiktok.com/@spectacles.news (Follow our TikTok!)
Three different officials from the Federal Reserve have resigned for shady trading. The problem goes far beyond them. -Important References- https://www.spectacles.news/confidence-and-competence-insight/ (On the importance of optics) -Usual Links- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/corruption-at-the-fed-insight/ (Read or comment on this article!) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (Listen to Spectacles In Conversation!) https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow our Twitter!) // https://www.tiktok.com/@spectacles.news (Follow our TikTok!)
The mess of what remains of Build Back Better illustrates a key challenge for democracy and the urgent need for the Biden administration to address it. -Important References- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-tunisian-democracy-deaths-door/ (On Tunisia, where democracy crumbled months ago due to feckless governance.) https://www.spectacles.news/black-gold-dark-money-insight/ (More on Joe Manchin's questionable campaign financing.) -Usual Links- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/confidence-and-competence-insight/ (Read or comment on this article!) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (Listen to Spectacles In Conversation!) https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow our Twitter!) https://www.tiktok.com/@spectacles.news (Follow our TikTok!)
Jordan’s king is billing new political reforms as steps toward democracy, but is he serious? -Usual Links- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/whos-in-charge-here-insight/ (To read or comment on this article, click here.) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (To listen to Spectacles In Conversation, click here.) https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow our Twitter!) https://www.tiktok.com/@spectacles.news (Follow our TikTok!)
In the face of a rising China, America has a strategy in mind. But it’s unclear we can actually make it happen. -Usual Links- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/is-washington-up-to-the-task-focus/ (To read or comment on this article, click here.) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (To listen to Spectacles In Conversation, click here.) https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow us on Twitter!)
Joe Biden wants back into the Iran deal. Even if it goes through, other countries don’t know what to expect from our foreign policy. -Usual Links- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/domestic-instability-is-ruining-foreign-policy-insight/ (To read or comment on this article, click here.) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (To listen to Spectacles In Conversation, click here.) https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow us on Twitter!)
From Disney World to the Saudi desert, the ultra-wealthy have long dreamed of being great founders. Some are more dangerous than others. -Important References- https://www.spectacles.news/the-post-liberal-roller-coaster-insight/ (Harry's Insight explaining National Conservatism) -Usual Links- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/arabian-nights-under-an-artificial-moon-focus/ (To read or comment on this article, click here.) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (To listen to Spectacles In Conversation, click here.) https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow us on Twitter!)
Spectacles examines the promises and perils of the Biden administration's international conference on democracy. -Important References- https://www.spectacles.news/the-future-of-peace-part-1-birds-eye/ (A Bird's Eye episode on international institutions) https://www.spectacles.news/insight-pandora-papers-expose-democracys-broken-promises/ (An Insight on transnational corruption) https://www.spectacles.news/robber-barons-and-stationary-bandits-birds-eye/ (A Bird's Eye episode on American corruption) https://www.spectacles.news/how-big-money-breaks-democracy-explained-insight/ (An Insight on how American corruption works) https://www.spectacles.news/focus-the-dangers-of-an-existential-struggle/ (A Focus on the limits of the dem-auth international framing) https://www.spectacles.news/a-losing-battle-with-no-winners-insight/ (An Insight on America's support for Saudi Arabia in Yemen) https://www.spectacles.news/bad-guys-winning-or-good-guys-losing-birds-eye/ (A Bird's Eye episode on whether dem recession is global or domestic) -Usual Links- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/talk-is-cheap-not-worthless-insight/ (To read or comment on this article, click here.) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (To listen to Spectacles In Conversation, click here.) https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow us on Twitter!)
Though it’s of international consequence, a domestic rift is at the heart of Ukraine’s troubles. -Usual Links- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/can-secession-be-legitimate-insight/ (To read or comment on this article, click here.) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (To listen to Spectacles In Conversation, click here.) https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow us on Twitter!)
We all know that somehow lobbying and campaign finance are a disaster for democracy. But why? And how is the system supposed to work? -Important References- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-trumps-allies-defying-subpoena-now-what (An Insight about how Congress has far more power than it uses to investigate 1/6) https://www.spectacles.news/insight-court-expansion-isnt-what-its-cracked-up-to-be (An Insight breaking down why an active Congress, not Court expansion, is a solution to SC power) https://www.spectacles.news/black-gold-dark-money-insight (An Insight about oil and gas misinformation and lobbying) https://www.spectacles.news/focus-the-supreme-court-political-unaccountable-and-all-too-powerful/ (A Focus from Harry about the Supreme Court's unhealthy amount of power) -Usual Links- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/how-big-money-breaks-democracy-explained-insight/ (To read or comment on this article, click here.) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (To listen to Spectacles In Conversation, click here.) https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow us on Twitter!)
