AI is not Africa’s savior: Avoiding technosolutionism in digital development
The inaugural Global AI Summit in Africa, hosted by Rwanda, produced the Africa Declaration on Artificial Intelligence, uniting most African Union members around shared AI goals. Despite this milestone, geopolitical tensions, regional divides, and overhyped “techno-solutionist” visions threaten realistic progress. Experts stress the need for locally driven, infrastructure-focused, and context-appropriate AI development aligned with African priorities rather than external commercial interests.
Taiwan’s recall vote: Implications for Taiwan, China, and the United States
Taiwan’s recent recall vote against opposition KMT lawmakers failed, allowing all targeted legislators to keep their seats and signaling public rejection of accusations they were acting on Beijing’s behalf. The result preserves Taiwan’s divided government, a scenario Beijing prefers as it reduces the risk of moves toward independence. Washington stayed silent, but the outcome could either stall Taiwan’s defense initiatives or shift politics toward a calmer, future-oriented debate. How Beijing interprets the result—and how President Trump responds—will shape cross-Strait dynamics in the years ahead.
Trump’s Economic Lie of the Week: Japan Trade Deal
Trump falsely claimed Japan handed him control of a $550 billion fund, with the U.S. keeping 90% of profits a ridiculous lie, as Japan would never pay such a sum to avoid minor trade disruptions. Plus, Trump’s promises are worthless, as he could break any deal at will, making the entire claim absurd.
Cartoons about politics, economy, war.
source: Chappatte
Immigration Policy The Week in Cartoons July 21-25
source: U.S. News
The nation’s cartoonists on the week in politics
source: POLITICO
Democrats Repeat Their Despicable History of Encouraging Defiance of Federal Laws
Massachusetts Democrat James Hawkins proposed a bill forcing unmasked federal agents to face public hostility, ignoring rising violence against ICE. Critics argue this defies constitutional supremacy and endangers law enforcement.
Deterrence Runs on Rare Earths
The future of deterrence won’t be decided by tanks or troops alone—but by tiny, rare earth elements that power AI, drones, and defense systems. The United States’ strategic edge depends on securing what’s buried beneath the surface.
Another DRC Peace Deal
Adding M23 to the talks is a positive step, but the agreement’s test will be whether it can change circumstances on the ground.
Applying the Orphan Drug Policy to America’s Mining Industry
U.S. dependency on Chinese-sourced critical minerals poses a threat to national security. How can the United States stimulate critical mineral production? The Orphan Drug Act of 1983, the 2007 FDA Act, and the 2012 FDA Safety and Innovation Act may hold the answers.
How Washington Could Leverage Its Gulf AI Deals
Executed strategically, Trump’s Gulf AI deals could offer a foundation to enhance U.S. AI leadership by anchoring Gulf states more firmly into the United States’s tech orbit and channeling their capital toward American AI interests.
The Misunderstood Gains of Modern America
The myth of American decline since the 1970s ignores measurable progress: real wages rose 40% since 1990, and cancer mortality dropped by a third due to medical advances. While challenges exist, innovations in economics and healthcare defy the “stagnation” narrative.