October 2024 Edition

Culture & News

Geopolitics

The recent G-7 summit (June 2021) held in Cornwall, United Kingdom was composed of leaders from the U.S., Canada, U.K., France, Japan, Italy, and Germany. The guests invited to attend were: The European Union (EU), South Korea, India, Australia, and South Africa. Russia and China are both excluded from the G-7 summit. Russia was suspended in 2014 for its annexation of Crimea from Ukraine.¹ China has never been allowed membership to the G-7.² Some topics for discussion include: the coronavirus pandemic, the economy, climate change, and fair trade. U.S. President Biden a few days later, met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Geneva, Switzerland for a meeting on current affairs.

The world of geopolitics is increasingly interconnected due to the internet, technological advances, and blended economies. There are also substantial challenges that involve terrorism, cyber attacks, natural disasters, and international crime syndicates. In addition, the developmental rise of some countries are the cause of geopolitical shifts and potential changes in the global distribution of power.

According to Zbigniew Brzezinski, former U.S. National Security Advisor (1977-1981) in his book, Strategic Vision: America and the Crisis of Global Power: “Very serious international tensions could also result from a reciprocal failure by America and China to adjust cooperatively to the changing distribution of political and economic power in their bilateral relationship” (kindle p. 154).³ Mr. Brzezinski then goes on to say: “Wisely, both the United States and China have explicitly embraced the concept of “a constructive partnership” in global affairs, and the United States- while critical of China’s violations of human rights- has been careful not to stigmatize the Chinese socioeconomic system as a whole” (kindle p. 179).⁴ Thus, it appears much is on the table for discussion and negotiation.    

        

Bibliography

(1,2) Faulconbridge, Guy & James, William. “G7 Mulls a Message to China: The West Ain’t Over Just Yet.” Reuters. 2021. https://www.reuters.com/world/g7-discuss-decisive-action-counter-threats-like-russia-china-2021-05-03/

(3,4) Brzezinski, Zbigniew. Strategic Vision: America and the Crisis of Global Power. Basic Books. 2012. Kindle Edition. ( pages 154 & 179 ).

*Notice: The article “Geopolitics” was first published in the July 2021 Edition, to view click here.

Art/Film/Literature News

Shooter

Bob Lee Swagger (Mark Wahlberg) is a former Marine gunnery sergeant living in the mountains. The government seeks out his sniper expertise to prevent an assassination attempt in the movie: Shooter (2007, 2 hours 6 minutes, rated R). Soon after, Swagger is on the run and learns the legal definition of the word conspiracy.

According to The Law Dictionary.org (Featuring Black’s Law Dictionary, 2nd Ed.) conspiracy is defined as: “Conspiracy is a consultation or agreement between two or more persons, either falsely to accuse another of a crime punishable by law; or wrongfully to injure or prejudice a third person, or any body of men, in any manner; or to commit any offense punishable by law; or to do any act with intent to prevent the course of justice; or to effect a legal purpose with a corrupt intent, or by improper means. Hawk. P. C. c. 72.” ¹

The bullets of the assassin are real, but the who, why, and how are a deeper mystery. The character Mr. Rate (Levon Helm) is a firearms expert who steals the show in one powerful scene. He has the wisdom of a sage and even mentions the grassy knoll of the JFK assassination. This is a good movie to watch!

Bibliography

( 1 ) “CONSPIRACY Definition & Legal Meaning.” The Law Dictionary.org, Accessed September 10th, 2024. https://thelawdictionary.org/conspiracy/

Business/Non-Profit/Inspirational News

Fall Decor

The autumn season is upon us and the time for some festive fall decor. See the video below for some inspirational ideas! Happy Fall!

Book Review

The Wishing Tree

Theo spreads some holiday cheer around town and receives a surprise in return in the book: The Wishing Tree: A Christmas Holiday Book for Kids by Meika Hashimoto (2021, 32pages). This is a cute story with beautiful illustrations! It also includes 12 holiday cards that show different scenes from the story!

News Videos (6)