A11. | October 6

To crack 21st-century populism, revisit the 17th century: One way to cope with our confusing times is to look back at the past. Studying history does more than provide us with a perspective on the rush of events. It suggests how they might unfold in the future and how we can shape them to our advantage. Adrian Wooldridge

Reading Schmitt in Beijing: How China’s rise provoked America’s illiberal turn. Benn Steil

China hawks grow queasy over Trump’s push for deals with Beijing: Trump rewrote Washington’s rules for dealing with China in his first presidency, embracing confrontation, launching a trade war and upending decades of policy. In his second term, China hawks in Washington fear that Trump is going soft. Bloomberg

As America fumbles, China races ahead: Xi is building the future while Trump pushes tariffs and fights the woke wars. Fareed Zakaria

Thwarted plot to cripple cell service in New York was bigger than first thought: Sources: A thwarted plot to cripple the telecommunications system in New York was bigger than investigators first realized, adding to the urgency of their search for answers, sources told ABC News. Federal agents discovered additional locations and more equipment as they work to determine the ultimate goal of what the US Secret Service said was a China-linked plot that could have crippled every cell tower in the nation's largest city, jammed 911 calls, and unleashed chaos on communications networks.

The inside story of China spy case collapse: ‘It came from the very top’: Official silence on why charges were dropped against Chris Cash and Christopher Berry has angered Westminster and fuelled suspicions that it was a sop to Beijing. The Times

UK government undermined China spying probe to protect Beijing ties, say officials: Prosecution case collapsed after senior security advisers said they would not testify that China was an ‘enemy.’ FT

How China secretly pays Iran for oil and avoids US sanctions: Hidden arrangement secured by prominent Chinese insurer connects Tehran with its biggest customer. WSJ

Tracked: Russia’s drone mothership causing mayhem around Europe: Tanker seized off France is believed to have been used for ‘hybrid war’ attacks in Denmark and Germany. Telegraph

The West is waking up to the Russian drone onslaught: Britain and the rest of Europe cannot risk being caught unprepared by Putin again. Telegraph

The mini-missiles designed to ram Putin’s drones out of the sky: Low-cost interceptor that can be fired from a hand-held cannon could become a powerful part of the EU’s defence capabilities. Telegraph

‘I’m leaving,’ Trump said. ‘There’s no reason to be here any more’: inside the meeting that brought NATO to the brink: Former secretary general Jens Stoltenberg recalls the rollercoaster ride of dealing with Donald Trump – and how close the US president brought the alliance to the point of collapse. Guardian

What America thinks of Blair’s political comeback: Sir Tony’s return to global politics is making an impact in Washington as Trump endorses the former prime minister’s post-war Gaza blueprint. Telegraph

CNN: Trump says Hamas faces ‘complete obliteration’ if it insists on staying in power

Strong-armed by Trump, Netanyahu embraces Gaza deal as a personal win: NYT reports Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel took credit for an emerging agreement, but it was clear that President Trump was calling the shots.

PTSD and suicides spike among Israeli troops amid devastation of Gaza war: WP reports returning soldiers are suffering in record numbers, and the military is scrambling to address an issue once taboo in Israel.

EU pushes new AI strategy to reduce tech reliance on US and China: Brussels to unveil plan targeting digital sovereignty as it warns technology can be ‘weaponised’ by geopolitical rivals. FT

Does Britain need a second Thatcher or must the Tories finally let go? A hundred years after her birth, Margaret Thatcher’s influence is as strong as the Tories’ is weak. How might her example help Kemi Badenoch — and the country? The Times

How not to get a progressive party off the ground: The British left needs a strategy that can win elections instead of throwing them to the right. Arash Azizi

Can Italy finally build the world’s longest suspension bridge? Italy is planning a mega-bridge to Sicily. Locals want none of it. Bloomberg

Japan to expand anti-dumping tariffs amid continued China overproduction: Nikkei reports new rules would allow levies on imports via third countries.