An expansive new history of human political life is exhilarating, but ultimately an exercise in the same myth-making the authors condemn. -Usual Links- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/the-anarchists-cooked-book-focus/ (To read or comment on this article, click here.) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (To listen to Spectacles In Conversation, click here.) https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow us on Twitter!)
Andrew Cuomo’s precipitous fall from grace and the CCP’s silencing of Peng Shuai underscore the importance of activism. -Usual Links- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/metoo-and-democracy-in-essence-insight/ (To read or comment on this article, click here.) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (To listen to Spectacles In Conversation, click here.) https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow us on Twitter!)
There’s a new far-right candidate on the French political stage. What does his nostalgia for the past herald for the future of French democracy? -Important References- https://www.spectacles.news/21-07-05-le-pen-election (Insight from July on Le Pen) -Usual Links- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/the-many-faces-of-nostalgia-insight/ (To read or comment on this article, click here.) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (To listen to Spectacles In Conversation, click here.) https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow us on Twitter!)
Sudan has returned to a joint civil-military government after its military attempted to seize power, but the road ahead is by no means free of obstacles. -Important References- https://www.spectacles.news/deja-coup-insight (Philip's previous explanation of the coup) -Usual Links- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/the-despots-dilemma-insight/ (To read or comment on this article, click here.) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (To listen to Spectacles In Conversation, click here.) https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow us on Twitter!)
We want neat theories to explain how we got to where we are, and where to go next, but life isn’t so simple or scientific. -Important References- -Usual Links- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/james-baldwin-theories-and-the-moral-life-focus/ (To read or comment on this article, click here.) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (To listen to Spectacles In Conversation, click here.) https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow us on Twitter!)
Gerrymandering is a problem. But it’s not clear that America’s illnesses can be cured by independent redistricting. -Important References- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-learn-about-democracy-german-election/ (Our explanation of Germany's PR system) -Usual Links- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/beyond-gerrymandering-insight/ (To read or comment on this article, click here.) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (To listen to a discussion of this episode from Spectacles In Conversation, click here.) https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow us on Twitter!)
With inflation still on the rise, Democrats are paying a political price. But a closer look suggests that the economic reality is more mixed. Don't miss the Reflection discussion of this article, linked below! -Important References- https://www.spectacles.news/in-polls-we-trust-focus/ (Harry's recent Focus on the errors of poll-chasing) https://www.spectacles.news/insight-as-shortages-abound-what-can-we-do/ (Philip's previous Insight on the supply chain and inflation) https://www.spectacles.news/insight-are-we-getting-inflation-all-wrong/ (Harry's Insight on how spending could reduce inflation) https://www.spectacles.news/insight-the-big-fail-on-our-tvs (Philip's Insight on media hypocrisy regarding Afghanistan) https://www.spectacles.news/black-gold-dark-money-insight (Philip's Insight making the case for common sense) -Usual Links- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/a-different-perspective-on-inflation-insight/ (To read or comment on this article, click here.) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (To listen to a discussion of this episode from Spectacles In Conversation, click here.) https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow us on Twitter!)
Democrats are scrambling to develop a strategy for winning in a bad political environment. Polls can help, but they won’t be nearly enough. -Usual Links- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/in-polls-we-trust-focus/ (To read or comment on this article, click here.) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (To listen to Spectacles In Conversation, click here.) https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow us on Twitter!)
Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega won re-election after jailing opposition, but some American commentators see nothing wrong. -Important References- https://www.spectacles.news/backsliding-in-budapest-birds-eye/ (The recent Bird's Eye episode discussing Hungary's example of similar behavior) -Usual Links- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/ortegas-propaganda-peddlers-insight/ (To read or comment on this article, click here.) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (To listen to a discussion of this episode from Spectacles In Conversation, click here.) https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow us on Twitter!)
