Spectacles Out Loud

Our previous coverage of Hungary's recent election

Can the EU Bring Hungary to Heel? | Insight

Spectacles Media — Mon, 02 May 2022 07:00:00 -0700

Hungary’s rocky relationship with the EU is about to get rockier. Could current tensions initiate an exit?

-Important References-

-Share If You Care-

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Stalin and the Nazis: Unusual Comrades | Focus

Spectacles Media — Sun, 01 May 2022 08:00:00 -0700

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-

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Coloring Inside the Lines | Insight

Spectacles Media — Fri, 29 Apr 2022 07:00:00 -0700

New York Dems have been denied their gerrymander. They’ll need to find more productive ways to push the boundaries.

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-Share if you care-

Interim Interruptions | Insight

Spectacles Media — Wed, 27 Apr 2022 07:00:00 -0700

The Senate is making it harder to fill key posts in the government. The ready fix may not be a fix at all.

A Gloomy Future for Free Speech? | Focus

Spectacles Media — Sun, 24 Apr 2022 09:00:00 -0700

Conservatives are using the power of the state to curtail freedom of speech. Will progressives step up to defend it?

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Putin May Yet Be a Master Strategist | Insight

Spectacles Media — Fri, 22 Apr 2022 07:00:00 -0700

The invasion of Ukraine has driven the West together and heightened militarization. It’s not perfectly clear that’s a good thing.

-Usual Links-

Listen to our interview with Professor Aldrich

Mudslides and Mistrust | Insight

Spectacles Media — Wed, 20 Apr 2022 07:00:00 -0700

As South Africa reels from devastating floods, a lack of trust between officials and citizens could make recovery difficult.

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Does “Europe” Include Ukraine? | Insight

Spectacles Media — Wed, 13 Apr 2022 07:00:00 -0700

EU leadership is making Ukraine seem like a shoe-in. That dodges some hard—but vital—questions.

-Important References-

Is Ukraine a democracy?

-Usual Links-

See Macron's famous interview with The Economist

Why the French Election Matters | Insight

Spectacles Media — Mon, 11 Apr 2022 07:00:00 -0700

In France, politics is about personality, not party, and that could spell real trouble for any democracy.

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Note: Between recording and publishing, election results shifted slightly. Find the most up to date numbers here.

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N(EU)clear Failure | Guest Insight

Spectacles Media — Wed, 30 Mar 2022 07:00:00 -0700

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.

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Words and Wars | Insight

Spectacles Media — Mon, 28 Mar 2022 07:00:00 -0700

How much damage will Biden’s slip of the tongue do?

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Article about Russia's incompetent economic management

Why the West Will Win | Focus

Spectacles Media — Sun, 27 Mar 2022 08:00:00 -0700

Or, how the very features which led the West to self-doubt and awe of autocracy will ensure democracy’s triumph.

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Explaining "mediatization"

Shout, You’re on Camera | Insight

Spectacles Media — Fri, 25 Mar 2022 07:00:00 -0700

Ketanji Brown Jackson’s Supreme Court confirmation hearings featured the usual political absurdities. Would cutting the cameras fix it?

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Harry's primer on the post-liberal right

Spectacles, but for Bad Guys | Insight

Spectacles Media — Wed, 23 Mar 2022 07:00:00 -0700

A new magazine seeks to build a coalition between left- and right-wing critics of liberalism. What explains their alliance?

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That research about voting behavior

Vote With Your Ballot

Spectacles Media — Mon, 21 Mar 2022 07:00:00 -0700

Some people think punishing the president for high gas prices is nonsensical. In fact, it’s a profoundly honest expression of what democracy promises.

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How Not to Build Democracy | Focus

Spectacles Media — Sun, 20 Mar 2022 08:00:00 -0700

Development assistance is one way the United States can help other countries democratize. But it could use a rethink.

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Harry's piece on "republic" vs. "democracy"

Madison v. DeSantis | Insight

Spectacles Media — Fri, 18 Mar 2022 07:00:00 -0700

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.

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Good Medicine, Political Poison | Insight

Spectacles Media — Wed, 16 Mar 2022 07:00:00 -0700

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-

Noah Smith's post

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Young thinker? Write with us!

