Trying to Understand the World

The 'Trying to Understand the World' newsletter provides in-depth analysis on global political, economic, and social dynamics, focusing on the complexities of contemporary challenges, the breakdown of traditional systems, and the implications of technological, geopolitical, and philosophical shifts. It emphasizes resilience, practical action, and the need for a historical and cultural basis in governance.

Global Politics Economic Systems Social Dynamics Technological Impact on Society Philosophical Perspectives Military and Defense Organizational Culture International Relations Political Philosophy Cultural and Historical Analysis

The hottest Substack posts of Trying to Understand the World

And their main takeaways

The Curse Of Zhou Bai Den.

8 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political culture Media influence International relations Cultural Identity Historical context
  1. Many European countries seem overly focused on US politics, often ignoring important issues happening in their own nations. This shows a lack of balance in how they engage with global affairs.
  2. There's a trend where European elites adopt American cultural and social norms without questioning them, which often doesn't fit well with their own histories and values. This can lead to confusion and loss of cultural identity.
  3. The historical experiences of Europe differ greatly from those of the US, leading to a disconnect in understanding and addressing global issues. Many Europeans are grappling with their past while trying to navigate a future influenced by American ideals.

The Sword Is Mightier...

6 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🌍 World Politics International relations Military Strategy Geopolitics Conflict resolution Diplomatic Affairs
  1. Military action should always have a clear purpose, focusing on the political goals you want to achieve. This prevents the mistakes of sending forces just to 'show determination' without a real plan.
  2. Creating lasting peace requires knowing what the end situation should look like. If no one agrees on the goals, it's hard to move forward and find solutions that work for everyone involved.
  3. Using military forces to solve political issues often fails. A successful resolution needs to be driven by political agreement, not just military presence, to avoid further conflict.

When Ukraine Is Over ...

8 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🌍 World Politics International relations Conflict resolution Diplomacy Geopolitics Security Studies
  1. Ending a war is complicated and involves different types of agreements. There are various steps to consider, like ceasing hostilities and addressing the conflict's root causes.
  2. Negotiations can be tricky since different parties might have different motivations and understandings. What one side sees as an agreement, the other might see as a temporary measure.
  3. For peace to happen, all involved must genuinely want to end the fighting and agree on terms that are acceptable to everyone. If there’s not real commitment, even signed agreements may not hold up.

The Long Run.

8 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy History Politics Society Religion
  1. Modern Western culture tends to focus on short-term gains and immediate results, making it hard to think about the long term. This has led to misunderstandings of world events and a lack of solid planning.
  2. The belief that everything is about power can create a negative outlook on the future. This mindset makes people feel helpless and less willing to take action for improvement.
  3. Examples from geopolitics, like the struggles in South Africa and the rise of political Islam, show how long-term strategies are essential for success. The inability to grasp this often leads to confusion in the West about global dynamics.

The Missile Will Always Get Through.

15 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy International relations Conflict analysis Geopolitics Defense Policy
  1. Russia has developed advanced missile technology that can accurately strike targets far away. This puts them in a strong position since these missiles are hard to intercept.
  2. The West's reliance on manned aircraft for attacks is outdated compared to Russia's focus on missile capabilities. This means Russia can hit important infrastructure while the West struggles to defend against these attacks.
  3. Western leaders may not fully grasp the threat posed by Russia's missile advancements. There is a risk that they will ignore the reality of their vulnerability and not prepare adequately for potential conflicts.
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The Year of Failing To Understand.

9 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Conflict resolution International relations Political theory Geopolitics Military Strategy
  1. In 2024, the West struggled to understand global events, often failing to grasp the real reasons behind them. This gap in understanding is seen as a mix of ignorance and arrogance.
  2. There are deeper issues at play in conflicts, such as the role of religion and the nature of violence in different societies. These aspects often go unnoticed in western perspectives, leading to misinterpretations of motivations.
  3. As global dynamics shift, the West's old ways of thinking are becoming less effective. The next year could bring important changes that the West will need to face, potentially leading to new opportunities and understandings.

A Strange Defeat.

