Turning points
What’s been holding back those U.S.-Iran nuclear talks? What’s happening to democracy in Mexico? + New music from Ben LaMar Gay and Baxter Dury. What’s so important about Sly Stone and Brian Wilson? &c. … The member’s despatch, Week XXIV.
Cultivated conflict
Why are American states banning lab-grown meat? Hanna Tuomisto on the technology, economics, and politics of a new industry.
Red sea
Why is China building so many ships? Brian Hart on its plan to turn overwhelming commercial advantage into military power.
Midnight sun
Is anyone actually winning in Ukraine? Why do so many ex-Soviet kleptocrats live in London? + Music from Yussef Dayes. What’s drill rap—and what happens when you mix it with American jazz? &c. … The member’s despatch, Week XXIII.
Only connect
Why are Americans becoming so lonely? Milena Batanova on a problem U.S. officials have called an “epidemic.”
Connections
What does financial repression in autocracies have to do with financial freedom in democracies? Justin Callais on human flourishing in the modern world.
House money
Why are countries around the world developing virtual legal tenders? Roger Huang on the origins, implementation, and implications of central bank digital currencies.
Under Paris skies, cont.
Under Paris skies, cont. Victor Granic writes in re. Pavel Durov’s detention in France: “… the question is why Durov
Untouchable
Why has Bitcoin become so popular with dissidents living in dictatorships? Farida Nabourema on what the emerging technology has in common with an old suitcase stuffed with cash.
‘Immortal Hands’
‘Immortal Hands.’ Stereolab has come out of hibernation with their first album in 15 years, Instant Holograms on Metal Film,
