A timely "This Day in History," and an impending inauguration set the theme of this week's digest. As the nation prepares for a peaceful transition of power, one of the most important pillars of democracy, people across the political spectrum have vastly different expectations. Based not just on Trump's election, but on the state of affairs in many places around the world, I fear that too many will look inward in a manner that history has shown us is dangerous and ugly. Only time, and our actions, will tell.
As always, happy Wednesday and happy reading.
This Day in History
1919 - The post-WWI Paris Peace Conference begins. Featuring the leaders of all the world's most powerful nation's, the Conference was dominated by the leaders of France, Britain, and the US, and ultimately resulted in the Treaty of Versailles. Despite high hopes and some good intentions, the Treaty was punitive, and failed to meet the ideal of many of the attendees. Ultimately, the terms of the Treaty would lead to future conflict including WWII, the Vietnam War, and much of the turmoil in the modern Middle East.
The End of an Era
Since the end of WWII, the world has been dominated by an Anglo-American order built during and after the war. Imperfectly, the world has lurched forward socially and economically during this "Pax Americana," but - as historically has been the case - we now seem to be facing a change of course (from the NYTimes Magazine).
While many on both the political left and right may greet this news happily, it is important to remember that in an interconnected world with a global economy and communications, being on the outside looking in is not a sign of strength but of weakness. The irony of the Brexit vote and Trump's election is that - as former Prime Minister Brown stated - only a integrated global leaders can either country be great (from the NYTimes). Alas, both nations, the bedrock of the current global order, have opted out. As imperfect as the current structure may be, what looks poised to replace it is much scarier.
When Trump Met Brexit
So what happens next? I do not fear the worse, but I do prepare for it, because history teaches us a very clear, very scary lesson about what happens when we follow the path of ethno-nationalism to its bloody, bitter end (from Medium).
The path forward is not easy. It requires learning about others, questioning ourselves, finding common ground, and collaborating. Those are hard things to do. Blaming others, withdrawing from structures that encourage peace and prosperity, pretending we can solve problems alone, these are easy non-solutions. They inflate our sense of self while simultaneously darkening our future outlook.
Meanwhile, in Eastern Europe
You know about Brexit, but have you heard about the crackdown on pro-democracy NGOs in Hungary (from Bloomberg)? Hungary's Prime Minister, Viktor Orban, is a fan of Trump, and is proud of his self-described "illiberal state," and has used anti-semitic imagery in previous political campaigns.
Given the myriad problems we face at home, it is easy to overlook what is going on in other parts of the world, particularly a place like Hungary, which doesn't usually dominate headlines. But part of what we ought to fear is that Trump is not an isolated phenomenon. All across the world people are turning inward and looking to nationalistic strongmen to lead them. On the anniversary of the Versailles Conference, this is ominous indeed.
The First 100 Days
What might the first 100 days of a Trump presidency look like from a foreign policy perspective? This article imagines just how wrong things could go even if Trump is unable to achieve any of his stated goals (from the Economist). Many people seem to have entered a strange and scary post-fact world, where words and actions are meaningless and only beliefs matter. But even if Americans think that beating our chests like gorillas is a manner of showing strength and getting our way, others will respond differently. They will react to what Trump says and how he acts, and there will be serious negative consequences.
Scooby Snacks
And with a face like that how can you not get them!? Scooby takes after his cartoon namesake, and he may be a beggar, but damn is he good. Hailing from CA where he lives with his human Cheryl, Scooby is as friendly as can be, and while he's no meanie, he gives a good welcome bark when company arrives. Like a friendly, slobbery, walking doorbell. The best kind. Thanks, Cheryl, for sharing Scooby!
Will's Weekly Trivia - Spread the Word!
My goal in 2017 is to increase readers by 100. If you know someone who you believe might enjoy the digest, the dogs, or the trivia, please be sure to share Willful Intent's new opt-in form! And don't forget to submit any thoughts and dog pics via the feedback form!
IF you choose to answer the question, respond to staton.will@gmail.com with your answer. Please note that by competing you are giving me permission to publish your first name in the trivia leader board each week.
Last Week:
1. Which US President has a toy named after him? What is that toy? ONE POINT APIECE
2. Which city in Michigan has a crisis with lead-tainted water? ONE POINT
Answers:
1. There were two possible answers: Abraham Lincoln and Lincoln Logs; or Teddy Roosevelt and the Teddy Bear.
2. There is an ongoing crisis with the water quality in Flint, MI.
This Week:
1. Which future leader of North Vietnam came to Versailles to plead for independence for Vietnam from France, but was turned away resulting in ongoing colonization of French Indochina that predated the Vietnam War? TWO POINTS
2. What is the capital of Hungary? ONE POINT
3. The original Big Three consisted of FDR, Winston Churchill, and whom? ONE POINT LEADER BOARD Check out the Leader Board! Is your name on it!?
