On the origins of World War I
DeepDipThe text discusses the origins of World War I, highlighting the unexpected nature of the conflict and the underlying factors that led to its outbreak. It points out Italy's role in disrupting the balance of power in Europe, the significance of the Balkan wars, and the evolution of military tactics during the war. The text emphasizes the complexity of historical events and the importance of studying them meticulously rather than relying on simplistic explanations or analogies.
Two ways in dealing with corruption
DeepDipDealing with corruption: In the Western approach, the "rule of law" is upheld with defined legislation and independent judiciary. Corruption can be hidden in laws and evolve into power-based exchanges, challenging law enforcement. China's method involves swift party-led investigations and widespread purges to combat corruption. Both the "legalist" and "Confucian" approaches have their merits and challenges. Corruption, a communal threat, requires a micro-level legal framework and macro-level political commitment for sustainable progress, as both systems are susceptible to developing oligarchies. The judiciary's independence must be balanced to prevent delays and accountability issues, ensuring effective anti-corruption efforts.
The ambiguity which is China
DeepDipThe text discusses the book "Enigma of China" by Xiaolong, focusing on the ambiguity and complexity of Chinese society portrayed in the novel. Chief Inspector Chen navigates corrupt networks, reflecting on justice and societal connections. The story delves into themes of harmony, connections, and personal choices, highlighting the intricate balance of power and morality in China. Amidst references to Greek mythology, Buddhist scripture, and Confucianism, the narrative emphasizes the enigmatic nature of the country, where justice and ambiguity often intertwine.
The Confucian ruler as pupil
DeepDipConfucius is often burdened with excessive significance in discussions about Asia's history. A new perspective sees Confucianism as a process rather than just content in the ruler's education, emphasizing continual learning from childhood to public life. In Korea's Joseon Dynasty, Confucian principles influenced the ruler's schooling, with women also playing vital roles despite societal limitations. This nuanced understanding challenges misconceptions about Confucianism's treatment of women and highlights the importance of historical exceptions in shaping traditions. The ruler's constant education in Confucian values maintained an image of a benevolent autocrat amidst a system of collective responsibility and respect for teachers.
Heidi or Renxin?
DeepDipA French director's movie, "Le promeneur d’oiseaux," with a Chinese cast, tells the tale of Renxin, a pre-adolescent girl neglected by busy parents. Her journey with her grandfather in a village leads to personal growth and changing relationships. A blend of Swiss and Chinese cultural elements, the story explores themes of patience, spontaneity, and self-transformation. Renxin's realization that changing oneself can impact others contrasts with Heidi's approach in the novels. This narrative highlights the subtle influence individuals can have on their surroundings through personal evolution.
Massimo’s choice (actually, his pledge)
DeepDipMassimo, a philosopher and ecologist, advocates for academic improvement in his pledge, encouraging high-quality teaching, engaging in public debate, and producing scholarship understandable and relevant beyond specialized circles. He addresses the prevalence of irrelevant academic work, likening it to a chess-like game, and suggests that social dynamics within academia may hinder scientific progress. While embracing his proposal, the author proposes forming support groups among scientists to implement the pledge effectively, fostering a cultural shift towards more impactful and meaningful academic practices. This approach aims to facilitate behavioral change and enrich scholarship within the academic community.
Measuring sea-level change caused by ice-sheet melt
DeepDipSea-level changes caused by ice-sheet melt are being accurately measured using satellite data over the past 20 years, showing a rise of over 1 cm globally. This contributes to an overall yearly rise of about 3 mm, not accounting for water expansion due to warming. Predicting future sea-level changes is challenging due to complex, non-linear phenomena. Factors like iron fertilization triggering phytoplankton blooms are discussed, cautioning against simplistic solutions like widespread ocean fertilization due to potential unforeseen consequences in the intricate three-dimensional sea ecology.
Ephemera (II)
DeepDipThe text delves into the multi-ethnic nature of the Roman Empire, highlighting how diversity was managed and how individuals from varied backgrounds could rise to power. It also touches on the movement of people within the empire and the resulting multicultural society. Additionally, the text briefly mentions a visit to a museum in Zurich showcasing Chinese ceramics that radiate harmony. The piece concludes with reflections on the functions of masks in the Dan society of the Ivory Coast, emphasizing the concept of closure they provide.
What are vanity and interstitial states?
DeepDipThe message explores the concepts of "vanity" and "interstitial" states, highlighting historical instances of arbitrary border changes and the complexities of border integrity. It discusses the origins of these terms and their impact on international relations, emphasizing the need to recognize and respect the complexity of historically formed borders for peaceful resolutions. Efforts to mitigate conflicts related to borders are essential, with a suggestion to consider letting interstitial states exist without interference as a potential way forward in resolving territorial disputes.
The limits of the “subsidiarity principle”
DeepDipThe text discusses the "subsidiarity principle," focusing on its application to the issue of slavery in the United States. It questions whether allowing secession based on this principle would have solved the issue effectively. Through examples and analyses, it concludes that the principle may not always work in complex, real-world scenarios, suggesting that it is more of good administrative practice rather than a steadfast principle for addressing significant challenges.