The Nation-State Under Pressure: Who Governs The 21st Century?

When we talk about the future of global governance, we tend to start with the world we inherited – not the one we’re building. And the world we inherited was largely shaped by an idea born in 1648, at the signing of the Peace of Westphalia: the nation-state. It was a radical organizing principle for its time – one territory, one government, one sovereignty. This model didn’t just define borders; it defined identity, allegiance, and the rules of the game for centuries.

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Rehearsing The Future: Scenario Thinking And Longevity

For years, I’ve championed the power of scenario thinking as a way to “rehearse” the future. In my work, I’ve seen how structured, forward-looking narratives help us move beyond guesswork or simple extrapolation, allowing us to imagine multiple possibilities and develop more resilient strategies. This approach is particularly vital when it comes to the challenges of longevity and the strain on social safety nets like Social Security – areas where demographic shifts, policy decisions, and economic factors converge in ways that few people anticipate. By rehearsing tomorrow’s potential realities today, we equip ourselves with the foresight to adapt, innovate, and thrive no matter which scenario becomes our new normal.

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Book Review: “Punishing Putin” By Stephanie Baker

Punishing Putin, by Stephanie Baker, published in September 2024, offers a timely and in-depth examination of the international efforts to hold Russia accountable for its invasion of Ukraine. This isn’t simply a historical recounting of sanctions and diplomatic maneuvers; Baker delves into the complexities, contradictions, and often unintended consequences of the strategies employed by Western nations and their allies.

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