The Art of Listening: A Key to Civic Resolutions

The content explores the importance of listening in personal and societal discourse, citing examples from literature and social media. It critiques the lack of genuine conversation in political debates, where interruptions prevent thoughtful engagement. The piece argues that effective decision-making relies on diverse perspectives and emphasizes the need to revive the art of listening.

The Complex Nature of Democracy: Insights and Quotes

Democracy is a complex concept that varies in interpretation, providing a framework for governance and legitimacy in society. Mexico’s current Morena government has approached democracy in a literal sense, raising concerns about its procedural integrity and the representation of public preferences. The quality of democracy in Latin America remains critically at stake.

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Michael Ignatieff explores the necessity of promoting trust and overcoming division in diverse societies in “Everyday Virtues.” He emphasizes the importance of a strong societal framework for coexistence, reflecting on global examples. Additionally, innovative publications by various authors and artists celebrate culture and humanity, enriching our understanding of history and the present.

2025: A Year to Remember.

The end of the year reflects a challenging global climate, with wars and economic instability. Trump’s administration has shifted power dynamics in the U.S., sidelining traditional political structures. The upcoming USMCA renegotiation will be crucial for regional economic stability, as issues of leadership ineptitude underline a deeper crisis in democracy and governance.

My Readings in 2025.

In times of upheaval, many books emerge addressing significant geopolitical and historical themes. Noteworthy titles include Hal Brands’ exploration of Eurasian geopolitics and Claudio Lomnitz’s analysis of Mexico’s dual realities. Robert Kaplan’s pessimistic insights mirror the Weimar Republic, highlighting the fragility of democracy, while Timothy W. Ryback details Hitler’s rise without popular support.

The Nobel Prize in Economics is Explained Simply.

Joel Mokyr, Philippe Aghion, and Peter Howitt won the 2025 Nobel Prize in Economics for their contributions to understanding economic growth through “creative destruction.” Their work clarified how innovation transforms markets, enhancing productivity and well-being, while emphasizing the necessity for continuous renewal as a driver of societal advancement and economic resilience.

The Role of Ethics in Global Politics and Human History.

The content discusses the role of ethics in history and modern society, highlighting global challenges such as migration, racial tensions, and governance failures, particularly in the U.S. and Mexico. It emphasizes the need for ethical leadership and cooperation in addressing crises, while critiquing demagoguery and the loss of democratic values.

The Year of War.

ith less than four weeks to go before we bid farewell to 2025—amidst the fury, the din, the missiles, and the drones—it is inevitable that we pause and take stock of how, in our political and social sphere, we will close out the year. Now that the first quarter of the century is over, we understand that we are not living in exceptional circumstances. Each period leading up to the world wars was unique in its time, yet they all shared the same air of menace.

Fantasies of the Past To Justify the Present.

Any analysis of López Obrador’s book “Grandeza” (Greatness) must start from its essentially political and ideological nature, rather than as an academic historical review. It is a text written based on assumptions about the past to explain and defend his vision of the present. López Obrador’s book is a gem for studying how a man imbued with Judeo-Christian values seeks to twist the human experience to fit his very particular vision of the universe and the humanity that inhabits it.

How Digital Mercenaries Manipulate Elections.

In 2023, journalists uncovered “Team Jorge,” an Israeli company manipulating elections worldwide, claiming to have influenced 33 elections. Led by Tal Hanan, the firm employed a vast network of digital avatars for disinformation. The investigation revealed the persistent threat of digital manipulation, highlighting the evolving landscape of political influence.

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