BBC: Sanae Takaichi set to become Japan's first female prime minister

Japan is set for its first female prime minister: NYT reports Sanae Takaichi, a hard-line conservative, was elected as leader by Japan’s embattled governing party, paving the way for her to become prime minister of the coalition government.

Japan gears up for ‘Takaichi trade’ as first female leader prepares for power: Hardline conservative is expected to revive ‘Abenomics’ era stimulus, spending, and fiery foreign policy. FT

Inspired by Thatcher, Japan's PM-in-waiting Takaichi smashes glass ceiling Reuters

New LDP chief Takaichi expected to name Aso to senior party post: Nikkei reports veteran conservative politician known for controversial statements.

Friday: North Korea ruling party's 80th anniversary: North Korea is expected to show off its newest weapons at a large military parade to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the founding of the ruling Workers' Party. High-ranking officials from China and Russia are expected to participate. The last time North Korea held a large military parade was in July 2023 to mark the 70th anniversary of the signing of the Korean War armistice.

Gen-Z protests are spreading globally. What's driving this youth-led movement? The specific grievances differ, but there are common threads. CBC

How Discord has become a tool for youth mobilization in Morocco and Nepal: The American platform has taken on a leading role in recent weeks in youth movements in both Morocco and Nepal – a future its original purpose never anticipated. Le Monde

France's global news agency AFP buckles under pressure from rising populism: Targeted by several authoritarian governments, Agence France-Presse – one of the three leading global news agencies – has found itself struggling financially in the face of a fragile media sector, changing news consumption habits, and the rapid rollout of AI. Brice Laemle

Argentina’s wily currency traders drain Javier Milei’s dollars: FT reports labyrinthine restrictions and chronic instability spawn strategies to profit from foreign exchange policies.

Carney to return to Washington as Trump's tariffs hit sectors hard: Prime minister facing pressure from opposition to land a win. CBC

Calgary is racing to 2 million people. Will next council prepare for it? City hall faces pressure to manage continued growth and strains that come with it. CBC

US shutdown hobbles Haiti’s textile industry amid stabilization push: According to Bloomberg, without the trade deal, Haiti's exports to the US are subject to duties of between 14% and 30%, in addition to the 10% reciprocal tariff that most nations face. The textile sector is one of the few that's working in Haiti and is an important source of revenue for the country, employing more than 24,800 people and exporting to the US, totaling $538 million in the 12 months through July.

Trump’s 50% tariffs sow fear inside Indian apparel hub: Factories that invested in anticipation of a boom in orders are saddled with debt and unsold inventory. Bloomberg

The US-India romance is over: The relationship is at risk of collapse as Washington pushes New Delhi closer to Moscow. Abishur Prakash

How the US trade war uncorked a surprising boom for wineries across Canada: The 'Buy Canadian' movement has sparked a big uptick in local vino sales. CBC

Invasion of the killer IKEA sofas: There’s nothing Trump won’t call a ‘national security’ threat to justify a punitive tariff. WSJ-Editorial

Shutdown: A new YouGov survey found that 41% of Americans think the federal closure will last for two weeks or less. Thirteen percent said they expect the shutdown to last three to four weeks, and 9% said they predict at least a month-long closure.

Government shutdown drags on with little pressure to break impasse: WSJ reports pain from missed federal paychecks, healthcare deadlines will mount, but Republicans and Democrats aren’t budging for now.

Both parties are resigned to deadlock as shutdown takes hold: NYT reports Republicans, who hold a governing trifecta, have adopted a mostly passive stance while Democrats dig in for a fight, with both feeling they have the political upper hand.

Democrats’ defiance on shutdown shows a new, tougher approach to Trump: WP reports in this battle — and a growing number of other political fights nationwide — the party’s mood has shifted dramatically. “There is a growing understanding that you should never try to appease a bully,” Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) said.