Ethiopia’s civil conflict marks its first anniversary. And yet there still hasn’t been a clear explanation of how it happened. -Important References- https://www.crisisgroup.org/africa/horn-africa/ethiopia/b175-ethiopias-civil-war-cutting-deal-stop-bloodshed (Mr. Davison's excellent and detailed briefing on the current conflict.) https://www.spectacles.news/a-losing-battle-with-no-winners-insight (Harry's piece on the civil war in Yemen.) -Usual Links- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/what-really-happened-in-ethiopia-insight/ (To read or comment on this article, click here.) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (To listen to Spectacles In Conversation, click here.) https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow us on Twitter!)
Is President Biden’s big bipartisan spend on infrastructure a sign of the future to come, or a post-COVID blip we’ll soon forget? -Important References- https://www.spectacles.news/the-missing-link-in-the-climate-debate-focus/ (Philip's recent Focus) -Usual Links- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/building-roads-to-the-future-insight/ (To read or comment on this article, click here.) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (To listen to Spectacles In Conversation, click here.) https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow us on Twitter!)
Much ado about spending can obscure just how critical regulatory reform is to reaching a sustainable future. -Important References- https://www.spectacles.news/birds-eye-small-gov-models/ (That early Bird's Eye episode I mentioned) -Usual Links- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/the-missing-link-in-the-climate-debate-focus/ (To read or comment on this article, click here.) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (To listen to Spectacles In Conversation, click here.) https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow us on Twitter!)
Lack of accountability for a drone strike that killed ten civilians indicates a new need for oversight. -Usual Links- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/laundering-bloody-brass-insight/ (To read or comment on this article, click here.) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (To listen to Spectacles In Conversation, click here.) https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow us on Twitter!)
“National Conservatives” met next door to Disney World, but it’s no joke. What is this movement, and how is it a danger to democracy? -Usual Links- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/the-post-liberal-roller-coaster-insight/ (To read or comment on this article, click here.) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (To listen to a discussion of this episode from Spectacles In Conversation, click here.) https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow us on Twitter!)
Following one summit in Rome and an upcoming one on climate in Glasgow, world leaders differ on climate action. Correction: Other invited leaders were not in attendance besides Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping. We should have stated that they were two of the major leaders missing. -Usual Links- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/on-climate-summits-and-speeches-insight/ (To read or comment on this article, click here.) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (To listen to Spectacles In Conversation, click here.) https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow us on Twitter!)
Barack Obama promised hope and change. Why didn’t his leadership deliver it?
https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/a-promised-leader-undelivered-focus/ (To read or comment on this article, click here.) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (To listen to Spectacles In Conversation, click here.) https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow us on Twitter!)
Oil companies testified before Congress on climate misinformation campaigns, but politicians should take a look in the mirror. -Usual Links- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/black-gold-dark-money-insight/ (To read or comment on this article, click here.) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (To listen to Spectacles In Conversation, click here.) https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow us on Twitter!)
Sudanese citizens are taking to the streets to protest a military coup, but the global trend is against them. -Usual Links- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/deja-coup-insight/ (To read or comment on this article, click here.) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (To listen to Spectacles In Conversation, click here.) https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow us on Twitter!)
Yemen’s civil war rages on. Unless the United States can come to terms with its poor strategic and moral position, things will only get worse. -Important References- https://www.spectacles.news/focus-the-dangers-of-an-existential-struggle (On the global competition between democracy and autocracy) -Usual Links- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/a-losing-battle-with-no-winners-insight/ (To read or comment on this article, click here.) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (To listen to a discussion of this episode from Spectacles In Conversation, click here.) https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow us on Twitter!)
The fall of the Soviet Union promised democracy’s global triumph. But we quickly forgot the principles that brought our victory. -Important References- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-the-life-and-death-debate-for-liberal-democracy/ (The Insight about the death penalty) -Usual Links- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/why-autocracy-persists-focus/ (To read or comment on this article, click here.) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (To listen to Spectacles In Conversation, click here.) https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow us on Twitter!)
Choosing to dodge conflict with Poland over its backsliding democracy and eroding rule of law would be a mistake for the European Union. -Usual Links- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/time-for-europe-to-get-serious-insight/ (To read or comment on this article, click here.) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (To listen to a discussion of this episode from Spectacles In Conversation, click here.) https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow us on Twitter!)