15 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Conflict analysis Political Psychology Security Studies Military Strategy
  1. Western leaders are struggling to understand the real situation in Ukraine. They often rely on outdated ideas and don't recognize the complexities of the conflict.
  2. There's a lack of clear strategy from NATO and Western nations regarding how to manage the crisis. Instead of planning, they seem to be reacting to events without a solid goal.
  3. The current generation of political leaders lacks the experience and skills needed for high-stakes crises. This has led to confusion and ineffective decision-making in dealing with the war in Ukraine.

In the Shallows Of The Deep State.

5 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Government Structure Public Policy Political History Political culture
  1. The idea of a 'Deep State' has become popular as people try to explain political power hidden behind the scenes. It's used to describe unseen influences that control governments and decisions.
  2. Many people find comfort in believing that chaos has some hidden plan or control, rather than accepting that the world could be disorganized and unpredictable.
  3. In Western societies, trust in political leaders is low, leading people to think there might be secret groups managing things better than visible leaders, which can help make sense of troubling events.

Candles and Kalshnikovs.

7 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🌍 World Politics Political violence Terrorism
  1. Understanding the reasons behind violent political acts is crucial. Many people fail to recognize that violence can often be a rational tool used by groups to achieve their goals.
  2. Liberal ideologies may overlook the complexities of violence, reducing it to issues of poverty or evil individuals. This misses the deeper motivations and societal factors that drive violence.
  3. The detachment of certain groups from the realities of violent conflicts can lead to a lack of awareness and preparation for future threats. True understanding requires confronting uncomfortable truths and engaging with complex ideological issues.

A Wasting Asset?

8 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy Election Analysis International relations Political Ideologies Media influence
  1. European political elites are growing more distant from American political models and strategies, realizing they might not be effective or beneficial anymore. This shift suggests a need for Europe to develop its own political identity.
  2. There's increasing dissatisfaction among ordinary citizens with mainstream parties, as they feel ignored and undervalued by elites. This disconnect is causing them to turn to more extreme political options.
  3. The perception that the US has all the answers is starting to fade. Europeans are beginning to see that American ideas and methods may not be applicable or successful in their own contexts.

No More Heroes.

6 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Heroes Society Identity Politics History
  1. Society needs heroes to look up to and emulate, but modern culture often prioritizes wealth and fame over true excellence and exceptional achievements.
  2. In today's world, many young people are encouraged to admire those who claim victim status rather than individuals who have achieved greatness through hard work and talent.
  3. The decline of traditional role models has led to a situation where society feels the need to outsource heroism, often idealizing foreign figures instead of finding inspiration within their own communities.

Unlike For Like.

5 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Global Governance
  1. International organizations like NATO and the EU formed to address specific needs and challenges at the time. They often evolve to serve new purposes and can be hard to disband once established.
  2. BRICS is seen as a coordination group that wants to change how current global systems work instead of replacing them. Its focus is on creating a fairer and more inclusive global financial structure.
  3. Countries can cooperate on shared interests even if they don't fully align on all issues. This flexible approach allows for collaboration without needing complete agreement on every topic.

La politique de l’épuisement et l’épuisement de la politique.

1 implied HN point • 25 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Political trends Political History Political culture Political Satire
  1. There are two main ways to interact with the past: one is to preserve and recreate it, while the other is to use it as inspiration to create something new. In modern society, the past is often exploited for political and financial gain.
  2. Today's politics often feels like a caricature, where real meaning and ideology are lost. Politicians focus more on getting attention rather than discussing significant issues, leading to extreme and superficial debates.
  3. Modern culture has become repetitive and disconnected from its roots, resulting in a shallow experience. This has affected how we create and appreciate art and culture, leading to a cycle of exhaustion and emptiness.

When The Music's Over ...

12 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Conflict Military Ideology International relations Strategic Planning
  1. The West may not be prepared for the potential outcomes of the conflict in Ukraine, and the ideological and strategic differences may lead to significant consequences.
  2. It is important to understand the distinction between tactical, operational, and strategic levels of warfare and how they can impact the overall outcome of conflicts.
  3. Russian military capabilities and strategies are showcasing superiority in various aspects over Western equipment and approaches, leading to a potential shift in global perceptions and defense strategies.

