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/2019/98/4
The Self-Destruction of American Power - Fareed Zakaria
(read 2019/08/09)
America lost status as unipolar world power due to the rise of Russia and China.
Democracy Demotion - Larry Diamond
(read 2019/08/09)
Democracy is in decline, has been declining around the world. The United States promotes democracy much less than it used to; starting with eliminating the US Information Agency during the Clinton administration.
Globalization's Wrong Turn - Dani Rodrik
(read 2019/08/10)
Financial capital has set the terms for globalization (via lobbying); the government needs to step in and regulate a bit more, but -- the author says -- not too much more.
The Republican Devolution - Jacob S. Hacker and Paul Pierson
(read 2019/08/10)
Read this. Brief discussion of shifting political views in the past few decades; the left moving slightly to the left, and the right moving far to the right. Recap of the many instances GOP opposes democracy (voter disenfranchisement; consistently losing the popular vote) and undermines government (lack of compromise). Some discussion of causes: money in politics leans right; rise of right wing media divorced from reality.
American Hustle - Stephen Kotkin
(read 2019/08/10)
Wishy washy article on the Mueller report softly condemning Trump.
The New Tiananmen Papers - Andrew J. Nathan
(read 2019/08/10)
Some background history around Tiananmen protest. Zhao declining to use force, then placed under house arrest until he died in 2005. Party and high level response, leadership under Deng.
A World Safe for Autocracy? - Jessica Chen Weiss
(read 2019/08/10)
Article moderating criticisms of China. That China isn't necessarily supporting other autocratic governments, but they are pursuing Chinese (financial) interests. Similarly, they are not exporting the Chinese political system, at least not the same way other countries promote democracy. That it's necessary for the West to understand this.
Africa's Democratic Moment? - Judd Devermont and Jon Temin
(read 2019/08/10)
(Refreshing article). Talks about Ethiopia, Angola, South Africa, Nigeria, and Congo; the recent power transitions; shifts towards liberalism.
With Great Demographics Comes Great Power - Nicholas Eberstadt
(read 2019/08/10)
Some populations projections and impacts. Aging populations and workforce in China, with declining replacement. Same for South Korea and Japan and Russia. Probably the same for the US, but delayed. India, Philippines, and Singapore likely to grow.
America's Forgotten Colony - Antonio Weiss and Brad Setser
(read 2019/08/10)
Short article on Puerto Rico. Off shore tax haven. Problems the island faces; aging population, bad infrastructure, lack of representation, lack of ability to self govern. The need to restructure the government debt. Potential for statehood.