Brave new world
Is political violence in America really getting worse? Why are the ultra-wealthy buying more and larger superyachts? + New music from Neggy Gemmy, Yumi Zouma, & Buscabulla. Who is Bad Bunny? &c. … The member’s despatch, Week XXV.
Coming like a ghost town
Why is production declining in Hollywood? Patrick Adler on the short-term disruptions and long-term trends transforming an industry.
Cold cash
What do you do if you’re the European Union, and you’re sitting on more than $200 billion belonging to the Kremlin? Sir William Browder on a potential turning point in the Ukraine war.
Turning points
What’s been holding back those U.S.-Iran nuclear talks? What’s happening to democracy in Mexico? + New music from Ben LaMar Gay and Baxter Dury. What’s so important about Sly Stone and Brian Wilson? &c. … The member’s despatch, Week XXIV.
Cultivated conflict
Why are American states banning lab-grown meat? Hanna Tuomisto on the technology, economics, and politics of a new industry.
Red sea
Why is China building so many ships? Brian Hart on its plan to turn overwhelming commercial advantage into military power.
Midnight sun
Is anyone actually winning in Ukraine? Why do so many ex-Soviet kleptocrats live in London? + Music from Yussef Dayes. What’s drill rap—and what happens when you mix it with American jazz? &c. … The member’s despatch, Week XXIII.
Only connect
Why are Americans becoming so lonely? Milena Batanova on a problem U.S. officials have called an “epidemic.”
Connections
What does financial repression in autocracies have to do with financial freedom in democracies? Justin Callais on human flourishing in the modern world.
House money
Why are countries around the world developing virtual legal tenders? Roger Huang on the origins, implementation, and implications of central bank digital currencies.