Not Tired of Losing Yet | Insight

Spectacles Media — Mon, 14 Mar 2022 07:00:00 -0700

Breaking down the theory of “mediatization” helps explain why Kristi Noem keeps fighting her own party and losing.

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Angelica's blog, Taipology

Taiwan’s Nuclear Memories | Angelica Oung

Spectacles Media — Sun, 13 Mar 2022 09:00:00 -0700

The tragic forty-year history of Taiwan’s Fourth Nuclear Plant yields key lessons on energy policy, democracy, security, and more.

-Important References-

Our conversation with Angelica

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Harry's piece on American political theater

The Pork Is Back in Town | Insight

Spectacles Media — Fri, 11 Mar 2022 07:00:00 -0700

Congress is reviving pork barrel politics. By allowing legislators to bring home big projects, it could rejuvenate Congress—or corruption.

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How to Solve the Blood Shortage | Guest Insight

Spectacles Media — Wed, 09 Mar 2022 07:00:00 -0700

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.

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Write with us like Ben!

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On Joe Manchin and American corruption

Why Are They Called Oligarchs? | Insight

Spectacles Media — Fri, 04 Mar 2022 07:00:00 -0700

Russian oligarchs and American billionaires: some say there’s hardly any difference. Harry explains, “What’s in a name?”

-Important References-

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International corruption: the Pandora Papers, explained

Explainer: Is Ukraine a Democracy? | Insight

Spectacles Media — Wed, 02 Mar 2022 07:00:00 -0700

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-

Why geopolitics isn't democracy v autocracy

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Chartbook #68 by Adam Tooze

What’s There to Say? | Insight

Spectacles Media — Fri, 25 Feb 2022 07:00:00 -0700

There’s a wealth of useful information out there on the events unfolding in Ukraine, which we’ve compiled here for readers.

-Important References-

Rob Lee

Max Seddon

Michael Kofman

The Power of The Dollar by Bryce Johnston

Kyiv Independent

Financial Times

Who's your member of Congress?

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Our special discussion with Bryce

The Power of the Dollar | Insight

Spectacles Media — Wed, 23 Feb 2022 07:00:00 -0700

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-

Bryce's last piece for Spectacles, about CBDCs

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Are We a Republic? | Focus

Spectacles Media — Sun, 20 Feb 2022 09:00:00 -0700

The concept of republicanism, flattened by rhetoric and partisanship, deserves a revival.

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Derek Thompson's Atlantic Article

The Disease of Medical Lobbying | Insight

Spectacles Media — Fri, 18 Feb 2022 07:00:00 -0700

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-

Listen to our discussion of this piece!

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July 26, 2021 - The first signs of collapse

Curtains for Tunisian Democracy | Insight

Spectacles Media — Mon, 14 Feb 2022 07:00:00 -0700

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:

August 30, 2021 - Considering our options

October 1, 2021 - Asking how this happened

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Philip's last check-in on Boris

The Boris Bet | Insight

Spectacles Media — Fri, 11 Feb 2022 07:00:00 -0700

Boris Johnson remains in a state of perma-crisis, but it could cost his party dearly to turn on him now.

-Important References-

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Don't miss the extra discussion of this topic and the legal claims here, from Spectacles In Conversation!

Cougars or Duplexes: Which Are Scarier? | Insight

Spectacles Media — Wed, 09 Feb 2022 07:00:00 -0700

Last year, we thought California had killed single-family zoning. But this Bay Area enclave would rather have mountain lions than new homes.

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-

Harry's previous Insight on SB9 and 10

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Capital on the Hill | Insight

Spectacles Media — Mon, 07 Feb 2022 07:00:00 -0700

As congressional staffers vent about poor wages and working conditions, it’s worth considering what happens when public servants are poorly compensated.

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When in Rome? | Focus

Spectacles Media — Sun, 06 Feb 2022 10:00:00 -0700

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. 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 podcast, and his book on this period.

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Philip explains the supply chain crunch and what to do

It’s Global Trade, Stupid | Insight

Spectacles Media — Fri, 04 Feb 2022 07:00:00 -0700

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-

Harry points to how actions usually thought to increase inflation could reduce it

Harry discusses how inflation has been unequally distributed

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Ukraine and the Tragedy of Geopolitics | Guest Insight

Spectacles Media — Wed, 02 Feb 2022 07:00:00 -0700

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.