CNN: Trump’s shutdown architect: Russ Vought’s plan to deconstruct the government was years in the making

Shutdown gives Trump administration a chance at DOGE 2.0: Forget Elon Musk. Russell Vought is trying to use the crisis to fire more federal employees. Also on Everybody’s Business, Justin Sun and “Splenda daddies.” Bloomberg

Trump plan would limit Social Security disability benefits for older Americans: Trump administration officials are considering eliminating age as a factor in deciding whether someone is capable of working. WP

GOP to Gen Z: Pay double for health insurance or go without Natalie Foster

Supreme Court and Trump are headed for a reckoning in new term: WP reports that after months of emergency rulings, the justices will be asked to render final verdicts on economic and immigration policies at the core of Trump’s presidency.

NYT: Oregon officials vent fury as California National Guard head to Portland

Judge blocks Trump’s deployment of National Guard in Portland, OR: NYT reports a federal judge appointed by President Trump issued a temporary restraining order, siding for now with Oregon and Portland lawyers who called federalizing the guard a presidential overreach.

Tensions spike in Chicago, Portland as Trump faces legal challenges over troop use: WP reports California says it will sue the Trump administration over plans to send 300 state National Guard troops to Oregon.

Trump sends California National Guard troops to Portland, OR: NYT reports the move follows a judge’s order on Saturday that blocked the Oregon Guard from deploying there. California’s governor said the state would sue.

Trump officials discussed sending elite Army division to Portland, text messages show: A high-ranking White House official was indiscreetly texting about the Portland, OR., planning last weekend, according to messages shared with the Minnesota Star Tribune.

Everything is terrorism in Trump’s America: Identifying faceless ICE agents. Mutual aid for jailed protesters. Calling JD Vance a fascist. The war on ‘antifa’ is a war on free speech, and it’s just getting started. Verge 

Pope makes rare comments on US politics, military gathering: Pope Leo, asked about the gathering of military leaders in Virginia and a debate roiling Chicago’s diocese, gave his strongest comments on Trump administration policies. WP

The commander in chief is not okay: Trump put on a disturbing show for America’s generals and admirals. Tom Nichols

Pete Hegseth is living the dream: A man who retired as a major lectures hundreds of generals about the need to meet his standards. Eliot A. Cohen

Hundreds of generals try to keep a straight face: Pete Hegseth gathered commanders from around the globe to unveil new physical-fitness standards. Nancy A. Youssef + Missy Ryan

Donald Trump and the aggressive pursuit of a Nobel Peace Prize: The president said it would be “a big insult” to the US if he doesn’t win. Some in Norway fear retaliation if he’s disappointed. Bloomberg

Today: Nobel Prize announcements begin: Nobel Prize week kicks off with the award in physiology or medicine, and culminates next Monday with the economics prize. 

Trump’s Louis XIV moment: Donald Trump has made his mark on democracy. But his plan to extend the East Wing of the White House is a permanent altering of the people’s house and an extension of the Trump brand. A new ballroom might appear as another shrug-worthy flourish in a career filled with gilded lobbies and mirrored atriums, but the symbolism is harder to dismiss. Debbie Millman

Trump’s team hones message on economy: Just wait until 2026: Advisers work to ease voter anxiety about weak jobs growth and stubborn inflation. WSJ

Trump is targeting an economic revival story: Pittsburgh shows how universities and hospitals can fuel renewal — and why Trump’s manufacturing push and cuts to higher education could undermine it. Bloomberg

+ Mini Ross Rant: This is great. I frequently think about how, just four hours from Detroit, Chicago, and Toronto, have powered a bright future and a dynamic economy. Much of this success is due to hosting world-class universities in the respective cities, much like Pittsburgh, which is also only four hours from Detroit.

1929 by Andrew Ross Sorkin — the hubris behind the Wall St crash: The ‘Too Big to Fail’ author returns with an eye-opening account of the banking titans and practices that led to financial disaster. FT

‘If anyone builds it, everyone dies’ is the new gospel of AI doom: A new book by Eliezer Yudkowsky and Nate Soares argues that the race to build artificial superintelligence will result in human extinction. Bloomberg

Will AI free us from life’s tedious admin? I hold out hope that tech can work for us rather than the other way around. Emma Jacobs

Silicon Valley talent war turns nasty as Musk hounds defectors: The race for AI dominance has descended into bitter feuds over a handful of superbrains. Telegraph

