Two Korean diasporas
DeepDipThe text discusses the history and current divide between North and South Korea, highlighting the impact of two diasporas on their development. It touches on the economic differences, political strategies for survival, potential regime change, and the challenges of reunification. The influence of foreign ideologies and the role of diasporas in bringing change are also explored, with a caution about the dangers of rapid transformations. The text emphasizes the deep divide between the two sides, the challenges of reconciliation, and the potential pitfalls of reunification, especially regarding economic disparities and land tenure issues.
What is silent transformation? (I)
DeepDipSilent transformations are pervasive, yet often unnoticed changes occurring in nature, technology, and social behaviors. These changes, like the shift from traditional casting to 3D printing, revolutionize processes and norms without much fanfare. Despite their prevalence, our understanding and acknowledgment of silent transformations lack a dedicated language. The concept of transformation has historically challenged Greek philosophers, exemplified by Plato's static view and Aristotle's attempt to integrate dynamic change. Even forms of art, like Greek sculptures, capture transient moments of change. This continuous evolution, whether in technology, nature, or society, shapes our world in subtle yet profound ways.
Relentless transformations
DeepDipThe text delves into the complexities of China's transformations, focusing on political investigations, leadership shifts, economic strategies, cultural shifts like reduced shark fin consumption, and ancient Chinese wisdom. It presents a mix of historical context, current political climate under Xi Jinping, and economic developments like the strengthening yuan. The piece concludes with reflections on abundance and the cyclical nature of life, drawing parallels between heavenly bodies and human experiences.
Of nudges, path-dependent outcomes, and niche construction
DeepDipThe text discusses the use of nudges, path-dependent outcomes, and niche construction. Nudges are favored for their soft approach in influencing behavior, particularly in scenarios where predictability is key. In contrast, incentives trigger niche construction, leading to unpredictable outcomes as individuals seek optimization. The text emphasizes that agents don't always respond as intended to incentives. An example is proposed where the state could become the default legatee in estate planning. The author questions the ethical implications of such a measure and highlights the deliberate nature of estate planning, which involves niche construction rather than nudges.
China: Collective responsibility and harmony
DeepDipThe text discusses the concept of collective responsibility and harmony in China, illustrated through the tales of Judge Bao Zheng. It touches on the historical and cultural implications of this system, emphasizing the interconnectedness between individuals and society. The text raises questions about the role of struggle, confessions, and harmony within this framework, reflecting on both positive and potentially sinister aspects of collective responsibility. The author contemplates the relevance of these principles in modern Chinese society and suggests that understanding such concepts requires a nuanced approach beyond Western cultural perspectives.
Lies, damn lies, and heuristics
DeepDipThe text discusses the concept of heuristics, highlighting the use of shortcuts the brain takes to make decisions, and how these can lead to errors or biases. It touches on the example of potential chemical weapon use in Syria and the complexities of making decisions in such situations. It critiques the tendency to rely on principles and moral imperatives in public discourse, suggesting they oversimplify complex issues. The text emphasizes the importance of understanding context and avoiding simplistic approaches to decision-making.
Could Internet fail “catastrophically”?
DeepDipInternet is crucial to modern society, akin to the importance of plant and animal domestication in history. The network's design prevents catastrophic failures, but external factors could trigger a collapse if trust and rules are not upheld. Analogies with market structures highlight the importance of maintaining trust and enforcing rules. Planning should focus on external factors rather than intrinsic issues. Vigilance and adapting to changing contexts are crucial to prevent a catastrophic failure of the Internet.
Vital interest vs. policy preference
DeepDipThe text discusses the distinction between vital interests and policy preferences, with an analogy to chess pieces. Vital interests are what we would "die for," such as sovereignty and territorial integrity, while policy preferences are everyday decisions. This differentiation is vital in making policy choices. An example is society's collective interest in health and education, showing a common concern, but not necessarily obligating state intervention. The message emphasizes the importance of reconciling principles with practical applications in decision-making, showcasing the discretion between the meta-level and specific policies.
Droning on about drones (IV) – The renaissance of raids
DeepDipThe text discusses the shift from traditional warfare to drone raids, highlighting the limitations and unintended consequences of drone warfare. It emphasizes how drones target low to middle level combatants, often failing to address the root causes of conflict. The text also touches on the challenges militants face in transitioning from resistance to revolution on a global scale. Overall, it critiques the effectiveness of drones in resolving conflicts and suggests the importance of addressing underlying political processes.
Droning on about drones (III) – War: from property to people
DeepDipThe text discusses the evolution of war from raids focused on property to strategic conflicts involving conquest. It highlights how warfare shifted towards influencing people's minds rather than territorial control. The text emphasizes the historical development of war tactics, including the transition from raiding to organized wars and the shift towards coercion targeting non-combatants. It also touches on the ineffectiveness of modern warfare in changing political landscapes and the prevalence of conflicts driven by blunders.