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The Rules of Law | Insight

Spectacles Media — Mon, 31 Jan 2022 09:00:00 -0700

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-

Jacob Chansley interview

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A Democracy of the Deserving | Focus

Spectacles Media — Sun, 30 Jan 2022 08:00:00 -0700

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

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80 Year Old Man Quits Job | Insight

Spectacles Media — Fri, 28 Jan 2022 07:00:00 -0700

Stephen Breyer is retiring from the Supreme Court. For Democrats, it’s a win. For democracy, it’s harder to say.

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Philp's Insight on the coup in Sudan

Explaining the Coup in Burkina Faso | Insight

Spectacles Media — Wed, 26 Jan 2022 07:00:00 -0700

Africa’s Sahel region witnesses its fifth coup in the past year. This one is the first to really imperil a democracy.

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On Germany and Nord Stream 2

Putin’s “Power” Politics Pay Off | Insight

Spectacles Media — Mon, 24 Jan 2022 07:00:00 -0700

As the situation on the Ukrainian border grows more tense, the United States finds itself in a hole of its own digging.

-Important References-

On China's beating the house

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Another Insight on the meaning of "free market"

Europe’s Check on Big Tech | Insight

Spectacles Media — Fri, 21 Jan 2022 07:00:00 -0700

The European Parliament wants to regulate the tech industry. There are problems, especially regarding freedom of expression.

-Important References-

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Philip's Focus on Estonian digital citizenship

Big Brother's Bank Account? | Guest Insight

Spectacles Media — Wed, 19 Jan 2022 07:00:00 -0700

Digital currencies hold great promise, but democracies need to be careful. Both within and without, authoritarians could reap all the benefits.

-Important References-

Bryce's Twitter

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Philip's Insight on vaccination and the supply chain

Inoculating Liberalism | Insight

Spectacles Media — Mon, 17 Jan 2022 07:00:00 -0700

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-

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Our interview with Benjamin Singer

Eye On The Ball | Focus

Spectacles Media — Sun, 16 Jan 2022 09:00:00 -0700

The current fight over voting rights was bound to lose at the national level. Focusing on DC distracts from the real opportunities.

-Important References-

That tool from 538

Harry's old Insight about gerrymandering

Our explainer of proportional representation

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Why the Filibuster? | Insight

Spectacles Media — Fri, 14 Jan 2022 07:00:00 -0700

Both parties have been hypocritical about the filibuster. It’s pretty easy to explain why.

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On the importance of optics

Corruption! At the Fed | Insight

Spectacles Media — Wed, 12 Jan 2022 07:00:00 -0700

Three different officials from the Federal Reserve have resigned for shady trading. The problem goes far beyond them.

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On Tunisia, where democracy crumbled months ago due to feckless governance.

Confidence and Competence | Insight

Spectacles Media — Mon, 10 Jan 2022 07:00:00 -0700

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-

More on Joe Manchin's questionable campaign financing.

-Usual Links-

Follow our Twitter!

Follow our TikTok!

Who’s in Charge Here? | Insight

Spectacles Media — Fri, 07 Jan 2022 07:00:00 -0700

Jordan’s king is billing new political reforms as steps toward democracy, but is he serious?

-Usual Links-

To listen to Spectacles In Conversation, click here.

Follow our Twitter!

Follow our TikTok!

Is Washington Up to The Task? | Focus

Spectacles Media — Sun, 19 Dec 2021 08:30:00 -0700

In the face of a rising China, America has a strategy in mind. But it’s unclear we can actually make it happen.

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To listen to Spectacles In Conversation, click here.

Domestic Instability is Ruining Foreign Policy | Insight

Spectacles Media — Mon, 13 Dec 2021 07:00:00 -0700

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.

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To listen to Spectacles In Conversation, click here.

Arabian Nights Under an Artificial Moon | Focus

Spectacles Media — Sun, 12 Dec 2021 08:00:00 -0700

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-

Harry's Insight explaining National Conservatism

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To listen to Spectacles In Conversation, click here.

Talk Is Cheap, Not Worthless | Insight

Spectacles Media — Fri, 10 Dec 2021 07:00:00 -0700

Spectacles examines the promises and perils of the Biden administration's international conference on democracy.