The impending approval of Russia’s natural gas pipeline to Germany is a reminder of how autocracies may be empowered by global trade. Don't forget to tune into Spectacles: In Conversation for an extended discussion of this article's topic! -Important References- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world (About Germany's susceptibility to the "trap of believing in neutral exchange") -Usual Links- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/putins-power-politics-insight/ (To read or comment on this article, click here.) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (To listen to a discussion of this episode from Spectacles In Conversation, click here.) https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow us on Twitter!)
With some boycotting Toyota, it’s critical we keep a focus on the importance of innovation broadly rather than one favorite green technology. -Usual Links- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/toyota-boycott-blunder-insight/ (To read or comment on this article, click here.) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (To listen to Spectacles In Conversation, click here.) https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow us on Twitter!)
As a wave of strikes hits the United States, we need to ask not only why it’s happening, but what role unions play in a liberal democracy. -Important References- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-as-shortages-abound-what-can-we-do/ (Learn more about those shortages we mentioned) https://www.spectacles.news/birds-eye-big-gov-models/ (Hear our discussion of the need for democracy beyond the ballot box) -Usual Links- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/insight-striking-for-democracy/ (To read or comment on this article, click here.) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (To listen to Spectacles In Conversation, click here.) https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow us on Twitter!)
Contrary to popular objections, it looks like more spending could reduce economic pressure now and curb inflation in the future. -Important References- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-as-shortages-abound-what-can-we-do/ (Learn more about logistics and supply chain challenges.) -Usual Links- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/insight-are-we-getting-inflation-all-wrong/ (To read or comment on this article, click here.) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (To listen to Spectacles In Conversation, click here.) https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow us on Twitter!)
As some of Donald Trump’s top lieutenants defy congressional subpoenas, a couple options are available to enforce the rule of law. -Usual Links- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/insight-trumps-allies-defying-subpoena-now-what/ (To read or comment on this article, click here.) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (To listen to Spectacles In Conversation, click here.) https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow us on Twitter!)
As the climate crisis and a decline in global cooperation fuel migration, we must recognize the relationships between the challenges we face, if we are to solve them. -Usual Links- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/focus-the-systemic-challenge-of-immigration-explained/ (To read or comment on this article, click here.) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (To listen to Spectacles In Conversation, click here.) https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow us on Twitter!)
Elections in Iraq are set to take place this weekend amidst developments that demonstrate the challenges of democratization in a globalized world. -Important References- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-the-misadventure-of-nation-building-in-afghanistan (Read or listen to our article on the failures of nation-building in Afghanistan) -Usual Links- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/insight-vote-buying-boycotts-and-international-meddling-in-iraq/ (To read or comment on this article, click here.) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (To listen to Spectacles In Conversation, click here.) https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow us on Twitter!)
On reservation land within a major Canadian city, a First Nation is pursuing an ambitious project to reimagine urban development. -Important References- https://www.spectacles.news/focus-what-i-learned-in-becoming-an-e-resident-of-estonia/ (Recent article on Estonian digital bureaucracy) https://www.spectacles.news/birds-eye-making-american-elections-healthier/ (Recent discussion of voting system reform) -Usual Links- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/insight-squamish-first-nation-provides-a-glimpse-at-the-city-of-tomorrow/ (To read or comment on this article, click here.) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (To listen to a discussion of this episode from Spectacles In Conversation, click here.) https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow us on Twitter!)
Documents detailing the extent of political and economic elites’ habitual tax evasion demonstrate the need for—and difficulty of—reform.
https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/insight-pandora-papers-expose-democracys-broken-promises/ (To read or comment on this article, click here.) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (To listen to a discussion of this episode from Spectacles In Conversation, click here.) https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow us on Twitter!)
The small nation of Estonia, with its world-class digital democracy and social services, demonstrates the importance of humility and learning from other countries.
https://www.eesti.ee/en (Click here to visit the Estonian government portal.) (it's pretty cool) https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/focus-what-i-learned-in-becoming-an-e-resident-of-estonia/ (To read or comment on this article, click here.) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (To listen to Spectacles In Conversation, click here.) https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow us on Twitter!)
