One notable historical example of merchants selling arms and armor at high prices during the Middle Ages can be found in the context of the Italian city-states, particularly Venice and Genoa, during the 12th to 14th centuries. Venetian and Genoese Arms Trade: Venice and Genoa, two powerful maritime republics, were…

In the second chapter of “Divided”, Marshall recounts how after the day after Donald Trump was elected President, conservative commentator Ann Coulter jokingly made a plan for his first 100 days in office, mainly about building a wall on the US-Mexico border. …

War isn’t just about fighting; it’s also about money. Some people make a lot of money when there’s a war. They sell guns, tanks, and other things that are used in fighting. This might sound wrong because war causes so much pain and suffering, but it’s true. …

Human history is shaped by war, each conflict leaving an indelible mark on the course of civilization. Tracing the evolution of major wars from ancient to modern times unveils a panoramic view of how these cataclysmic events have shaped the world we inhabit. Ancient Wars: Our journey begins in the…

The following is a summary of the Chine in the book, Divided: Why We’re Living in an Age of Walls by Tim Marshall. Chinese emperors, including Xi Jinping, have aimed to unite China’s diverse regions into a cohesive whole. Xi, with multiple titles, oversees a vast and ethnically varied population…

Hamas, an Islamist group in a secular, conflict-fatigued society, retains support through various means. It utilizes its reputation for honesty, grassroots activism, and social services to gain public favor, contrasting with Fatah’s corruption. Hamas blends political, charitable, and terrorist activities, often overlapping in function and personnel. Leaders insist on Hamas’…

In the shadow of the current conflict between Hamas and Israel in 2023, it is enlightening to revisit Noam Chomsky’s “The Fateful Triangle,” first published in 1983. …

N. J. Enfield discusses the fundamental difference between human thinking and machine thinking, emphasizing the social and emotional aspects of human cognition. Here are the key points he makes: 1. Machine Thinking: Enfield describes machine thinking as a process of input, calculation, and output. …

Gary Klein discusses the evolving relationship between humans and artificial intelligence (AI). He suggests that AI has the potential to move beyond being a mere tool and become a collaborator with humans. Here are the key points he makes: 1. Domination vs. Collaboration: Klein acknowledges concerns about the potential conflict…