leicsmac

It certainly isn't, which is why, in terms of foreign policy, it would be nice to have less of the same "might makes right" excuses for "diplomacy".

Well, yes, but pardon me for thinking there might be a third option rather than relying on realpolitik that causes nothing but suffering, Mr Kissinger. ... because, ultimately, they don't care about the democratic process if it doesn't serve their own self interest.

I find focusing on a singular objective - it doesn't have to be a big one - that does something to make the world around you better, helps. But that's just my take. The world is changing fast, and anyone with half a brain would be anxious about what may lie ahead, but all we can do is what lies in our own power.

The events that killed the dinosaurs, caused the Ordovincian-Silurian extinction event and reduced humanity to a mere handful of numbers 70000 years ago are not mysterious. Three different causes, all would happen no matter how well we take care of the Earth, all would require advanced technology, space based and/or otherwise, to even begin to stop or mitigate. They're as real as the very real problems of human suffering and biodiversity crash, to name but two. Focusing on the future makes sure that there will actually be one for any or all of us. Not planning for that is... well, asking for trouble. NB. I feel the same way about Musk and the privatisation of space exploration as you do - it's a recipe for dystopia. But the solution to that is to elect governments that do the same thing for the benefit of all, not abandon the matter entirely. You're a good person and I'm pretty damn sure you've done more for direct aid for people that need it than I have. However, I think the future will need people like both of us.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cp3yew446k5o New Zealand has fired its most senior envoy to the United Kingdom over remarks that questioned US President Donald Trump's grasp of history. At an event in London on Tuesday, High Commissioner to the UK Phil Goff compared efforts to end the war between Russia and Ukraine to the Munich Agreement of 1938, which allowed Adolf Hitler to annex Czechoslovakia. Goff recalled how Sir Winston Churchill had criticised the agreement, then said of the US leader: "President Trump has restored the bust of Churchill to the Oval Office. But do you think he really understands history?" Apparently the diplomatic corps is no place to tell the truth, if a little bluntly.

He might hope for that but given the current attitude of the vast majority of the UK population towards the Repubs them winning in 2028 may have the opposite effect to what he wants.

We've got quite a few science bods on here, one reason I like FT so much is that it's a pretty broad church.

India are more familiar with the conditions and are at least the equal of NZ both batting and fielding. NZ can win depending on the day, but I'd make India favourites.

Saffers need to get a move on here if they're going to get close.

That may well be because the "young" see that those in and with power to really help change over the past few decades but have not done nearly enough as all "old". Unfortunately that then gets spun like all of the "old" think that way and have that power, which they don't. I agree that we're culpable for this as a species, not as demographics, and should the worst happen, those who are left and looking for someone to blame will certainly see it that way too.

And people keep falling for the promises in spite of how rarely he keeps them. Have to have a grudging respect for how far he's elevated the grifter act.

Spot on. (Particularly regarding the bit where the more we find out, the direr the picture appears to be.) And the worst thing is that we're actively walking towards that era of untold human suffering because too many people either consider the issue abstract, beyond their control or actively don't care because nothing matters beyond the end of their own lives or they think the suffering won't otherwise touch them. We could well be giving future generations - such of those who may be left - every reason to utterly despise every one of us, both for making this happen and for letting this happen.

That is very unsurprising. One wonders how he manages to inspire loyalty when he shows next to none of it in return when things go wrong.

According to their own rules on nuclear release, this is correct. Of course, rules can be changed so while limiting their expansionist ideals is if choose a good idea, it needs to be done carefully.

https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(24)02350-X/fulltext "A human-driven mass extinction is underway. The 2024 Living Planet Report reveals that the average size of monitored wildlife populations has shrunk by 73% in just 50 years, with the steepest declines in Latin America and the Caribbean (95%), Africa (76%), Asia–Pacific (60%), and in freshwater ecosystems (85%). Although estimates vary, the species extinction rate is thought to be 10–100 times higher than the natural baseline. This rapid loss of species is driven by anthropogenic overpopulation, habitat destruction, exploitation, and climate change. Industrialised societies have long adopted an extractionist perspective towards the natural world, viewing ecosystems as resources to be exploited and consumed for profit. Yet, in this pursuit, we ignore that the very ecosystems we destroy are key to our survival." While our species continues its petty and short-sighted squabbling along itself, if grossly overlooks something so much more threatening to human future.

Appreciate the clarification. I think it's possible he's engaging in a lot of bluffing, yes, and so I hope the international community that he's trying to bully is ready to call those bluffs where needed.

If it isn't obvious that Trump's policy decisions rely largely on bullying and extortion then I'm not sure when it will be tbh. However, as you say, the true acid test will be how far Putin has to move for any kind of deal. I'm not optimistic that it will be very far at all.

And reasonably typical bombast while addressing Congress. It would be wonderful if someone were to ask him if he's actually admitted fault or genuinely apologised to anyone in his whole life, even when he's done do much wrong.

For me that's as obvious an answer as it is possible to be in the diplomatic world and it's entirely in keeping with the nature of the man. Not sure how any kind of altruism can be argued from it.

It's darkly humorous - and even a little hopeful - that nations like the UK and Canada that appeared totally divided among themselves appear totally driven by unity now.

Fair to say. I do think though if he's got Trump on one side of a matter and (what he thinks is) his Lord on the other, then he might have to consider for a moment.

Just thought that Vance reminds me of a political version of Kendrick in A Few Good Men. Wouldn't surprise me if he stood up and said that the only authority he's answerable to is Donald J Trump and the Lord Our God.

Yep, him and the batting depth was enough. Still think it's rather a farce that the final of a tournament won't be held in the designated host country, but I think India will be very difficult to stop in the final.

This stands or falls on Kohli now.

India bat deep, but you get the feeling this is a critical stand.