Key domestic factions lent soft support to the Tunisian president’s suspension of parliament. They and the country are now paying the price.
https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/insight-tunisian-democracy-sheds-the-burden-of-reciprocity/ (To read or comment on this article, click here.) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (To listen to a discussion of this episode from Spectacles In Conversation, click here.) Read or listen to our previous coverage of Tunisia https://www.spectacles.news/insight-tunisian-democracy-deaths-door (here) and https://www.spectacles.news/insight-democracy-crossing-deaths-threshold-in-tunisia (here). https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow us on Twitter!)
As America’s supply-chains fail to recover, a great weakness of the free market and democracy rears its head, but it is an opportunity, not a crisis.
https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/insight-as-shortages-abound-what-can-we-do/ (To read or comment on this article, click here.) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (To listen to a discussion of this episode from Spectacles In Conversation, click here.) https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow us on Twitter!)
Germany’s unique electoral system, which allows multiple parties to viably compete for power, sheds light on American struggles.
https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/insight-learn-about-democracy-german-election/ (To read or comment on this article, click here.) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (To listen to Spectacles In Conversation, click here.) https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow us on Twitter!)
Over-promise and under-deliver has become D.C.’s unspoken rule. When politics is a performance, of course the show must go on, but how does it end?
https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/#/portal/ (Visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter!) https://www.spectacles.news/focus-why-does-american-politics-feel-like-theater/ (To read or comment on this article, click here.) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (To listen to Spectacles In Conversation, click here.) https://twitter.com/SpectaclesMedia (Follow us on Twitter!)
Held back by a managerial state and acute discomfort with strong global engagement, the upcoming German election seems out of touch with the times.
https://www.spectacles.news/insight-normalcy-an-inadequate-solution-in-a-changing-world/ (To read or comment on this article, click here.) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (To listen to Spectacles In Conversation, click here.)
The appointment of former public defenders to the ranks of the federal judiciary is a welcome change that is unfortunately more important than it should be.
https://www.spectacles.news/insight-the-ball-is-in-the-courts-now/ (To read or comment on this article, click here.) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (To listen to Spectacles In Conversation, click here.)
Following the passing of one of comedy’s greatest of all time, we have a moment to pause and consider what humor can do for us in a democracy.
https://www.spectacles.news/focus-lessons-from-norm-macdonald/ (To read or comment on this article, click here.) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (To listen to Spectacles In Conversation, click here.)
A new defensive pact may help to shore up regional security against Chinese expansion, but it’s a partial solution with its own drawbacks.
https://www.spectacles.news/insight-the-promises-and-perils-of-australias-new-submarines/ (To read or comment on this article, click here.) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (To listen to the editorial discussion of this article on Spectacles In Conversation, click here.)
In the midst of political chaos following the assassination of a president, Haiti offers us cause to reflect on American foreign policy.
https://www.spectacles.news/insight-disastrous-developments-in-haiti/ (To read or comment on this article, click here.) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (To listen to the editorial discussion of this article on Spectacles In Conversation, click here.)
The Biden administration’s silence on its withdrawal of valuable missile defenses from Saudi Arabia is perplexing, given the kingdom’s unpopularity in the United States.
https://www.spectacles.news/insight-saudi-arabias-missing-missile-mystery/ (To read or comment on this article, click here.) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (To listen to the editorial discussion of this article on Spectacles In Conversation, click here.)
Europe's increasing attractiveness as a model for reformers in the United States, while justified, is cause for an evaluation of political tradeoffs.
https://www.spectacles.news/focus-bureaucratic-tyranny-with-democratic-characteristics/ (To read or comment on this article, click here.) https://www.spectacles.news/tag/focus/ (To read other Focus articles, click here.) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (To listen to Spectacles In Conversation, click here.)
The elimination of religion from politics is a white-whale goal for many liberals. But is it achievable or desirable?
https://www.spectacles.news/focus-an-unconventional-answer-to-contemporary-chaos/ (For that recent Focus about a similar topic, click here.) https://www.spectacles.news/insight-the-life-and-death-debate-for-liberal-democracy/ (To read or comment on this article, click here.) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (To listen to Spectacles In Conversation, click here.)
Following the passage of significant housing legislation in California, NIMBY interest groups maintain a misleading facade in their opposition.
https://www.spectacles.news/insight-housing-crises-and-interest-group-deception/ (To read or comment on this article, click here.) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (To listen to the editorial discussion of this article on Spectacles In Conversation, click here.)
Our current crisis is not one easily solved by simple facts or fancy rhetoric. What we need is new leadership more romantically attached to national ideals than petty vanity.
