The Signal

Mar. 21, 2025 | The Signal

We’ve got company

Developments, debates, new music, and more. Member’s despatch | Week XII, MMXXV

17 minute read

Mar. 21, 2025 | Michael Bluhm

That other conflict

Why is the U.S. bombing in Yemen? Vali Nasr on the repercussions of Iran’s new weakness in a transformed Middle East.

2 minute read

Mar. 21, 2025 | Gustav Jönsson

The surveillance States

What’s the conflict over government surveillance in America really about? Anthony Gregory on privacy rights, national security, and the reality of being a global superpower.

2 minute read

Mar. 19, 2025 | Michael Bluhm & Scott Kennedy

Chinese chess

What’s Beijing’s strategy for dealing with Donald Trump? Scott Kennedy on where China sees the threats and opportunities from the new U.S. administration.

12 minute read

Mar. 17, 2025 | Gustav Jönsson & Quinn Slobodian

Firsts among citizens

Is there really a “new oligarchy” in America? Quinn Slobodian on why so many Silicon Valley billionaires have gotten so involved in everyday American politics.

11 minute read

Mar. 16, 2025 | Allison Braden & Josh Rudolph

‘It’s a hydra’

What can democracies do about autocratic interference? Josh Rudolph on the challenges of resistance and resiliency.

13 minute read

Mar. 16, 2025 | Justin Callais & J.J. Gould

Enigmas

What exactly is the problem here? Justin Callais on the ambiguities of corruption.

12 minute read

Mar. 16, 2025 | Michael Bluhm & Miranda Patrucić

Organized crime

Why do dictators keep disrupting so many other countries? Miranda Patrucić on what China and Russia are doing in neighboring nations, developing states, and the world’s most powerful democracies.