-Important References-

A Bird's Eye episode on international institutions

An Insight on transnational corruption

A Bird's Eye episode on American corruption

An Insight on how American corruption works

A Focus on the limits of the dem-auth international framing

An Insight on America's support for Saudi Arabia in Yemen

A Bird's Eye episode on whether dem recession is global or domestic

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To listen to Spectacles In Conversation, click here.

Can Secession Be Legitimate? | Insight

Spectacles Media — Wed, 08 Dec 2021 07:00:00 -0700

Though it’s of international consequence, a domestic rift is at the heart of Ukraine’s troubles.

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To listen to Spectacles In Conversation, click here.

How Big Money Breaks Democracy, Explained | Insight

Spectacles Media — Mon, 06 Dec 2021 07:00:00 -0700

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-

An Insight about how Congress has far more power than it uses to investigate 1/6

An Insight breaking down why an active Congress, not Court expansion, is a solution to SC power

An Insight about oil and gas misinformation and lobbying

A Focus from Harry about the Supreme Court's unhealthy amount of power

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To listen to Spectacles In Conversation, click here.

The Anarchist’s Cooked-Book | Focus

Spectacles Media — Sun, 05 Dec 2021 08:00:00 -0700

An expansive new history of human political life is exhilarating, but ultimately an exercise in the same myth-making the authors condemn.

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To listen to Spectacles In Conversation, click here.

#MeToo and Democracy in Essence | Insight

Spectacles Media — Fri, 03 Dec 2021 07:00:00 -0700

Andrew Cuomo’s precipitous fall from grace and the CCP’s silencing of Peng Shuai underscore the importance of activism.

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To listen to Spectacles In Conversation, click here.

The Many Faces of Nostalgia | Insight

Spectacles Media — Wed, 01 Dec 2021 07:00:00 -0700

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-

Insight from July on Le Pen

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To listen to Spectacles In Conversation, click here.

The Despot’s Dilemma | Insight

Spectacles Media — Mon, 22 Nov 2021 07:00:00 -0700

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-

Philip's previous explanation of the coup

-Usual Links-

To listen to Spectacles In Conversation, click here.

James Baldwin, Theories, and the Moral Life | Focus

Spectacles Media — Sun, 21 Nov 2021 09:00:00 -0700

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-

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To listen to Spectacles In Conversation, click here.

Beyond Gerrymandering | Insight

Spectacles Media — Fri, 19 Nov 2021 07:00:00 -0700

Gerrymandering is a problem. But it’s not clear that America’s illnesses can be cured by independent redistricting.

-Important References-

Our explanation of Germany's PR system

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To listen to a discussion of this episode from Spectacles In Conversation, click here.

A Different Perspective on Inflation | Insight

Spectacles Media — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 07:00:00 -0700

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-

Harry's recent Focus on the errors of poll-chasing

Philip's previous Insight on the supply chain and inflation

Harry's Insight on how spending could reduce inflation

Philip's Insight on media hypocrisy regarding Afghanistan

Philip's Insight making the case for common sense

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To listen to a discussion of this episode from Spectacles In Conversation, click here.

In Polls We Trust? | Focus

Spectacles Media — Sun, 14 Nov 2021 08:00:00 -0700

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-

To listen to Spectacles In Conversation, click here.

Ortega’s Propaganda Peddlers | Insight

Spectacles Media — Fri, 12 Nov 2021 07:00:00 -0700

Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega won re-election after jailing opposition, but some American commentators see nothing wrong.

-Important References-

The recent Bird's Eye episode discussing Hungary's example of similar behavior

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To listen to a discussion of this episode from Spectacles In Conversation, click here.

What Really Happened in Ethiopia | Insight

Spectacles Media — Wed, 10 Nov 2021 08:00:00 -0700

Ethiopia’s civil conflict marks its first anniversary. And yet there still hasn’t been a clear explanation of how it happened.

-Important References-

Mr. Davison's excellent and detailed briefing on the current conflict.

Harry's piece on the civil war in Yemen.

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To listen to Spectacles In Conversation, click here.

Building Roads to the Future? | Insight

Spectacles Media — Mon, 08 Nov 2021 07:00:00 -0700

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-

Philip's recent Focus

-Usual Links-

To listen to Spectacles In Conversation, click here.