To read or comment on this article, click here. https://www.spectacles.news/tag/focus/ (To read other Focus articles, click here.)
As the Court faces rightful condemnation for its ruling on Texas law, it’s worth re-examining proposals to expand the Court.
https://www.spectacles.news/insight-court-expansion-isnt-what-its-cracked-up-to-be/ (To read or comment on this article, click here.) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (To listen to Spectacles In Conversation, click here.)
Jair Bolsonaro’s preparation for a contested election against Lula da Silva is a clear sign that things are about to get worse in Brazil’s already jeopardized democracy.
https://www.spectacles.news/insight-brazils-bolsonaro-all-in-shows-his-hand/ (To read or comment on this article, click here.) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (To listen to the editorial discussion of this article on Spectacles In Conversation, click here.)
As Tunisia’s democratic crisis worsens, it’s important to reconsider the status quo solution of economic sanctions.
https://www.spectacles.news/insight-democracy-crossing-deaths-threshold-in-tunisia/ (To read or comment on this article, click here.) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (To listen to the editorial discussion of this article on Spectacles In Conversation, click here.) -- https://www.spectacles.news/insight-tunisian-democracy-deaths-door/ (To read the previous Insight about Tunisia, click here.) https://www.spectacles.news/insight-the-misadventure-of-nation-building-in-afghanistan/ (To read the Insight about Afghanistan referenced in this article, click here.)
The Supreme Court has exercised too much authority over American political life for centuries, and the urgent need for reform pre-dates today’s conservative justices.
https://www.spectacles.news/focus-the-supreme-court-political-unaccountable-and-all-too-powerful/ (To read or comment on this article, click here.) https://www.spectacles.news/tag/focus/ (To read other Focus articles, click here.) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (To listen to the editorial discussion of this article on Spectacles In Conversation, click here.)
Full FDA approval could mean more mandates and more division. But it probably wouldn't be that bad, and it would be worth it.
https://www.spectacles.news/insight-fda-approval-political-crossroads/ (To read or comment on this article, click here.) https://www.spectacles.news/tag/insight/ (To read other Insights, click here.) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (To listen to the editorial discussion of this article on Spectacles In Conversation, click here.)
House Democrats just passed a new voting rights bill, but it’s not enough to secure democracy’s future.
To read or comment on this article, click here. https://www.spectacles.news/tag/insight/ (To read other Insights, click here.) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (To listen to the editorial discussion of this article on Spectacles In Conversation, click here.)
The mainstream media’s coverage of Afghanistan has revealed a startling lack of ability to reflect and a parasitic need to generate controversy.
https://www.spectacles.news/insight-the-big-fail-on-our-tvs/ (To read or comment on this article, click here.) https://www.spectacles.news/tag/insight/ (To read other Insights, click here.) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (To listen to the editorial discussion of this article on Spectacles In Conversation, click here.) https://https://www.spectacles.news/insight-the-misadventure-of-nation-building-in-afghanistan/ (Friday's Insight and Reflection discussed at end of episode.)
As we launch publicly, it’s time to take a step back and explain the enduring importance of liberal democracy and how Spectacles aims to help it.
https://www.spectacles.news/focus-why-liberal-democracy/ (To read or comment on this article, click here.) https://www.spectacles.news/tag/insight/ (To read other Insights, click here.) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (To listen to Spectacles In Conversation, click here.)
The misguided project of nation-building explains the United States’ failure after twenty years in Afghanistan, as well as why it would be a catastrophic mistake to go back.
https://www.spectacles.news/insight-the-misadventure-of-nation-building-in-afghanistan/ (To read or comment on this article, click here.) https://www.spectacles.news/tag/insight/ (To read other Insights, click here.) https://spectacles-birds-eye.captivate.fm/listen (To listen to the editorial discussion of this article on Spectacles In Conversation, click here.)
The latest IPCC report demonstrates the scope of the climate crisis, but it’s not clear that politicians know how to get citizens to care.
https://www.spectacles.news/insight-raising-temperature-on-rhetoric/ (To read or comment on this article, click here.) https://www.spectacles.news/tag/insight/ (To read other Insights, click here.)
Today Insight provides an update on the situation in South Africa, which we last discussed weeks ago. The damage caused by widespread unrest in South Africa highlights the failure of the country’s current leadership to reverse abysmal material conditions.
https://www.spectacles.news/insight-south-africa-aftermath-shattered-democracy/ (To read or comment on this article, click here.) https://www.spectacles.news/tag/insight/ (To read other Insights, click here.)
