Noted recall: The goal is to describe, in just a few words, what the article is about. Additionally, if I think the article is particularly note-worthy (good or bad), I will comment on that. Compare this to a small sticky note, something to jog your memory about the contents of an article. Of course, if I miss the point of an article, or fail to find anything remarkable, that is entirely the fault of the reviewer.
Available at: https://www.foreignaffairs.com/issues/2018/97/6
Nuclear Weapons Don't Matter - John Mueller
(read 2018-11-04)
Short article arguing that nuclear weapons have had little actual impact. Despite predictions, the world has not ended. Has not deterred determined actors; is not a likely terrorist threat.
The Vanishing Nuclear Taboo? - Nina Tannenwald
(read 2018-11-04)
A look at recent US policy (last ~ decade) regarding nuclear weapons. Initially seemed headed toward reducing number at start of Obama's presidency, but then changed course. Lots of policy pressure to maintain arsenal for deterrence.
If You Want Peace, Prepare for Nuclear War - Elbridge Colby
(read 2018-11-04)
Former focus on nuclear weapons, then sidelining in early 20th century. Now seeing resurgence; some discussions of the causes. This article was rather lengthy for how little it said.
Armed and Dangerous - Scott D. Sagan
(read 2018-11-05)
Article on nuclear weapons under a dictator. Potential threat to other nations. Discussion on nuclear weapon program success when loyalty is valued higher than skill. Discussion on mitigating risk.
Beijing's Nuclear Option - Caitlin Talmadge
(read 2018-11-05)
Look at the possibility of US-China nuclear exchange. Seems unlikely given China's low key nuclear policy and history, but outlines some hypothetical scenarios. Mentions historic China incident with Soviet Union in 1969 that almost resulted in nuclear weapon use.
Moscow's Nuclear Enigma - Olga Oliker
(read 2018-11-06)
Short but concise article about Russia's nuclear weapon use policy. It seems there are many reasons to think Russia is committed to "no first use" (i.e., retaliation only), but there is some ambiguity, and this ambiguity makes a nuclear exchange more likely.
Confronting Iran - Michael R. Pompeo
(started 2018-11-06)
Article starts by stating JCPOA not only failed to stop Iran's nuclear program, but encouraged it. Stopped reading there.
The Committee to Save the World Order - Ivo H. Daalder and James M. Lindsay
(read 2018-11-06)
Talks about US leadership and changes since Trump, e.g., exiting TPP. A lot of discussion about the Asia/Pacific region, talks about what the equivalent of Nato in the area might look like, but in the current context of American semi-isolation. Some discussion of NATO, and getting existing members to increase military spending. More talk on American isolation; it seems allied countries are content for now, waiting to see if Trump will be replaced in 2020.
The Crisis Next Time - Carmen Reinhart and Vincent Reinhart
(read 2018-11-06)
Discusses the 2008 financial crisis, and lessons learned. Recession after a financial crisis is harder to recover from than a regular recession (this, apparently, opposite conventional wisdom). That the government needs to respond as quickly as possible; that the EuroZone is not ideal for handling individual country's crisis (ideally, devaluing your own currency). That perhaps repealing some of Dodd-Frank is acceptable, but too much repeal is going to result in problems again. That there were a lot of lessons learned which were not new ("this time is different").
How to Save Globalization - Kenneth F. Scheve and Matthew J. Slaughter
(read 2018-11-09)
Some discussion of American society and backlash against globalization; context is (paraphrase) "the Trump era." Article glosses over racial issues, but brings up important economic discussion. Inequality now vs decades ago. Some proposals about funding education better: before regular (k-12) school, and then at least some college for everyone, and then some continuing education after college.
The Next Arab Uprising - Marwan Muasher
(read 2018-11-09)
Discusses some economic history of the middle east and causes of the Arab spring. How majority of jobs are for government; but this depends on high oil price to pay. Reform, and how Tunisia is the exception. Some cautions about what needs to change to prevent more revolution in the future.
Venezuela's Suicide - Moisés Naím and Francisco Toro
(read 2018-11-11)
A look at Venezuela and its recent history. What caused Chavez to come to power; inequality was probably not such a strong factor. Chavez consolidated power, stifled dissent, ignored advice/advisors and tried to solo plan the country. Decisions ended up undermining economy. Maduro took over, cyclic downward spiral where things got worse as more military involved. Seems hard to impose diplomacy in "the usual manner" as Venezuela has ignored or dropped out of institutions (like Organization of American States). Now refugee crisis is developing, which is starting to increase nationalist sentiment in nearby countries.
The Use and Misuse of Economic Statecraft - Jacob J. Lew and Richard Nephew
(read 2018-11-11)
A look at sanctions and economics as foreign policy. Rise of US as global economic leader after fall of Soviet Union. Allies generally dislike secondary sanctions; even when interests align, EU has tried to get local (EU) laws passed to mirror US sanctions. Short comments on decline of US as leader in global institutions like IMF. Some discussion on the long term harm caused by US cancelling the Iran agreement (JCPOA) without cause; and remaining Iran agreement party members partnering with Iran to work around US sanctions.
Generation Stress - Sylvia Mathews Burwell
(read 2018-11-13)
Short article about mental health in college. Increase in depression and stress levels compared to turn of the century. Author breaks it into three factors: safety, economics, and "technology" (social media). Economic factors include rising inequality and job security, including getting a job. (short article).
Old Money, New Order - Darren Walker
(read 2018-11-13)
Look at the Ford Foundation, its history, and programs invested in.
Health Without Wealth - Thomas Bollyky
(read 2018-11-13)
Look at life expectancy and infant mortality in developing countries. Health has improved, but mostly due to outside funding; not sure if this is sustainable without external funding. It seems most developed countries improved health in urban centers which led to economic growth over time. However, developing countries are not seeing the same benefit; additionally, people contract non-communicable diseases at the same rates as developed countries, but at an earlier age. Despite improved life expectancy, developing governments still have the lowest per capita spending on health care.