The Missing Link in the Climate Debate | Focus

Spectacles Media — Sun, 07 Nov 2021 08:00:00 -0700

Much ado about spending can obscure just how critical regulatory reform is to reaching a sustainable future.

-Important References-

That early Bird's Eye episode I mentioned

-Usual Links-

To listen to Spectacles In Conversation, click here.

Laundering Bloody Brass | Insight

Spectacles Media — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 07:00:00 -0700

Lack of accountability for a drone strike that killed ten civilians indicates a new need for oversight.

-Usual Links-

To listen to Spectacles In Conversation, click here.

The Post-Liberal Roller Coaster | Insight

Spectacles Media — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 07:00:00 -0700

“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-

To listen to a discussion of this episode from Spectacles In Conversation, click here.

On Climate: Summits and Speeches | Insight

Spectacles Media — Mon, 01 Nov 2021 07:00:00 -0700

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-

To listen to Spectacles In Conversation, click here.

A Promised Leader, Undelivered | Focus

Spectacles Media — Sun, 31 Oct 2021 08:00:00 -0700

Barack Obama promised hope and change. Why didn’t his leadership deliver it?

To listen to Spectacles In Conversation, click here.

Black Gold, Dark Money | Insight

Spectacles Media — Fri, 29 Oct 2021 07:00:00 -0700

Oil companies testified before Congress on climate misinformation campaigns, but politicians should take a look in the mirror.

-Usual Links-

To listen to Spectacles In Conversation, click here.

Déjà Coup | Insight

Spectacles Media — Wed, 27 Oct 2021 07:00:00 -0700

Sudanese citizens are taking to the streets to protest a military coup, but the global trend is against them.

-Usual Links-

To listen to Spectacles In Conversation, click here.

A Losing Battle with No Winners | Insight

Spectacles Media — Mon, 25 Oct 2021 07:00:00 -0700

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-

On the global competition between democracy and autocracy

-Usual Links-

To listen to a discussion of this episode from Spectacles In Conversation, click here.

Why Autocracy Persists | Focus

Spectacles Media — Sun, 24 Oct 2021 08:00:00 -0700

The fall of the Soviet Union promised democracy’s global triumph. But we quickly forgot the principles that brought our victory.

-Important References-

The Insight about the death penalty

-Usual Links-

To listen to Spectacles In Conversation, click here.

Time for Europe to Get Serious | Insight

Spectacles Media — Fri, 22 Oct 2021 07:00:00 -0700

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-

To listen to a discussion of this episode from Spectacles In Conversation, click here.

Putin’s “Power” Politics | Insight

Spectacles Media — Wed, 20 Oct 2021 07:00:00 -0700

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-

About Germany's susceptibility to the "trap of believing in neutral exchange"

-Usual Links-

To listen to a discussion of this episode from Spectacles In Conversation, click here.

Toyota Boycott Blunder | Insight

Spectacles Media — Mon, 18 Oct 2021 08:00:00 -0700

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-

To listen to Spectacles In Conversation, click here.

Insight - Striking for Democracy

Spectacles Media — Fri, 15 Oct 2021 07:00:00 -0700

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-

Learn more about those shortages we mentioned

Hear our discussion of the need for democracy beyond the ballot box

-Usual Links-

To listen to Spectacles In Conversation, click here.

Insight - Are We Getting Inflation All Wrong?

Spectacles Media — Wed, 13 Oct 2021 07:00:00 -0700

Contrary to popular objections, it looks like more spending could reduce economic pressure now and curb inflation in the future.

-Important References-

Learn more about logistics and supply chain challenges.

-Usual Links-

To listen to Spectacles In Conversation, click here.

Insight - Trump’s Allies Are Defying Subpoena. Now what?

Spectacles Media — Mon, 11 Oct 2021 07:00:00 -0700

As some of Donald Trump’s top lieutenants defy congressional subpoenas, a couple options are available to enforce the rule of law.

-Usual Links-

To listen to Spectacles In Conversation, click here.

Focus - The Systemic Challenge of Immigration, Explained

Spectacles Media — Sun, 10 Oct 2021 08:00:00 -0700

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-

To listen to Spectacles In Conversation, click here.