Today, Spectacles uncovers the nasty truth behind the Hungarian Prime Minister Tucker Carlson has lately been promoting as a paragon of freedom and explains why this is so important to be aware of for the sake of our democracy. https://www.spectacles.news/insight-mr-carlson-goes-to-budapest/ (To read or comment on this article, click here.) https://player.captivate.fm/collection/fd736403-77ca-4baa-9019-b8dd42096192 (To listen to other episodes of Insight, click here.)
On this episode, Harry dives into the popular narrative circulating today, that America's foreign policy ought to be framed as an ideological battle and explores how this is misleading at best and downright dangerous at worst. https://www.spectacles.news/focus-the-dangers-of-an-existential-struggle/ (To read the article online or make a comment, click here.) Further reading: Tomorrow, the World, by Stephen Wertheim. "A Foreign Policy for the American People," speech by United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
Today, Insight considers Missouri governor Mike Parsons's recent pardons, the political nature of this type of action, and how upcoming state legislation may improve the prospects for liberating the wrongfully convicted. https://www.spectacles.news/insight-parsons-pardons/ (Click here to read or comment on this article.)
Today, Insight takes a closer look at the new Japanese policy of publicly naming COVID quarantine violators, subjecting them to public shame, yielding some interesting lessons about the importance of community in a healthy democracy. https://www.spectacles.news/insight-japan-name-and-shame/ (Read or comment online here.)
Today, Insight breaks down the background of Congress's recent failure to act on the national eviction moratorium. Beyond creating a potential housing crisis, Insight explores political cowardice from people like Nancy Pelosi and the kinds of consequences it can bring. Read online and comment https://www.spectacles.news/insight-impending-evictions/ (here)
Today, Philip examines the current debate over social media censorship and takes a close look at what's really at work to create our current dilemma.
https://www.spectacles.news/birds-eye-small-gov-models/ (Bird's Eye regarding small government) https://www.gutenberg.org/files/20203/20203-h/20203-h.htm (Ben Franklin's Autobiography)
Today, Insight discuss the infrastructure bill set to pass the Senate with bipartisan support and why it’s worth questioning how productive bipartisanship really is in our polarized era. To learn more about the sister legislation mentioned in this episode, https://www.spectacles.news/21-07-16-bidens-big-reconciliation/ (click here).
Today, Insight discusses testimonies of the just-begun January 6th hearings and the recent decision by the Justice Department not to stand in as defendant for a Representative accused of inciting the violence.
Today, Insight reflects on the sad closure of Tunisia's democracy and finds a cautionary tale about our own.
On this episode of Focus, Harry explores the history of American education and considers some crucial lessons for today's debates over critical race theory.
Further Reading: An Education in Politics, by Jesse Rhodes. This is a nice history of education policy in the second half of the twentieth century and the first decade of the twenty-first, very much an academic text but a useful one nonetheless. I drew on Rhodes’ analysis of how institutional fragmentation produced disparate outcomes among different groups for my own argument.Critical Race Theory: An Introduction, by Richard Delgado and Jean Stefancic. There’s a lot of polemicism and misinformation being spread right now about Critical Race Theory, so I picked this introductory text by one of its founding theorists, Richard Delgado, to get a better sense of what CRT really has to say about race in America.Intelligently Designed: How Creationists Built the Campaign Against Evolution, by Edward Caudill. This is a well-written, well-researched, and easy-to-read book on the history of battles over the teaching of evolution in schools in the United States. I used it for my discussion of the Scopes trial.“Schooling the State: ESEA and the Evolution of the U.S. Department of Education,” by Patrick McGuinn. This article is a useful reference point for understanding some of the history of education policy in the United States, particularly the federal government’s role.“The Struggle Over Public Education in Early America,” by Amy Smekar, David A. Moss, and Gregory DiBella, in Democracy: A Case Study, by David A. Moss. Moss wrote this remarkably accessible text in 2017, which utilizes the Harvard Business School’s case study method for analyzing American democracy. I drew on it for the historical information on education in the early republic.
Today, Insight discusses the recent revival of a federal moratorium on capital punishment and reflects on the place of capital punishment in a healthy liberal democracy.