A Postcard From The Far Side of Despair.

9 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Action Hope Resistance
  1. People have given up hope for a better future and are engulfed in a sense of despair and disillusionment.
  2. Facing situations without hope doesn't always lead to despair; learning from real-life examples of resilience is crucial.
  3. In times of crisis and hopelessness, focus on practical actions within your control and act with kindness and understanding.

The Diversity Paradox.

8 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Purpose Power Success
  1. The Diversity Paradox signifies a situation where despite increased diversity in organizations, systems at all levels are failing to function effectively. More than just numerical diversity, organizations need to focus on excellence and purpose to thrive.
  2. In today's society, success is often measured by power, money, and formal status, but this focus on external markers can attract the wrong individuals and prioritize image over actual capabilities.
  3. To operate successfully, organizations and individuals should strive to fulfill their true purpose, ensure excellence, and avoid succumbing to a culture of ego-gratification and narcissism that can lead to dysfunction.

Rules, Rules Rules

7 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
🚌 Education Management Institutions Rules Organizations Common Sense
  1. Organizations often create more rules and regulations when they lack a clear sense of purpose and long-term goals, leading to a focus on detail rather than overall objectives.
  2. The abundance of rules and bureaucracy, especially in modern society, can hinder problem-solving and practical decision-making, as well as replace traditional customs with overly complex regulations.
  3. The Professional and Managerial Caste (PMC) proliferation of rules can result in controlling mechanisms rather than fostering productive environments, ultimately leading to dysfunctional organizations and discontent among staff.

The Newer World Order.

8 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Diplomacy United Nations Geopolitics
  1. The international system as we knew it is breaking down due to dysfunction and changes that require careful analysis.
  2. The inability to imagine alternatives and the incapacity to understand current global changes are key themes in understanding the current world order.
  3. The future world order will involve a more distributed power structure with various countries working together on common interests, leading to gradual changes in how political crises are managed.

The Power Of Absent Things.

6 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Ukraine History Crisis Management Diplomacy
  1. Understanding the history, symbolism, and previous political decisions is crucial to analyzing current political statements and actions.
  2. Political decisions and actions are heavily influenced by a complex accumulation of past statements, commitments, and decisions, creating constraints on present actions and limiting future possibilities.
  3. In times of crisis, decision-makers often operate in a state of confusion, following preset narratives and sedimented beliefs, unable to adapt to changing circumstances or consider alternative policies.

This Changes Everything!

6 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Military technology
  1. New technology does not automatically change the nature of conflict, but its application in specific contexts can have an impact.
  2. The balance of power in warfare can be influenced by the correct use of technologies, human factors, and asymmetric capabilities.
  3. Asymmetrical objectives and different levels of technological advancements among countries can lead to defense being more cost-effective than aggression in military scenarios.

I Hate My Job And I Want To Cry.

5 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Self-Improvement Professional development Mental health
  1. Indirect approaches can often be more effective than direct attacks in problem-solving.
  2. Designing and running organizations where people are happy is simple: prioritize simplicity, transparency, fairness, and teamwork.
  3. Having some degree of control over your job and work schedule can make work more bearable and fulfilling, even in difficult circumstances.

Will The West Eat Itself?

6 implied HN points • 05 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Society Literature Music Film Art
  1. The extractive mindset is prevalent in modern Western societies, leading to trivial novelties and compulsive mining of the past.
  2. Authors like Jean Gebser and Iain McGilchrist shed light on the dominance of rationality over holistic thinking in the West.
  3. Derivative thinking is pervasive across various sectors such as economics, philosophy, literature, music, cinema, and politics, leading to a lack of genuine innovation and a potential societal breakdown.

Dealing With Foreigners ...

4 implied HN points • 28 Jun 23
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy Diplomacy International relations
  1. Dealing with foreigners is more complex than it seems, involving various relationships and dimensions beyond traditional foreign policy.
  2. Government relations between states involve expertise from different departments and experts are crucial in negotiations and technical matters.
  3. International relations are influenced by a multitude of factors, including domestic politics and media, leading to intricate and often unpredictable outcomes.