Insight - Vote-Buying, Boycotts, and International Meddling in Iraq

Spectacles Media — Fri, 08 Oct 2021 07:00:00 -0700

Elections in Iraq are set to take place this weekend amidst developments that demonstrate the challenges of democratization in a globalized world.

-Important References-

Read or listen to our article on the failures of nation-building in Afghanistan

-Usual Links-

To listen to Spectacles In Conversation, click here.

Insight - Squamish First Nation Provides a Glimpse at The City of Tomorrow

Spectacles Media — Wed, 06 Oct 2021 07:00:00 -0700

On reservation land within a major Canadian city, a First Nation is pursuing an ambitious project to reimagine urban development.

-Important References-

Recent article on Estonian digital bureaucracy

Recent discussion of voting system reform

-Usual Links-

To listen to a discussion of this episode from Spectacles In Conversation, click here.

Insight - Pandora Papers Expose Democracy’s Broken Promises

Spectacles Media — Mon, 04 Oct 2021 07:00:00 -0700

Documents detailing the extent of political and economic elites’ habitual tax evasion demonstrate the need for—and difficulty of—reform.

To listen to a discussion of this episode from Spectacles In Conversation, click here.

Focus - What I Learned in Becoming an e-Resident of Estonia

Spectacles Media — Sun, 03 Oct 2021 08:00:00 -0700

The small nation of Estonia, with its world-class digital democracy and social services, demonstrates the importance of humility and learning from other countries.

Click here to visit the Estonian government portal. (it's pretty cool)

To listen to Spectacles In Conversation, click here.

Insight - Tunisian Democracy Sheds the Burden of Reciprocity

Spectacles Media — Fri, 01 Oct 2021 07:00:00 -0700

Key domestic factions lent soft support to the Tunisian president’s suspension of parliament. They and the country are now paying the price.

To listen to a discussion of this episode from Spectacles In Conversation, click here.

Read or listen to our previous coverage of Tunisia here and here.

Insight - As Shortages Abound, What Can We Do?

Spectacles Media — Wed, 29 Sep 2021 07:00:00 -0700

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.

To listen to a discussion of this episode from Spectacles In Conversation, click here.

Insight - What Can We Learn About Democracy From the German Election?

Spectacles Media — Mon, 27 Sep 2021 07:00:00 -0700

Germany’s unique electoral system, which allows multiple parties to viably compete for power, sheds light on American struggles.

To listen to Spectacles In Conversation, click here.

Focus - Why Does American Politics Feel Like Theater?

Spectacles Media — Sun, 26 Sep 2021 08:00:00 -0700

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?

To listen to Spectacles In Conversation, click here.

Insight - Normalcy an Inadequate Solution in a Changing World

Spectacles Media — Fri, 24 Sep 2021 07:00:00 -0700

Held back by a managerial state and acute discomfort with strong global engagement, the upcoming German election seems out of touch with the times.

To listen to Spectacles In Conversation, click here.

Insight - The Ball Is in the Courts Now

Spectacles Media — Wed, 22 Sep 2021 07:00:00 -0700

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.

To listen to Spectacles In Conversation, click here.

Focus - Lessons from Norm MacDonald: Comedy in a Democracy

Spectacles Media — Sun, 19 Sep 2021 08:00:00 -0700

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.

To listen to Spectacles In Conversation, click here.

Insight - The Promises and Perils of Australia’s New Submarines

Spectacles Media — Fri, 17 Sep 2021 07:00:00 -0700

A new defensive pact may help to shore up regional security against Chinese expansion, but it’s a partial solution with its own drawbacks.

To listen to the editorial discussion of this article on Spectacles In Conversation, click here.

Insight - Disastrous Developments in Haiti

Spectacles Media — Wed, 15 Sep 2021 07:00:00 -0700

In the midst of political chaos following the assassination of a president, Haiti offers us cause to reflect on American foreign policy.

To listen to the editorial discussion of this article on Spectacles In Conversation, click here.

Insight - Saudi Arabia’s Missing Missile Mystery

Spectacles Media — Mon, 13 Sep 2021 07:00:00 -0700

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.

To listen to the editorial discussion of this article on Spectacles In Conversation, click here.