Google wants superintelligent AI. First it has to beat teen math prodigies: At the International Math Olympiad, Google’s AI joined hundreds of humans working through problems designed to stump even the brightest minds. Bloomberg

AI investors are chasing a big prize. Here’s what can go wrong. There are good reasons to believe that simply throwing more computing power at the current models won’t be enough. WSJ

OpenAI and Jony Ive grapple with technical issues on secretive AI device: ChatGPT maker is working with former Apple design boss to launch a palm-sized personal assistant next year. FT

Beyond pepper: SoftBank charts new course in robotics with AI: Group puts robot investments under one holding company to coordinate strategy. Nikkei

Satellites and drones are unlocking benefits ‘hidden in plain sight’ in Michigan: Technology is helping farmers use land and fertilizer more strategically. Sometimes, the best practice is no chemicals at all. NYT

What the hell happened to NFTs? The mad gold rush of the digital art world has come to an abrupt end – and people are losing money fast. Telegraph

OnlyFans chief Keily Blair: ‘People can be quite uncomfortable talking about sex’: The boss of one of Britain’s biggest tech start-ups on the ethics of porn, the future of the content creator economy — and why the platform banned Bonnie Blue. FT

Are trampoline bunnies and dog podcasters the future of entertainment? One person’s AI slop is another’s viral hit. Bloomberg

Bloomberg: Stellantis said to plan $10 billion in US turnaround investments

Who’s responsible for these terrible cars, planes, and shoes? Jaguar Land Rover, Boeing, and Nike may be legendary brands, but they’re not living up to the hype as of late. Tobin Harshaw

Bloomberg: IKEA expands in Manhattan in $2.2 billion US push, undeterred by tariffs

Costco to sell popular weight-loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy: NYT reports Costco members will pay $499 a month out of pocket, the same price offered at CVS and Walmart, and on the manufacturer’s direct-to-consumer website.

Sharpie found a way to make pens more cheaply—by manufacturing them in the US: Newell Brands moved production without cutting employee count or raising prices. WSJ

This Halloween, Americans are expected to spend $860 million on pet costumes, according to the National Retail Federation.

The new age of entrepreneurship: 70 to 79: Septuagenarians starting new businesses leverage technology, experience, and decades worth of contacts. WSJ

What if working from home was a legal right? An Australian state is planning a new hybrid work law despite an outcry from businesses. FT

Detroit is booming—and it’s a must-visit for design lovers: The best way to explore Motor City? By car, of course. AD

A24's Scott Belsky fuels his creativity 'with a fresh dose of surprise': The head of A24 Labs and partner at the indie studio darling thinks about creativity as a system, yet always leaves room to 'unlock a door of intrigue.' FC

MrBeast on his quest to turn YouTube fame into an entertainment empire: The master of viral videos now has a CEO to rein in spending on Lambos—and give his “banger content” an even wider reach. Bloomberg

Rescue efforts are underway after 1,000 people were trapped on the slopes of Mount Everest. According to the BBC, hundreds of local villagers and rescue teams have been deployed to clear snow blocking access to the area, which sits at an altitude of more than 4,900 metres (16,000 feet). According to local media, approximately 350 people have been rescued and guided to safety to the small township of Qudang, the Reuters news agency reported.

The Los Angeles Dodgers’ revolutionary bullpen strategy: No bullpen: Baseball’s $350 million superteam had a glaring weakness. In the playoffs, they’re using their starting pitchers to fix it. WSJ

Friday: NBA games in Macao: The Brooklyn Nets face off against the Phoenix Suns in two preseason matches in Macao on Friday and Sunday, in the first National Basketball Association contests in a Chinese city in six years. 

Amazon will allow NBA fans to connect their FanDuel account and display live bets/placed bets on screen during NBA action.

Taylor Swift, NFL, and Starbucks: Real Madrid’s big plan for their Bernabeu brand TA

Enjoy the ride + plan accordingly. 

-Marc 

Marc A. Ross | Chief Communications Strategist @ Caracal