How US NatCon fits into and helps explain worldwide illiberalism. Waiting too long to taper risks resulting in higher and more sustained inflation. Could the vigour of Xi’s current policies stem from confidence rather than urgency? How not to lose the superpower of hope in face of the climate crisis. Acceptance is an essential ingredient to achieve meaningful (and effective) mindfulness.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“The world could be far richer by many measures if we do what this catastrophe (climate change) demands of us.” Rebecca Solnit in the fourth article of this week’s selection
ARTICLE OF THE WEEK
David Brooks, The Terrifying Future of the American Right
(The Atlantic, 18 November 2021)
The columnist shares his impressions of what he saw and heard at the US National Conservatism Conference. This is a fair, balanced, and at times, rather sympathetic account: “In person, I find many of them charming, warm, and friendly. But their public posture is dominated by the psychology of threat and menace”. His conclusion: “the disconcerting reality is that America’s rarefied NatCon World is just one piece of a larger illiberal populist revolt that is strong and rising.” A must-read to understand the rise of illiberalism engulfing much of the Western world. We saw it coming as Covid-19: The Great Reset was, and still is, one of their targets of choice. (metered paywall – reads in 7-9 min)
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Raghuram Rajan, Monetary and Inflationary Traps
(Project Syndicate, 23 November 2021)
The economist / central banker argues that a combination of factors is weighing against fast, decisive action to rein in inflation. He refers to the example of the Fed’s rate-setting Federal Open Market Committee where some members worry that the central bank will have fallen behind the curve by the time tapering is done, forcing it to raise rates more abruptly, to higher levels, and for longer than anticipated. His conclusion is worth pondering: “If the post-2008 scenario repeats, or if China and other emerging markets transmit disinflationary impulses across the global economy, waiting (to raise rates) will have been the right decision. Otherwise, the current impediments to central-bank action will mean more and sustained inflation, and a more prolonged fight to control it”. (metered paywall – 7-8 min)
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Jude Blanchette, Xi’s Confidence Game
(Foreign Affairs, 23 November 2021)
A contrarian Western narrative about China. Currently, many Western analysts / media leaders argue that Xi Jinping’s behaviour shows a desperate attempt to stave off China’s inevitable decline, if not the coming collapse of Communist Party rule. The American think-tanker does the opposite, arguing that Beijing’s actions show determination, not insecurity. His conclusion: “Xi’s sense of urgency and focus, built on a perception of domestic strength and fleeting opportunity, have proven to be his most important assets”. (metered paywall that may require registration – reads in 8-10 min)
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Rebecca Solnit, Ten Ways to Confront the Climate Crisis without Losing Hope
(The Guardian, 18 November 2021)
It’s easy to despair at the climate crisis, or to decide it’s already too late – but it’s not. This long read (about 15 min) offers ten reasons that explain why. (1) Feed your feelings on facts; (2) Pay attention to what’s already happening; (3) Look beyond the individual and find good people; (4) The future is not yet written; (5) Indirect consequences matter; (6) Imagination is a superpower; (7) Check the facts (and watch out for liars); (8) History can guide us; (9) Remember the predecessors; (10) Don’t neglect beauty. (free access)
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Susan Krauss Whitbourne, There’s More to Mindfulness Than You Might Think
(Psychology Today, 2 November 2021)
New research suggests it’s time to take a more in-depth look at mindfulness.
The media is awash with claims about the benefits of what the author (a professor of Psychological and Brain Sciences) and other professionals call derisively “McMindfulness” – mindfulness as a “quick fix” to any psychological issue. She explains why, to achieve the benefits of mindfulness, it’s necessary to use more than just awareness of everyday experiences. It may take more work, but it’s worth adding acceptance to awareness in taking a mindful approach to life. (metered paywall – 7-8 min)
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