Focus - Bureaucratic Tyranny With Democratic Characteristics

Spectacles Media — Sun, 12 Sep 2021 08:00:00 -0700

Europe's increasing attractiveness as a model for reformers in the United States, while justified, is cause for an evaluation of political tradeoffs.

To read other Focus articles, click here.

To listen to Spectacles In Conversation, click here.

Insight - The Life-and-Death Debate for Liberal Democracy

Spectacles Media — Fri, 10 Sep 2021 07:00:00 -0700

The elimination of religion from politics is a white-whale goal for many liberals. But is it achievable or desirable?

For that recent Focus about a similar topic, click here.

To listen to Spectacles In Conversation, click here.

Insight - Housing Crises and Interest Group Deception

Spectacles Media — Wed, 08 Sep 2021 07:00:00 -0700

Following the passage of significant housing legislation in California, NIMBY interest groups maintain a misleading facade in their opposition.

To listen to the editorial discussion of this article on Spectacles In Conversation, click here.

Focus - An Unconventional Answer to Contemporary Chaos

Spectacles Media — Sun, 05 Sep 2021 08:00:00 -0700

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 other Focus articles, click here.

Insight - Court Expansion Isn’t What It’s Cracked up to Be

Spectacles Media — Fri, 03 Sep 2021 07:00:00 -0700

As the Court faces rightful condemnation for its ruling on Texas law, it’s worth re-examining proposals to expand the Court.

To listen to Spectacles In Conversation, click here.

Insight - Brazil’s Bolsonaro, All-In, Shows His Hand

Spectacles Media — Wed, 01 Sep 2021 07:00:00 -0700

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.

To listen to the editorial discussion of this article on Spectacles In Conversation, click here.

Insight - Democracy Crossing Death’s Threshold in Tunisia

Spectacles Media — Mon, 30 Aug 2021 07:00:00 -0700

As Tunisia’s democratic crisis worsens, it’s important to reconsider the status quo solution of economic sanctions.

To listen to the editorial discussion of this article on Spectacles In Conversation, click here.

To read the previous Insight about Tunisia, click here.

To read the Insight about Afghanistan referenced in this article, click here.

Focus - The Supreme Court: Political, Unaccountable, and All-too Powerful

Spectacles Media — Sun, 29 Aug 2021 08:00:00 -0700

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.

To read other Focus articles, click here.

To listen to the editorial discussion of this article on Spectacles In Conversation, click here.

Insight - The Political Crossroads Offered by FDA Approval

Spectacles Media — Fri, 27 Aug 2021 07:00:00 -0700

Full FDA approval could mean more mandates and more division. But it probably wouldn't be that bad, and it would be worth it.

To listen to the editorial discussion of this article on Spectacles In Conversation, click here.

Insight - Voting Rights Bill a Dead End for Democracy

Spectacles Media — Wed, 25 Aug 2021 07:00:00 -0700

House Democrats just passed a new voting rights bill, but it’s not enough to secure democracy’s future.

To listen to the editorial discussion of this article on Spectacles In Conversation, click here.

Insight - The Big Fail Isn't in Kabul. It's on Our TVs.

Spectacles Media — Mon, 23 Aug 2021 07:00:00 -0700

The mainstream media’s coverage of Afghanistan has revealed a startling lack of ability to reflect and a parasitic need to generate controversy.

To listen to the editorial discussion of this article on Spectacles In Conversation, click here.

Friday's Insight and Reflection discussed at end of episode.

Focus - Why Liberal Democracy? Why Spectacles?

Spectacles Media — Sun, 22 Aug 2021 08:30:00 -0700

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.

To listen to Spectacles In Conversation, click here.

Insight - The Misadventure of Nation-Building in Afghanistan

Spectacles Media — Fri, 20 Aug 2021 07:00:00 -0700

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.

To listen to the editorial discussion of this article on Spectacles In Conversation, click here.

Insight - Raising the Temperature on Climate Rhetoric

Spectacles Media — Fri, 13 Aug 2021 05:30:00 -0700

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.

Insight - In South Africa, a Shattered Image of Democracy

Spectacles Media — Wed, 11 Aug 2021 05:30:00 -0700

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.

Insight - Mr. Carlson Goes to Budapest

Spectacles Media — Mon, 09 Aug 2021 05:30:00 -0700

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.