![A tale of Incan communal knowledge and Plato's elite rulers 1 Women making ropes for the bridge.](https://diplo-media.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/2023/11/Qeswachaka-bridge-women-495x400.jpeg)
A tale of Incan communal knowledge and Plato’s elite rulers
RevisitWhat's more reliable: a bridge built on centuries-old, proven knowledge, or a state governed by inexperienced elite 'philosopher kings'? Aldo Matteucci looks at the contrast between communal wisdom and elite-driven governance.
![From life insurance to earthquakes: Applying the precautionary principle 2 People taking refuge to Japan's countryside climb and clinch to one of few trains leaving the capital in 1923.](https://diplo-media.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/2023/11/kanto-earthquake-refugees-495x400.png)
From life insurance to earthquakes: Applying the precautionary principle
RevisitExplore how individuals and societies navigate threats: Aldo Mateucci delves into risk management strategies with compelling examples such as the Big Kantō earthquake's aftermath, intricacies of life insurance, and nuclear safety protocols.
![The curse of 'best practice' 3 A photo from the series series Monodramatic by Japanese artist Daisuke Takakura.](https://diplo-media.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/2023/11/daisuke_takakura_-495x400.jpg)
The curse of ‘best practice’
RevisitQuestioning 'best practice': Is the 'one-size-fits-all' approach applicable in the real world? Aldo Mateucci analyses
![Truth and consequences 4 Sign: Cnsequences just ahead](https://diplo-media.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/2023/09/consequences-just-ahead-495x400.jpg)
Truth and consequences
RevisitShould we always seek out the 'truth'? What if that pursuit leads to negative outcomes for both ourselves and the world?
![Why do people believe their own nonsense? 5 The Death of Socrates, oil on canvas by Jacques-Louis David. The Greek philosopher Socrates (469–399 BCE) was convicted of impiety by the Athenian courts; rather than renounce his beliefs, he died willingly, expounding on the immortality of the soul before drinking poisonous hemlock (The Metropolitan Museum of Art).](https://diplo-media.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/2023/09/The-Death-of-Socrates-oil-on-canvas-by-Jacques-Louis-David-1787-495x400.jpg)
Why do people believe their own nonsense?
Revisit BlogsExplore the fascinating interplay of philosophy, translation, and cultural understanding. From Socrates' wisdom to translating Chinese thought, we look at how words shape our perceptions.
![Twitter and diplomacy: A tool or just trouble? 6 Text, Person, Face, Head, Document](https://diplo-media.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/2023/09/Carl-Bildts-tweet-to-Khalid-al-Khalifa-of-Qatar-495x332.png)
Twitter and diplomacy: A tool or just trouble?
Revisit Media, Social mediaThe future of X's diplomatic role might be hidden in Aldo Matteucci's 2012 dissection of Twitter and diplomacy.
Do nations coalesce into states under internal or external influences?
RevisitExplore the influence of powerful neighbours on nation and state development. Diplo Senior Fellow Aldo Matteucci uncovers Rome's impact on neighbouring Germanic tribes and China's influence on northern nomads.
Zheng He (1371–1433): China’s masterful mariner and diplomat
Diplo Wisdom Circle, Revisit History of diplomacy, Types of diplomacyAdmiral Zheng He's fleet of 250 ships left an enduring mark on China's trade, diplomacy, and wealth. Uncover the secrets of this 14th-century genius.
Will your past achievements prevent your next promotion?
RevisitCan past success lead to incompetence? Dive into Aldo Mateucci's analysis on the Peter Principle in business and politics.
The Comanche: A short life of raiding
RevisitLearn why the Comanche society was destined to fall.