In today’s Report:
- Michael McFaul considers lessons for American democracy from recent protests against the Zelenskyy government in Ukraine.
- David Leal points out flaws in the Labour government’s proposal to remove hereditary members of Britain’s House of Lords.
- And Bill Whalen examines Nancy Pelosi’s political future in the light of her advanced age and San Francisco’s shifting political landscape.
International Affairs
Writing at Persuasion, Senior Fellow Michael McFaul examines the recent protests against the Zelenskyy government in Ukraine following its attempt to “strip two of Ukraine’s anti-corruption institutions—the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office—of their independence by placing them under the direct control of Ukraine’s prosecutor general.” As McFaul notes, “Massive demonstrations against the government mobilized immediately—the biggest against Zelenskyy since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.” Following the protests, Zelenskyy backed down. McFaul reflects on how the episode has challenged his thinking on American promotion of democracy abroad and the health of America’s own democratic system and civil society. The former ambassador to Russia writes in conclusion, “For decades, we Americans thought we had something to teach Ukrainians about democracy. Instead, it looks like we could learn some things from small-d democrats in Ukraine.” Read more here.
Stanford Emerging Technology Review
A new video from the Stanford Emerging Technology Review provides an overview of the future of robotics. From autonomous machines in construction to wearable robotics in eldercare, robotics is transforming the physical economy. Innovations in robotics technology promise to reshape the future of work, defense, and human-machine interaction. The video shows why strategic leadership in the field is needed to harness robotics innovation, strengthen US competitiveness, and secure supply chains critical to national resilience. Additionally, a new Stanford Emerging Technology Review excerpt published at Defining Ideas examines robotics as a transformative technology for building an “electronic workforce.” The article highlights the potential of robotics to address critical challenges across multiple sectors, including food production and manufacturing. Read more here.
California Politics and Policy
At California on Your Mind, Distinguished Policy Fellow Bill Whalen examines whether former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will seek reelection for a 21st congressional term. At 85, Pelosi faces potential primary challenges from progressive candidate Saikat Chakrabarti and possibly State Senator Scott Wiener, who advocate for policies like universal healthcare, wealth taxes, and green energy expansion. Whalen notes San Francisco’s recent political shift toward moderation, evidenced by Mayor Daniel Lurie’s election and 73% approval rating based on pragmatic governance rather than Trump resistance. While Pelosi likely remains favored given her recent primary victories exceeding 70%, Whalen says, personal considerations include her age, husband Paul’s recovery from a 2022 attack, and limited prospects for policy influence as a minority party member. Whalen suggests retirement might be appealing to Pelosi, especially given uncertainty about Democratic chances of retaking the House and the party’s low national approval ratings. Read more here.
Revitalizing History
At Hoover’s Military History in the News column, Chris Gibson sheds light on a lesser-known chapter in the military career of notorious turncoat Benedict Arnold. As Gibson shows, Arnold’s conspicuous bravery at the pivotal Battle of Saratoga, where he personally moved to a weak point in the American lines and rallied his troops to repel a British assault, “is not often told in school for want of simplicity and moral clarity.” Comparing Arnold and George Washington, Gibson reminds readers that prior to his infamous act of treason, at many moments in the war “Arnold bests Washington in intelligence, worldly achievements, and bravery.” But these attributes proved insufficient for Arnold. Gibson writes that “the one category where Washington is clearly superior is character—and that’s the essential point.” After raising the intriguing possibility that a traumatic brain injury could have contributed to Arnold’s shift in loyalties, Gibson concludes, “in the end he was still responsible for his betrayal of his comrades and the patriotic cause.” Read more here.
British Politics and Policy
“The main argument against the ‘hereditary’ peers in Britain’s House of Lords is not, oddly enough, that they are harmful to lawmaking,” writes Senior Fellow David L. Leal in this second part of an essay examining proposed changes to Parliament’s upper chamber. Rather, he says, one of the most frequently cited criticisms “is that the chamber is too large.” But in Leal’s view, “a relatively large number of members is appropriate for a scrutinizing body. With more members and expertise, the better attention it can pay to legislation originating from the other chamber.” Leal then rebuts other progressive arguments against hereditary membership in the House of Lords, focusing on the unique qualifications, talents, and experiences that hereditary peers have brought to the chamber throughout recent history. Leal concludes by emphasizing that removing these peers will damage Britain’s soft power and sense of connection to “the nation’s unique heritage and history.” Read more here.
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