One Way Or Another ....

3 implied HN points • 07 Jun 23
  1. Revenge and justice have a deep, primitive appeal that can clash with legal norms in society.
  2. Law and justice are not always the same thing, and our desire for revenge can challenge objective legal procedures.
  3. The tension between our atavistic desire for punishment and the need for legal procedures can degrade political discourse and lead to a blurred line between justice and revenge.

We Are All Civilisational States

3 implied HN points • 24 May 23
🌐 International Politics Liberalism Tradition Culture History
  1. The concept of 'civilisational states' challenges the idea of universal political systems and societal norms.
  2. Liberalism promotes individual rights and rational organization of society, but may overlook tradition and collective identity.
  3. Political structures need a shared cultural and historical basis to survive and be effective in governance.

Into the Waste Land

3 implied HN points • 17 May 23
🌍 World Politics Political Change Revolution Power Structures Leadership
  1. Discontinuous political change requires a group with a common purpose, a clear vision, and the resources to act.
  2. Successful political change historically depended on intermediate structures like trade unions, political parties, and religious institutions.
  3. Current Western political systems face a crisis of credibility, with a risk of falling apart without a clear replacement in sight.

War Is Complicated.

3 implied HN points • 03 May 23
🌍 World Politics War Military Defense Mercenaries Strategy
  1. War is incredibly complex, involving strategic objectives, sectoral policies, and defense capabilities.
  2. Equipment alone does not equate to capability in warfare; there is a need for proper training, integration, and maintenance.
  3. The concept of modern mercenaries in warfare is often rooted in misconceptions and unrealistic expectations of their capabilities and impact.

Understanding What's Happening in France.

3 implied HN points • 22 Mar 23
🌍 World Politics France Politics Protests Pensions
  1. The main issue in France revolves around Macron's obsession with pension reform, despite multiple pressing problems like rising cost of living and unemployment.
  2. The French political system is in disarray, with traditional parties declining, and Macron consolidating power by weakening opposition parties.
  3. The controversial pension reform pushed by Macron has sparked widespread protests and potential for escalating unrest in the country.

Honesty: What's In It For Me?

2 implied HN points • 10 May 23
  1. Integrity and honesty are fundamental for the functioning of a government and public service.
  2. Traditional values like a vocation and service to a greater good promote honesty and discourage corruption.
  3. Liberalism's focus on individualism can conflict with maintaining integrity in public institutions, leading to a reliance on rules and regulations instead.

Le Missile passera toujours ... mais qui est prêt à l’admettre ?

0 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Military Strategy Geopolitics Conflict resolution Defense Policy
  1. Russia has developed advanced missiles that can strike far distances with high precision. This means they can hit military and civilian targets without facing major risks.
  2. The West lacks effective missile defense against these Russian capabilities. This puts Western nations in a vulnerable position, unable to adequately protect themselves.
  3. The situation may force some European countries to reconsider their defense strategies and relationships with Russia, potentially leading to more conciliatory approaches.

L'Étrange défaite: Réalité et réalisme

0 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Military conflict Political strategy International relations Crisis Management Diplomacy Security Studies
  1. Many Western leaders struggle to understand the situation in Ukraine, often ignoring the harsh realities on the ground. This disconnect leads to ineffective decision-making and a lack of realistic strategies.
  2. Current political leaders lack the necessary skills to manage complex crises, as they often focus more on internal politics than on effective crisis management. Their inability to formulate clear strategies makes it difficult to navigate conflicts like the one in Ukraine.
  3. The Western approach often relies on assumptions and unrealistic hopes, believing that military support will lead to quick victories. This mindset prevents them from grasping the complexities of warfare and the real objectives behind military actions.

Another Of My Essays in French

0 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Violence Ethnicity Repression Conflict Nationalism
  1. Society tends to favor binary distinctions and oppositions, which can limit understanding of complex issues.
  2. Violence has been an intrinsic part of human existence and has been used pragmatically to achieve political objectives throughout history.
  3. The Nazi ideology was based on rationalizing violence as a means of survival and security, a dark example of the consequences of extreme nationalist and exclusionary policies.